The Sidell Reporter

09/23/2025

The Sidell Reporter needs help covering a couple of board meetings each month. Both are evening meetings. If anyone is interested please contact me ASAP. The first meeting I need someone to cover is the school board meeting tomorrow, Sept. 24. 2174749365 or [email protected].

09/18/2025

Friday, Sept 19

Good afternoon everyone!

We are sending this message out as a friendly reminder that Vermilion St from Sandusky to Westwood will be closed tomorrow, 9/19 starting just before 2pm for the Homecoming Parade. Please try to avoid the area if traveling through and find a detour around town so you won’t get stuck in traffic. Thank you!

09/18/2025

Catlin village hears more concerns against solar

Indianola still waiting on town hall renovation to be completed

Residents report to Catlin Twp. that Earthrise gave few answers at public meetings

Indianola still waiting on town hall renovation to be completed

Carroll gets more cold patch for rural roads

Storm dominate Raiders in road victory; improve to 2-1

Salt Fork boys take win at Marshall for new team low

OSF Ladies win county meet

OSF Soccer improves to 8-4 overall, 5-1 in VVC

Netters defeat Villa Grove, Hoopeston, improve to 6-3

Jr. Hi Sports updates

09/04/2025

I-74 bridge work begins Sept. 8

Vermilion County structure damaged by oversize load

FITHIAN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that County Road 100 East over Interstate 74, just west of Fithian in Vermilion County, will close Sept. 8.

The closure is necessary to repair bridge beams damaged by an oversized load and is expected to last approximately three weeks.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

09/04/2025

SidellReporter_090425-1.jpg

Vance voters will decide cemetery issue

Catlin Village representatives meet with Earthrise
Bargo: Special permit likely to be submitted in October

Free recycling of electronics to be held on Sept. 13

Salt Fork PTC plans FUNd Walk

Sidell Assembly’s Celebrate Jesus

Storm fall to Westville in tough home opener, 54–13

Girls OSF X-Country place 2nd in Saber Corn Classic

Storm Netters are now 3-1

OSF takes wins from Watseka, Oakwood

Salt Fork Jr. High sports updates

OBITUARIES

WALTER DUANE ROMINE of Messa, Ariz. passed away Aug. 18, 2025 at his home with his wife, Lynn, by his side.
Duane was born Feb. 14, 1943 to Walter Wayne and Ginny Romine. He grew up around Catlin and was a former resident of Fairmount.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother and stepfather, John Clark.
He is survived by his brother, Johnny Romine of Fairmount; his ex-wife, Joyce Romine; children, Zeressa (John) Wilkerson of Indiana, Walter (Rita) Romine of North Carolina, Jennie Sue (William) Dempier of Thomasboro, Jamie (Roger) Gates of Arizona, Jeff (Kim) Romine of Potomac, John Michael of Fairmount; stepdaughter DeAnne Tuggle of Westville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There were no services held.

VIRGIL A AND HELEN ROSS – Graveside interment rites will be held for Virgil and Helen (Knight) Ross at noon this Saturday, Sept. 6 at Woodlawn Cemetery. They passed away in Silverdale, Washington, Helen in 2020 and Virgil in 2021. Their nephew, Harl Miller, will officiate.
Virgil Alvin Ross, Jr. was born Jan. 22, 1927 in Champaign to Dr. Virgil A. and Audrey (Wilson) Ross. His father died when Virgil was eight and his mother when he was 18. He had a younger brother, Robert.
Virgil was in the Army at the end of World War II, working as a prison guard. He met Helen while roller skating, something he enjoyed doing the rest of his life, even competing.
Virgil and Helen were married on April 8, 1951 at the Jamaica Methodist Church. Their daughter, Vickie Lee, was born Sept. 16, 1952.
Virgil attended DeVry University in Chicago. He worked as an electrician at Autotron in Danville until 1972 when the family moved to Colorado where he worked at Coors Brewery. Virgil enjoyed riding his bike, snow skiing and listening to organ music. In 2012, they moved to Silverdale to be close to their daughter and family.
Virgil is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Bob Maloney of Silverdale; two grandchildren, Ross Maloney (Annie Hillier) of Bainbridge Island, Wash., and Lee (Daniel) Dionne of Arvada, Colo.; two great-grandchildren, Niall and Margery Maloney of Bainbridge Island; in-laws, Alice and Jim McDowell of Catlin, and Lynda Knight of Jamaica; and many nieces and nephews. Known for his humor and laugh, everyone affectionately called him “Chum.”

09/01/2025

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2025

Fairmount Village has a place to call home

Salt Fork looks at deficit budget before voting next month

Chris Seamon is no longer taking orders

Lions Fish Fry Saturday
The Catlin Lions Club will hold their 80th Annual Fish Fry/BBQ on Saturday, Aug. 30 in downtown Catlin. The all-you-can-eat fish will be served 4-8 p.m.

Catlin Fire Report

New coach. New Team. New Energy.

