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

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
2026-02-02, 2026-02-03, 2026-02-04
PrintHave you ever seen America’s national bird, the bald eagle? Soaring on a 6 to 7 1/2 foot wing-span, eagles are magnificent! It is not necessary to travel all the way to Canada to see these fabulous creatures. Pere Marquette State Park is fortunate to play host to the winter season visitors. Eagles may be spotted in the trees along the Illinois River from now through March.
Pere Marquette State Park will be presenting informative programs about bald eagles this winter. Visitors will learn to distinguish between immature and mature bald eagles, what eagles eat, why they spend winter months in the area, and much more. All programs will begin at the park’s visitor center at 8:30 A.M. (Reservations Required) There will be a video presentation and program followed by an observational drive to view the wintering bald eagles. Please be sure to dress warmly, have a full tank of gas, and bring binoculars!
* Programs are from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM at the Pere Marquette Park Visitor’s Center
* Wear warm clothes, water/mud resistant shoes, and don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
* Reservations are required – call 618-786-3323 ext. 1 to reserve your spot!
Bald Eagle Days Tour Schedule:
Friday, January 30
Monday, February 2
Tuesday, February 3
Wednesday, February 4
Wednesday, February 18
Thursday, February 19
Friday, February 20
Wednesday, February 25
Thursday, February 26
Friday, February 27
Friday, March 6
Pere Marquette State Park is located at 13112 Visitor Center Lane, Grafton, Illinois 62037.

Monday's Schedule
2026-02-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
North Clay at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Altamont vs. Neoga at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
South Central at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Robinson, 6 p.m.
Pana at Newton, 5:30 p.m.
Ramsey at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Breese Mater Dei at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Marshall, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Breese Mater Dei, 5 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-1A Sigel St. Michael Sectional
Effingham Sacred Heart vs. Carrollton St. John, 6 p.m.
Class 8-2A North Clay Sectional
Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m.
Class 8-3A Paris Mayo Sectional
Teutopolis vs. Monticello, 6 p.m.
Volleyball
Effingham at Mahomet-Seymour, 4:30 p.m.
Effingham Sacred Heart at Dieterich (TIMES CHANGED 3:45 P.M. EIGHTH-GRADE, SEVENTH-GRADE TO FOLLOW)
Neoga at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Charleston, 4:30 p.m.
Jasper County at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Stewardson Trinity Lutheran, 4:15 p.m.
North Clay at St. Peter Lutheran, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.

Emancipation Proclamation On Display
2026-02-03
PrintA copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, giving the public a rare chance to see the historic document.
Lincoln’s proclamation ordered an end to slavery in Southern states that took up arms against the United States during the Civil War, which included more than three-fourths of the nation’s enslaved African Americans. U.S. soldiers carried palm-sized copies of the Emancipation Proclamation on their march across the South to help spread the word of freedom.
The Emancipation Proclamation will be visible through February 3, when it will be replaced by the only photo of Lincoln lying in state after his assassination.
“This document and Lincoln’s signature provide a concrete connection to an incredible moment – the beginning of the end of slavery in America,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We are proud to give our visitors an additional chance to see it for themselves and to reflect on what it took to free four million Americans from enslavement.”
Typically, the ALPLM displays the proclamation during a brief window around Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in America. But a new display case using cutting-edge technology now allows the ALPLM to display rare documents much longer while still minimizing the amount of harmful light they receive.
The ALPLM’s copy of the proclamation is one of about two dozen remaining. It is signed by both Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward. These copies were made and then signed by Lincoln so they could be sold to raise money for the care of sick and wounded soldiers.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-02-03
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Casey-Westfield, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Mount Zion at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Flora at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Mulberry Grove, 6 p.m.
South Central at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Dieterich, 5 p.m.
Neoga at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Teutopolis at Newton, 6 p.m.
Pana at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mount Zion at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Sandoval, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Oblong, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Macon Meridian, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Girls Basketball
Salem at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
St. Anthony at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Windsor at Effingham Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Dieterich, 4:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:15 p.m.
Cumberland at Jasper County, 4:30 p.m.
Paris Crestwood at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Charleston at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.

Annual Tree Sale
2026-02-04
PrintThe public can call the Effingham County SWCD office to have an order form emailed or mailed to them.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-02-04
PrintVARSITY
Girls Basketball
South Central at St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (varsity only)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Northwestern at University of Illinois, 8 p.m.

Open House at St. Anthony Grade School
2026-02-04
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Visit the St. Anthony Grade School’s Open House on Wednesday, February 4th from 4:30-7:00pm to discover what makes the school special! Tour the building, meet Principal Rincker, and learn about the preschool through 8th grade programs, faith-based curriculum, and after-school care.
No RSVP required—just stop by!
Can’t make the Open House? No problem – call 217-347-0419 to schedule a private tour!

