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

Effingham Farmer's Market
2025-09-13
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The Effingham Farmer’s Market will be every Saturday, from June 14th through October 25th.
Vendors will be selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted arts and crafts.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in September
2025-09-13
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in September:
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Tuesday, September 2nd from 4-6pm, Shumway (304 S. West Street)
Tuesday, September 9th from 4-6pm, Shumway (304 S. West Street)
Wednesday September 10th from noon-2pm, Shumway (304 S. West Street)
Saturday, September 13th from 9am-noon, Mason (861 E. Washington)
Saturday, September 20th from 11am-3p.m. FreedomFest! The grocery distribution starts at 1p.m.
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For all the above dates, except for FreedomFest, we ask you to call and sign up ahead of time. Please call 217-240-0059.
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No registration for FreedomFest

Crossroads Harvest of Quilts
2025-09-13
PrintCrossroads Harvest of Quilts will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13. This will be at the Effingham Holiday Inn, located at 1301 Avenue Mid America.
You can obtain entries at the website: http://crossroadquilters.wordpress.com/. The entry has a deadline of being postmarked by August 23, sent to P.O. Box 751, Effingham IL 62401.

Convoying At The Crossroads
2025-09-13
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Summer Sundown Music Festival
2025-09-13, 2025-09-14
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The Stage at Lake Sara, 8725 East Marine Road, Effingham
This event is about bringing together music lovers and artists of the eclectic music scenes across Illinois and the greater Midwest (and beyond) to help foster an even tighter, larger community. Enjoy 3 days of rock, folk, blues, funk, Americana, songwriter music — on the shady shores of Lake Sara!
The full lineup and information about every artist can be seen here: https://www.summersundownfest.com/2025-artists
Weekend passes and single day passes are out now, available to buy at: http://www.SummerSundownFest.com!
Kids under 15 are free with a paying adult.
In addition to all the great music, Summer Sundown will feature yoga and sound healing, workshops, arts and crafts vendors, and local food vendors. Workshops are free for all patrons. Tips will be accepted.
Bring a friend and be prepared to meet a few hundred new ones! Get excited people, it’s #festivalseason!
Summer Sundown Music Festival is produced in partnership with Poss Music Works. Poss Music Work is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation focused on bringing music and music education to Central Illinois, based in Effingham, IL.
Like, share, follow along…and we will #SeeYouAtSundown!

Fall Festival Pancake Breakfast in Newton
2025-09-13
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Start your day with a delicious pancake breakfast and then stay for the Jasper County Fall Festival parade that begins at 10 a.m. with even more festival events following the parade!

