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

Enduring Freedom Ministries - September Distributions
2026-09-08
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries Distribution Dates in September:
Tuesday, September 8th, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Shumway, located at 304 S. West Street (Shumway old grade school), with hot meals, clothing, laundry, haircuts, and groceries
Wednesday, September 9th, from Noon – 2:00 pm, Shumway, located at 304 S. West Street (Shumway old grade school), with hot meals, clothing, laundry, haircuts, and groceries
Saturday, September 12th, from 9:00 – 11:15 am, Mason, located at 861 E. Washington ( Mason Civic Center), serving groceries
Saturday, September 19th Freedom Fest – FREE FOR ALL, Shumway, located at 304 S. West Street (Shumway old grade school), with live music, kid’s games, prizes, food, clothing, petting zoo, & much more!
The Pantry’s are closed on September 16th & September 26th
Call 217-240-0059 or 217-868-5293 to sign up
Or
Go online and set a time that works best for you at www.my-christian-space.com

Women’s Pro Baseball League
2026-09-09
PrintThe Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) has officially begun its historic, inaugural 2026 season. The league’s four teams – New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles – are taking the field at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield.
The Regular Season runs through September 6th, with all games being played Wednesday through Sunday, with most games starting at 6:30 p.m.
Following the regular-season finale on September 6th, the postseason will begin on Wednesday, September 9th. The winners advance to a best-of-5 Championship Series starting September 16th, culminating in the crowning of the first WPBL Champion.
The WPBL is the only professional women’s baseball league in the United States. The League is co-founded by baseball pioneer, Justine Siegal, who is the first woman to coach a professional men’s baseball team and to pitch batting practice in Major League Baseball.
For more information on the WPBL, visit www.womensprobaseballleague.com.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-09-09
PrintWEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
HIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Ramsey at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
Teutopolis, Sullivan, Robinson at Effingham, 4 p.m.
North Clay at Flora, 4 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Meridian, 4 p.m.
Girls Golf
St. Anthony, Effingham, North Clay at Olney Invitational, 3 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Meridian, 4 p.m.
Soccer
St. Anthony at Hillsboro, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Boys Golf
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Meridian, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Brownstown/St. Elmo at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Sesser Valier at North clay, 4:30 p.m.
Cross Country
Effingham at Centralia, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Regionals, TBA
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 6:40 p.m.
St. Louis at San Francisco, 2:45 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Food Pantry
2026-09-09
PrintCalvary Baptist Church Food Pantry will be taking orders for food bags on Monday, September 7th, from 4:00 – 5:30. Call 217-342-6671 to place your order.
Pickup is on Wednesday, September 9th 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
All in need are encouraged to call 217-342-6671.

Mobile Justice Tour at Library
2026-09-09
Print

Enduring Freedom Ministries – September Distributions
2026-09-09, 2026-09-12

Effingham High School Class of 1962 Reunion
2026-09-09 - 2026-09-10
PrintThe Effingham High School Class of 1962 will hold their 64th Class Reunion at the Gabby Goat. This will be on September 9 and 10, Wednesday and Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friends of the class are welcome to visit with them at the Gabby Goat during these times.

Mill Road Threshermans Association Show
2026-09-10, 2026-09-11, 2026-09-12, 2026-09-13

Thursday's Schedule
2026-09-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Neoga at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran at Greenville University, 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4 p.m.
Odin at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Cross Country
Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay, Teutopolis at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
Effingham, Teutopolis, Mahomet-Seymour at Charleston, 4 p.m.
Newton at Robinson, 4 p.m.
Girls Golf
St. Anthony at Tuscola, 4:15 p.m.
Teutopolis, Paris at Charleston, 4 p.m.
Golf
Dieterich at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Soccer
Mount Zion at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Robinson at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Mattoon at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Tennis
Teutopolis at Effingham, 4 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Robinson at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Hutsonville/Palestine, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Patoka at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Martinsville, 6 p.m.
Newton at Edwards County (Albion), 5 p.m.
Sandoval at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Salem at Teutopolis, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Teutopolis at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
St. Anthony at Tuscola, 4 p.m.
Soccer
Mount Zion at Effingham after varsity match
Girls Tennis
Teutopolis at Effingham, 4 p.m.
FRESHMEN
Football
Newton at Vandalia, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Altamont at Sigel St. Michael, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Okaw Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Flora Floyd Henson at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Regionals, TBA
Cross Country
North Clay, Paris Mayo at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Regionals, TBA