Freshmen/Parent Orientation at EHS
2026-02-04
PrintAs Effingham High School prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, the school has scheduled its Orientation. The 8th grade Effingham Junior High students will make a morning visit to the school on Wednesday, February 4th to get information regarding their first year of high school including registering for classes. Any 8th grade student in the area interested in attending EHS in the fall may also make arrangements to attend this meeting by calling EHS Student Services at 217-540-1152.
Parents of 8th grade students are invited for their portion of the orientation on Wednesday, February 4th at 7:00 PM in the Hearts Rock Café at the high school. This includes parents of students from Effingham Junior High or any area school or home school. It is highly encouraged for parents to attend this meeting.

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2026-02-05
PrintThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now available for income qualified households.
The CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie, and Shelby counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, now through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households must be at or below 60% of the state median income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on State Median Income, Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the number of people living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1 – $3,332; 2 – $4,357; 3 – $5,382; 4 – $6,407. Go to www.cefseoc.org or www.liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
To apply, the following documentation is required:
1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
2. For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without an SSN or ITIN can still apply and CEFS will advise accordingly.
3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
4. Cash assistance is available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent.
5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Appointments can be made by contacting the CEFS Effingham County Outreach office at 1010 W. Jefferson St. Effingham, phone 217-347-7514 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In order that no one is denied the opportunity to make an application we will continue to take applications in person or by phone. Required documentation can be submitted in-person, mail or electronically. If you require any special accommodation, please contact the local CEFS Outreach office in your county to arrange.
Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will continue to receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the Low-Income Discount Rates. Visit liheapillinois.com or www.cefseoc.org to know more details.

Free Developmental Screenings / Preschool Round-Up In Altamont
2026-02-05, 2026-02-06
PrintThe Altamont School District and the Project HELP Preschool program will be offering free developmental screenings to provide parents an opportunity to discover how their Two to Five Year-Old children are developing in the areas of speech, language concepts, and motor skills. Vision and hearing screenings will also be provided, free of charge!
NOW is the time to start thinking about PRESCHOOL for the upcoming school year for your child! To find out what preschool options are available in your community, please schedule an appointment to have your child screened.
When:
Thursday, February 5th (9am to 3pm)
Friday, February 6th (9am to 12pm)
Where:
Altamont Christian Church
1351 South Main Street
Altamont, IL 62411
For an appointment, please call Leslie Wendling at 618-483-5171 or stop by Altamont Grade School and pick up a registration form.

Free Yoga Class and Breast Cancer Education
2026-02-05
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The Effingham County Health Department and Flying Buddha Fitness are hosting a Free Yoga Class at the Wright Family Center, 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5th.
Vicki Funneman of Flying Buddha Fitness, a certified yoga instructor, will lead participants through easy yoga movements suitable for beginners. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that they can move easily in and to bring a yoga mat, if they have access to one.
Catherine Bailey from the Effingham County Health Department will provide an introduction to breast cancer risk reduction.
Registration is required due to limited space. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-yoga-class-with-breast-cancer-awareness-tickets-1980134158572
The event is funded by a Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure – Community Outreach Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which supports expanded outreach and education on breast cancer prevention, screening, and support services in Effingham County. Door Prizes and Quiz Prizes are sponsored by the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
More information is available by calling Catherine Bailey, at the Effingham County Health Department, 217-342-9237.
Bring your mat, wear comfy clothes, and get ready to breathe deep and feel great. Don’t miss out on some good vibes and movement!

