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

Annual Effingham County FISH Christmas Day Dinner
2025-12-25
PrintEffingham County FISH Organization is sponsoring the Annual Effingham County Christmas Day Dinner on Thursday, December 25, 2025. A congregate meal, as well as delivery and curbside pickup, is available. The congregate meal will begin at 12:30pm at the Effingham Event Center, 1501 W. Fayette Ave., Effingham, IL. Delivered meals will be delivered after 10am. Curbside pickup will be available between 11:00am and 12noon at the Effingham Event Center, 1501 W. Fayette Ave, Effingham.
This event is free and open to all Effingham County residents and their families. Donations are greatly appreciated and may be given to the delivery driver, left in a donation bucket at the Event Center, or sent to: FISH, P.O. Box 473, Effingham, IL 62401.
Reservations may be made beginning December 1 through December 22, 2025. For the congregate, home delivery, and curbside pickup meals, please call 217-343-7342.
Volunteers are needed to help package and deliver meals. Packaging meals begins at 9am Christmas Day. To volunteer, please call 217-343-7342.

Drive-Thru Advent Calendar at C.U.M.C.
2025-12-25, 2025-12-28, 2025-12-31
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Celebrate the season with Centenary United Methodist Church’s illuminated drive-thru Advent Calendar.
The Drive-Thru is on display every evening through Wednesday, December 31st.

Thursday's Schedule
2025-12-25
PrintMERRY CHRISTMAS

Tinsel & Tails for E.A.R.S.
2025-12-26, 2025-12-27
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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

Friday's Schedule
2025-12-26
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Dieterich Tournament
Game 1 – Ramsey vs. Dieterich, 11:30 a.m.
Game 2 – Grayville vs. South Central, 1 p.m.
Game 3 – Red Hill vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 2:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Robinson vs. Grayville, 4 p.m.
Game 5 – South Central vs. Sullivan, 5:30 p.m.
Game 6 – Dieterich vs. Red Hill, 7 p.m.
Monticello Holiday Hoopla Tournament
Game 1 – Ridgeview vs. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Monticello vs. Neoga, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Clinton vs. Fithian Oakwood, 2 p.m.
Game 4 – Tuscola vs. Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 3:30 p.m.
Game 5 – Neoga vs. Ridgeview, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Monticello, 7:30 p.m.
Vandalia Holiday Tournament
Game 1 – Cumberland vs. Macon Meridian, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Nokomis vs. Greenville, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Pana vs. Shelbyville, 1 p.m.
Game 4 — Vandalia vs. Greenville, 4:30 p.m.
Game 5 – Shelbyville vs. Cumberland, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Nokomis vs. Flora, 7:30 p.m.
Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament
Game 1 – Altamont vs. New Athens, 3 p.m.
Game 2 – Waltonville vs. Marissa Coulterville, 4:30 p.m.
Game 3 – DuQuoin vs. Sesser-Valier, 6 p.m.
Game 4 – Goreville vs. Red Bud, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Coles County Tournament
At Mattoon High School
Game 1 – Danville vs. Mattoon, 10 a.m.
Game 3 – Effingham vs. Central, 11:30 a.m.
Game 5 – Galesburg vs. Danville, 1 p.m.
Game 7 – Central vs. Marion, 3 p.m.
Game 9 – Mattoon vs. Galesburg, 4:30 p.m.
Game 10 – Marion vs. Effingham, 6 p.m.
At Charleston High School
Game 2 – Jacksonville vs. Charleston, 10 a.m.
Game 4 – Mahomet-Seymour vs. Sullivan, 11:30 a.m.
Game 6 – Teutopolis vs. Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Game 8 – Sullivan vs. St. Anthony, 3 p.m.
Game 10 – Charleston vs. Teutopolis, 4:30 p.m.
Game 12 – St. Anthony vs. Mahomet-Seymour, 6 p.m.
Dieterich Holiday Tournament
Game 1 – Ramsey vs. Dieterich, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville vs. Arcola, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Cumberland vs. Ramsey, 1 p.m.
Game 4 – Arcola vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 – Marshall vs. Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville, 4 p.m.
Game 6 – Dieterich vs. Okaw Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Merry Mule Tournament
At Fairfield
At Center Street Grade School
Game 1 – Edwards County vs. North Clay, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Newton vs. Wayne City, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – North Clay vs. West Frankfort, 1:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Mount Vernon vs. Newton, 3 p.m.
Game 5 – West Frankfort vs. Edwards County, 4:30 p.m.
Game 6 – Wayne City vs. Mount Vernon, 6 p.m.
At Community High School
Game 1 – Fairfield vs. Webber, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Woodlawn vs. Flora, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 — Webber vs. Murphysboro, 3 p.m.
Game 4 – Murphysboro vs. Lawrenceville, 6 p.m.
Monticello Holiday Tournament
Game 1 – Monticello vs. Neoga, 10 a.m.
Game 2 — Tri-Valley vs. Tuscola, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Warrensburg-Latham vs. Ridgeview, 2 p.m.
Game 4 – GCMS vs. Clinton, 3:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Tuscola vs. Monticello, 6 p.m.
Game 6 – Neoga vs. Tri-Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Locker Blessing - Enduring Freedom Ministries
2025-12-27
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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

Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Tour and Voting
2025-12-27, 2025-12-30
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This holiday season, Visit Effingham invites you to celebrate the return of a beloved community tradition – the Holiday Lights & Festive Sights Tour! Back for another year of sparkle and holiday cheer, this festive tour turns Effingham into a twinkling wonderland for all to enjoy.
Only 20 homes have been selected for this year’s tour, and each received a yard sign denoting their participation. Pick up a scorecard from Visit Effingham at City Hall – or download it from our social media channels – and vote for your favorite home on the tour by December 30th. The People’s Choice Winner will walk away with $250.
Homes can be voted for online at Visit Effingham‘s Facebook page, their website www.visiteffinghamil.com , or in person at Effingham City Hall (201 East Jefferson Ave). Voting will be open December 12th through the 30th at noon. The People’s Choice winner will be announced on December 30th in the afternoon.
For more information on the Holiday Light Tour, please call the office at 217-342-5310 or go to their website:  www.visiteffinghamil.com

Saturday's Schedule
2025-12-27
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Dieterich Tournament
Game 7 – Ramsey vs. Red Hill, 11:30 a.m.
Game 8 – Sullivan vs. Grayville, 1 p.m.
Game 9 – South Central vs. Robinson, 2:30 p.m.
Game 10 – Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. Ramsey, 4 p.m.
Game 11 – Robinson vs. Sullivan, 5:30 p.m.
Game 12 – Dieterich vs. Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City, 7 p.m.
Monticello Holiday Hoopla Tournament
Game 7 – Fithian Oakwood vs. Tuscola, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – Clinton vs. Paxton-Buckley-Loda, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Neoga, 2 p.m.
Game 10 – Monticello vs. Ridgeview, 3:30 p.m.
Game 11 – Paxton-Buckley-Loda vs. Fithian Oakwood, 6 p.m.
Game 12 – Tuscola vs. Clinton, 7:30 p.m.
Vandalia Holiday Tournament
Game 7 – Shelbyville vs. Macon Meridian, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – Flora vs. Vandalia, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – Cumberland vs. Pana, 1 p.m.
Game 10 – Greenville vs. Flora, 4:30 p.m.
Game 11 – Macon Meridian vs. Pana, 6 p.m.
Game 12 — Vandalia vs. Nokomis, 7:30 p.m.
Kansas/Tri-County Tournament
Game 1 – Westville vs. Martinsville, 10 a.m.
Game 2 – Chrisman vs. Tri-County, 11:30 a.m.
Game 3 – Paris vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 1 p.m.
Game 4 – Martinsville vs. Chrisman, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Westville, 4 p.m.
Game 6 – Tri-County vs. Paris, 5:30 p.m.
Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament
Game 5 – Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 3 p.m.
Game 6 – Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4:30 p.m.
Game 7 – Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 6 p.m.
Game 8 — Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Coles County Tournament
At Mattoon High School
Game 13 – Third Pool A vs. Third Pool B, 10 a.m.
Game 15 – Second Pool A vs. Second Pool B, 11:30 a.m.
Game 17 – First Pool A vs. First Pool B, 1 p.m.
Game 19 – winner 13 vs. Winner 14, 3 p.m. (9th-10th place)
Game 21 – Winner 15 vs. Winner 16, 4:30 p.m. (5th-6th place)
Game 23 – Winner 7 vs. Winner 18, 6 pm. (1st-2nd place)
At Charleston High School
Game 14 – 3rd Pool C vs. 3rd Pool D, 10 a.m.
Game 16 – 2nd Pool C vs. 2nd Pool D, 11:30 a.m.
Game 18 – 1st Pool A vs. 1st Pool D, 1 p.m.
Game 20 – Loser 13 vs. Loser 14, 3 pm. (11th-12 place)
Game 22 – Loser 15 vs. Loser 16, 4:30 p.m. (7th/8th place)
Game 24 – Loser 17 vs. Loser 18, 6 p.m. (3rd-4th place)
Dieterich Holiday Tournament
Game 7 – Okaw Valley vs. Ramsey, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – Marshall vs. Arcola, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville vs. Brownstown/St. Elmo, 1 p.m.
Game 10 – Cumberland vs. Okaw Valley, 2:30 p.m.
Game 11 – Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Marshall, 4 p.m.
Game 12 – Dieterich vs. Cumberland, 5:30 p.m.
Merry Mule Tournament
At Fairfield
At Center Street Grade School
Game 7 – C vs. D Bronze, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – C vs. D Silver, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – C vs. D Gold, 1:30 p.m.
Game 10 – Losers of Bronze, 3 p.m.
Game 11 – Losers of Silver, 4:30 p.m.
At Fairfield Community High School
Game 7 – A vs. B Bronze, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – A vs. B Silver, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – A vs. B Gold, 1:30 p.m.
Game 10 – Winners of Bronze, 3 p.m.
Game 11 – Winners of Silver, 4:30 p.m.
Game 12 – Losers of Gold (third place), 6 p.m.
Game 18 – Winners of Gold (championship), 7:30 p.m.
Monticello Holiday Tournament
Game 7 – Clinton vs. Ridgeview, 10 a.m.
Game 8 – GCMS vs. Warrensburg-Latham, 11:30 a.m.
Game 9 – Monticello vs. Tri-Valley, 2 p.m.
Game 10 – Tuscola vs. Neoga, 3:30 p.m.
Game 11 — Warrensburg-Latham vs. Clinton, 6p.m.
Game 12 – Ridgeview vs. GCMS, 7:30 p.m.
Wrestling
Effingham at Carterville Holiday Duals, 9 a.m.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Houston at Los Angeles Chargers, 3:30 p.m.
Baltimore at Green Bay, 7 p.m.

