Memorial Butterfly Release Ceremonies
2026-05-21, 2026-05-27
PrintHSHS Home Care invites community members to join them for butterfly release ceremonies at two Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals:

Thursday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. in the Healing Garden of St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham
Wednesday, May 27, at 4:00 p.m. in the Healing Garden (east side) of Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville

Family and friends are invited to celebrate and remember the life of a loved one who has passed. The ceremonies will include the reading of the names of those being honored in addition to the butterfly release.
Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, said, “These butterfly release ceremonies provide a special time for families in our communities to honor their loved ones. The butterfly represents the transformation of the spirit as our loved ones transition from this life. As we release butterflies together, we celebrate the lives that have touched our hearts and find comfort in our shared experiences of love and loss.”
In addition to attending to honor a loved one, you are invited to personally release a butterfly for your loved one by reserving a butterfly for $15 to be paid prior to the ceremony. To purchase a butterfly and/or RSVP for the ceremony, contact Engelbart by calling or texting 217-685-0702 or emailing valerie.engelbart@hshs.org .
You may also reserve a butterfly online by visiting giving.hshs.org/sae/donate and following these steps:

Under the “I want to support” section, select “Butterfly Release and/or Hospice Memorials”.
Check “I would like to dedicate this gift”, select type of dedication (In Memory Of), and fill in the name of your loved one under “Honoree name.”

For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

Summer Reading Celebration at Library
2026-05-21
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Red Cross Blood Drives in May
2026-05-22
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.

Poppy Days in Strasburg
2026-05-22, 2026-05-23
PrintThe Strasburg American Legion Auxiliary Unit #289 will be holding Poppy Days on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23.
Little red poppies can be worn in memory of those who have died in all wars. Your donations will assist in the rehabilitation of veterans who are currently hospitalized, suffering from wounds and illness.

Artist Johanna Stice Works on Display
2026-05-22
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The work of local artist Johanna Stice is on display, now through Saturday, June 27 in the art gallery at the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library.
Stice, a native of Effingham raised in Teutopolis, has been creating art for as long as she can remember. Her artistic journey began at the age of 5, when she took her first art class and painted a piece she titled “Daisies in a Yellow Jar.” It was at that moment that Stice discovered a lifelong passion for painting.
She draws inspiration from a range of sources, finding creative influence in the world around her. She is inspired by various forms of art and the work of other artists. Her pieces often reflect her personal interests and passions, with subjects ranging from beloved cultural icons such as the Muppets to music and nature, including birds.
For Stice, art is more than a creative outlet — it is a fundamental part of the human experience. She believes that everyone engages in art in some form, whether they realize it or not. Through singing, dancing, drawing, storytelling and music, people connect with each other across generations. In this way, art serves as a bridge between the present and the past, linking us to those who lived thousands of years ago.
The art exhibit is free and a library card is not required to view the exhibit.
Contact Art Gallery Coordinator Oran Colwell at 217-342-2464 or oran@effinghamlibrary.org for more information.

Friday's Schedule
2026-05-22
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
St. Anthony at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
North Clay at Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 4:30 p.m.
Newton at Greenville, 4:30 p.m.

Softball
Class 1A South Central Regional
Game 5 – Hutsonville vs. South Central 4:30 p.m. (championship)
Class 1A Edwards County (Albion) Regional
Game 4 – Edwards County vs. Grayville 4:30 p.m. (semi final)
Class 2A St. Anthony Regional
Game 4 –Marshall vs. Paris 4 p.m. (championship)
Class 2A Teutopolis Regional
Game 4 – Robinson vs. Teutopolis 4:30 p.m. (championship)

Boys Tennis
Class 1A Robinson Sectional
Effingham St. Anthony, Effingham, Newton, Teutopolis, Casey-Westfield, Flora, Mount Carmel, Richland County (Olney), Robinson

Girls Track
Class 1A State Meet
Athletes from Effingham St. Anthony, Altamont, Cumberland, Newton, North Clay, Teutopolis
Class 2A State Meet
Athletes from Effingham
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Effingham at Apollo JV Tournament at Mattoon, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
Effingham athletes at Class 3A State Track Meet
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Houston at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati, 5:40 p.m.

