Farmers Insurance - Jen Hurley Agency

04/07/2026

April 7th, 2026

Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Illinois
217/342-2101

From the Sheriff's Desk

We have a flag retirement box in the lobby of the Effingham County Office Building. People can deposit their worn flags in this specially made container, and our Legion Post will retire them and dispose of them in the proper way. It is a popular service and there are always flags in the box waiting to be retired.

Today I walked into the lobby, returning from lunch, and I saw a lady trying to fit a large flag in a triangular zippered case, into the flag disposal box. I thought I could help her, by removing the top of the box, but I quickly saw the flag looked like new, and it appeared to be a Veteran's flag that would have been presented at a funeral. I couldn't help but ask her why she was retiring such a nice flag. She told me that this flag was from her father, and she didn't have anyone to pass it on to, so she wanted to make sure it was disposed of properly.

It took a minute for the gravity of this situation to sink in. I couldn't help but feel a certain amount of sadness and loss for this Veteran, and his daughter, who was at least my age, or a little older. Before I really thought it through, I asked her if I could take the flag, fly it, and take care of it. She readily agreed, gave me her late father's name, and went back out of the lobby and to the street.

I didn't think about posting any of this on our page, and I didn't ask her permission to tell this story, so I wont post his name today, but if she sees this photo, I want her to know her father's flag was flown in front of the Effingham County Sheriff's Office, in her father's honor. I couldn't leave the flag up, because it is not an all-weather flag, and its too big for our standard, but I hope he was honored, none the less, by this small act.

Rest in peace Sir, and thank you for your service.

03/22/2026

⚠️👇🏻 BLACK STIPPLED AREA BELOW has the best chance to pick up some hail this evening. This is especially true in the yellow shaded area. This is per the Storm Prediction Center.

Most of us will not see storms but those that do could see some large hail up to 2” in diameter. Timeframe to watch is 5-10 pm.

03/03/2026

Have you even gotten a life quote yet?! Or are you still just thinking about how you need to get life insurance, but cant find the time?

It’s doesn’t take long to do and I’ll even help you outside of normal business hours.

Just call me or send me a message 😊

02/19/2026

🗣️ LISTEN UP IF YOU LIVE IN THE TOWNS LISTED BELOW:

🏙️ Centralia, Vandalia, Mt. Vernon, Effingham, Salem, Fairfield, Olney, Lawrenceville, Mt. Carmel, Robinson, Newton, Marshall, Toledo, Albion, Louisville, and Grayville.

🌪️ You are in the highest risk for seeing a tornado tomorrow. Admittedly, there are a lot of bust scenarios with this setup. It's not a slam dunk, but it does have potential. Have a way to receive warnings if you're in either of these two risk zones.

⏰ Timing is going to be 11a-7p with potential for multiple rounds of storms capable of damaging winds and hail. A few tornadoes are possible. If we see rain and clouds in the morning and early afternoon, this could lower our chances for severe storms with the secondary wave. Lots of moving parts. Stay tuned!

02/05/2026

Houston woman says solar panels she never activated left her with a $134,000 bill

01/24/2026

01/24/2026

❗️ BREAKING- Based on new data, we are adding an area of 14-17" including areas like Carmi, Shawneetown, Benton, McLeansboro, Marion, Carbondale, and northern parts of Pope, Hardin, Johnson and Union counties. This also includes Evansville Indiana. This is where we think the HEAVIEST snow band will set up tonight! Stay tuned.

01/24/2026

⚠️ ROLLING BLACKOUTS POTENTIALLY WILL BE INITIATED IN THE MIDWEST TODAY-TOMORROW ⚠️

🪫 Prepare for power outages. Have a way to stay warm. The power grid is going to be under TREMENDOUS stress during this winter storm and it does appear that ROLLING BLACKOUTS may need to be initiated to compensate. With bitter arctic air in place, and snow, this will be a disaster.

01/23/2026

Effingham Public Works is ready! We will be implementing 2 rotating 12hr shifts for snow removal. This has potential to be a very dangerous storm! Extreme cold temperatures and blowing/drifting snow. Please do not travel unless necessary.

Also, if possible, please remove cars from roadways. This helps us out tremendously.
Stay warm and stay safe!

11/29/2025

⚠️ We've got a MAJOR 50+ car pileup on I-70 near the Indiana border. Marshall/Terre Haute area. Be careful out there and do not travel unless necessary.

11/24/2025

Tis the Season! Always happy to help bring smiles to little faces 🥰

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