Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3

Pork Burger Drive-Thru for Convoying At The Crossroads
2025-04-05
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Saturday Stories at Lincoln Log Cabin
2025-04-05
PrintThe Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site invites you to join them at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month for story time! Featuring the reading of a historically-themed children’s book, followed by activities and crafts, this free program helps to engage youngsters ages 5-10 in American history and bring the stories to life.
All youth must be accompanied to the Visitor Center Auditorium by an adult.
This event is free, but please click here to register.
The featured story on Saturday, April 5th is “Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale” by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by John Hendrix.
“Now, I’m sure you know lots about Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. But what you might not know is that Abe would never have become president if it hadn’t been for Austin Gollaher. Learn the story of what really happened to Honest Abe when he was just a kid in this nonfiction picture book. The year is 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin Gollaher, is ten. Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend.”
(An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book; A Booklist Editors’ Choice; A Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book)
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna, IL 62440.
For more information, please call 217-345-1845, or email to: lsff@lincolnlogcabin.org

Coles County Chorus Lenten Concert
2025-04-06
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The Coles County Barbershop Chorus Lenten concert will be held on April 6th at 4pm, at the Mattoon First Baptist Church, 1804 S. 9th St. Mattoon.
The concert will be one hour of sacred and gospel songs sung by the barbershop chorus, quartets and ensembles.
Admission is free and a free-will offering will be taken. Every penny raised will be given to area food pantries and homeless shelter programs.
The thirty-man chorus and quartet singers are from 19 different towns in central Illinois.
Some of the songs we will be performing Barbershop arrangements of:
Beautiful SaviorJust A Closer Walk With TheeI Walked Today Where Jesus WalkedGood News Fare Thee WellThe Lord’s PrayerThe Holy CityMary Did You KnowWhen I lift Up My Head
We hope you can join us.

Gym Bob's Jamboree Show
2025-04-06
PrintThe Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show will be held on Sunday, April 6th, beginning at 1pm!
It will be a great afternoon of all your favorite Classic & 90’s Country, and 50’s and 60’s Rock-n-Roll music, performed by the Gym Bob’s Jamboree Band and singers. Our special guest will be Kalen Mxrcus of Effingham!
The Jamboree Show is held the first Sunday afternoon of the month at Gym Bob’s, located at 44 Apostle Lane in Bible Grove.
Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling 615-481-7418.
More information may also be found online at http://www.GymBobs.com

Teutopolis Monastery Museum
2025-04-06
PrintThe Teutopolis Monastery Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. There are 38 small rooms of displays open to visitors on Sunday, April 6.
The hours are from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. We recommend you come early to see the many unique and interesting articles on display. Admission for adults is $5.00 and $1.00 for children.
The Museum is located on the second floor in the former Franciscan Novitiate building, which is located behind St. Francis Church in Teutopolis. An elevator is available for visitors who have difficulty with stairs.
Besides its collection of articles used by the Franciscan Friars, the Museum is also known for Bibles and books in different languages, some from the 1700’s. The “pioneer wing” features items used by early Teutopolis pioneers, including furniture, clocks, quilts, toys, and various household and grocery store items. These articles are on display in the former “cells” or bedrooms of the Novices. Volunteers are available along the tour to explain the displays and assist visitors.
Also open to visitors are the basement where many small farm tools are displayed, the Mausoleum where 79 Franciscan Friars are interred, and St. Francis Church, with stained glass windows depicting events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Special group tours for adults or school groups can be arranged on days other than the scheduled Sunday openings. Call 217-961-6404 ext. 236, leave a message, and the call will be returned. Regular, scheduled museum opening dates are the first Sunday of the months of April through November, except holidays.
For more information go to the parish website: stfrancischurch.com or to the town’s website at www.Teutopolis.com and click on “Our Community”. Follow us on Facebook this year as we recall the beginnings of the Museum in 1975-76.

The Drowsy Chaperone at Greenville University
2025-04-06, 2025-04-11
PrintThe Factory Theatre is excited to present The Drowsy Chaperone, a Tony Award-winning musical that humorously parodies the Golden Age of Broadway with heart, and high-energy performances. This delightful production will run for two weekends only, from April 4 – 6 and April 11 – 13, with showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM.
With music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, The Drowsy Chaperone is a comedic gem. The story revolves around a lonely musical theater fan who brings his favorite cast recording to life before the audience’s eyes, resulting in a whirlwind of romance, mistaken identities, and show-stopping numbers.
Director Chris Borwick is thrilled for audiences to see this show. “I don’t think Greenville has seen a musical quite like The Drowsy Chaperone before. It’s sweet, ridiculous, and very, very funny. The music is exceptional, and this cast sounds amazing!”
Event Details:
• Dates: April 4–6 & April 11–13
• Showtimes: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM
• Location: The Factory Theatre, 400 E. Harris Street, Greenville
• Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for Greenville University students & children 18 and Under
• Tickets Available Online or in person at The Freckled Press or Muncheez Snack Shack in Greenville
Don’t miss your chance to experience this side-splitting and hilarious musical! Get your tickets today and prepare for a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and Broadway-style entertainment.
The Factory Theatre is a community theatre open to all residents of Bond County and the surrounding areas.
For further information, please email The Factory Theatre at: factorytheatre@greenville.edu
This performance was licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).
Please note, The Factory Theatre facility is not ADA-accessible