Dr. Charles M. Wright House Beer, Wine, & Music Fundraiser
2025-09-13

Saturday's Schedule
2025-09-13
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Football
Newton at Casey-Westfield, 7 p.m.
Baseball
Woodlawn at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 10 a.m.
Webber Township at Neoga, 10 a.m.
North Clay at Teutopolis, 10 a.m.
Putnam County-Granville at Teutopolis, noon
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga Round Robin, 9 a.m.
Cross Country
St. Anthony, Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Cumberland, Dieterich, Neoga, Newton at Shelbyville Trail Invitational, 10 a.m.
Effingham, Cumberland, Neoga at First to the Finish (boys only) at Detweiller Park, Peoria
Boys Golf
St. Anthony, Effingham at Mattoon Invitational at Mattoon G.C., 8 a.m.
Soccer
Altamont at Effingham, 10 a.m.
Decatur St. Teresa at St. Anthony HAS BEEN CANCELED
Teutopolis at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 11 a.m.
Girls Tennis
Effingham, Teutopolis at Mattoon Invitational, 8 a.m.
St. Anthony at Bloomington Purple Invitational, 8 a.m.
Volleyball
Crossroads Classic
Gold Flight
Match 1 — Pool A vs. Pool H, 9:40 a.m. at EHS Gym 4
Match 2 — Pool D vs. Pool E, 9:40 p.m. at EHS Gym 1
Match 3 — Pool B vs. Pool G, 9:40 a.m. at EHS Gym 2
Match 4 — Pool C. vs. Pool F, 9:40 a.m. at EHS Gym 3
Match 5 — Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2, 11:50 a.m. at EHS Gym 4
Match 6 — Loser Match 1 vs. Loser Match 2, 11:50 a.m. at EHS Gym 1
Match 7 — Winner Pool B vs. Winner Pool G, 11:50 a.m. at EHS Gym 2
Match 8 — Loser Pool B vs. Loser Pool G, 11:50 a.m. at EHS Gym 3
Match 9 — Loser Match 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 2:10 p.m. (third place)
Match 10 — Winner Match 6 vs. Winner Match 8, 2:10 p.m. (fifth place)
Match 11 — Loser Match 6 vs. Loser Match 8, 2:10 p.m. (seventh place)
Match 12 — Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 7, 3:20 p.m. (championship)
Silver Flight
Match 1 — Pool A vs. Pool H, 8:30 a.m. at EHS Gym 4
Match 2 — Pool D vs. Pool E, 8:30 p.m. at EHS Gym 1
Match 3 — Pool B vs. Pool G, 8:30 a.m. at EHS Gym 2
Match 4 — Pool C. vs. Pool F, 8:30 a.m. at EHS Gym 3
Match 5 — Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2, 10:45 a.m. at EHS Gym 4
Match 6 — Loser Match 1 vs. Loser Match 2, 10:45 a.m. at EHS Gym 1
Match 7 — Winner Pool B vs. Winner Pool C, 10:45 a.m. at EHS Gym 2
Match 8 — Loser Pool B vs. Loser Pool C, 10:45 a.m. at EHS Gym 3
Match 9 — Loser Match 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 1 p.m. (third place)
Match 10 — Winner Match 6 vs. Winner Match 8, 1 p.m. (fifth place)
Match 11 — Loser Match 6 vs. Loser Match 8, 1 p.m. (seventh place)
Match 12 — Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 7, 1 p.m. (championship)
Bronze Flight
Match 1 — Pool A vs. Pool H, 8:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart
Match 2 — Pool D vs. Pool E, 8:30 p.m. at EJHS Gym 1
Match 3 — Pool B vs. Pool G, 9:40 a.m. at Sacred Heart
Match 4 — Pool C. vs. Pool F, 9:40 a.m. at EJHS Gym 1
Match 5 — Winner Match 1 vs. Winner Match 2, 10:45 a.m. at Sacred Heart
Match 6 — Loser Match 1 vs. Loser Match 2, 10:45 a.m. at EJHS Gym
Match 7 — Winner Pool B vs. Winner Pool C, 11:50 a.m. at Sacred Heart
Match 8 — Loser Pool B vs. Loser Pool C, 11:50 a.m. at EJHS
Match 9 — Loser Match 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 1 p.m. (third place) at Sacred Heart
Match 10 — Loser Match 6 vs. Loser Match 8, 1 p.m. (seventh place) at EJHS
Match 11 — Winner Match 6 vs. Winner Match 8, 2:10 p.m. (fifth place) at EJHS
Match 12 — Winner Match 5 vs. Winner Match 7, 2:10 p.m. (championship) at Sacred Heart
North Clay at Carlyle Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR VARSITY/FROSH/SOPH
Baseball
Neoga at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 9 a.m.
Soccer
Altamont at Effingham, noon
Volleyball
Teutopolis at Robinson Tournament, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Class 1A Effingham St. Anthony Regional
Game 4 — Effingham St. Anthony vs. Neoga, 9 a.m.
Game 5 — Effingham Sacred Heart vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 11 a.m.
Class 1A Altamont Regional
Game 3 — Dieterich vs. Altamont, 9 a.m.
Game 4 — Altamont Lutheran vs. North Clay, 11:30 a.m.
Class 2A Teutopolis Regional
Game 3 — Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Teutopolis10 a.m.
Game 4 — Cumberland vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, noon
Class 2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 4 — Lawrenceville Parkview vs. Casey-Westfield, 10 a.m.
Game 5 — Marshall vs. Jasper County, 1 p.m.
Class 3A Effingham Regional
Game 3 — Effingham vs. Mattoon, 11 a.m. TIME CHANGED TO 10 A.M.
Game 4 — Vandalia vs. Robinson Nuttall, noon
Cross Country
St. Anthony, Altamont Lutheran, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Cumberland, Dieterich, Jasper County, Teutopolis at Shelbyville Moulton Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
Softball
Class 1A Edwards County (Albion) Regional
Game 5 — Dieterich vs. South Central, 11 a.m. (championship)
Class 1A Sigel St. Michael Regional
Game 6 — Martinsville vs. Neoga, 10 a.m. (championship)
Class 2A Robinson Nuttall Regional
Game 5 — Robinson Nuttall vs. Jasper County, 11 a.m. (championship)
Class 2A Altamont Regional
Game 6 — Pana vs. Greenville, 11 a.m. (championship)
Class 2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 5 — Cumberland vs. Casey-Westfield, 11 a.m. (championship)
Class 3A Mount Zion Regional
Game 6 — Effingham vs. Mount Zion, 11 a.m. (championship)
JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Taylorville at Effingham, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Illinois State at Eastern Illinois University, 2 p.m. (Mid-America Classic)
Western Michigan at University of Illinois, 6 p.m. (Family Day)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tampa Bay at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee, 6:10 p.m.
NASCAR
Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, 5:30 p.m.

