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

Loy Cemetery Cleanup and Annual Meeting
2026-05-02
PrintLoy Cemetery cleanup and Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 9:00 a.m. The rain date will be Saturday, May 9.
Please remove any flowers and containers that you may want to keep, prior to the cleanup, otherwise they will be destroyed.
Your attendance would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation for the upkeep of Loy Cemetery, please mail to:
Christine Wendte
7449 N. 1775th Rd.
Effingham, IL 62401

Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorials
2026-05-02, 2026-05-03
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Saturday's Schedule
2026-05-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Breese Mater Dei at St. Anthony, 11 a.m.
Neoga, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Tri-County Titans Wood Bat Tournament at Kansas, TBA
North Clay, South Central at Centralia Tournament, TBA
Pleasant Plains at Teutopolis, 9 a.m.
Boys Tennis
St. Anthony at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin Invitational, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham at Mount Zion Invitational, 9 a.m. TIME CHANGED TO 10 A.M.
Jasper County at LEIC Meet at Casey, 9 a.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Arizona at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:15 p.m.
NASCAR
Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas Motor Speedway, 2 p.m.

4th of July Breakfast in Farina
2026-05-02

Central Illinois Trade Show & Chicken BBQ
2026-05-02

Music and Food at Mason
2026-05-02

Bells In Motion Of Central Illinois performing A Selection Of Accidentals
2026-05-03
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Bells in Motion is a progressive, auditioned handbell ensemble based in Decatur. Historically, they have travelled from multiple states to rehearse and have performed across the globe. They feature seven octaves of bronze and aluminum handbells and chimes and ring music from jazz to classical, big band to blues, and Broadway to rock.

Teutopolis Monastery Museum Opens
2026-05-03
PrintThe 38 small rooms of displays at the Teutopolis Monastery Museum will open to visitors on Sunday, May 3. The hours are from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. We recommend that you come early to see the many unique and interesting articles on display!
Admission for adults is $5.00 and $1.00 for children.
The Museum is located on the second floor in the former Franciscan Novitiate building, which is located behind St. Francis Church in Teutopolis. An elevator is available for visitors who have difficulty with stairs.
Besides its collection of articles used by the Franciscan Friars, the Museum is also known for Bibles and books in different languages, some from the 1700’s. The “pioneer wing” features items used by early Teutopolis pioneers, including furniture, clocks, quilts, toys, and various household and grocery store items. These articles are on display in the former “cells” or bedrooms of the Novices.
Volunteers are available along the tour to explain the displays and assist visitors.
Also open to visitors are the basement where many small farm tools are displayed, the Mausoleum where 79 Franciscan Friars are interred, and St. Francis Church, with stained glass windows depicting events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
Special group tours for adults or school groups can be arranged on days other than the scheduled Sunday openings. Call 217-961-6404 ext. 236, leave a message, and the call will be returned. Regular, scheduled museum opening dates are the first Sunday of the months of April through November, except holidays.
For more information go to the parish website: stfrancischurch.com or to the town’s website at Teutopolis.com and click on “Our Community”. Follow us on Facebook this year as we recall the beginnings of the Museum in 1975-76.

Sunday's Schedule
2026-05-03
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Arizona at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals, 1:15 p.m.
NASCAR
Wurth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY, 1:30 p.m.

Parental Awareness - Working Together to Protect Our Children
2026-05-03
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Join Beacon82 on May 3rd at Christ’s Church in Effingham for an important free community event focused on keeping our children safe.
S.A.F.E. is partnering with the Effingham County State’s Attorney and local detectives to educate parents, teachers, and caregivers about protecting kids from predators—both in-person and online.
Parents will learn to recognize warning signs and prevent grooming from happening in the future. Parents will also hear about online safety, including what to watch for, how to talk with your kids, and what’s really happening in the world of gaming.
The theme is: “Parental Awareness—Working Together to Protect Our Children”.
The event will start at 6:00pm on Sunday, May 3rd. Christ’s Church is located at 2511 S. Veterans Drive, in Effingham.
We hope you’ll join us!