Sunday's Schedule
2025-04-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Bass Fishing
Effingham at Coffeen Lake, Hillsboro, TBD
North Clay at Newton Lake, 1 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
San Diego at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Boston, 6:10 p.m.
NASCAR
Goodyear 400, 3:15 p.m.

Ham Bingo in Teutopolis
2025-04-06

Eat and Bail for Catholic Charities
2025-04-07
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Carry-Out is available also!

Monday's Schedule
2025-04-07
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
St. Anthony at Mahomet-Seymour, 5 p.m.
Altamont at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Vandalia at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Sullivan, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Flora, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Shelbyville, 4:15 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Tri-County at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Sullivan, 4:30 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
St. Anthony at Mount Zion, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Casey-Westfield, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Track
St. Anthony, Newton, Mattoon, Richland County, Olney at Paris, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Newton at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Charleston, 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Centennial, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Newton, 6 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Teutopolis, after varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
North Clay at Flora, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Texas at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in April
2025-04-08, 2025-04-09
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in April:
Tuesday, April 1st , 4 – 6p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
Tuesday, April 8th , 4 – 6p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
Wednesday, April 9th , Noon – 2p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
Saturday, April 12th , 9a.m. – Noon, Mason location
Wednesday, April 16th , Noon – 2p.m., 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
Saturday, April 26th , 8:30 – Noon, 304 S. West, Shumway, includes hot meal, groceries, clothing, laundry, and hair salon
For appointments, call 217-240-0059

Lunch & Learn with NASA's Nathan Jones
2025-04-08
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Join us for an insightful Lunch & Learn with NASA Crew Medical Officer Nathan Jones on Tuesday, April 8, from 11:30am – 1:00pm at the Effingham Event Center.
Sponsored by Drs. Sehy & Jones, this event will provide a unique perspective on the Mars Simulator Program and the connection between space exploration and human health. Jones, a Springfield, IL native and board-certified emergency medicine physician, will share insights on problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation—skills that benefit professionals in any industry.
What to Expect:
A compelling discussion on space medicine and its real-world applications
Networking opportunities with fellow Chamber members
Lunch provided by Country Rhodes Catering
Cost: $25 for Chamber Members | $35 for Non-Members
To Register: Click here!
For any questions, contact Nicole at the Chamber.

ImpactLife Blood Drive at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
2025-04-08

Red Cross Blood Drives in April
2025-04-08
PrintAll who come to donate at Red Cross Blood Drives in April, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners.
Plus, those donating from April 1 – 13, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, and those donating from April 14 – 30, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Red Cross Blood Drive Dates:
4/3, Thursday, Knights of Columbus Building, Newton, 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
4/3, Thursday, South Central FS, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

4/8, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/8, Tuesday, Greenup Village Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

4/11, Friday, Newton High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
4/11, Friday, Montessori Kids Universe, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

4/14, Monday, Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/16, Wednesday, Dieterich High School, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/18, Friday, J&J Ventures-1300 Building, Effingham,11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

4/21, Monday, St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/22, Tuesday, CEEBA Building, Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

4/23, Wednesday, St Michael Church, Sigel, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
To make an appointment and learn more about your health, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.
Did you know you get a free health screening when you give blood? The American Red Cross checks your blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin. Be sure to look for your vital stats in the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-04-08
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Mattoon at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Oblong at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Robinson at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Mount Zion at Effingham (DH), 4 p.m.
South Central at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Oblong at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Cisne, 4:30 p.m.
Vandalia at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m.
Greenville at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Pana at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Flora at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
Newton at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Salem, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
St. Anthony, Teutopolis at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Cumberland, Oblong, Palestine/Hutsonville at Robinson, 4 p.m.
Neoga at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 4 p.m.
Girls Track
St. Anthony, Teutopolis at Effingham, 4 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Cumberland, Oblong, Palestine/Hutsonville at Robinson, 4 p.m.
Neoga at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY, FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
St. Anthony at Mattoon, 4:30 p.m.
Paris at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Greenville at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Taylorville, Shelbyville at Effingham, 4 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart, Altamont, Newton St. Thomas, Teutopolis at St. Anthony, 4 p.m.
Cumberland at Casey-Westfield, 4:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Neoga at Stewardson-Strasburg, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Texas at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.

