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

‘Cram the Cars’ for Catholic Charities Food Pantry
2026-02-28
PrintIn 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.

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in February
2026-02-28
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries February Calendar:
Tuesday, February 10th, 4-6pm, Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Wednesday, February, 11th, noon – 2p.m., Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Saturday, February 14th, 9a.m.-noon, Mason location is West Washington Street (Mason Civic Center)
Wednesday, February, 18th, noon – 2p.m., Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
Thursday, February 19th, noon – 2p.m or until we run out. We are hosting an EXTRA FREE-FOOD DISTRIBUTION DRIVE-THROUGH. This will be held on the parking lot of the EFFINGHAM ARMORY at 1206 West Temple Avenue in Effingham.
Saturday, February 28th, 8:30-noon, Shumway location is 304 South West Street (old grade school)
We ask that the families call and make an appointment for our Shumway & Mason Distributions. Call 217-240-0059 or 217-868-5293 or go to our website: www.my-christian-space.com
Enduring Freedom Ministries is free and for everyone!

Hooked on Chrochet
2026-02-28
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Teutopolis Boys Golf Raffle of Cardinals Green Seats
2026-02-28
PrintTeutopolis Boys Golf is selling raffle tickets to win 4 Cardinals Green Seats. This includes the Cardinals Club Buffett, a Parking Pass, and In-Seat Food and Beverage.
The game is TBD.
Raffle Tickets are: 1/$20, 3/$50, or 7/$100. They’ll be available until close to Opening Day, March 26.
To get your chances, reach out to Mike Wilson, who accepts Venmo @MikeWils13. Will need your name and cellphone number.
Thanks for your support of Teutopolis Boys Golf!

Greater Vision in Concert
2026-02-28

Polar Plunge at Lake Sara Beach
2026-02-28
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Schedule:
10:00 AM to 11:45 AM: Plunger check-in & walk-up registration at the Lake Sara Pearson Building, 15250 N. Beach Rd., Effingham.
12:00 Noon: Polar Plunge kick-off, including costume judging.
1:00 PM: Post-Plunge Party with free meal for plungers at the American Legion, 200 W. Washington, Effingham. Polar Plungers will receive a free meal provided by the Rhodes Show Catering and refreshments provided by Heartland Coca-Cola. Family members and fans are also welcome and can purchase a meal for $6 for adults and $3 for children under age 12.

Free Throw Championship - Teutopolis Knights of Columbus
2026-02-28

Saturday's Schedule
2026-02-28
PrintJUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Grayville Regional
Match 1 — Martinsville vs. Sigel St. Michael, 10 a.m.
Match 2 — Newton St. Thomas vs. Grayville, 11 a.m.
Match 3 — Altamont Lutheran vs. Effingham Sacred Heart, noon
Class 7-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Match 1 — Philo St. Thomas vs. Findlay Okaw Valley, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Windsor vs. Hume Shiloh, 10 a.m.
Match 3 — Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Homer Heritage, 11 a.m.
Class 7-2A St. Elmo/Brownstown Regional
Match 1 — Nokomis vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — South Central vs. Altamont, 10 a.m
Match 3 — St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. Effingham St. Anthony, 11 a.m.
Class 7-2A Oblong Regional
Match 1 — Oblong vs. Neoga, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — North Clay vs. Dieterich, 10 a.m.
Match 3 — Albion vs. Hutsonville, 11 a.m.
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Match 1 — Teutopolis vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Paris Mayo vs. Robinson Nuttall, 10 a.m.
Match 3 — Jasper County vs. Red Hill (Bridgeport), 11 a.m.
Match 4 — Cumberland vs. Marshall, noon
Class 7-4A Taylorville Regional
Match 1 — Taylorvillevs. Stephen Decatur, 9 a.m.
Match 2 — Mattoon vs. Effingham, 10 a.m.
Match 3 — Chatham Glenwood vs. Mount Zion, 11 a.m.
Match 4 — Charleston vs. Rochester, noon
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at SIUE, 3:30 p.m.
NASCAR
Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas, 1:30 p.m.

Elks Trade Scholarship Available
2026-03-01

Gym Bob's Jamboree Show
2026-03-01
PrintThe Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show will be held on Sunday, March 1st, beginning at 1pm! This will be our “All 50’s and 60’s Show” and we will be featuring all your favorite oldies music, such as Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and other legends from the 50’s and 60’s, for the whole family to enjoy – performed by the Gym Bob’s Jamboree Band and Singers.
The Jamboree Show is held the first Sunday afternoon of the month at Gym Bob’s, except for April 2026 which will be on the SECOND Sunday, April 12th in observance of Easter. Gym Bobs is located at 44 Apostle Lane in Bible Grove.
Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling 615-481-7418.
More information may also be found online at http://www.GymBobs.com

Sunday's Schedule
2026-03-01
PrintNASCAR
EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, 2:30 p.m.