Thursday's Schedule
2026-02-05
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Marion at Effingham, 5:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Brownstown/St. Elmo at St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (KJ COUNTRY 102.3 AS EARLY AT 6:30 P.M.)
Altamont at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Nokomis at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Newton, 6 p.m.
South Central at Wayne City, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at North Clay, 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Dual Team Wrestling Sectional, TBA
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Neoga Tournament
Game 1 — Altamont vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Game 2 — Neoga vs. Cumberland, 7:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 7-2A State Tournament
At Macon Meridian High School
Game 7 – Dwight vs. Normal Epiphany 6 p.m. (third place)
Game 8 – Effingham St. Anthony vs. Winchester, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-3A State Tournament
At El Paso-Gridley High School
Game 7 — Clinton vs. LaSalle Lincoln, 6 p.m. (third place)
Game 8 — Teutopolis vs. Lisle, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
Volleyball
Effingham at Dieterich, 4:15 p.m.
Jasper County at St. Anthony HAS BEEN CANCELED
Effingham Sacred Heart at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Altamont, 4:15 p.m.
Stewardson-Strasburg at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:15 p.m.
Mattoon at Sigel St. Michael, 6 p.m.
Windsor at St. John’s Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Tennessee State, 7:30 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drives in February
2026-02-05, 2026-02-06
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in February:
2/5, Thursday, Knights of Columbus Hall, Newton, Noon – 5:30 PM
2/6, Friday, Newton High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
2/10, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, EIU Student Union Ballroom, Charleston, Noon – 4:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, Flora Church of the Nazarene, Noon – 5:00 PM
2/12, Thursday, Apostolic Center Church, Mattoon, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/13, Friday, Oblong Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
2/16, Monday, Home Church, Charleston, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/16, Monday, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/17, Tuesday, Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/17, Tuesday, Dieterich High School, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/20, Friday, Altamont High School, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
2/23, Monday, Shelbyville High School, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2/24, Tuesday, St Michael Church – Sigel, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
2/26, Thursday, Neal Center YMCA, Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Come give blood through February 28, for a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. See rcblood.org/heart
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Jazz Festival at EIU with John Clayton
2026-02-06
PrintThe 66th Annual Jazz Festival at Eastern Illinois University is where you can see John Clayton, the Grammy-winning bassist, composer, arranger, and producer. Clayton has worked with countless artists, including arranging Whitney Houston’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 1990 Super Bowl performance. Clayton’s performance will be on Friday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dvorak Concert Hall.
In addition to winning a Grammy, he’s been nominated nine times, and has written and/or recorded with artists such as Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, McCoy Tyner, Yo Yo Ma, and Charles Aznavour, to name a few.
John was the principal bassist in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 1980-1984. In 1986, John co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and rekindled The Clayton Brothers Quintet. In addition to his individual clinics and workshops, he also directs the educational components of Centrum, The Port Townsend Jazz Festival, and the Vail Jazz Workshop.
John feels, “I’ve been guided by a village of musicians who helped me understand the humility that goes along with playing music at the highest level you can. Ray Brown used to tell me to ‘Learn how to play the bass!!’ Just take care of the music and it will take care of you.”
Tickets: $25/$20/$15/$10 for festival attendees.
To check ticket availability, visit: https://www.eiu.edu/doudnatix/

Friday's Schedule
2026-02-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Teutopolis at St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Altamont at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Neoga at Patoka, 6 p.m.
Newton at Marshall, 5 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at South Central, 6:15 p.m.
Mulberry Grove at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Mahomet-Seymour at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis vs. Bloomington Central Catholic at Parkland College, 6:30 p.m.
Wrestling
Girls Regionals, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Cumberland at Palestine/Hutsonville, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m.

‘Cram the Cars’ for Catholic Charities Food Pantry
2026-02-06
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In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is teaming up with Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Roy Schmidt Honda, Northside Ford-Lincoln, Goeckner Bros. Inc. – Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC Inc. in Effingham to “Cram the Car” with nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and monetary donations for Catholic Charities’ food pantry.
Donations for the annual event will be accepted the entire month of February. On March 1, HSHS Home Care staff will cram their cars with donated items before delivering them to Catholic Charities. The regional Catholic Charities’ office serves Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby counties.
“Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”
Suggested items for donations include the following:
• Boxed meals (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Jelly
• Pasta sauce
• Cereal
• Granola
• Sugar-free canned fruit
• Low-salt canned vegetables
• Large boxes of oatmeal
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Feminine products
• Razors
Donors are urged to check expiration dates.
Items or monetary contributions may be dropped off at any of these locations:
• HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital front lobby or pre-surgical entrance – Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• At one of these locations during business hours:
− Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota – 2400 S. Banker St., Effingham
− Roy Schmidt Honda – 1705 W. Fayette Ave., Effingham
− Northside Ford-Lincoln – 1312 N. Keller Dr., Effingham
− Goeckner Bros. Inc. – Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – 600 E. Fayette Ave., Effingham
− Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC Inc. – 2309 S. Banker St., Effingham
Learn more at HSHS Home Care’s Cram the Car website, or by contacting Engelbart at 217-685-0702 or Valerie.Engelbart@hshs.org.
HSHS Home Care staff help patients maintain an independent lifestyle by offering in-home services such as physical, occupational and speech-language therapy; wound care; cardiac rehabilitation; stroke care; pain management; hospice and palliative care; fall risk assessment; and pediatric care.

