High Responsive Theme can't disable Essential Content sections

Hello, I have used many themes by Catch and really like the High Responsive theme. Unfortunately, I can't get any changes on the home page to take effect. I have the Essential Content plugin installed and activated, but I can't turn off the sections. I also can't get the sidebar to go away on the home page. Something seems to be broken with the home page layout. I am using a child theme, but I tested by activating only the High Responsive theme with no modifications and I have the same issues. Also, my Recent Post widget does not have the thumbnails as in the demo. Is there a setting or different widget for that? Thank you!