Effingham Restaurant Week
2025-04-13
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.

Alice in Wonderland Performance at Teutopolis
2025-04-13
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Free Diabetes Support Group
2025-04-14
PrintFree Diabetes Support Group Offered by
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology – Effingham delivers world-class care close to home with a highly specialized team of local experts.
To help and encourage those with diabetes and their family members, HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology – Effingham offers a monthly diabetes support group, free of charge. The support group is held at their office at 500 N. Maple St., Suite 200 in Effingham.
• Diabetes Support Group – Join with other members of the diabetes community in a supportive, caring environment. Each meeting includes education on a diabetes-related topic, recipe demonstrations, and lots of laughter and fun. No registration is necessary – all are welcome.
Dates/Times: Held on the second Monday of the month from 5-6 p.m.
– February 10
– March 10
– April 14
– May 12
– June 9
– July 14
– August 11
– September 8
– October 13
– November 10
– December 8
Dates are subject to change.
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology’s Dr. Radhika Annam, endocrinologist, and registered dietitians and diabetes educators Tracy Dennis and Adrienne Jarrell, work together to provide those with diabetes the tools they need to manage their condition and live their best life.
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology educators are also available for individualized counseling for diet, medication administration, and initiation and troubleshooting of devices (glucose monitors, insulin pumps, CGMs/sensors). For more information or questions, call 217-391-5460.
For more information about HSHS Medical Group, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org.

Free Dental Cleanings & Fluoride Treatments
2025-04-14

ImpactLife Blood Drive at Effingham Event Center
2025-04-14

Red Cross Blood Drives in April
2025-04-14, 2025-04-16
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.

Monday's Schedule
2025-04-14
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Waltonville at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Ramsey, 4:30 p.m.
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Odin, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
St. Anthony at South Central, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Hillsboro at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m.
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Grayville, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Mattoon at Effingham. 4:15 p.m.
Newton at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Greenville at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Track
Newton at Richland County, Olney, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Charleston at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
Mattoon at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Hillsboro at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at Salem, after varsity game
Altamont at St. Elmo/Brownstown, after varsity game
Charleston at Newton HAS BEEN CANCELED
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
St. Anthony at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga, Sigel St. Michael at Jasper County, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at San Diego, 6:40 p.m.
Houston at St. Louis, 6:45 p.m.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in April
2025-04-15, 2025-04-16
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

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-04-15
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Richland County at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey at Altamont HAS BEEN CANCELED
Oblong at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Okaw Valley, Bethany, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Dieterich, 4:30 p.m.
Mount Carmel at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Robinson at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Newton at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Ramsey, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Effingham at Richland County, 4:15 p.m.
Boys Track
St. Anthony, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, Marshall, Oblong, Casey-Westfield, Okaw Valley at Cumberland, 4:15 p.m.
Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Paris, Richland County, Olney at Newton, 4 p.m.
Girls Track
Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, Marshall, Oblong, Casey-Westfield, Okaw Valley at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Paris, Richland County, Olney at Newton, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Paris at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at St. Anthony, 4 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
St. Anthony at Effingham, 4 p.m.
Newton at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
Effingham at Highland Freshman/Sophomore Invitational, 4 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Richland County, Olney at Newton JV Meet, 4 p.m.
Paris at Newton JV Meet, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham Sacred Heart, Teutopolis, Casey-Westfield, Marshall, Oblong at Effingham Invitational, 4 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Neoga, Windsor at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Stewardson-Strasburg, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at San Diego, 6:40 p.m.
Houston at St. Louis, 6:45 p.m.

Effingham Park District Sign-Ups
2025-04-16

ImpactLife Blood Drive at SAHS
2025-04-16

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-04-16
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Marion at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Okaw Valley at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Mattoon at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Oblong, 4:30 p.m.
Ramsey at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Flora, 4:30 p.m.
Central A&M at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
BASEBALL
Windsor/Stewardson/Strasburg at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Effingham at Robinson, after varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
St. Anthony at Mount Zion, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at San Diego, 3:10 p.m.
Houston at St. Louis, 12:15 p.m.

United Way Opens Grant Applications
2025-04-17

The Solemn Shadows - A Service for Tenebrae
2025-04-17, 2025-04-18, 2025-04-19
Print
Maundy Thursday 4/17, 6:30 pm, Watson United Methodist Church
Good Friday 4/18, 6:30 pm, Altamont First United Methodist Church
Saturday 4/19, 2:00 pm, Altamont Lutheran Care Center
Performed by the Choirs of:
Watson United Methodist Church and
Altamont First United Methodist Church
The Solemn Shadows was inspired by the medieval tradition of observing Tenebrae, a service of shadows designed for spiritual introspection. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are sacred times for Christians to reflect on the events of Jesus’ passion. The journey of tears is bittersweet, yet in its heart there is hope and the calm assurance that the cross and tomb are not the end.
It is our prayer that in the stillness of this gathering of reflection, you will hear the voice of grace whispering to your heart and reminding you of the beautiful Christ and the promise of resurrection!

