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

Red Cross Blood Drives in December
2025-11-26
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.

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)

United Way Christmas Cash Raffle
2025-11-26, 2025-11-27, 2025-11-28, 2025-11-29, 2025-11-30, 2025-12-01
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Ticket Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/united-way-christmas-cash-5050–2025

Effingham County FISH Thanksgiving Day Dinner
2025-11-27
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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.

Tinsel & Tails for E.A.R.S.
2025-11-28, 2025-11-29
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EARS is excited to unveil for another year “Tinsel & Tails,” a festive holiday experience, hosted in partnership with Cardinal Golf Course. Running November 28 – December 27, this holiday family event will be open every Friday and Saturday night from 5:30PM to 8:30 PM.
“Tinsel & Tails” will light up Cardinal Golf Course with spectacular holiday decorations and a charming winter wonderland atmosphere. The event is set to offer an array of activities that celebrate the season and support a noble cause, including:
– Holiday Light Tour: Enjoy a scenic golf cart ride through the beautifully decorated path on the course, featuring dazzling light displays and festive decorations.
– Family Fun: Engage in family-friendly activities like a hot chocolate bar, roast s’mores, and take memorable photos with festive backdrops.
Tickets for the event will be available November 3, on the EARS website: effinghamanimalrescue.com

Red Cross Blood Drives in November
2025-11-28

Friday's Schedule
2025-11-28
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Turkey Tournament
Game 9 – Edwardsville vs. Chicago Leo, 3 p.m.
Game 10 – Breese Central vs. Rantoul, 4:30 p.m.
Game 11 – Mattoon vs. Normandy, 6 p.m.
Game 12 — St. Anthony vs. Effingham, 7:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Cumberland Turkey Tournament
Game 5 – Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 3 p.m.
Game 6 – Vandalia vs. Marshall, 4:30 p.m.
Game 7 – Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 6 p.m.
Game 8 – North Clay vs. Dieterich, 7:30 p.m.
Mulberry Grove Turkey Tournament
Game 10 – Maryville Christian vs. Ramsey, 5:15 p.m.
Game 11 – South Central vs. Mount Olive, 6:45 p.m.
Game 12 – Mulberry Grove vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 8:15 p.m.
Capital Classic
At Red Hill
Game 1 – Red Hill vs. Fairfield, 11 a.m.
Game 2 – Teutopolis vs. Mount Carmel, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3 – Fairfield vs. Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Red Hill vs. Mount Carmel, 7:30 p.m.
At Lawrenceville
Game 1 – Salem vs. Vincennes, 11 a.m.
Game 2 – Lawrenceville vs. Richland County, Olney, 12:30 p.m.
Game 3 – Richland County, Olney vs. Salem, 6p.m.
Game 4 – Lawrenceville vs. Vincennes, 7:30 p.m.
Cerro Gordo Tournament
Game 1 – 4th Pod B vs. 3rd Pod C, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – 3rd Pod B vs. 3rd Pod D, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – 2nd Pod B vs. 2nd Pod C, 1 p.m.
Game 4 – 2nd Pod A vs. 2nd Pod D, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 – 3rd Pod A vs. 4th Pod b, 4 p.m.
Game 6 – 1st Pod B vs. 1st Pod C, 5:30 p.m.
Game 7 – 1st Pod A vs. 1st Pod D, 7 p.m.
Mary Sur Shootout
At Mattoon Emerald Acres
Game 1 — Nokomis vs. Neoga, 12:30 p.m.
Game 2 — Georgetown-Ridge Farm vs. Arcola, 12:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Bob Kerans Tournament
At Newton
Game 5 – Flora vs. Altamont, noon
Game 6 – Newton vs. Effingham, 1:30 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City Thanksgiving Tournament
At High School Gym
Game 4 – Sandoval vs. Dieterich, noon
Game 5 – Dieterich vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 1:30 p.m.
Game 6 – Cumberland vs. Shelbyville, 3 p.m.
At Junior High School Gym
Game 7 – North Clay vs. Cumberland, noon
Game 8 – Ramsey vs. Sandoval, 1:30 p.m.
Game 9 – Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Ramsey, 3 p.m.
Pana Thanksgiving Tournament
Semifinals
At Pana High School
Game 1 – Highland vs. Breese Mater Dei 4 p.m.
Game 2 – Lincoln vs. St. Anthony, 5:30 p.m.
At Pana Junior High School
Game 3 — Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Mattoon, 4 p.m.
Game 4 — Pana vs. Gillespie, 5:30 p.m.
Mary Sur Shootout
At Mattoon Emerald Acres
Game 1 — Okaw Valley vs. Neoga, 11 a.m.
Game 2 — Georgetown-Ridge Farm vs. Wayne City/Cisne, 11 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Girls Basketball
Teutopolis at Springfield Southeast Shootout, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois vs. UConn at Madison Square Garden, 11:30 a.m.
Eastern Illinois University at Purdue, 11 a.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Chicago at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.

