Indoor "Whatever" Sale at Village Square Mall
2025-11-20, 2025-11-21
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Fun days in enclosed mall with no cold, rain, or snow!
There are still openings for people to be included. Bring your yard sale, baked goodies, crafts or collectibles.

Wreaths Across America Program
2025-11-20
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The website for Post 512 at Wreaths Across America is: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/181121/Overview/?relatedId=0

GloBingo Benefitting Relay For Life
2025-11-21
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Red Cross Blood Drives in November
2025-11-21, 2025-11-25
PrintHere are the American Red Cross Blood Drives in November:
Tuesday, November 4, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday, November 4, First Christian Church of Casey, Noon – 6:00 PM

Monday, November 10, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 – 5:30 PM

Friday, November 14, Flora High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, November 20, First Baptist Church of Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM

Friday, November 21, Cornerstone Church in Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Tuesday, November 25, Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday, November 26, Flora OddFellows Lodge #151, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Friday, November 28, Friday, Effingham Blood Donation Center, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Promotions:

During National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, successful donations will get free A1C testing, which is commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes.*** (One test result per donor in a 12-month period; do not fast before you donate.) See rcblood.org/harvest

Give October 27 – November 16, for $20 in e-gift cards. See rcblood.org/harvest

Give blood Nov. 17 – Dec. 7, for a pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks, while supplies last!

To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

National Athletic Hall of Fame Induction & Banquet
2025-11-21

Design Effingham's Christmas Card
2025-11-21
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If you have any questions, please call the City of Effingham Tourism Office at 217-342-5310.

Friday's Schedule
2025-11-21
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Dieterich at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Altamont at Marshall, 6 p.m.
Pana Thanksgiving Tournament
Blue Pool at Pana High School
Game 1 – Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Lincoln, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Pana vs. Highland, 7:30 p.m.
Orange Pool at Pana Junior High School
Game 1 – Effingham St. Anthony vs. Breese Mater Dei, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Gillespie vs. Mattoon, 7:30 p.m.
Nokomis Tipoff Tournament
At High School Gym
Piasa Southwestern vs. Pawnee, 6 p.m.
Nokomis vs. Raymond Lincolnwood, 7:30 p.m.
At Junior High Gym
Maryville Christian vs. Vandalia, 6 p.m.
Greenfield/Northwestern vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 7:30 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Effingham, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Altamont at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.

Food Drive Donations for Catholic Charities
2025-11-21, 2025-11-22, 2025-11-25

Trivia Night for Effingham County Humane Society
2025-11-22

Saturday's Schedule
2025-11-22
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Pana Thanksgiving Tournament
Session 2 Blue Pool at Pana High School
Game 3 – Pana vs. Lincoln, 10 a.m.
Game 4 – Highland vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, 11:30 a.m.
Session 2A Orange Pool at Pana Junior High School
Game 3 – Mattoon vs. St. Anthony, 10 a.m.
Game 4 – Breese Mater Dei vs. Gillespie, 11:30 a.m.
Session 3 Blue Pool at Pana High School
Game 3 — Lincoln vs. Highland, 4 p.m.
Game 4 — Pana vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, 5:30 p.m.
Session 3A Orange Pool at Pana Junior High School
Game 5 – Breese Mater Dei vs. Mattoon, 4 p.m.
Game 6 – St. Anthony vs. Gillespie, 5:30 p.m.
NAL Tournament
At Paris
Game 7 — Teutopolis vs. Danville, 10 a.m.
Game 8– Olney vs. Paris, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 — Charleston vs. Terre Haute North, 1 p.m. (consolation championship)
Game 10 — Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 2:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 11 — Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 4 p.m. (championship)
Nokomis Tipoff Tournament
Schedule determined by Thursday’s results
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Mount Zion, 10 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Shootout, 9 a.m.
Girls Basketball
Class 7-1A Pana Sacred Heart Regional
Game — Sigel St. Michael vs. Findlay Okaw Valley, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Mattoon St. John’s vs. Effingham Sacred Heart, 11:15 a.m.
Game 3 — Pana Sacred Heart vs. Ramsey, 12:30 p.m.
Game 4 — Neoga vs. Winner Game 1, 2 p.m.
Game 5 — Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3, 3:30 p.m.
Class 7-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 1 — Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Effingham St. Anthony, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Casey-Westfield vs. Arcola, 11 a.m.
Class 7-2A North Clay Regional
Game 1 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Altamont vs. Dieterich, 11:15 a.m.
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Game 1 — Jasper County vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Red Hill (Bridgeport) vs. Marshall, 11:15 a.m.
Class 7-3A Mount Zion Regional
Game 1– Effingham vs. Rochester, 9 a.m.
Game 2– Mattoon vs. Stephen Decatur, 10;15 a.m.
Game 3 — Taylorville vs. Charleston, 11:30 a.m.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Alabama, 1 p.m.
University of Illinois at Wisconsin, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Long Island at University of Illinois, TBA