Monday's Sports
2026-05-04
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Effingham at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
North Clay at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Father McGivney at Altamont, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson/Strasburg at Brownstown/St. Elmo HAS BEEN MOVED TO STEW-STRAS, 4:30 p.m.
Cumberland at Heritage, 4:30 p.m.
Lawrenceville at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
National Trail Conference Tournament
At Evergreen Park
Game 3 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, TIME MOVED TO 3 P.M. (East Diamond)
Game 4 – St. Anthony vs. Dieterich, TIME MOVED TO 3 P.M. (West Diamond)
Game 5 – Cumberland vs. Altamont, TIME MOVED TO 4:30 P.M. (East Diamond)
Game 6 – South Central vs. Neoga,TIME MOVED TO 4:30 P.M. (West Diamond)
Effingham at Breese Mater Dei, 4:30 p.m.
Lawrenceville at Newton (Senior Night), 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Teutopolis at Richland County, Olney, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
Effingham, Teutopolis at Robinson Quad Meet, 4 p.m.
Girls Track
Effingham, Teutopolis at Newton Invitational (Senior Night), 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Teutopolis at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Oblong at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Teutopolis at Paris, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY/FRESH/SOPH
Baseball
Teutopolis at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
Cumberland at Tuscola, 4:30 p.m.
Girls Track
Cumberland at Tuscola, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
St. Anthony at South Central Conference Meet at Mattoon, TBA
National Trail Conference Meet at Altamont, 3:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

Dog Obedience Classes
2026-05-05

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in May
2026-05-05, 2026-05-09
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries distribution days for May:
Tuesday, May 5th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Saturday, May 9th from 9-Noon, 861 E. Washington, Mason (Mason Civic Center)
Tuesday, May 12th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, May 13th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, May 20th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Saturday, May 30th from 8:30-Noon, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Please call 217-240-0059 to sign up. It’s free and for everyone!

Red Cross Blood Drives in May
2026-05-05, 2026-05-08
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in May:
5/5, Tuesday, Casey United Methodist Church, Noon – 6:00 PM
5/5, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
5/8, Friday, Altamont High School, 8:15 AM – 2:00 PM
5/14, Thursday, First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
5/17, Sunday, St Joseph Stringtown Community Club, Stringtown, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
5/20, Wednesday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
5/22, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Come to give blood from May 1-17 and get a $20 eGift Card! See: rcblood.org/Amazon
Get summer ready! Come to give blood from May 18-31 for an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, limited quantity!
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-05-05
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Teutopolis at North Clay HAS BEEN CANCELED
Mattoon at Effingham POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, MAY 7
Marshall at Dieterich HAS BEEN CANCELED
Neoga at Newton POSTPONED TO FRIDAY, MAY 8
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at South Central, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Ramsey POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY
Softball
St. Anthony at Dieterich HAS BEEN CANCELED
Altamont at Mulberry Grove HAS BEEN CANCELED
Ramsey at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FRIDAY, MAY 8
Mattoon at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Teutopolis at Effingham HAS BEEN CANCELED
St. Anthony at Highland, 4:30 p.m.
Shelbyville at Newton HAS BEEN CANCELED
Boys Track
National Trail Conference Meet at Altamont POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY
Girls Track
National Trail Conference Meet at Altamont POSTPONED TO WEDNESDAY
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Mattoon at Effingham HAS BEEN CANCELED
St. Anthony at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
Paris at St. Anthony, after varsity game
Mattoon at Teutopolis, JV innings
Boys Tennis
Greenville at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham, Teutopolis at South Central Conference Meet POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, MAY 7
Brownstown/St. Elmo, Windsor at Stewardson-Strasburg, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:45 p.m.

National Day Of Prayer Breakfast
2026-05-06
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Our National Day Of Prayer Breakfast will be held this coming Wednesday, May 6th, at 7:30 a.m., at the Keller Convention Center.
This is an annual Day of Observance, sponsored by local businessmen.
The breakfast is free and everyone is invited. All attending, however, will need a ticket. The tickets are available at the studios of WXEF/KJ Country at 206 South Willow, and at Tom Henderson’s State Farm Office at 122 East Section Avenue in Effingham.
We will be led in music by Greg Sapp and Steve Raymond.
Our guest speaker will be John Monnet. John previously served many years in local law enforcement and will speak of his life’s journey and how his faith has helped him along the way.
A Love Offering will be taken, and all the monies given will go to Community Support Systems and help support the great work they do in our community!
Again, the breakfast is free, so please pick up a ticket and come join us in this National Day Of Prayer Celebration, this Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. at the Keller Convention Center.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-05-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Mattoon at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at Neoga HAS BEEN CANCELED
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Ramsey HAS BEEN CANCELED
Cumberland at Decatur St. Teresa, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Salem, 4:30 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Ramsey, 4:30 p.m.
Softball
National Trail Conference Tournament (ALL NTC TOURNEY GAMES MOVED TO THURSDAY, SAME TIMES)
At Evergreen
Game 7 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. St. Anthony, 4:15 pm. (East Diamond)
Game 8 – St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. Dieterich, 4:15 p.m. (West Diamond)
Game 9 – Cumberland vs. Neoga, 6:15 p.m. (East Diamond)
Game 10 – Altamont vs. South Central, 6:15 p.m. (West Diamond)
Effingham at Champaign Central, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
National Trail Conference Meet at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Newton at Little Illini Conference Meet, 4 p.m.
Girls Track
National Trail Conference Meet at Altamont, 4 p.m.
Newton at Little Illini Conference Meet, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 6:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at St. Louis Cardinals, 12:15 p.m.

