Kimberly and Dustin Smithenry proudly introduce new daughter Ella Marie Smithenry as HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital’s New Year’s Baby of 2026. Ella was born at St. Anthony’s at 3:52 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Photo submitted by HSHS St. Anthony's
For Immediate Release – January 5, 2026
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2026
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital proudly welcomed Ella Marie Smithenry as the first baby born at the hospital in 2026 to Kimberly and Dustine Smithenry of Newton.
She was born at 3:52 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at St. Anthony’s, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.
In celebration of being the first baby born in 2026 at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Ella and her family were presented with a special basket of gifts from the Women and Infants Center.
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Women and Infants Center including free prenatal classes, visit St. Anthony’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org/baby.
###
Comments