Sunday's Schedule
2025-12-28
PrintNATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Arizona at Cincinnati, noon
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, noon
New Orleans at Tennessee, noon
Jacksonville at Indianapolis, noon
Tampa Bay at Miami, noon
New England at New York, noon
Seattle at Carolina, noon
New York Giants at Las Vegas, 3:05 p.m.
Philadelphia at Buffalo, 3:25 p.m.
Chicago at San Francisco, 7:20 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drive at Effingham
2025-12-29
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Elks Trade Scholarship Available
2025-12-29

Monday's Schedule
2025-12-29
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham/Teutopolis Christmas Classic
At Teutopolis
Game 1 — Charleston vs. Champaign Centennial, 3 p.m.
Game 3 — St. Anthony vs. Chicago Brooks, 4:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
Game 5 — Newton vs. Oregon, 6 p.m.
Game 7 — Pleasant Plains vs. Teutopolis, 7:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON KJ COUNTRY 102.3)
At Effingham
Main Gym
Game 2 — Dixon vs. Lawrenceville, 3 p.m.
Game 4 — Mattoon vs. Lutheran North, 4:30 p.m.
Game 6 — Central A&M vs. Tolono Unity, 6 p.m.
Game 8 — Belvidere vs. Effingham, 7:30 p.m. (LISTEN ON 979XFM)
Dieterich Holiday Tournament
Game 13 – Ramsey vs. Grayville (seventh place), 1 p.m.
Game 14 – Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City vs. South Central (fifth place), 2:30 p.m.
Game 15 – Red Hill vs. Robinson (third place), 4 p.m.
Game 16 – Dieterich vs. Sullivan (championship), 8 p.m.
Vandalia Holiday Tournament
Game 13 – Shelbyville vs. Nokomis, 2:30 p.m.
Game 14 – Flora vs. Meridian, 4 p.m.
Game 15 – Cumberland vs. Greenville, 5:30 p.m.
Game 16 – Vandalia vs. Pana, 7 p.m.
Sesser Valier Tournament
Game 9 – Marissa vs. Sesser-Valier, noon (seventh place)
Game 10 – New Athens vs. Red Bud, 1:30 p.m. (consolation championship)
Game 11 – Altamont vs. DuQuoin, 3 p.m. (third place)
Game 12 – Goreville vs. Waltonville, 7 p.m. (championship)
Monticello Tournament
Game 13 – Neoga vs. Fithian Oakwood, 10 a.m. (seventh place)
Game 14 – Third Place Purple vs. Third Place Gold 11:30 a.m. (fifth place)
Game 15 – Ridgeview vs. Second Place Gold, 3:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 16 – Monticello vs. First Place Gold, 7:30 p.m. (championship)
Tri-County Tournament
Game 7 – Paris vs. Chrisman, 1 p.m.
Game 8 – Martinsville vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 2:30 p.m.
Game 9 – Tri-County vs. Westville, 4 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Dieterich Holiday Tournament
Game 13 – Arcola vs. Ramsey (Seventh Place) 1 p.m.
Game 14 – Oblong/Palestine/Hutsonville vs. Okaw Valley (fifth place), 2:30 p.m.
Game 15 – Marshall vs. Dieterich (third place), 4 p.m.
Game 16 – Brownstown/St. Elmo vs. Cumberland (first place ), 6 p.m.
Monticello Tournament
Game 13 – Tuscola vs. Colwfax Ridgeview (seventh place), 10 a.m.
Game 14 – Neoga vs. Warrensburg-Latham (fifth place), 11:30 a.m.
Game 15 – Monticello vs. GCMS (third place), 2 p.m.
Game 16 – Clinton vs. Tri-Valley (championship), 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Cumberland boys at Abe’s Rumble, Springfield, 2 p.m.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Southern at University of Illinois, 2 p.m.