Thursday's Schedule
2026-05-07
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at Father McGivney, 4:30 p.m.
Altamont at Greenville, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Newton (Senior Night), 4:30 p.m.
Cerro Gordo Bement at Cumberland, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
Mount Vernon at Effingham, 4:15 p.m.
Greenville at Newton (Senior Night), 4:30 p.m.
Boys Track
Apollo Conference Varsity Meet at Effingham, 1 p.m.
Softball
National Trail Conference Tournament
At Evergreen
Game 7 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. St. Anthony, 4:15 pm. (East Diamond)
Game 8 – St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. Dieterich, 4:15 p.m. (West Diamond)
Game 9 – Cumberland vs. Neoga, 6:15 p.m. (East Diamond)
Game 10 – Altamont vs. South Central, 6:15 p.m. (West Diamond)
Girls Track
Apollo Conference Varsity Meet at Effingham, 1 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Charleston at St. Anthony, 4:30 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga, 4:30 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Baseball
Mount Zion at Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham, Teutopolis at South Central Conference Meet
South Central at Greenville, 4 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego, 9:10 p.m.

National Athletic Hall Of Fame Nominations
2026-05-07

VFW Auxiliary Meal in Effingham
2026-05-08
PrintThe VFW Auxiliary will be having a meal on Friday, May 8th.
Location: VFW Post 1769 on Veterans Drive in Effingham.
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Menu: Pork Loin, mashed potatoes/gravy, vegetable, dessert, coffee, tea or lemonade.
Cost: $8.00
Contact: Chuck Meyers 217-343-8313

Community Charitable Cookout in Teutopolis and Sigel
2026-05-08
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Teutopolis State Bank is hosting our annual Community Cookout on Friday, May 8th, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at our Teutopolis and Sigel locations.
All donations will benefit the ANDREW GOBCZYNSKI BIG HEART FOUNDATION and their efforts to create a positive impact in our local communities.
Plan to stop by our Teutopolis or Sigel location and enjoy a hamburger, porkburger, or hotdog. Each meal includes chips, cookies, and a drink.
We can’t wait to see you there on Friday, May 8th!

Friday's Schedule
2026-05-08
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Flora at Effingham, 4:30 p.m.
St. Anthony at Belleville East HAS BEEN CANCELED
Altamont at Dieterich TIME CHANGED TO 4 P.M.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 4:15 p.m.
Okaw Valley at Cumberland HAS BEEN CANCELED
Neoga at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
South Central at Edwards County, 4:30 p.m.
Teutopolis vs Edwardsville at Edwardsville Tiger Classic, 7 p.m.
Softball
National Trail Conference Tournament
At Evergreen
Game 11 – St. Anthony vs. Cumberland, 4:15 p.m. (third place, East Diamond)
Game 12 – Dieterich vs. South Central, 4:15 p.m. (consolation championship, West Diamond)
Game 13 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Neoga, 6:15 p.m. (championship, East Diamond) (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Effingham at Mattoon (DH), 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Fairfield, 4:30 p.m.
Boys Tennis
St. Anthony at Greenville TIME MOVED TO 3:30 P.M.
Girls Track
Teutopolis at St. Joe-Ogden Spartan Classic, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Effingham at Casey-Westfield, 4:30 p.m.
Richland County, Olney at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Jasper County at Robinson Invitational, 4:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Texas, 7:05 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego, 8:40 p.m.