Deer Hunters Breakfast at Edgewood Legion
2025-11-22

Indoor "Whatever" Sale - Village Square Mall
2025-11-22

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad
2025-11-23
PrintA new exhibit highlighting the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois are featured in a new exhibit Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad. This will be on display in the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site’s Visitor Center – Sargent Gallery, now through December 31.
This exhibit tells selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors and communities in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad. Using photos, videos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically for the exhibit, visitors will learn the about the people and communities who took part in this hidden history. Highlighted stories include freedom seekers John and Eliza Little, who traveled barefoot through Illinois to Canada to gain their freedom, or conductors like Henry who worked for Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Ann King Brown who helped the enslaved to freedom in the Springfield, Quincy and Galena areas. Many of the known communities are included, from Cairo through Springfield to Quincy and Chicago. Other featured areas are Brooklyn/Freedom Village, Miller Grove, Rocky Fork, Galesburg, Mount Hope, Jacksonville, and New Philadelphia.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.
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

Holiday Artisan & Vendor Market in Dieterich
2025-11-23

Sunday's Schedule
2025-11-23
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Pittsburgh at Chicago, noon
New England at Cincinnati, noon
New York Giants at Detroit, noon
Minnesota at Green Bay, noon
Seattle at Tennessee, noon
Indianapolis at Kansas City, noon
New York Jets at Baltimore, noon
Cleveland at Las Vegas, 3:05 p.m.
Jacksonville at Arizona, 3:05 p.m.
Philadelphia at Dallas, 3:25 p.m.
Atlanta at New Orleans, 3:25 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Los Angeles Rams, 7:20 p.m.

Monday's Schedule
2025-11-24
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Turkey Tournament
Game 1—Breese Central vs. Normandy, 5 p.m.
Game 2 – St. Anthony vs. Edwardsville, 6:30 p.m.
Cumberland Turkey Tournament
Game 1 – North Clay vs. Vandalia, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Marshall vs. Dieterich, 7:30 p.m.
Mulberry Grove Turkey Tournament
Game 1 – Lebanon vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 5:15 p.m.
Game 2 – Maryville Christian vs. South Central, 6:45 p.m.
Game 3 – Mulberry Grove vs. Father McGivney, 8:15 p.m.
Cerro Gordo Tournament
At High School Gym
Game 1 – Warrensburg-Latham vs. St. Thomas More, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Le Roy vs. Cerro Gordo/Bement, 7:30 p.m.
At Junior High School Gym
Game 1 – Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Unity Christian, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Argenta-Oreana vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Bob Kerans Tournament
At Newton
Game 1 – Altamont vs. Effingham, 6 p.m.
Game 2 – Newton vs. Flora, 7:30 p.m.
Neoga vs. Marshall at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Mount Carmel, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Altamont at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Highland, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Richland County, Olney, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Highland, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham Sacred Heart at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
Dieterich at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Jasper County at Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Neoga, 6 p.m.
Windsor at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Class 7-1A Pana Sacred Heart Regional
Game 6 – Neoga vs. Mattoon, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 3 – Paris Crestwood vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Cumberland vs. Casey-Westfield, 7 p.m.
Class 7-2A North Clay Regional
Game 3 – Edwards County (Albion) vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 5 p.m.
Game 4 – South Central vs. Dieterich, 6:15 p.m.
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Game 3 — Teutopolis vs. Jasper County, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Robinson Nuttall vs. Red Hill (Bridgeport), 7:15 p.m.
Class 7-4A Mount Zion Regional
Game 4 – Mount Zion vs. Effingham, 5 p.m.
Game 5 – Mattoon vs. Taylorville, 6:15 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UT Rio Grande Valley at University of Illinois, TBA
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Carolina at San Francisco, 7:15 p.m.

