The Sidell Reporter

06/26/2025

To those who did not receive a copy of the June 19 issue yet, which is much of Catlin, the post office has no idea where they are. I cannot remail them but I will be glad to send a digital copy to any paid subscriber who has not yet received it. Just send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll forward a copy.
Again, I’m sorry and I can tell you it will NOT get any better even with my 9% mailing increase in July - the second 9% increase this year!

06/26/2025

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Special Inside this issue:
Tax Delinquent Real Estate list of properties have been sold for delinquent taxes and a Petition for deed on the premises described below has been filed in the Circuit Court of Vermilion County, Illinois, on June 10, 2025 as Case 2025-TX-000233

Vance Twp. discusses budget, looks at raising levy

50 gather to discuss organizing to fight solar farm

Fairmount’s MFT includes patching on Main Street

Sidell to flush hydrants week of June 30

Vandals strike the 4-Way

JHS Reunion planned for 1962, 63, 64
Jamaica High School Classes of 1962, 1963 and 1964 reunion will be held Aug. 9 at the Possom Trot. Anyone interested in attending from these Jamaica classes, that have not been contacted yet, should contact Larry Smith at 843-516-0049 to make reservations.

Bryson Capansky-Cornell College Wrestling-SFHS 2024 Graduate

Crack of the bat is welcomed sound at Vance Township Ball Park

Salt Fork FFA honored at State Convention

06/26/2025

Has anyone with a Catlin mailing address received their June 19 Reporter yet? Has everyone else received theirs? We were not able to mail on Thursday because of the national June 19th holiday but they were suppose to have all gone out the same as usual on Friday. For some reason that has delayed some for a week now. I've gotten lots of Catlin calls. Anyone else?

06/25/2025

On Monday June 30th at 7pm, Earthrise Energy will be holding an informational session at the Catlin Banquet Center located at 102 N Sandusky St. regarding the possible solar farm project
All are invited to join to ask questions and learn more about what this project entails.
It is asked that everyone remain respectful as the panel in attendance are doing their job to educate and inform the community.
We hope everyone uses this opportunity to ask any questions or state concerns so their voices can be heard.
Please see letter for additional information.
Thank you

06/24/2025

Please share! Looking to hire a board reporter and recipe columnist. Board reporter needed for 1-2 meetings a month, especially Fairmount Village the third Wednesday every month. Recipe columnist shares their favorite recipes four weeks at a time, three times a year. OR we welcome guest recipe columnists if you’d just like to give it a try.

Contact Editor Rinda Maddox at [email protected] or 217-288-9365 for more information.

06/24/2025

Coming in this week's Sidell Reporter to be released June 26 - and for the next three weeks: Tax Delinquent Real Estate list to be sold for delinquent taxes and a Petition for deed on the premises described in the publication has been filed in the Circuit Court of Vermilion County, Illinois, on June 10, 2025 as Case 2025-TX-000233.

If you are not a subscriber you can pick up single copies of the Reporter at Casey's in Fairmount and Catlin, Sidell Grocery and news boxes in front of Sidell Post Office and Sidell Reporter office.

06/22/2025

06/19/2025

Twenty citizens ask Catlin Twp. how to stop solar farm

Catlin park vandals ruin it for all as bathrooms are now locked

Indianola approves balanced budget with $14K at year end

Carroll road work questioned

Salt Fork students get free admission to sports events

Sidell Reporter is seeking help
The Sidell Reporter would like to hire an additional recipe columnist to their staff. Columnists are asked to write four week’s of recipes three times a year. Guest columnists who might like to try it just a time or two, are also welcome.
The Reporter is also needing to add to their staff a reporter to cover one or two board meetings a month, especially the Fairmount Village Board that meets the third Wednesday of each month.
If interested contact Editor Rinda Maddox [email protected] or 217.288.9365.

06/12/2025

Sidell water rates to increase

Sidell Township to try use of milling on some rural roads

Catlin Fire Protection District Board Report
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JHS Class of 65
A reminder to the Jamaica High School Class of 1965 that a reunion will be held Saturday, June 21 at 5 p.m. at Possum Trot. For questions, call JoAnna at 217-662-2277 or Mary at 217-377-8145.