Prairie Skies - Planetarium Star Shows
2026-05-22
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Join in the fun and exploration every Friday at 7:00pm, for a tour of our night sky.
This is a live‑narrated tour of the wonders of the sky, accompanied by some of the legendary stories of the ancient sky. Find out what constellations and planets are visible and how to find them.
This show is updated seasonally and is intended for all ages.

Memorial Day Services in the Area
2026-05-23, 2026-05-24, 2026-05-25
PrintMEMORIAL DAY SERVICES In The Area:
Saturday, May 16 – Green Creek Cemetery – Saturday 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 – Loy Cemetery (east of Heartville) – Sunday 10 a.m.
Saturday, May 23 – Watson Cemetery – Saturday 9 a.m.
Sunday, May 24 – Teutopolis (St. Francis Cemetery) – Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day at:
– St. Anthony Cemetery 9 a.m.
– Oakridge Cemetery 10:30 a.m.
– Woodlawn Cemetery (following Oakridge)
VFW Post 1769 hosts the Memorial Day services this year.

Strasburg Town-Wide Garage Sales
2026-05-23
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The Village of Strasburg will hold their annual town wide rummage sales and flea market on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 7 a.m.
Sale locations, featured items and sale times will be posted on these Facebook pages: “Strasburg Community Action Network – SCAN” and “Strasburg, IL: Right In The Middle of Everything!” Check the list as some sales will be held both Friday and Saturday.
There will be over 30 sales in one square mile of town roads.
Start your day at the Community Center, located at 105 E. Commercial St., with a hearty breakfast of homemade biscuits and sausage gravy served by SCAN beginning at 7:00 a.m. until sold out.
In addition to town-wide rummage sales is a “Flea Market at the Farm” along North R. 32. The Flea Market will feature toy tractors, antiques, comic books, fishing tackle, plants and more.
As you travel through town, watch for garden gnomes, the village trademark. A 2020 gnome census revealed nearly 1,400 gnomes throughout Strasburg.
For more information, contact the Village Office at 217-644-3007.

Willow Long Memorial Ride
2026-05-23
PrintEffingham Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club Station 64 will be hosting our 12th annual Willow Long Memorial Ride on Saturday, May 23.
Sign up is from 10:00 to 11:45 at Danny’s Bar and Grill, 7722 South US 45 in Effingham. Kickstands up at noon.
All makes of bikes and vehicles are welcome.
Cost is $ 10.00 per person. Proceeds will go toward local scholarships in memory of Willow Long.
Call Spank Dial at 217-994-4980 with any questions.
License # 2026R-01

Saturday's Schedule
2026-05-23
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Centralia at Effingham, 11 a.m.
Softball
Class 1A Edwards County (Albion) Regional
Game 4 – Winner Game 2 vs. Lawrenceville 4 p.m. (championship)
Boys Tennis
Class 1A Robinson Sectional
Effingham St. Anthony, Effingham, Newton, Teutopolis, Casey-Westfield, Flora, Mount Carmel, Richland County (Olney), Robinson
Girls Track
Class 1A State Meet
Athletes from Effingham St. Anthony, Altamont, Cumberland, Newton, North Clay, Teutopolis
Class 2A State Meet
Athletes from Effingham
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Effingham at Apollo JV Tournament at Mattoon, TBA
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Track
State Track Meet, TBA
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Houston at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati, 6:15 p.m.
NASCAR
BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 3:30 p.m.

19th Century Base Ball Game at Lincoln Log Cabin
2026-05-23
PrintAmerica’s favorite pastime returns to Lincoln Log Cabin for the season on Saturday, May 23rd, at 10:00am. Visitors are invited to step back in time and join in a game of 19th century base ball, historically spelled as two words! New players are always welcome — men and women, young and old, skilled and unskilled. Everyone who wants to join in the fun will get a chance to play.
Base ball game play and rules in the mid-19th century were similar to modern rules and will be explained before each game. A few differences: pitches are underhand, and you won’t see any gloves or protective gear! We’ll play by the 1858 rules. Learn more about the rules and the history of the game at https://www.vbba.org/ and https://www.vbba.org/1858-rules/
The event is free and open to the public, no RSVP required. Spectators should pack a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic lunch to eat while you watch the game. The Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation will have ice cold drinks, light snacks, and candy available for purchase.
Are you interested in joining a vintage base ball team based at Lincoln Log Cabin? An official team is forming to play in organized matches with other local vintage base ball teams next year. Please email volunteer@lincolnlogcabin.org for more information, or attend one of our all-comer games this season!
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.
This event is produced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation. For more information about this or other events at the site, call 217-345-1845, email info@lincolnlogcabin.org, or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org.

