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

Pearl Harbor Breakfast In Teutopolis
2025-12-07
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Altamont Community Choir Christmas Concert
2025-12-07
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Refreshments will be served in St. Paul’s Parish Hall after the concert.

Christmas Auction in Strasburg
2025-12-07

Christmas Open House at the Cross
2025-12-07

Free Diabetes Support Group
2025-12-08
PrintFree Diabetes Support Group Offered by
HSHS Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology
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 monthly diabetes support group, free of charge. The support group is held at their office at 500 N. Maple St., Suite 200 in Effingham.
• Diabetes Support Group – Join with other members of the diabetes community in a supportive, caring environment. Each meeting includes education on a diabetes-related topic, recipe demonstrations, and lots of laughter and fun. No registration is necessary – all are welcome.
Dates/Times: Held on the second Monday of the month from 5-6 p.m.
– February 10
– March 10
– April 14
– May 12
– June 9
– July 14
– August 11
– September 8
– October 13
– November 10
– December 8
Dates are subject to change.
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.

FISH Christmas Store Set-Up, Delivery, and Distribution
2025-12-08, 2025-12-09, 2025-12-10, 2025-12-11, 2025-12-12

Soup Supper at Altamont Legion
2025-12-08

Monday's Schedule
2025-12-08
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Altamont at St. Anthony, 6 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Highland at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Martinsville at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
Cumberland at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Neoga at South Central, 6 p.m.
Newton at Edwards County (Albion), 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
St. Anthony at Effingham, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Shelbyville, 6 p.m.
Okaw Valley at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
North Clay at Odin, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Seventh-Grade Tournament
Game 10 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. South Central, 6:45 p.m.
game 11 — Dieterich vs. Neoga, 8 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Class 8-3A Lawrenceville Parkview Regional
Game 5 — Teutopolis vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 6 p.m. (championship)
Class 8-4A Taylorville Regional
Game 6 — Mount Zion vs. Taylorville, 5:30 p.m. (championship)

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad
2025-12-09
PrintA new exhibit highlighting the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois are featured in a new exhibit Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad. This will be on display in the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site’s Visitor Center – Sargent Gallery, now through December 31.
This exhibit tells selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors and communities in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad. Using photos, videos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically for the exhibit, visitors will learn the about the people and communities who took part in this hidden history. Highlighted stories include freedom seekers John and Eliza Little, who traveled barefoot through Illinois to Canada to gain their freedom, or conductors like Henry who worked for Abraham Lincoln, and Mary Ann King Brown who helped the enslaved to freedom in the Springfield, Quincy and Galena areas. Many of the known communities are included, from Cairo through Springfield to Quincy and Chicago. Other featured areas are Brooklyn/Freedom Village, Miller Grove, Rocky Fork, Galesburg, Mount Hope, Jacksonville, and New Philadelphia.
Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.
The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site is located at 402 South Lincoln Highway Road, Lerna, IL 62440. For more information call 217-345-1845, or visit lincolnlogcabin.org

Homeschool STEM Squad
2025-12-09
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This program will run through May 2026. If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-12-09
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Charleston at Effingham, 5:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Altamont at Newton, 6 p.m.
Casey-Westfield at Cumberland, 7:30 p.m.
Neoga at Dieterich, 5 p.m.
South Central at Vandalia, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Paris, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Arcola, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Neoga vs. Tri-County at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg at Arcola, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at St. Anthony, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Richland County, Olney at Altamont, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Seventh-Grade Tournament
Game 12 — Windsor vs. Cumberland, 5:30 p.m.
Game 13 — Altamont vs. Sigel St. Michael, 6:45 p.m.
Game 14 — St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 8 p.m.
Charleston at Jasper County, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Martinsville, 6 p.m.
Richland County, Olney at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Ohio State, 6:30 p.m.

Shumway Senior Citizens Lunch
2025-12-09
PrintThe Shumway Senior Citizens will have their monthly lunch at the Shumway Kluthe Center at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9.
This is the rescheduled date from the weather-postponed monthly lunch last Tuesday.

Enduring Freedom Ministries December Dates
2025-12-09, 2025-12-10
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries December Dates:
Tuesday, December 2nd, from 4 – 6pm, Shumway
Tuesday, December 9th, from 4 – 6pm, Shumway. This is also the informational meeting for EFM’s latest project: Ezra’s Place
Wednesday, December 10th, noon – 2pm, Shumway
Saturday, December 13th, 9am – noon, Mason
Wednesday, December 17th, noon – 2pm, Shumway
Friday, December 19th, Deadline at midnight for Locker Blessing Registration
Saturday, December 27th, 8am – 3pm, Shumway (Locker Blessings)
Please call 217-868-5293 or 217-240-0059 to sign up, or go to our website and book your own date & time: www.my-christian-space.com then select either Shumway or Mason.
Shumway location is at (old grade school) 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Mason location is at 861 E. Washington Street, Mason (Mason Civic Center)

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-12-10
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
St. Elmo/Brownstown at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Robinson at Effingham, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
Class 8-1A Jerseyville Francis Sectional
Game 1 – Sigel St. Michael vs. Carrollton St. John, 6 p.m.
Class 8-2A North Clay Sectional
Game 1 – St. Anthony vs. Dieterich, 6 p.m.
Class 8-3A Teutopolis Sectional
Game 1 – Sullivan vs. Lawrenceville Parkview, 6 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Kentucky at Eastern Illinois University, 7 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church Food Pantry
2025-12-10
PrintCalvary Baptist Church Food Pantry will be taking orders for food bags on Monday, December 8th, from 4:00 – 5:30. Call 217-342-6671 to place order.
Drive-up pickup is Wednesday, December 10th, from 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
All needing food assistance are encouraged to call 217-342-6671

X & KJ-Athon for the FISH & Catholic Charities Christmas Store
2025-12-10

Free Children's Orthopedic Clinic
2025-12-11
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There are no charges for any services at this clinic.
No medical referral is necessary.
The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development.