I70 Large Car Working Truck Show
2026-09-11, 2026-09-12

Fish or Ham Meal at Effingham VFW
2026-09-11
PrintThe VFW Post 1769 Auxiliary are having a meal on Friday, September 11, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
The meal will be at the VFW Post on Veterans Drive in Effingham.
Menu: Fish or Ham, oven fried potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, dessert, coffee, tea or lemonade.
Price: $8.00

Red Cross Blood Drives in September
2026-09-11
PrintRed Cross Blood Drives in September:
9/1, Tuesday, First Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, Casey, Noon – 6:00 PM
9/8, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
9/11, Friday, Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
9/15, Tuesday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin – Hall, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
9/17, Thursday, First Baptist Church Shelbyville – Fellowship Hall, Noon – 5:00 PM
9/25, Friday, Cornerstone Church – Lobby, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
9/25, Friday, Clay County Health Department – Conference Room, Flora, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
9/28, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
9/29, Tuesday, Heartland Dental Heartland Dental – Basement Lunchroom, Effingham, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
9/30, Wednesday, Altamont High School – Gym, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Fall into the habit of donating! The American Red Cross and Hello Kitty are releasing exclusive NEW merch! Come give blood September 1 – 20 for a Red Cross x Hello Kitty collectible item, while supplies last! Get a $15 e-gift card when you come to give blood September 21 – October 18.
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Cancer Benefit for Dave (Weird) Tolliver
2026-09-11

Friday's Schedule
2026-09-11
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Cross Country
St. Anthony at Shelbyville Trail Invitational, 10 a.m.
Football
Charleston at Effingham, 7 p.m.
Newton at Mount Carmel, 7 p.m.
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at Cumberland, 7 p.m.
Boys Golf
St. Anthony, Effingham, Teutopolis, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Craig Dixon Golf Invitational at Mattoon, 1 p.m.
Dieterich, Windsor, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Newton at Lawrenceville Invitational, 1 p.m.
Girls Golf
Teutopolis at Effingham, 4 p.m.
Dieterich, Windsor, Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Teutopolis, North Clay at Carlyle Invitational at Governor’s Run, 1 p.m.
Volleyball
Crossroads Classic Tournament at Effingham, TBA
North Clay at Neoga, 5 p.m.
South Central at Patoka, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Girls Golf
Effingham vs. Teutopolis at Cardinal, 4 p.m.
Boys Golf
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH
Baseball
Paris Crestwood at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at St. Louis, 7:15 p.m.

On-Site Microchipping with E.A.R.S.
2026-09-12
Print
On-site microchipping at the EARS office on Saturday, September 12.
No appointment needed
No geography or number limit.
No cost * But freewill donations are appreciated.

Effingham Farmer’s Market
2026-09-12
PrintThe Effingham Farmer’s Market will be every Saturday, from May 30th through October 31st. The Market will be open from 8:00 – Noon on the old courthouse lawn.
There will be fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and flowers, as well as arts and crafts.