Effingham Restaurant Week
2025-04-08, 2025-04-09, 2025-04-10
PrintEffingham Restaurant Week is now through Sunday, April 13th! This event, sponsored by Visit Effingham, is an opportunity for residents and visitors, alike, to experience the mouth-watering flavors of our local legends. Don’t forget to document your experiences and share them with us by tagging @VisitEffingham or using #EffinghamRestaurantWeek to be entered to win our “Ultimate Foodie” giveaway!
Twelve local restaurants will be participating in this year’s Restaurant Week festivities, including:
China Express
Firefly Grill
Fox Holler Coffee
Heartland Health Food
Joe Sippers Cafe
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta
La Favorita Ice Cream & Snacks
Lucia’s Italian Kitchen
Niemerg’s Steakhouse
TK Grille
Tuscan Hills Winery
Wheat Penny Bar
Each establishment will be offering something unique throughout the week. This could be a chef-crafted dish, a new menu and/or recipe, an entrée made to share or an item priced at a discounted rate for the duration of the seven-day event. Experience authentic Effingham cuisine – everything from gourmet pasta to home-cooked Southern fare. Not only will you discover delicious cooking to satisfy your appetite, but some of our establishments will also be offering exclusive beverages (coffee, cocktails and more), as well.
To plan your Restaurant Week excursions, including menus of all participating restaurants, visit www.visiteffinghamil.com/restaurantweek. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for sneak peeks, appetizing images, and details on our giveaways.
For more information, please contact the Effingham Tourism Office at 217-342-5310.

United Way Opens Grant Applications
2025-04-09

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-04-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Marshall, 4;30 p.m.
Charleston at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Oblong/Palesteine/Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Maroa-Forsyth at St. Anthony, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
Effingham at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at South Central, 6:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Charleston at St. Anthony, after varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Eighth-Grade Regionals at Sigel St. Michael, TBA
Track
Effingham, South Central at Vandalia, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Texas at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 11:35 a.m.

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-04-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Oblong, 4:30 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Maroa-Forsyth at St. Anthony, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
Effingham at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at South Central, 6:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Charleston at St. Anthony, after varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham, South Central at Vandalia, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Texas at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 11:35 a.m.

Food Pantry at Calvary Baptist Church
2025-04-09
PrintThe Calvary Baptist Food Pantry will take food orders on Monday, April 7th from 4:00 – 5:30pm.
Call the church at 217-342-6671 to place order.
Pickup will be on Wednesday, April 9th from 4:00 – 5:00.
Everyone needing food assistance is welcome.

Teutopolis Comprehensive Plan Session
2025-04-09

Effingham Park District Sign-Ups
2025-04-10

Dine with a Doc Lunch and Presentation
2025-04-10

Thursday's Schedule
2025-04-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Dieterich, 4 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Mount Zion at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Vandalia at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Pana, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Unity Christian at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Richland County, Olney at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Woodlawn at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
St. Anthony at Glenwood, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Okaw Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at South Central HAS BEEN CANCELED
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Effingham at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Fairfield HAS BEEN CANCELED
Boys Track
Brownstown/St. Elmo, North Clay at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY, FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Newton at Lawrenceville, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Highland, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Teutopolis at Altamont, after varsity game
Tennis
Teutopolis at Mount Zion, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Altamont, Brownstown/St. Elmo, Newton St. Thomas at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga, Sigel St. Michael at Shelby County Invitational, 4 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg, Windsor at Shelbyville, 4 p.m.

Free Zumba Classes in Dieterich
2025-04-11
PrintZUMBA! – Free Zumba Classes at the Wright Family Center in Dieterich all Fridays in April!
Dates: April 4th, April 11th, April 18th, and April 25th
Time: 5:30-6:15pm
Pre-registration is not needed – just show up!
For more information, call 217-925-5554 or email questions to Director@WrightFamilyCenter.com
This is free to everyone during the month of April!

Red Cross Blood Drives in April
2025-04-11
PrintAll who come to donate at Red Cross Blood Drives in April, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners.
Plus, those donating from April 1 – 13, will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, and those donating from April 14 – 30, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
Red Cross Blood Drive Dates:
4/3, Thursday, Knights of Columbus Building, Newton, 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
4/3, Thursday, South Central FS, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

4/8, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/8, Tuesday, Greenup Village Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM

4/11, Friday, Newton High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
4/11, Friday, THE BLOOD DRIVE AT Montessori Kids Universe in Effingham today HAS BEEN CANCELLED

4/14, Monday, Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/16, Wednesday, Dieterich High School, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/18, Friday, J&J Ventures-1300 Building, Effingham,11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

4/21, Monday, St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

4/22, Tuesday, CEEBA Building, Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

4/23, Wednesday, St Michael Church, Sigel, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
To make an appointment and learn more about your health, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.
Did you know you get a free health screening when you give blood? The American Red Cross checks your blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin. Be sure to look for your vital stats in the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