Legion Cookout in Altamont
2025-09-13

National Day of Remembrance For Aborted Children
2025-09-13
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Effingham Area Right to Life will host the 13th Annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Babies on Saturday, September 13, at 8:30am at the Teutopolis Memorial to the Unborn (in front of the seminary tower), located at 210 Pearl Street.
Father Hyland Smith from Sigel will lead us in prayer and song as we remember the millions of babies aborted as a result of Roe v Wade.
Learn more about the National Day of Remembrance at https://nationaldayofremembrance.org/

AYCE Community Breakfast at Mason Christian Church
2025-09-13

Petition Drive - Effingham County Republicans
2025-09-13

Watson School Reunion
2025-09-13
PrintThe Watson School Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 13th, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

North of Slavery: The Matson Slave Trial Presentation
2025-09-13
PrintThis Saturday, September 13, historian Samuel Wheeler will discuss the critical role that the Illinois Supreme Court played in ensuring Illinois developed as a free state, during a presentation of North of Slavery: The Matson Slave Trial. At 2:00 pm in the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Auditorium, Wheeler will explore why the future Great Emancipator was on the wrong side of history in this case.
In 1845, Kentucky slaveowner Robert Matson brought several of his enslaved people to Illinois, where he put them to work on his farm in Coles County. Two years later an enslaved woman named Jane Bryant fled the farm with her four children. Matson turned to the judicial system in Illinois, hiring attorney Abraham Lincoln to help him reclaim his human property. The ensuing freedom suit reveals the complexity of the institution of slavery, its implications for the “free state” of Illinois, and the role the institution played in the Civil War.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna, IL 62440. For more information call 217-345-1845, or visit lincolnlogcabin.org

Autumn Unveiled in Downtown Effingham
2025-09-13

Pulling For Change in Uganda
2025-09-14
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Team sign-ups will be taken on the day of the event.
The air-conditioned Parish Hall will be open for those who need to cool off.

Musical Tribute To James "Dale" Walls
2025-09-14

Touch-A-Truck in Teutopolis
2025-09-14

Spaghetti Lunch for Catholic Charities
2025-09-14
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A Spaghetti Lunch, provided by Joe’s Pizza & Pasta, will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm. This is the 20th year for the event, which benefits the programs at Effingham Catholic Charities. The Drive-Through-Only event will be at the Effingham Event Center.
On the menu: spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and dessert.
Family style will be offered – if you are ordering 5 meals and would prefer that they be in one container, we can accommodate that.
A 50/50 drawing will be held – the winner is guaranteed to win at least $200.
Tickets are $10 each. If you buy 20 or more, then they are $9 each. Tickets can be purchased from any advisory board member, at Catholic Charities, or at the door.
Proceeds benefit all the programs at Catholic Charities, including the Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, Dental Voucher Program, Second Hand Rose, Resale store, Ramblin’ Rose school supplies, Christmas Store, Tax preparation, MedAssist, and Crisis Assistance.
For more information, call Catholic Charities at 217-857-1458.

Sunday's Schedule
2025-09-14
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tampa Bay at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee, 1:10 p.m.

Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser - St. Mary's Shumway
2025-09-14
PrintSt. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shumway is hosting a Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser for the Parish Hall.
Sunday, September 14, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Cost: $12
Dine-In or Carry-Out
Menu: 2 Pork Chops, Green Beans, Baked Potato, Dinner Roll
Please contact the following if you would like to purchase a ticket:
Leslie Kemme 217-821-3399
Donna Davis 217-690-2640
Howard Dust 217-663-2395

ImpactLife Blood Drive in Effingham
2025-09-15

Monday's Schedule
2025-09-15
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
North Clay at Odin, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
St. Anthony at Robinson, 4 p.m.
Altamont at Casey-Westfield, 4 p.m.
Dieterich at Flora, 4 p.m.
Newton at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4 p.m.
Girls Golf
Effingham, Charleston, Pana at Sullivan, 4 p.m.
Altamont at Casey-Westfield, 4 p.m.
Dieterich at Flora, 4 p.m.
Salem at Teutopolis, 4 p.m.
Soccer
Richland County, Olney at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at Pana, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Tennis
Newton at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
Teutopolis at Casey-Westfield, 4:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 5 p.m.
Altamont at South Central, 5 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Macon Meridian, 5 p.m.
Mulberry Grove at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Heritage at Neoga, 6 p.m.
Carmi-White County at Newton, 6 p.m.
Ramsey at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:15 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Sullivan, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FROSH/SOPH
Baseball
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Football
Cumberland at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 6 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Newton, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Golf
St. Anthony at Teutopolis, 4 p.m.
Soccer
Richland County, Olney at Effingham, 6:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Robinson Nuttall at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Regionals, TBA
Cross Country
Cumberland, Dieterich at Olney Invitational, 9:30 a.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.
Cincinnati at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

THE CHOSEN - Discussion Group
2025-09-16

Medicare Information Free Class
2025-09-16

Red Cross Blood Drives
2025-09-16
PrintA little good goes a long way! Come give blood through September 21st for an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS® mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while they last. You won’t know which iconic design you’ll get until you open it!
Red Cross Blood Drives in September:
9/2, Tuesday, Casey First Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, Noon – 6:00 PM
9/12, Friday, Cornerstone Church – Gym, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
9/12, Friday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin – Hall, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
9/16, Tuesday, Lake Land College in Mattoon – Foundation/Alumni Conference Room, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
9/19, Friday, Dan Hecht Chevrolet/Toyota showroom, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
9/29, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Drive-Thru Flu Clinics in Effingham
2025-09-16
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The Drive-Thru Clinics are at the Effingham County Health Department, located at 901 West Virginia Avenue in Effingham.

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-09-16
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Altamont at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Neoga at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Dieterich, TIME CHANGED TO 7 P.M.
Cisne at North Clay, 4:30 p.m.
Mulberry Grove at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 4:30 p.m.
Cross Country
North Clay at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Golf
Effingham, Taylorville, Mount Zion at Shelbyville, 4 p.m.
Altamont at Oblong Co-Ed Invitational, 4 p.m.
Newton at Mount Carmel, 4 p.m.
North Clay at Oak Glen Golf Course, 4 p.m.
Teutopolis at Pana, 4 p.m.
Girls Golf
Effingham at Salem, 4 p.m.
Champaign St. Thomas More at St. Anthony, 4 p.m.
Altamont at Oblong Co-Ed Invitational, 4 p.m.
Newton at Mount Carmel, 4 p.m.
North Clay at Oak Glen Golf Course, 4 p.m.
Teutopolis at Charleston, 4 p.m.
Soccer
Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond at St. Anthony, TIME MOVED TO 5:30 P.M.
Effingham at Newton, TIME MOVED TO 5:30 P.M., VARSITY ONLY
Teutopolis at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Tennis
Vandalia at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
St. Anthony at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
Decatur St. Teresa at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Fairfield at Newton, 4 p.m.
Volleyball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Cumberland at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Charleston at Newton, 5 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Teutopolis, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Cross Country
St. Anthony, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, North Clay, Trinity Lutheran, Sigel St. Michael, Teutopolis, Tri-County at Altamont Lutheran (Ballard Nature Center), 4 p.m.
Softball
Class 1A Hutsonville Sectional
South Central vs. Martinsville, 4:30 p.m.
Class 2A Teutopolis Sectional
Cumberland vs. Robinson Nuttall, 4:30 p.m.
Class 3A Tolono Unity Sectional
Effingham vs. Mahomet-Seymour, 4:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.
Cincinnati at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

Thrive With Diabetes Program
2025-09-17