HSHS Community Connect
2026-03-01
PrintHospital Sisters Health System introduces HSHS Community Connect
Connecting communities with local resources
For 150 years, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has been a leader of health and wellness in the communities serving across Illinois and Wisconsin. To address the needs of our communities, HSHS proudly launches HSHS Community Connect, a digital database of free or reduced cost community-based programs and services available in the communities we serve.
HSHS is committed to improving community health and addressing ever-changing needs and factors within the community landscape,” said Kim Luz-Mobley, M.S., C.H.E.S., System Executive Director of Community Health. “Across our health system and the communities we serve, HSHS strives to fulfill our Mission to provide high-quality health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.”
In 2024, HSHS hospitals conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify the health status, needs and issues in the communities we serve. HSHS Community Connect is a powerful tool that will support our goal to improve community outcomes by working to address social determinants of health, including access to medical care.
“As a health care system, we see members of our community every day who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or in need of financial aid. With HSHS Community Connect, we can find local resources to connect our patients with the support they need,” said Luz-Mobley.
Across Illinois, patients and community members can find hundreds of local resources that meet their needs, including:
• Financial aid
• Food pantries
• Medical care
• Housing and temporary shelter
• Personal safety
• Baby items
• Transportation
• And more.
Patients can also access HSHS Community Connect on our website at hshs.org/connect or through MyHSHS. If you need to create a MyHSHS account, be sure to use your full proper name that matches your HSHS medical record. If you have questions about MyHSHS, call the MyChart support line at 1-866-312-5023 or email MyHealthRecordhelp@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Pork Dinner at Immanuel Lutheran Church
2026-03-01
PrintThe Immanuel Lutheran Church Annual Pork Dinner will be this Sunday, March 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The church is located at 203 East Division Street in Altamont.
The meal includes grilled pork loin, baked potato, baked beans, green beans, slaw, applesauce, dinner roll, and dessert. Other meat options are a porkburger or hotdog.
The pork loin dinner is $15 and the porkburger dinner is $10. Children age 4 and under eat free.
It is dine-in or carry out.
Proceeds will go to the after-school program, Immanuel Youth Group and church projects.

Free At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests
2026-03-02
PrintNo Prep, No Procedure, No Excuses: HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Offering Free, At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests in March
Colon cancer screening just got easier.
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is giving away at-home screening tests while highlighting that colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when cases for men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Individuals aged 45 or older, or those with an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer, are eligible for a free InSure ONE at-home screening test with instructions, from March 1 through March 31.
Tests can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, 503 N. Maple St., in the presurgical testing department, while supplies last. For easy access, please enter through the presurgical testing entrance on the hospital’s north side. Samples must be returned to the department by April 1. Please note this screening test is not a substitute for a colonoscopy.
This simple, easy test saves lives. Early detection is key to successful treatment of colorectal cancer, with nearly 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage experiencing a five-year survival rate, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although overall death rates have fallen during the past decade due to increased screening and improved treatments, the same does not hold true for younger adults. For people under 55, death rates have been increasing about 1% per year since the mid-2000s, according to the ACS.
For more information regarding this colorectal cancer screening event, call 217-347-1858. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

Monday's Schedule
2026-03-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Class 2A Benton Super-Sectional
Game 1 – Breese Central vs. Teutopolis, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Grayville Regional
Match 4 – West Salem vs. Martinsville, 6 p.m.
Match 5 – Newton St. Thomas vs. Altamont Lutheran, 7 p.m.
Class 7-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Match 4 – Chrisman Scottland vs. Philo St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Match 5 – Windsor vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 7 p.m.
Class 7-2A Oblong Regional
Match 4 – Casey-Westfield vs. Oblong, 4:30 p.m.
Match 5 — North Clay vs. Albion, 5:30 p.m.
Class 7-4A Taylorville Regional
Match 5 – Taylorville vs. Effingham, 5 p.m.
Match 6 – Chatham Glenwood vs. Rochester, 6 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drives in March
2026-03-03
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in March:
3/3, Tuesday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
3/3, Tuesday, First Baptist Church, Casey, Noon – 6:00 PM
3/9, Monday, Clay City High School Gym, Clay City, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
3/9, Monday, Noble Lions Club Building, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
3/15, Sunday, St Joseph Stringtown Community Club, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
3/19, Thursday, First Baptist Church Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
3/20, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
3/23, Monday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
3/30, Monday, Effingham Event Center, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Give in March for a $15 Gift Card by email & successful donations get A1C testing! More info at: rcblood.org/March
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

Cinnamon Roll-Making Presentation
2026-03-03

Enduring Freedom Ministries March Distributions
2026-03-03
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries March Distributions:
Tuesday, March 3rd from 4 – 6p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Tuesday, March 10th from 4 – 6p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Wednesday, March 11th from noon – 2p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Saturday, March 14th from 9 – noon, Mason location at 861 West Washington Street
Wednesday, March 18th from noon – 2p.m., Shumway location at 304 South West Street
Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 – noon, Shumway location at 304 South West Street
We ask that the families call and make an appointment for our Shumway & Mason Distributions. Call 217-240-0059 or 217-868-5293 or go to our website: www.my-christian-space.com
Enduring Freedom Ministries is free and for everyone!