Softball 5/8/26
2026-05-08 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
PrintNational Trail Conference Tournament
St Anthony 3, Cumberland 2 (3rd Place Final)
Dieterich 7, South Central 3 (Consolation Championship Final)
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg Neoga
Effingham Mattoon (DH)
Newton Fairfield

Walk to End PARKINSON'S DISEASE
2026-05-09
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Register Now for Walk to End Parkinson’s Disease Event May 9
Hosted by HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness invites the community to lace up their sneakers and join them in raising awareness and support for those living with Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, May 9.
Held at the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, this fourth annual walk is for everyone in the community, of any age, to come out and support those with Parkinson’s disease. The event begins with registration and kids’ activities starting at 9 a.m., followed by a welcome and the walk kicking off at 10 a.m. Following the walk, participants can enjoy a free luncheon provided by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, concluding by 12:30 p.m.
There is no registration fee, but donations are appreciated, with proceeds supporting the local Parkinson’s Support Group and creating new and exciting opportunities for those in the community navigating Parkinson’s disease.
Online registration is now open and strongly encouraged. Adults who register before April 22 will receive a T-shirt on the day of the event, although day-of registration will be available. Each family member participating will need to register to receive a T-shirt. No child-size shirts are available, but there will be many fun activities for children. To register and find out more, visit eventbrite.com and search “Walk to End Parkinson’s” in the Effingham area.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Therapist Jessica Mottashed shared why she and her colleagues wanted to host this event again. She said, “Our rehabilitation team is passionately dedicated to Parkinson’s care, having pursued specialized training in this field. Leading our local Parkinson’s Support Group, I’ve seen firsthand how funds raised at our past events positively impacts community members facing daily challenges with the disease,” she explained. “This event beautifully unites our community in support of those with Parkinson’s and their families.”
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness has a specialized team that treats and supports patients with Parkinson’s disease. Ten members of St. Anthony’s physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy team have completed specialized and individualized training for LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD treatments that help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions address walking, balance and other activities of daily living (LSVT BIG) and with their speech (LSVT LOUD).
For questions or more information about the Walk to End Parkinson’s event, contact Jessica Mottashed at jessica.mottashed@hshs.org
Register now on eventbrite.com or visit stanthonyshospital.org and go to the Classes and Events page and select the Walk to End Parkinson’s event for registration details.

Saturday's Schedule
2026-05-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Newton at St. Anthony, 10 a.m.
Altamont at Arcola, 10 a.m.
Dieterich at Vandalia, 10 a.m.
Shelbyville at North Clay Round Robin, 10 a.m.
Charleston at North Clay Round Robin, 2 p.m.
Teutopolis vs. Glenwood at Edwardsville Tiger Classic, 10 a.m.
Teutopolis vs. Highland at Edwardsville Tiger Classic, 12:30 p.m.
Softball
Effingham at Robinson Invitational Tournament, TBA
Egyptian-Illini Conference Tournament, TBA
Cumberland, Teutopolis at Casey-Westfield Tournament HAS BEEN CANCELED
Newton at Tolono Unity Round Robin HAS BEEN CANCELED
Boys Tennis
St. Anthony, Effingham, Newton, Teutopolis at Robinson Doubles Invitational, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
St. Anthony at Newton HAS BEEN CANCELED
Effingham at Mattoon, 9 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Track
Effingham at Apollo Conference F/S Meet at Mahomet-Seymour, 10 a.m.
Girls Track
Effingham at Apollo Conference F/S Meet at Mahomet-Seymour, 10 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham at Clinton Invitational, 10 a.m.
Class 1A Newton St. Thomas Sectional
Effingham Sacred Heart, Neoga, Newton St. Thomas, Sigel St. Michael, Windsor, Champaign Garden Hills, Champaign Holy Cross, Champaign Judah Christian, Champaign Next Generation, Chrisman Scottland, Findlay Okaw Valley, Homer Heritage, Oblong, Palestine Co-op, Philo St. Thomas, Urbana University (eighth only)
Class 2A Assumption Central A&M Sectional
Altamont Co-op, Brownstown Co-op, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, Cumberland, Effingham St. Anthony, South Central, North Clay, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, Arcola, Arthur Co-op, Assumption Central A&M, Casey-Westfield, Cerro Gordo/Bement, Macon Meridian, Oakland Lake Crest Co-op, Paris Crestwood
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 6:05 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego, 6:15 p.m.
NASCAR
Mission 200 at the Glen, 2:30 p.m.

Mason Community Bonus Breakfast and Bake Sale
2026-05-09

Cancer Benefit for Mike Wheeler
2026-05-09