Homesteaders Market
2026-09-12

Meat Shoot - Edgewood Legion
2026-09-12

"Meet Me at the Finish Line" Youth Adaptive Try-Athlon
2026-09-12
PrintHSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness is marking a milestone as it hosts the fifth annual “Meet Me at the Finish Line” Youth Adaptive Try-Athlon, promoting fitness and self-confidence for athletes 18 and under who face challenges every day, whether physical, social, or emotional.
The “Meet Me at the Finish Line” Youth Adaptive Try-Athlon is Saturday, September 12, at the Workman Sports Complex, 1301 N. Maple St., Effingham, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This Youth Adaptive Try-Athlon is open to all athletes 18 and under with mobility deficits, or children who are not afforded the opportunity to participate in community events due to physical, social or emotional barriers. Athletes will participate in swimming, biking and running events.
Each participant will have a buddy by their side for every splash, pedal and step of the way. There are no first-, second-, or third-place winners at this event. Everyone is a winner simply by finishing the race.
There will be pregame fun and prizes. Light refreshments and snacks will be available courtesy of HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Family, friends and community members are invited to cheer on the participants.
“If you want to fill your cup with joy, join us in cheering on our athletes as they overcome their everyday challenges in this fun and adaptive event,” said Tammy Probst, Director of Rehab Services at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. “We will have noisemakers available, or bring your own, to cheer on our athletes as they participate in the three-event race and cross the finish line on their own. It is truly an inspiring time.”
“The look of joy on the kids’ faces as they cross the finish line and receive their medal is hard to beat,” said physical therapist Alex Kastl, DPT, PT, who coordinates the event each year. “Reaching five years shows just how much this event means to our athletes, their families and our entire community.”
For more information and to register an athlete, visit stanthonyshospital.org/try-athlon.

Watson School Reunion
2026-09-12
PrintThe Watson School Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 12th, from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.
This is for anyone that attended any Watson school.
Refreshments will be provided.
Bring stories to share!

Saturday's Schedule
2026-09-12
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga Round Robin, 9 a.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Woodlawn, 10 a.m.
Neoga at Webber Township (Bluford), noon
North Clay at Teutopolis (DH), 10 a.m.
Cross Country
Effingham, Cumberland (boys only) at First to the Finish Invitational at Detweiller Park, 9:20 a.m.
Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Cumberland, Dieterich, Neoga, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Shelbyville Trail Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
Boys Golf
St. Anthony, Effingham, Teutopolis, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Craig Dixon Golf Invitational at Mattoon, 9 a.m.
Soccer
Effingham at Altamont, 10 a.m.
St. Anthony at Decatur St. Teresa, 11 a.m.
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at Teutopolis, 10 a.m.
Girls Tennis
Effingham, Teutopolis at Mattoon Invitational, 8 a.m.
St. Anthony at Bloomington Purple Invitational, 8 a.m.
Volleyball
Crossroads Classic Tournament at Effingham, TBA
Dieterich at Westville Tournament, TBA
North Clay at Carlyle Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Soccer
Effingham at Altamont, after varsity match
Volleyball
St. Anthony at Triad Invitational, 8 a.m.
Teutopolis at Robinson JV Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Cross Country
St. Anthony, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Dieterich, Teutopolis at Shelbyville Moulton Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
Effingham at Parkside Invitational, Normal, 9:30 a.m.
Baseball
Effingham at Tolono Unity, 10 a.m.
Regionals, TBA
Softball
Regionals, TBA
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at St. Louis, 6:15 p.m.
NASCAR
Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at World Wide Technology Raceway, 6 p.m.

GloBingo Benefiting Effingham County Humane Society
2026-09-12

Spaghetti Lunch Benefiting Catholic Charities
2026-09-13

Sunday's Schedule
2026-09-13
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
Chicago White Sox at St. Louis, 1:15 p.m.
NASCAR

Open Air Praise and Worship Service at Hidden Springs
2026-09-13
PrintJoin Prairie Gospel Church of rural Stewardson for an Open Air Praise and Worship Service at Hidden Springs State Park Pavilion.
This will be on Sunday, September 13th, at 10:00 a.m.
A potluck with local meat smokers and a Bible Study will follow.
Bring chairs!