Lady netters open season big knocking out DW and Uni

Burton leads Storm win over Hoopeston, Westville

Jr. High Baseball

Jr. High Softball

Jr. High Cross Country

Soccer Coach Fenton hits 200 career wins

Three JHS Classes enjoy reunion

JAMES RUSSELL “JIM” SALRIN, 94, of Fairmount, passed away at 1:35 p.m. Mon., Aug. 25, 2025, at the Oaks Manor in Oakland.
James was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Sidell, the son of Russell and Ethel Burgett Salrin. He married Annabelle Williams on March 18, 1951, in Fairmount. She preceded him in death on Sept. 21, 2023.
Survivors include one son, Doug Salrin of Fairmount; one daughter, Judy (Frank) Lucas of Sidell; two brothers: Richard Salrin of Oakwood and Ed Salrin of Arkansas; three grandchildren, Heide (Rob) Knoebel, Haley (Clint) McQueen, and C.J. Lucas; and seven great-grandchildren, Owen Knoebel, Eian Knoebel, Calvin Lucas, Penalope Lucas, Cooper McQueen, Adlee McQueen and Anna McQueen. He was preceded in death by one sister: Josephine Salrin.
James served in the US Army was a former Fairmount, Illinois Postmaster and had worked for Hyster for 35 years. He was a member of New Hope Community Church. He was a 33rd degree Mason and was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge as well as Danville Consistory.
Jim & Annabelle enjoyed square dancing and their euchre card group. He liked playing horseshoe pitching and trap shooting. In later years, Jim became quite accomplished at jig saw puzzles.
Funeral services at 11 am on Friday Aug. 29, 2025, at New Hope Community Church in Fairmount, with Pastor Ron Weishaar officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount.
Visitation is from 10 am till service time on Friday at the church with Masonic rites at 10:55 a.m. Memorials may be made to New Hope Community Church or Catlin Masonic Lodge. Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

JONATHAN D. FERGUSON,, 54, passed away Aug. 15, 2025, in Rocky Mount, N. Carolina. e was born Sept. 27, 1970, to Harry and Brenda (Goldsmith) Ferguson.
Jonathan graduated Catlin High School in 1988 and proudly served four years in the United States Navy, where he attended Nuclear Power School. He earned an Associate of Engineering Science degree in Civil Engineering.
A man of intelligence and curiosity, he enjoyed reading and learning throughout his life. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted father, son, and family man who gave generously from his heart.
He is survived by his parents, Brenda Young and Harry Ferguson; his three children; a niece and nephew; a beloved aunt, Mary Ellen Etter; his sister-in-law; along with many aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends who will hold his memory close.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Sean Ferguson.
A graveside service will be held at McKendree Chapel Cemetery at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jonathan may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.

08/23/2025

We're officially less than a month away from our first electronics recycling collection of the year! Please share!

The Vermilion County Health Department, in partnership with Danville Area Community College (DACC) and Keep Vermilion County Beautiful (KVCB), will host a free electronics collection event from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 7. The event will take place in the north parking lot of DACC, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, and is open to all residents of Vermilion County.
This environmentally focused initiative encourages residents to responsibly dispose of broken, obsolete, or unwanted electronics. While the event is free of charge, donations to Keep Vermilion County Beautiful are appreciated to support future beautification efforts.
Residents may bring a maximum of seven televisions or computer monitors, in any combination, per household. Other accepted items include:
• Televisions (CRT and flat screen)
• Monitors (CRT and flat screen)
• Computers and laptops
• Printers, scanners, and copiers
• Keyboards, mice, and computer peripherals
• DVD players, VCRs, gaming consoles
• Fax machines, cell phones, PDAs
• Satellite dishes, cable boxes
• Cameras, radios, clocks
• Fans, vacuum cleaners, and wiring
“Hosting electronics recycling events helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills while giving residents a safe, convenient way to dispose of outdated technology,” said Caitline Wolfe, solid waste inspector at the Vermilion County Health Department. “It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in protecting our environment and preserving the health of our community.”
Please note that the following items will not be accepted: household batteries, paint, motor oil, or large appliances. Residents are reminded that Illinois law prohibits the disposal of certain electronic products—including TVs, monitors, computers, and DVD players—in landfills.
For more information, please contact the Vermilion County Health Department at (217) 431-2662, Option 5.

08/21/2025

MEET THE NEW STAFF, A WELCOME FROM THE ADMINISTRATORS AND MORE IN THE ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE INSIDE THIS WEEK'S ISSUE.

Anti-solar group shares more facts
Dog breeding businesses denied for Catlin residents

Lions’ Fish Fry Aug. 31

Post Office error delays surplus bid opening

Residents happy with road work

McGee updates board on Catlin Township road projects

Golfers end 6th in opener

Jr. High softball is hitting it out of the park

Jr. High baseball opens 7-3

Obituary
DANNY J. GRIFFIN, 64, passed away in his home in Indianola with his loving wife by his side on Aug. 10, 2025. He was born on Feb. 24, 1961 in Clinton, Ind. to the late Carl and Sondra “Sonnie” Griffin.
Danny dedicated numerous years to the agricultural industry, retiring from Premier Co-Op after several years. Before this, he devoted nearly 20 years of service to ASE Fertilizer and contributed an additional 20 years at Peterson’s, now known as CCL. His commitment and dedication to his work exemplified his strong work ethic and reliability, traits that were fundamental to his character.
Away from the demands of his career, Danny found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, cherishing the moments spent together. He looked forward to the weekly motorcycle rides with his wife, Tammie, and could often be found working on cars in the garage with his loyal companion, Bo, by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammie Griffin; his children, Carrie Griffin, Heather (Jeremy) Wyer, Stephanie (Matt) Gan and Ethan (Elizabeth) Wyer; as well as grandchildren, Blaize Griffin, Wrayccinn Griffin, Carter Gan, Alleeanna Gan (AKA Grandpa’s Monkey), Zoe Griffin, Tristan Wyer, Xxayvier Lewis, Adrayan Lewis, Brentlee Warters, Rhett Wyer, Rinny Wyer, Jaydon Lewis, Jayse Lewis, Jaylyn Lewis, KK Lewis, Addison Williams, and Ella Williams. He also leaves behind his siblings Wade Griffin and Deb Burgess-Griffin; several nieces and nephews; his lifelong friend Bart; and his camping buddy Deb Johnson.
In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Griffin, and his nephew, Chase Griffin.
Per his wishes, cremation will take place. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Houghton- Leasure Chapel assisted his family with arrangements. Share memories on his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com