Ridge Farm Lions to hold 10th festival on June 21

Catlin receives 110 new books

Salt Fork High School 2024-2025
A Year in Review

Salt Fork North DARE essay winners

Salt Fork South Year Book cover design winners

OBITUARY

JAMES P. “JIM” MEHARRY, 77, lifelong Catlin area farmer and longtime Westville educator, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, June 2, 2025, at his farm home in rural Catlin.
He was born March 19, 1948, in Champaign to John F. & Dorothy Gunkel Meharry. Survivors include his brother, Tom (Janis) Meharry; one sister, Jane (Steve) Aufmuth; a niece and nephew, Elysia (Don Harder) Aufmuth, John (Monica) Meharry; and several great-nieces.
Jim was a graduate of Jamaica High School Class of 1966 and received his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University at Charleston. Jim also served in the Naval Reserve. He had taught science and chemistry at Westville High School and was active in the family farming operation with his brother, Tom. He was an avid collector.
The family will gather for a private graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Champaign. Donations to Jim’s memory may be made to the Catlin Historical Society. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

JUDY A. WARD, 84, of Catlin, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Thurs., May 29, 2025, at the OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.
Judy was born Aug. 26, 1940, in Danville to Wayne and Ina Belle Brooks Huffman. She married Arnold Gene Ward on Oct. 14, 1962, in Catlin. He preceded her in death on March 30, 2013.
Surviving are one son, Timothy Ward of Champaign; one daughter, Teresa (Barry) Nielsen of Arlington Heights; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Sherry Huffman and Barb Huffman, both of Catlin. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom Huffman and Curt Huffman.
Judy was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ and the Dorcas Class. She enjoyed sewing especially newborn gifts for infants and families.
Funeral services were June 3 at the Catlin Church of Christ with Chris Lawler officiating. Burial was in Sandusky Cemetery, Westville.
Memorials to the Catlin Historical Society. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

06/10/2025

The Sidell Reporter is seeking to hire a reporter to cover the Fairmount Village Board meetings the third Wednesday of each month. Other meetings may be available to cover as well.Call or email Editor Rinda Maddox, 217.288.9365, [email protected]

06/05/2025

Vance says no to cemeteries

Citizens ask Catlin Board about 1400 acre solar farm

Catlin clean up days is June 14, 8-10 for Catlin residents only

Indianola Village approves budget; hires maintenance

Car show and tractor pull in Sidell Saturday, June 7
“Anything on Wheels Show” from 10am to 2:30pm on the brick street.
Garden tractor pull starts 1 p.m. behind village hall.

Storm bows out in Elite 8 game

Stine throws PB to finish 2nd in State

OBITUARIES

MIKE ROSNETT – There will be graveside services for Mike Rosnett at Greenview Cemetery in Fairmount at 11 a.m. on June 14, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1-5 at the Walnut Hill Shelter at Homer Lake. If you have a Cubs or Underdog shirt, please wear it in honor of Mike.

MARILYN MAE LYONS COURSON was born at home on July 19, 1934 to Russell and Mabel (Porter) Lyons. She passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Newman Rehab and Health Care Center.
Marilyn married to Billy Lee Courson on Aug. 21, 1955. They began life in Allerton in their first house built by Billy. They raised three daughters, Cindy (Dan) Brown, Becky (Jay) Carter and Amy Courson. They have two grandchildren, Christopher Brown and Breanna Carter; as well as two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Arabella. Marilyn also had many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Billy, parents Russell and Mabel, and brother Lynn and his wife Rita.
Marilyn was a member of the Allerton Church of Christ. She spent many years playing the piano and organ; as well as teaching Vacation Bible School.
She was an active member of the Allerton Saddle Club, a member of the Allerton Woman’s Club, and was on the Steering Committee for the Allerton Centennial.
She loved playing bridge with the Merry Matrons, and bowling on leagues in Broadlands and Homer. She started painting with oil and acrylics in 1972. She gifted many special pieces to family and friends. She spent over a decade taking her painted pieces to the Covered Bridge Festival in Bridgeton, Ind.
Marilyn’s greatest passion was for NASCAR. She attended many races sporting her Earnhart colors. Her pride and joy was her vast Earnhart collection known as “The Shrine.” She collected memorabilia for both Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. Marilyn even has her own brick in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina.
In her later years, Marilyn decided to become a resident of Florida. From Florida she cruised the world eventually visiting nearly 30 countries. Her favorite location was Ephesus, Turkey where the Apostle Paul preached.
She will be greatly missed by family and friends. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date. Joines Funeral Home assisted the family.

05/29/2025

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE: 16 PAGE SPECIAL GRADUATION SECTION WITH SNAP SHOTS OF THE CEREMONY HELD SUNDAY. If you are not a subscriber, pick up a copy at Sidell Grocery, news boxes at Sidell Post Office and Sidell Reporter Office or Casey's in Fairmount and Catlin.

Salt Fork will not replace two teachers that resigned

“Schools out” for the very last time

Fairmount not interested in Greenview

Make room in the trophy case
Girls and boys both win Regional Championship

Richardson finishes 12th in 1600m run to place highest for Storm in State meet

Storm boys finish 3rd in Sectional Track
Headed to state meet Thursday

Kathleen Boyer celebrates 90th