Thanksgiving on Goosenest Prairie
2025-11-28
PrintLearn about Abraham Lincoln’s establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday at Thanksgiving on Goosenest Prairie, produced by the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation. This event takes place from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28th.
Visit with the Lincoln family as they prepare for a Thanksgiving feast, mid-19th century style! The Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop will be open during the event and features many new holiday items, including many locally-sourced products and a great selection of items handcrafted by talented volunteers.
In 1789, George Washington became the first president to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation. Thanksgiving remained predominantly a regional holiday until President Abraham Lincoln revived Washington’s earlier tradition and issued a Thanksgiving proclamation during the Civil War in 1863. Since 1864, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
– from Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation of Thanksgiving, October 3, 1863
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, a gateway site for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, was the 1840s home of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. It is located eight miles south of Charleston and 14 miles southeast of Mattoon, Illinois.
For more information about this or other events at the site, call 217-345-1845, email info@lincolnlogcabin.org, or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions
2025-11-29
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries distribution dates for November are:

– Tuesday, November 4th , from 4-6p.m., 304 S. West Street, Shumway

– Saturday, November 8th from 9-noon, Mason location

– Tuesday, November 11th , from 4-6p.m., 304 S. West Street, Shumway

– Wednesday, November 12th , from noon to 2p.m., 304 S. West Street, Shumway

– Wednesday, November 19th , from noon to 2p.m., 304 S. West Street, Shumway

– Saturday, November 29th , from 8:30-noon, 304 S. West Street, Shumway

Call 217-240-0059 or go online my-christian-space.com and sign up.

FYI – Families can now (Nov. 1) start signing up for Locker Blessings, which will be hosted in Shumway on December 27th.

Old Courthouse and Cross Christmas Concerts
2025-11-29, 2025-11-30
Print2025 Effingham Old Courthouse & Cross Christmas Concerts
All Concerts are free & open to the public!
Saturday, November 29 (After the Santa Parade), Old Courthouse Museum, 100 East Jefferson Avenue, Effingham
6:15 pm Hometown Christmas Choir
6:45 pm FACE Christmas Orchestra

Sunday, November 30 (The “Cross” Open House), The “Cross” Chapel, 1900 Pike Avenue, Effingham
2:00 pm Hometown Christmas Choir
2:45 pm FACE Christmas Orchestra
3:30 pm Christmas Stylings by Hillary Beard

Hometown Christmas Choir Rehearsals are at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 600 West Temple Avenue, Effingham
6:00 – 7:30 pm Monday Nights: November 10, 17, & 24

FACE Christmas Orchestra Rehearsals are in the Sacred Heart School Music Room, 405 South Henrietta, Effingham
7:00 – 8:30 pm Thursday Nights: November 6, 13, & 20

Youth-Adults are welcome to join the choir or the orchestra any time.
Email to arugala76@hotmail.com for additional info.