Thursday's Schedule
2025-12-11
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Girls Basketball
St. Anthony at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
Nokomis at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Brownstown/St. Elmo at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
Dieterich at Martinsville, 6 p.m.
Neoga vs. Palestine at Lake Land College, 6 p.m.
Robinson at Newton, 5 p.m.
South Central at Ramsey, 6:15 p.m.
Teutopolis at St. Joseph-Ogden, 6 p.m.
FRESHMEN/SOPHOMORE
BOYS BASKETBALL
Effingham at Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, 6 p.m.
Sullivan at St. Anthony, 6 p.m.
Altamont at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Neoga at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 6 p.m.
St. Elmo/Brownstown at Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Arcola at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 6 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Mattoon at Effingham, 6 p.m.
St. Anthony at Centralia, 5:30 p.m.
Jasper County at Olney, 6 p.m.
Teutopolis at Paris Mayo, 6 p.m.
National Trail Conference Seventh-Grade Tournament
At Sigel St. Michael
Game 15 — South Central vs. Sigel St. Michael, 5:30 p.m. (consolation championship)
Game 16 — Neoga vs. Stewardson-Strasburg, 6:45 p.m. (third place)
Game 17 — Dieterich vs. St. Elmo/Brownstown, 6 p.m. (championship)
Girls Basketball
Class 7-3A State Tournament
At Auburn High School
Game 7 — Virginia vs. Downs Tri-Valley, 6 p.m. (third place)
Game 8 — Teutopolis vs. Hillsboro, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 7:15 p.m.

165th Anniversary of Dieterich's St. John Lutheran Church - Historical Presentation
2025-12-11
PrintOn Thursday, December 11, the Effingham County Museum will present the second lecture of their historical series. The lecture will be the “165th Anniversary of St. John Lutheran Church – Dieterich, Illinois” presented by Scott Wohltman.
The lecture will be held on the 2nd floor at the Effingham County Museum, located at 110 East Jefferson Street.
Doors open at 6:30 PM and the lecture begins at 7:00 PM.

Tinsel & Tails for E.A.R.S.
2025-12-12
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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

Christmas Without Cancer Trivia Night
2025-12-12

Krampus, The Untold Story - Performance In Effingham
2025-12-12
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Three Chicks & A Stage present an original production “Krampus, The Untold Story” at the Effingham Elks Club on December 12th, 13th and 14th.
Friday, December 12th will be a dinner show with dinner starting at 6:00pm and the show starting at 7:00pm. The $40 ticket for the dinner show must be purchased in advance and covers both the cost of the catered meal and the show. There will also be show-only tickets available for the Friday night performance.
The December 13th and 14th performances will be show-only performances. On Saturday, December 13th, the doors will open at 6:30 and curtain will be at 7:00pm. On Sunday, December 14th, the doors will open at 1:30 and curtain will be at 2:00pm. With the exception of the Friday night dinner, show tickets can be purchased at the door or at designated locations.
Tickets are available at the Effingham Elks (2102 S. Banker St., Effingham) and Jansen Computers (101 W. Main St., Teutopolis). For ticket info you can also call 812-783-0853‬.
Krampus was written by Three Chicks board member Patty Hooper. We invite you to come to the show to embrace the Christmas season with laughter and the true meaning of Christmas.
This year’s holiday show donation will be shared with Heartland Human Services.
Three Chicks & A Stage invite you to come out and laugh your way into the Christmas spirit this year!

Friday's Schedule
2025-12-12
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Mount Zion, 7 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
St. Anthony at Brownstown/St. Elmo, 6:15 p.m.
South Central at Altamont, 5 p.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Dieterich, 5 p.m.
Cumberland at Neoga at Lake Land College, 5 p.m.
Newton at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Bloomington Central Catholic at Teutopolis, 6 p.m.
Shelbyville at Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Effingham at Mount Zion, 5:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Cumberland vs. Neoga at Lake Land College, 6:30 p.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
National Trail Conference Eighth-Grade Tournament
At North Clay
Game 1 — Dieterich vs. Altamont, 4:15 p.m.
Game 2 — Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Windsor, 5:30 p.m.
Game 3 — Neoga vs. South Central, 6:45 p.m.
Game 4 — St. Elmo/Brownstown vs. North Clay, 8 p.m.

Strasburg Christmas Store
2025-12-12
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Check out the Show Case of Trees and vote for your favorite. Area businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to decorate a tree. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree and wreath and the tree and wreath with the most money in their container wins! Winners will receive either a catered lunch or a gift card.
Proceeds from the Show Case of Trees will benefit scholarships.

Red Cross Blood Drive in Oblong
2025-12-12
