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4-H Cloverleafs get creative in new art club
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Malorie Little and Emily Olding display their artwork from the Effingham County 4-Hs Art Club for its Cloverleaf members. - photo by Photo provided

Art and creativity are a large part of the 4-H program, with its many competitive events and crafty presentations. Students learn the importance of possessing some level of creativity, if they are going to place in competitions. The Effingham County Extension Office is proud to host the new 4-H Art Club, conducted by program assistant Jessica Dasher.


“The art club meets to learn and participate in activities including  making crafts, creating different art forms, and creative ways to decorate,” Dasher said.


For example, in November and December, 4-H’ers enjoyed painting pumpkins and gourds.


The Art Club is for Cloverleafs (fifth- and sixth-graders) and meets once a month at the Effingham County Extension Office in Springfield.


For more information call 754-8040.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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