Free Medicare Guidance and Education
2025-11-25
PrintHospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Chapter, an independent Medicare adviser, are partnering to offer current and newly eligible Medicare patients free, unbiased consultations on choosing a Medicare plan that best fits their health care needs.
Chapter advisers provide expert, up-to-date information about Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans. They are trained to assist existing Medicare patients aged 65 or older maintain or change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) beginning Oct. 15 and continuing through Dec. 7. They also offer guidance year-round to patients who become Medicare-eligible on their 65th birthday.
HSHS is committed to ensuring patients and all members of the community have access to compassionate, high-quality health care through all stages of life.
“Choosing a Medicare plan can be overwhelming, with many factors to consider,” said Jeff Sterling, HSHS Vice President of Managed Care. “By leveraging Chapter’s technology and expertise, HSHS aims to provide our patients with the information they need to find the best fit for their needs.”
“Chapter utilizes a state-of-the-art platform to guide patients through the Medicare plan selection process,” said Cobi Blumenfeld-Gantz, CEO of Chapter. “HSHS’ Mission to provide compassionate, high-quality health care aligns with our own vision at Chapter. Together, we can help individuals navigate the confusing world of Medicare, ensuring they get the right coverage.”
HSHS patients interested in receiving personalized Medicare guidance can book an appointment online at askchapter.org/hshs or by phone at 855-636-0583. Those interested in learning more about Chapter’s approach to Medicare advice can visit askchapter.org.
For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-11-25
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Turkey Tournament
Game 3 — Chicago Leo vs. Effingham, 5 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Game 4 – Normandy vs. Rantoul, 6:30 p.m.
Game 5 – Mattoon vs. Breese Central, 8 p.m.
Cumberland Turkey Tournament
Game 3 – Casey-Westfield vs. Okaw Valley, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Newton vs. Cumberland, 7:30 p.m.
Mulberry Grove Turkey Tournament
Game 4 – Father McGivney vs. Lebanon, 5:15 p.m.
Game 5 – Maryville Christian vs. Mount Olive, 6:45 p.m.
Game 6 – Ramsey vs. South Central, 8:15 p.m.
Cerro Gordo Tournament
At High School Gym
Game 3 – Heritage vs. Argenta-Oreana, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Unity Christian vs. Heyworth, 7:30 p.m.
At Junior High School Gym
Game 3 – University High vs. Hartsburg-Emden, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Fisher vs. Warrensburg-Latham 7:30 p.m.
Altamont at Decatur St. Teresa, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Sullivan at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City Thanksgiving Tournament
Game 1 – Dieterich vs. Ramsey, 4 p.m.
Game 2 – Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Sandoval, 5:30 p.m.
Game 3 – Shelbyville vs. North Clay, 7 p.m.
Greenville at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
Salem at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Quad Meet at Effingham, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Vandalia at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at South Central, 6 p.m.
Jasper County at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Ramsey, 6 p.m.
Robinson Nuttall at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
St. John’s Lutheran at Windsor, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Class 7-2A Casey-Westfield Regional
Game 5 – Casey-Westfield vs. Paris, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-2A North Clay Regional
Game 5 – Albion vs. South Central, 5:30 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-4A Mount Zion Regional
Game 6 – Mount Zion vs. Taylorville, 5 p.m. (championship)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Central Arkansas, 6:30 p.m.