Tuesday's Schedule
2025-12-30
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham/Teutopolis Christmas Classic
At Teutopolis
Game 9 — Charleston vs. Chicago Brooks, 9:30 a.m.
Game 11 — Newton vs. Pleasant Plains, 11 a.m.
Game 13 — Champaign Centennial vs. St. Anthony, 12:30 p.m.
Game 15 — Oregon vs. Teutopolis, 2 p.m.
Game 17 — Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 11, 4:30 p.m.
Game 20 — Loser Game 13 vs. Loser Game 15, 6 p.m.
Game 23 — Winner Game 13 vs. Winner Game 15, 7:30 p.m.
At Effingham
Main Gym
Game 10 — Dixon vs. Mattoon, 9:30 a.m.
Game 12 — Central A&M vs. Effingham, 11 a.m.
Game 14 — Lawrenceville vs. Lutheran North, 12:30 p.m.
Game 16 — Tolono Unity vs. Belvidere, 2 p.m.
Game 18 — Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 12, 4:30 p.m.
Game 22 — Loser Game 14 vs. Loser Game 16, 6 p.m.
Game 24 — Winner Game 14 vs. Winner Game 16, 7:30 p.m.
Auxiliary Gym
Game 19 — Loser Game 9 vs. Loser Game 11, 4:30 p.m.
Game 21 — Loser Game 10 vs. Loser Game 12, 6 p.m.
Vandalia Holiday Tournament
Game 17 – Meridian vs. Nokomis, 2:30 p.m.
Game 18 – Shelbyville vs. Flora, 4 p.m.
Game 19 – Greenville vs. Pana, 5:30 p.m. (third place)
Game 20 – Cumberland vs. Vandalia, 7 p.m. (championship)
Tri-County Tournament
Game 10 – Paris vs. Westville, 10 a.m.
Game 11 – Tri-County vs. Martinsville, 11:30 a.m.
Game 12 – Chrisman vs. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg, 1 p.m.
Game 13 – Martinsville vs. Paris, 2:30 p.m.
Game 14 – Westville vs. Chrisman, 4 p.m.
Game 15 – Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg vs. Tri-County, 5:30 p.m.
Wrestling
Cumberland boys at Abe’s Rumble, Springfield, TBA
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Music City Bowl
Tennessee vs. University of Illinois, 4:30 p.m.

Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad
2025-12-31
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

Wednesday's Schedule
2025-12-31
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham/Teutopolis Christmas Classic
At Effingham
Auxiliary Gym
Game 25 — Charleston vs. Central A&M, 8:30 a.m.
Game 26 — Effingham vs. Newton, 11:30 a.m. (11th-12th place)
Game 27 — Pleasant Plains vs. Dixon, 10 a.m. (13th/14th place)
Main Gym
Game 28 — Oregon vs. Belvidere, 8:30 a.m. (7th-8th place)
Game 29 — St. Anthony vs. Lutheran North, 10 a.m. (5th-6th place)
Game 30 — Chicago Brooks vs. Mattoon, 11:30 a.m. (consolation championship)
Game 31 — Champaign Centennial vs. Lawrenceville, 1 p.m. (third place)
Game 32 — Teutopolis vs. Tolono Unity, 2:30 p.m. (championship)

New Years Eve Roaring Twenties Party
2025-12-31

NYE Music at Effingham Legion
2025-12-31
PrintA New Year’s Eve Evening of Music will be at the Effingham American Legion Post 120.
Snacks and finger foods will be served on December 31.
Max Heuerman will be playing from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The public is welcome. Come join the fun!