Thursday's Schedule
2025-04-17
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
North Clay at Effingham, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Altamont vs. Delevan at Greenville University, TBA
Cisne at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Dieterich at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Mount Carmel at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
South Central vs. Greenville at GCS Ballpark, 2 p.m.
Softball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Arcola, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Mount Carmel at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Mahomet-Seymour at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
Boys Track
Effingham, Cumberland, Newton at Big Trojan Invitational at Charleston, 4 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Vandalia, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Paris, 4 p.m.
Girls Track
Effingham at Paris Tiger Relays, 4 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Vandalia, 4:30 p.m.
Neoga at Paris, 4 p.m.
Newton, North Clay at Flora Invitational, 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
North Clay at Effingham, after varsity
Newton at Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Pana, 4:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay, South Central at Teutopolis Meet, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor at Sullivan, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
St. Louis at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.

Hanging Basket Sale at St. Anthony's Auditorium
2025-04-17
PrintThe HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will be hosting a hanging basket flower sale on Thursday, April 17 in the hospital Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (while supplies last).
An assorted variety of 11” hanging baskets will be available for purchase at $20 per basket. Cash, check, debit or credit card will be accepted. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Annual Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, granted to selected individuals seeking a career in a health care related field.
For more information or if you are interested in volunteering for the Auxiliary, contact Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor, at 217-685-0702 or by email at valerie.engelbart@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

Potato Planting - CANCELLED
2025-04-17
PrintThe Planting of the Potatoes at the Effingham County Fairgrounds in Altamont has been cancelled for today, due to the forecast of rain.

Free Zumba Classes in Dieterich
2025-04-18
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 Drive in April
2025-04-18

Friday's Schedule
2025-04-18
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
North Clay, Woodlawn at South Central Wooden Bat Tournament, TBA
Newton at Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Champaign Central at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Flora, 4:30 p.m.
Mattoon Round Robin
Game 1 — Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Mattoon, 4:30 p.m.
Game 2 — Marion vs. St. Joseph, 4:30 p.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 6:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 4 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 6:30 p.m. (championship)
Girls Track
Altamont, Brownstown/St. Elmo at Vandalia, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland, Neoga, Newton, Teutopolis at Robinson Sam Bennett Meet, 10 a.m.
Bass Fishing
Effingham at Newton Lake, TBD
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Paris at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Robinson, after varsity game
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Cumberland, North Clay at Altamont Open, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Arizona at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.

Good Friday Prayer Service - Cross At The Crossroads
2025-04-18

Presby Kids Easter Party
2025-04-19
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All kids are welcome from Kindergarten age to 5th Grade!
Registration is required by April 15th.
To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/FPCkidseaster4525.

Easter Egg Hunt at Strasburg Park
2025-04-19
PrintRegistration for the Annual Strasburg Community Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 9:45 AM with the hunt begins at 10:00 AM.
Pictures with the Easter Bunny will be available either before or after the hunt.

Easter Eggstravaganza
2025-04-19
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The Easter Eggstravaganza returns to the Keller Convention Center on Saturday, April 19th from 9 a.m. – Noon! As always, the Eggstravaganza will be loaded with fun for the whole family, including the Diaper Derby, egg hunts, games, prizes, lots of great sponsor booths, and free pictures with the Easter Bunny!
There will be a bounce house from Party Worx and a bubble house from Effingham Party Globes.
While there, register to win Holiday World and Knights Action Park tickets!
A big Thank You goes out to Hospital Sisters Health System. They’ll be giving away a girl’s bike and boy’s bike.
Plus, the first 350 kids will receive a free goody bag from Maurices. We hope to see you there!
Egg Hunt Schedule:
9 a.m. – Diaper Derby
9:30 a.m. – 1 Year Olds
10 a.m. – 2 Year Olds
10:30 a.m. – 3 Year Olds
11 a.m. – 4 Year Olds
11:15 a.m. – 5 & 6 Year Olds
11:30 a.m. – 7 & 8 Year Olds
11:45 a.m. – 9 & 10 Year Olds

Saturday's Schedule
2025-04-19
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Mattoon, POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 22, 4PM
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay, Flora, Woodlawn at South Central Wooden Bat Tournament, TBA
Teutopolis vs. Unity at Unity, 11 a.m.
Teutopolis vs. Sacred Heart Griffin at Unity, 12:45 p.m.
Arcola at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg (DH at Stew-Stras), 10 a.m.
Softball
Mattoon at Effingham (DH), 10 a.m.
Cumberland Round Robin CANCELLED
Game 1 — Flora vs. Cumberland, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Taylorville vs. Flora, noon
Game 3– Cumberland vs. Taylorville, 2 p.m.
Dieterich at Casey-Westfield, CANCELLED
Newton at Greenville Tournament, 10 a.m.
Unity at Teutopolis (DH), 11 a.m.
Boys Tennis
Teutopolis at Alton Invitational, 9 a.m.
Boys Track
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Pana Invitational, 9 a.m.
Girls Track
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Pana Invitational, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Effingham at Mattoon (DH), 10 a.m.
Robinson at Newton, 10 a.m.
Teutopolis at Edwardsville (DH), 10 a.m.
Boys Tennis
Newton at Teutopolis Doubles, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Neoga at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 10 a.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg, Windsor at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 10 a.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Arizona at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis at New York Mets, 3:05 p.m.
NASCAR
NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, 1:30 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt at Effingham Elks Lodge
2025-04-19