POSTPONED - Downtown Effingham Hometown Christmas - POSTPONED
2025-11-29
PrintDUE TO WEATHER, EFFINGHAM’S HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6!
Kick off the holiday season with your family and friends at Downtown Effingham’s Hometown Christmas on Saturday, November 29! Whether you’re hosting loved ones home for Thanksgiving or starting your own holiday traditions, this magical evening is the perfect way to celebrate together.
Climb aboard for cozy horse-drawn carriage rides or whimsical tractor train rides, and delight the kids with a chance to meet a live reindeer. Make memories visiting Santa, snapping photos with favorite Christmas and Disney characters, and creating festive crafts in Santa’s Workshop. As you stroll through the holiday magic, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, enjoy the sweet crunch of kettle corn, and soak in the sparkle and joy of the season.
Bring the whole family downtown and make memories you’ll treasure for years to come!
Food & Beverage | 3:00-6:00pm
Macklin Kettle Corn & Joe Sippers Cafe Beverage Cart (costs associated with these vendors)
Entertainment | 3:00-5:00pm
Santa’s Workshop (heated tent in the City parking lot)
•Bulb Planting – University of Illinois Master Gardeners
•Christmas Activity – C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corp.
•Christmas Coloring Pages & Pet Treats – Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS)
•Christmas Craft – Effingham County Case Managers
•Christmas Ornament – Caritas Family Solutions
•Cookie Decorating – Kirby Foods-Effingham
•Reindeer Food – The Royal School of Cosmetology
Additional Activities
•Horse Drawn Carriage Rides – Yoder Horse & Carriage
•Two LIVE Reindeer & Sleigh – Prairie Moon Farm
•Tractor Train Rides – Bahrns Equipment, Inc., Roepke Overhead Door & Y-Yard
Special Guests
•2025 Miss and Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen – Krista Phillips & Leah Ring
•Holiday & Winter Characters – Effingham High School Drama Club
Lighted Christmas Parade | 5:00pm
We are bringing Santa to town in sparkling style — join us as the streets come alive with lights, laughter, and holiday magic! See below to sign up!
Santa House | 5:45-8:00pm

The big man in red is heading to his house — making his list, checking it twice, and arriving in style! Santa’s elves at the Effingham Public Library are hard at work to make sure every child — young or old, naughty or nice — receives a personalized letter from Jolly Old St. Nick himself. This festive tradition is proudly sponsored by Tracy Willenborg, helping spread holiday cheer throughout our community. Request your letter here by Friday, December 5.
Live Music @ the Old Courthouse
6:15pm | FACE Christmas Concert
6:45pm | FACE Community Orchestra
Lighted Parade:
Get ready to be dazzled by a magical evening of holiday cheer and twinkling lights. Watch as beautifully decorated floats, festive vehicles, and singing elves illuminate the streets, spreading warmth and joy to all. Bring your friends and family to experience this beloved holiday tradition. Parade begins at 5:00pm, starting at Baseball Card Connection, heading down Jefferson Ave to The Heart Theatre, and ending at 3rd St. Sign up by Tuesday, November 25.
Participants:
City of Effingham
City of Effingham Caledonia Fire Truck
City of Effingham Fire Department
Dan Hecht Chevrolet-Toyota
DanceLife Center
Dieterich Bank
Fatso’s Famous Pizza
First National Bank of Waterloo
Krista Phillips | 2025 Miss Effingham County Fair Queen
Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Leah Ring | 2025 Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen
Plant Some Kindness
Rumpke Waste & Recycling
Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC
South Central FS
The Heart Theatre
W.S. Broom & Co. Furniture
Wabash Communications Co-Op
Become a Sponsor:
Help brighten this holiday season by supporting this years event! Hometown Christmas offers a gift to the entire community as we gather together to celebrate this free event. View opportunities – click here to sponsor!
Sponsors:
Tree Top |
Reindeer x2 |
Horse & Carriage | The Wellness Loft
Santa’s Workshop | City of Effingham/Visit Effingham; Wabash Communications Co-Op
Caroler | HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital; Kirby Foods-Effingham; Premier Broadcasting | 97.9 XFM & KJ Country 102.3; The Heart Theatre; Washington Savings Bank
Santa Letters | Tracy Willenborg-Taylor Law Office
Candy Cane | Ameren Illinois; Effingham Asphalt; Evergreen Nursing & Rehab; Peters Buildings Inc.; The Beanstalk Boutique; W.S. Broom Co.

