Community Corner

🌱 Why an Effingham County judge denied release for a Teutopolis suspect

Happening soon: Meet and Greet w Santa on the Effingham Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Hey there, Effingham! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why an Effingham County judge denied release for a Teutopolis suspect
  • What will a new FOIA request uncover about Effingham County contracts?
  • What deputies say led to this serious Effingham County intersection crash

Also on today's calendar: EARS Tinsel & Tails @ Cardinal Golf Course and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Effinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Effinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy, cold; a p.m. flurry, with a high of 33 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Friday: Low clouds and chilly, temps: high: 36, low: 13. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Frigid with a little snow, with a high of 16 and low of -5 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Teutopolis man charged with predatory criminal sexual assault against a child (wcia.com) — Effingham County authorities have charged a Teutopolis man with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13, and a judge has ordered him held without pre-trial release. The alleged offenses were reported within Effingham County and investigated by the Effingham County Sheriff’s and State’s Attorney’s offices, with the next court date set for Dec. 11.
   

2. FOIA request sent to Effingham County regarding newly executed contracts or amendments on December 10, 2025 (eastcentralreporter.com) — Effingham County officials have received a FOIA request seeking all newly signed county contracts and amendments from January through March 2025, especially in public works, IT, and consulting. A media outlet and an open-government nonprofit are pressing for electronic records and a fee waiver, saying transparency is vital for taxpayers. Residents can expect future reporting on what those contracts reveal.
   

3. Two injured, one cited following Effingham Co. crash (wcia.com) — Two drivers were hospitalized after a serious two-vehicle crash at U.S. 40 and Route 128 in Mound Township, with both taken to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Deputies said a southbound Toyota briefly stopped, then entered the intersection and collided with an eastbound Chevy, and the Toyota’s driver was cited for failure to yield the right of way.
   

4. Isabella Keller Finishes Fourth At NXN Nike Cross Nationals - Effingham's News and Sports Leader, 979XFM and KJ Country 102.3 (thexradio.com) — Effingham St. Anthony junior distance runner Isabella Keller just delivered a standout performance on the national stage, finishing fourth out of more than 200 runners at the NXN Nike Cross Nationals. Her 17:15 time is the best-ever finish and fastest time by any Illinois runner at this elite meet, capping a season that saw her qualify out of a tough Terre Haute regional.
   

5. Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers return from overseas deployment (statenews.net) — Soldiers from an Illinois Army National Guard battalion that includes a unit based in Effingham are back home after a nine‑month deployment across the Middle East. Family and friends welcomed about 265 troops during ceremonies in Mascoutah and Rockford, with more soldiers returning later. Commanders praised the unit’s demanding security missions and highlighted numerous combat and achievement awards earned overseas.
   

📸 Around Effingham

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Lunchtime 11am - 5pm Cashiers & Kitchen Team Members! in Effingham. Apply here.
  • Rural King posted a job opening for Cashier (Illinois) in Effingham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Effingham here.

Ok Effingham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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