United Way Christmas Cash Raffle
2025-11-25, 2025-11-26, 2025-11-27
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Ticket Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/united-way-christmas-cash-5050–2025

Red Cross Blood Drives in December
2025-11-26

Walking Through Wonderland
2025-11-26
PrintBack for its 5th year, Walking Through Wonderland has become a cherished holiday tradition for families and visitors alike. Join us for this magical, family-friendly walk-thru experience on Wednesday, November 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For one night only, the Wonderland in Lights will close to all vehicles and offer visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with our larger-than-life light displays. This event is free to the public, but donations are welcome.
View the displays at your own leisure, listen and sing along to your favorite Christmas music, visit with Santa Claus (and keep an eye out for The Grinch!) when you reach the end of the walk.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, fireside, provided by Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota – Effingham and Joe Sippers Cafe, as well as food and drink available for purchase. The additional vendors are: Blaze & Glaze Pizza Co., Hometown Pretzels, Macklin Meadow Kettlecorn, Market Street Sweets, and Marj’s Macarons.
Don’t forget to stop by Visit Effingham’s Holiday Headquarters, at the park’s pavilion, to pick up your free holiday souvenir, make a Christmas craft, courtesy of the Effingham County 4H, + decorate a cookie with Effingham County Connections! You can even get your face painted by Make on Main while you wait (these activities are free to the public). Custom Visit Effingham mugs by Tazza & Co. will also be for sale at this location – the perfect holiday gift!
This year, the Effingham Police Department returns with the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) Toy Express! This nonprofit toy distribution program delivers toys to 100,000 children in more than 150 communities across the country, and Effingham is one of its first stops! Children will receive a golden ticket (while supplies last) at the beginning of the walk, starting at 5:00 p.m., and can redeem the ticket once they reach the end.
Parking will be limited at Community Park, so please consider using our free shuttles, operated by Wad It Up Transportation. The shuttle will run continuously, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and will pick up and drop off at the Courthouse Museum parking lot. To extend your festivities, visit Light up the Lawn in Downtown Effingham to view our larger-than-life, 3-D holiday light displays.
For more information, call the Effingham Tourism Office at 217-342-5310 or visit www.visiteffinghamil.com.

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-11-26
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Turkey Tournament
Game 6 – Effingham vs. Edwardsville, 5 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Game 7 – Rantoul vs. Mattoon, 6:30 p.m.
Game 8 – St. Anthony vs. Chicago Leo, 8 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Mulberry Grove Turkey Tournament
Game 7 – Father McGivney vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 5:15 p.m.
Game 8 – Ramsey vs. Mount Olive, 6:45 p.m.
Game 9 – Mulberry Grove vs. Lebanon, 8:15 p.m.
Cerro Gordo Tournament
Game 5 – University High vs. Le Roy, 4:30 p.m.
Game 6 – St. Thomas More vs. Fisher, 6 p.m.
Game 7 – Hartsburg-Emden vs. Cerro Gordo/Bement, 7:30 p.m.
At Junior High School
Game 5 – Heyworth vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Heritage, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Bob Kerans Tournament
At Newton
Game 3 – Effingham vs. Flora, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Newton vs. Altamont, 7:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Game 5 – Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6 p.m. (championship)

Effingham County FISH Thanksgiving Day Dinner
2025-11-27

Thursday's Schedule
2025-11-27
PrintHAPPY THANKSGIVING
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Green Bay at Detroit, noon
Kansas City at Dallas, 3:30 p.m.
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 7 p.m.