Saturday's Schedule
2025-11-29
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony Turkey Tournament (SATURDAY’S GAMES AT THE TOURNAMENT HAVE BEEN CANCELED)
Game 13 – Pool A No. 4 vs. Pool B No. 4, 3 p.m.
Game 14 – Pool A No. 3 vs. Pool B No. 3, 4:30 p.m.
Game 15 – Pool A No. 2 vs. Pool B No. 2, 6 p.m.
Game 16 – Pool A No. 1 vs. Pool B No. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Cumberland Turkey Tournament (SATURDAY’S GAMES AT THE CUMBERLAND TOURNAMENT HAVE BEEN CANCELED)
Game 9 – Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6, 1:30 p.m. (Seventh Place)
Game 10 – Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6, 3 p.m. (Consolation Championship)
Game 11 – Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8, 4:30 p.m. (Third Place)
Game 12 – Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 6 p.m. (Championship)
Mulberry Grove Thanksgiving Tournament
Game 13 – Fourth Place Pool A vs. Fourth Place Pool B, 1:30 p.m. (seventh place) (GAME HAS BEEN CANCELED)
Game 14 – Third Place Pool A vs. Third Place Pool B, 3 p.m. (fifth place) (GAME HAS BEEN CANCELED)
Game 15 – South Central A vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 4:30 p.m. (third place) (GAME WILL NOW BE PLAYED AT 6PM)
Game 16 – Maryville Christian vs. Father McGivney, 6 p.m. (championship) (GAME WILL NOW BE PLAYED AT 7:30PM)
Cerro Gordo Tournament
Game 1 – 3rd Pod C vs. 3rd Pod B, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – 3rd Pod A vs. 3rd Pod D, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Loser Friday 1 p.m. Game vs. Loser Friday 2:30 p.m. Game, (7th/8th Place Game), 1 p.m.
Game 4 – Winner Friday 1 p.m. Game vs. Winner Friday 2:30 p.m. Game (5th/6th Place Game), 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 – Loser Friday 5:30 p.m. Game vs. Loser Friday 7 p.m. Game, 7 p.m. (third-fourth place)
Game 6 – Winner Friday 5:30 p.m. Game vs. Winner Friday 7 p.m. Game, 5:30 p.m. (championship)
Mary Sur Shootout (SATURDAY’S GAMES HAVE BEEN CANCELED)
At Mattoon Emerald Acres
Game 3 — Neoga vs. Arcola, 12:30 p.m.
Game 4 — Nokomis vs. Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 12:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Georgetown-Ridge Farm vs. Neoga, 3:30 p.m.
Game 6 — Arcola vs. Nokomis, 3:30 p.m.
Capital Classic
At Red Hill
Game 5 – Mount Carmel vs. Fairfield, 10 a.m.
Game 6 – Red Hill vs. Teutopolis, 11:30 a.m.
At Lawrenceville
Game 5 – Vincennes vs. Richland County, Olney, 10 a.m.
Game 6 – Lawrenceville vs. Salem, 11:30 a.m.
Championship Round
Seventh Place Game, 3 p.m.
Fifth Place Game, 4:30 p.m.
Third Place Game, 6 p.m.
First Place Game, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City Thanksgiving Tournament HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Game 10 – Pool A 3 vs. Pool B 3, 11 a.m. (fifth place)
Game 11 – Pool A 2 vs. Pool B 2, 12:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 12 – Pool A 1 vs. Pool B 1, 2 p.m. (championship)
Pana Thanksgiving Tournament (SATURDAY’S GAMES HAVE BEEN CANCELED)
Game 1 – Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 1 p.m. (seventh place)
Game 2 – Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 2:30 p.m. (fifth place)
Game 3 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 4 p.m. (third place)
Game 4 – Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 5:30 p.m. (championship)
Mary Sur Shootout (SATURDAY’S GAMES HAVE BEEN CANCELED)
At Mattoon Emerald Acres
Game 3 — Neoga vs. Wayne City/Cisne, 11 a.m.
Game 4 — Okaw Valley vs. Georgetown-Ridge Farm, 11 a.m.
Game 5 — Georgetown-Ridge Farm vs. Neoga, 2 p.m.
Game 6 — Arcola vs. Nokomis, 3:30 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Altamont, Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Elmo/Brownstown, HAS BEEN CANCELLED
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Northwestern University at University of Illinois, 6:30 p.m.