Free Tax Preparation with Catholic Charities
2026-03-03, 2026-03-04, 2026-03-05

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-03-03
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A Macon Meridian Sectional
Game 1 – Tuscola vs. Altamont, 7 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Class 2A Monticello Sectional
Game 1 – Teutopolis vs. Warrensburg-Latham, 6:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-2A St. Elmo/Brownstown Regional
Match 4 – Morrisonville vs. Nokomis, 5:30 p.m.
Match 5 – South Central vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6:30 p.m.
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Match 5 – Teutopolis vs. Paris Mayo, 6 p.m.
Match 6 – Jasper County vs. Cumberland, 7 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Oregon at University of Illinois, 8 p.m.

Invite the Healing - New Group
2026-03-04
PrintThe Effingham Family Mental Health Support office is offering a new group called, “Invite the Healing”. This will be a series of discussion sessions to promote and invite more healing and health in our lives. We will focus on one particular type of healing approach during each session to facilitate greater mental, physical, and spiritual health. Rev. Carol Johnson will lead sessions. There will be guest speakers to share insights and participate in discussions.
Sessions will include: Music therapy, Art therapy, Aroma therapy, Plant therapy, Woodland Therapy, Nature Therapy, and others. The first session is on Wednesday, March 4th , 5:00 – 7:00pm.
Registration is encouraged to assist in preparation of space and materials. Anyone interested is welcome to register in person at the Family Mental Health Support office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 10:00 – 2:00. You may also call Carol and leave a message at 270-217-1422. The office is located at 202 North Banker in Effingham.

Wednesday's Schedule
2026-03-04
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A Macon Meridian Sectional
Game 2 – Lawrenceville vs. Casey-Westfield, 7 p.m.
Class 2A Monticello Sectional
Game 2 – Tolono Unity vs. Fairfield, 6:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Grayville Regional
Match 6 – West Salem vs. Altamont Lutheran, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-4A Taylorville Regional
Match 7 – Taylorville vs. Chatham Glenwood, 6 p.m. (championship)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 1 — Eastern Illinois vs. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, 6 p.m.
Game 2 — Lindenwood vs. Little Rock, 8:30 p.m.

Bethel Christian Church Revival
2026-03-05, 2026-03-06

Thursday's Schedule
2026-03-05
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
CLASS 1A STATE TOURNAMENT
At CEFCU Arena
Thursday, March 5
Game 1 — (1) Mt. Pulaski vs. (1) Mt. Sterling (Brown County), 10 a.m.
Game 2 — (1) Deer Creek-Mackinaw vs. (1) Rockford Christian, 11:45 a.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 7 p.m.
CLASS 2A STATE TOURNAMENT
At CEFCU Arena
Thursday, March 5
Game 1 — (1) Pleasant Plains vs. (2) Breese (Central), 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 — (2) Elgin (St. Edward) vs. (1) Byron, 4:15 p.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 8:15 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball
Class 7-1A Chrisman Scottland Regional
Game 6 — Chrisman Scottland vs. Windsor, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-2A St. Elmo/Brownstown Regional
Match 6 – Morrisonville vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 7-3A Teutopolis Regional
Match 7 – Paris Mayo vs. Cumberland, 6 p.m. (championship)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 3– UT Martin vs. Eastern Illinois , 6 p.m.
Game 4 — Southeast Missouri vs. Lindenwood, 8:30 p.m.

Friday's Schedule
2026-03-06
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Class 1A Macon Meridian Sectional Championship
Game 3 – Altamont vs. Lawrenceville, 7 p.m. (Listen on 97.9 XFM)
Class 2A Monticello Sectional Championship
Game 3 — Teutopolis vs. Tolono Unity, 6:30 p.m. (Listen on KJ Country 102.3)
Girls Basketball
Class 3A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 1 — (1) River Forest Trinity vs. (1) Chatham Glenwood, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — (3) Arlington Heights St. Viator vs. (1) Washington, 11:45 a.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 7 p.m.
Class 4A State Tournament
At CEFCU Arena
Game 1 — (2) Belleville East vs. (1) LaGrange Park Nazareth Academy, 2:30 p.m.
Game 2 — (1) Wilmette Loyola Academy vs. (5) Rolling Meadows, 4:15 p.m.
Game 3 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (third place), 8:15 p.m.
Girls Track
Eastern Illinois University Indoor Meet, noon
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
At Evansville, Indiana
Game 4 — Tennessee State vs. UT Martin, 7 p.m.
Game 6 — Morehead State vs. Southeast Missouri State, 9:30 p.m.

Energy Assistance Program Starts
2026-03-06
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.

Bald Eagle Days at Pere Marquette State Park
2026-03-06
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.