Celebrate Lincoln's Birthday and America's 250th Birthday in Vandalia
2026-02-07
PrintThe Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site will celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with a free public event from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, in the House of Representatives chamber where Lincoln once served. Join us for a special afternoon of history, music, and community as we also kick off America’s 250th Birthday (the Semiquincentennial) at the Vandalia Statehouse, located at 315 West Gallatin Street.
Fritz Klein, as Abraham Lincoln, will bring history to life, sharing Lincoln’s perspectives on America’s 250th Birthday, the movement of the Illinois State Capital, and slavery — all in the very place where Lincoln once served. Klein, a professional actor and speaker, is known for his historically accurate and compelling portrayal of Lincoln. He bears a striking physical resemblance to the former president and has appeared in documentaries and films for National Geographic, Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
In addition, there will be remarks from Vandalia Mayor Doug Knebel, and you can enjoy patriotic music performed by Vandalia High School students
There will also be opportunities for photographs & autographs, and birthday cake and cookies will be served, in honor of Lincoln.
This family-friendly event is a collaboration between the Vandalia Statehouse, IDNR, City of Vandalia, Vandalia Tourism Commission, and the Old Capitol Foundation.
Bring your family, invite a friend, and help us celebrate Lincoln, history, and the next 250 years of America — Vandalia style!

We Are Smarter Than 5th Grader Trivia for F.A.C.E.
2026-02-07
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Saturday's Schedule
2026-02-07
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Altamont at East Alton-Wood River, TBA
Newton at Cumberland, 1 p.m.
North Clay at Patoka, 6:15 p.m.
Robinson at Teutopolis, 1 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Newton at Cumberland, 2:30 p.m.
North Clay at Wayne City, 2 p.m.
FRESHMEN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Neoga Freshman/Sophomore Tournament
Game 3 — Teutopolis vs. Winner Game 1, 10 a.m.
Game 4 — St. Anthony vs. Winner Game 2, 11:30 a.m.
Game 5 — Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 1 p.m. (championship)
Hillsboro Freshman Tournament
Session 1: 9 a.m.
Hillsboro vs. Vandalia (Main)
Greenville vs. Taylorville (Secondary)
Session 2: 10:15 a.m.
Marquette vs. Vandalia (Main)
Effingham vs. Taylorville (Secondary)
Session 3: 11:30 a.m.
Hillsboro vs. Marquette (Main)
Greenville vs. Effingham (Secondary)
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Elmo/Brownstown Tournament, TBA
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 9 a.m.
Dieterich at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg JV Tournament, TBA
North Clay at St. Elmo/Brownstown Freshman/Sophomore Tournament, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 8-2A State Tournament
At Kankakee Bishop McNamara
Game 1 — McNabb Putnam County vs. Carthage, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — East St. Louis Younge vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 — Normal Metcalf vs. Decatur Robertson, 1 p.m.
Game 4– Morton Grove MCC vs. Green Valley Midwest Central, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5 p.m.
Game 6 — Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6:30 p.m.
Volleyball
North Clay, Sigel St. Michael, Teutopolis at St. Anthony Seventh-Grade Tournament, 8 a.m.
Effingham at Albion Tournament, TBA
Altamont at Greenville Seventh-Grade Tournament, TBA
Cumberland at Paris Mayo, 10 a.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Vandalia Eighth-Grade Tournament, TBA
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, St. Elmo/Brownstown at Pana Seventh-Grade Tournament, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Michigan State, 7 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at Tennessee Tech, 3 p.m.

B and B Sale (Book and Bake)
2026-02-07, 2026-02-08

Cookie Decorating Workshop
2026-02-07
PrintThe Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is hosting a Cookie Decorating Workshop with a Valentine’s Day Theme. Join Rebecca Clark, The Nerdy Baker, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7th for this hands-on, guided cookie decorating workshop! Piping bags, icing, and a cookie scribe are all provided, and by the end of the day, participants will take home an assortment of 4-6 decorated cookies!
Registration in advance is required, and seats are limited in the Visitor Center Basement! Register at this online link: https://cts.vresp.com/c/?LincolnLogCabinFound/e18af6b914/3b3f7017d1/bf8c2841c6/path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F31767
The $45 registration fee includes light refreshments and all materials. You may also purchase an additional “take home” decorating kit for $18, which includes the same tools and materials used in class, plus an additional set of pre-baked cookies ready to take home and decorate at your own pace.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road near Lerna. To contact them, call 217-345-1845.

Music and Food at Mason
2026-02-07

Sunday's Schedule
2026-02-08
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Super Bowl
At San Francisco Bay Area
Seattle vs. New England, 5:30 p.m.

Angeled Kids Foster Closet & Resale
2026-02-09

Volunteer Walkers/Visitors at Memory Care Facility
2026-02-09
PrintVolunteers are needed to walk with, or even just visit with, residents at Willowbrook Memory Care Facility in Effingham, on weekends.
If interested, call Molly Fearday at 217-994-3364.