Casino Night at Toledo
2025-12-31

Constitution Week Poster Contest
2026-01-01

Thursday's Schedule
2026-01-01
PrintNEW YEAR’S DAY
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Eastern Illinois University at Southeast Missouri, 7:30 p.m.

First Day Hike in Illinois
2026-01-01
PrintThe Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day.
IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public.
Among the participating parks are these in Central/Southern Illinois:
Fox Ridge State Park, Coles County
Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek state parks, Shelby County
Lincoln Trail State Park, Clark County
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Menard County
Pere Marquette State Park, Jersey County
Sangchris Lake State Park, Sangamon County
Giant City State Park, Jackson County
Participating state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #ILFirstDayHikes.
The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation. The organization began the event in 1992 in Massachusetts. The campaign encourages participants nationwide to hike, bike and engage in activities in state parks on the first day of the new year.
This year, the program is highlighting America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the outdoor places that have shaped the country’s past and present.
“IDNR invites Illinoisans everywhere to take time on Jan. 1 to explore our beautiful state parks and consider what conservation and public lands may look like in the future,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There’s no better way to clear your mind after the holidays and look ahead to a new year than to explore the outdoors.”
Illinois does not charge admission to state parks, historic sites and other locations.
For more information, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks.html.

Red Cross Blood Drives in January
2026-01-01
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in January:
January 1, Thursday, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Charleston, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
January 4, Sunday, St Joseph Stringtown Community Club, Stringtown, 6:30 AM – Noon
January 5, Monday, Teutopolis Banquet Hall, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM
January 6, Tuesday, Casey United Methodist Church, Noon – 6:00 PM
January 9, Friday, Masonic Lodge, Mattoon , 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
January 9, Friday, American Legion, Sullivan, Noon – 6:00 PM
January 12, Monday, Lions Club Building, Noble, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
January 19, Monday, Charleston First Church of God, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 20, Tuesday, First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
January 23, Friday, Cornerstone Church, Effingham, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 26, Monday, Holy Cross Church of Wendelin, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
January 27, Tuesday, Lake Land College, Mattoon, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.
Come to give from January 1 – 25 for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Super Bowl LX in Cali! More info at: rcblood.org/SuperBowl
Come give blood from January 26 – 27 for a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. See rcblood.org/heart

Emancipation Proclamation On Display
2026-01-01
PrintA copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, giving the public a rare chance to see the historic document.
Lincoln’s proclamation ordered an end to slavery in Southern states that took up arms against the United States during the Civil War, which included more than three-fourths of the nation’s enslaved African Americans. U.S. soldiers carried palm-sized copies of the Emancipation Proclamation on their march across the South to help spread the word of freedom.
The Emancipation Proclamation will be visible through February 3, when it will be replaced by the only photo of Lincoln lying in state after his assassination.
“This document and Lincoln’s signature provide a concrete connection to an incredible moment – the beginning of the end of slavery in America,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “We are proud to give our visitors an additional chance to see it for themselves and to reflect on what it took to free four million Americans from enslavement.”
Typically, the ALPLM displays the proclamation during a brief window around Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in America. But a new display case using cutting-edge technology now allows the ALPLM to display rare documents much longer while still minimizing the amount of harmful light they receive.
The ALPLM’s copy of the proclamation is one of about two dozen remaining. It is signed by both Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward. These copies were made and then signed by Lincoln so they could be sold to raise money for the care of sick and wounded soldiers.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

Friday's Schedule
2026-01-02
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Hillsboro at Altamont, 6 p.m.
Girls Wrestling
Effingham, Cumberland at Marion Invitational, 9 a.m.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Lawrenceville Parkview, 6 p.m.

Saturday's Schedule
2026-01-03
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Boys Basketball
Neoga vs. Shelbyville at Lake Land College, 1 p.m.
Charleston at Newton, 4 p.m.
Vandalia at North Clay, 5 p.m.
Grayville at St. Elmo/Brownstown, 3 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Altamont at Robinson (girls varsity only), 11 a.m.
Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City at Okaw Valley, 10:30 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Boys Basketball
Effingham at Olney Freshman/Sophomore Tournament, TBA
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
University of Illinois at Penn State, 6 p.m.
Eastern Illinois University at UT Martin, 3:30 p.m.

Music and Food at Mason
2026-01-03