Stewardson's Christmas In A One Cow Town
2025-11-29

Herman German Market
2025-11-29
Print
This German Christmas Market offers Christmas items from multiple local vendors, including:

The Place with hair tinsel and spiked boys hair, and face painting
Nyssa Strom – Nyssa’s Knacks with Handmade Christmas Crafts
Debbie’s Creations with Embellished hats, Painted wine bottles, bracelets, kitchen towels, glass trees and more
Deloris Minardi with 18 inch doll clothes and hand dipped candies
Mimi’s Cookie Co with decorated Sugar Cookies
Prairie Feather Designs with Natural Tallow products
Cindy’s Creations – Baby bibs, Burp cloths, Pacifier holder, Hanging towels, Memory Bears, Slap bracelets, Crocheted Stuffed animals, Crochet head wrap, Crochet mug cozy
Turtle Rock Farm with Sourdough bread and other delights
Micky Strack of Past and Present Shoppe Picture It with a variety of Crocheted Scarves, Jewelry, Christmas items such as wreaths
Diane Donaldson with Denim Blankets, Aprons and more

Sunday's Schedule
2025-11-30
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
San Francisco at Cleveland, noon
Jacksonville at Tennessee, noon
Houston at Indianapolis, noon
New Orleans at Miami, noon
Atlanta at New York Jets, noon
Arizona at Tampa Bay, noon
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina, noon
Minnesota at Seattle, 3:05 p.m.
Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 3:25 p.m.
Las Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers, 3:25 p.m.
Denver at Washington, 7:30 p.m.
Arizona at Tampa Bay, noon
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina, noon
Minnesota at Seattle, 3:05 p.m.
Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 3:25 p.m.
Los Vegas at Los Angeles Chargers, 3:25 p.m.
Denver at Washington, 7:20 p.m.

POSTPONED - Christmas Open House at the Cross - POSTPONED
2025-11-30
PrintTHIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Free Medicare Guidance and Education
2025-12-01
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.

Monday's Schedule
2025-12-01
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Cumberland Tournament
North Clay vs. Casey-Westfield, 7:45 p.m. (championship) HAS BEEN CANCELED
Girls Basketball
Altamont at Dieterich, 6 p.m. HAS BEEN POSTPONED
Brownstown/St. Elmo at South Central, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Okaw Valley HAS BEEN POSTPONED
Casey-Westfield at Cumberland HAS BEEN CANCELED
Neoga vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Newton at Sullivan HAS BEEN CANCELED
North Clay at Vandalia, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Shelbyville HAS BEEN CANCELED
Marshall at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Pana at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Neoga, 6 p.m.
Newton at Teutopolis, 6:15 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Jasper County HAS BEEN CANCELED
Newton St. Thomas at Effingham Sacred Heart HAS BEEN CANCELED
Altamont at Windsor, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Sigel St. Michael at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
The girls 8th grade regionals at St. Michael School have been cancelled tonight, Dec 1. The games have been rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec 2 at the same time. See IESA website. Still working on when the next games will be played.
Eighth Grade Girls Basketball Regional Effingham at Taylorville has been postponed. The makeup date is TBA.
Effingham Youth Boys Basketball Practices for tonight HAVE BEEN CANCELED
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Blackburn, 7 p.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
New York Giants at New England, 7:15 p.m.

Free Diabetes Education Class
2025-12-02
PrintFree Diabetes Education Class Offered by
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology
2025 Class Schedule
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 diabetes education class, free of charge. All classes are held at their office at 500 N. Maple St., Suite 200 in Effingham.
• Free Comprehensive Diabetes Education Class – This free class helps provide a better understanding of managing all types of diabetes. Topics include nutrition, monitoring, medications, healthy coping and reducing risks. Class participants receive individualized goals and a comprehensive diabetes management plan. A follow-up class will be scheduled after completion of this initial class.
Dates/Times: Held on the first Tuesdays or Thursdays of the month, in the morning or afternoon:
– Tuesday, February 4, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Thursday, March 6, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Thursday, May 1, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Thursday, July 3, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Thursday, September 4, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
– Thursday, November 6, from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Dates are subject to change.
To register for the education class, register online at HSHSMedicalGroup.org/diabetes or call 217-391-5460.
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.

THE CHOSEN - Discussion Group
2025-12-02

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2025-12-02
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.