Sunday's Schedule
2026-05-24
PrintMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Houston at Chicago Cubs, 1:20 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati, 12:40 p.m.
NASCAR
110th Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 10 a.m.

Farina Memorial Day Service
2026-05-24
PrintWhat: Farina Memorial Day Service
When: Sunday, May 24, @ 11:45 AM
Where: Farina American Legion Community Center
Guest Speaker: Scott Spencer
Contact: Jo Williams, 618-267-1657

Clay County Memorial Day Ceremonies
2026-05-24
PrintMemorial Day, honoring all soldiers who died during service to the nation, will be celebrated with ceremonies throughout Clay County.
– The Clay City – Sailor Springs American Legion Post 230 will have Memorial Day Services on Sunday at the Clay City Cemetery at 1:00 PM, Mt. Zion Cemetery at 1:30 PM, Dillman Cemetery at 2:00 PM, Smith Cemetery at 3:00 PM, and the Ingraham Cemetery at 3:30 pm.
– A county-wide Memorial Service will also be held at the Oskaloosa Cemetery on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Master of Ceremonies will be Doug Leak. Adam West will sing the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Kasey Leak. Following the address by Ruthie Welty, the Flora and Louisville American Legions and the Flora V.F.W. will present the 21-Gun Salute, with Taps. Everyone is invited to attend. Please bring lawn chairs.
– There will also be a Memorial Service on Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Old Union Church of Christ. Guest speaker will be Brent Bailey. Old Union Church of Christ is 1 mile off of Route 45 on the Bible Grove Road.

Mason Civic Center Memorial Day Dinner
2026-05-24
PrintMason Civic Center
Annual Memorial Day Dinner
Sunday, May 24
Serving 11:00-1:00
Music By Whitley Silvers
Guest Speaker:Alan Bell
at 1:30PM
followed by Honor Guard
Services at 2:00
Mason Union Cemetery
Fried Chicken, Ham and all the Fixings

National Athletic Hall Of Fame Nominations
2026-05-25

Legion Cookout in Altamont
2026-05-25

Memorial Day Celebration in Strasburg
2026-05-25
PrintThe Strasburg Lions “LEO” Club would like to invite you to celebrate the heroics and suffering of our community and surrounding area’s service men and women. The Memorial Day Celebration will honor those who have served at home and abroad, currently and in the past.
The event will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Veterans Memorial in Strasburg.
The keynote speaker will be Larry Giertz, a native of Strasburg and retired from the National Guard.
The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. and last about an hour. The Strasburg Lions will be providing a lunch at the new park pavilion following the program. The lunch will be free to all Veterans. A free will donation will be collected from all others. All proceeds from the lunch will be donated to the Strasburg Veterans Memorial.
In case of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Strasburg Community Center.
The Strasburg Lions LEO club members are students at Stewardson-Strasburg High School.
This is an outdoor event so please bring your own lawn chair. Seating is limited.
For more information, contact the Village Office at 217-644-3007.

Dieterich Community Memorial Day Commemoration
2026-05-25

Monday's Schedule
2026-05-25
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Class 2A Effingham Regional
Game 1 – Oblong at Robinson, 4:30 p.m.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at St. Louis Cardinals, 1:10 p.m.

Dog Obedience Classes
2026-05-26

Backstage With The Bible
2026-05-26, 2026-05-27
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To be sure we have supplies, please register in advance if possible.

Tuesday's Schedule
2026-05-26
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Softball
Class 1A Casey-Westfield Sectional
Game 1 – Casey-Westfield vs. South Central 4:30 p.m. (Listen on KJ Country 102.3)
Game 2 – Edwards County Albion vs. Windsor/Stew-Stras 6:30 p.m. (Listen on KJ Country 102.3)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 5:40 p.m.
Milwaukee at St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m.

Altamont City-Wide Yard Sales
2026-05-27
PrintThe City of Altamont will be having city-wide yard sales Wednesday, May 27 through Sunday, May 31st.
Maps can be picked up at the Municipal Building and at the 4-Way by Dr. Opilka’s office.
This is part of the 23rd Historic National Road Yard Sale Festival that runs from Baltimore, Maryland to East St. Louis!
