The Sidell Reporter

The Sidell Reporter The Sidell Reporter has been publishing weekly since 1888. Available in print and digital subscriptions and on newsstands.

We cover Sidell, Fairmount, Indianola, and Catlin communities and Salt Fork school district in Vermilion County, Illinois. The Sidell Reporter is a weekly newspaper published every Thursday in the best interest of the local Illinois communities it covers which includes Sidell, Indianola, Fairmount, Jamaica, Allerton and Catlin, plus Salt Fork School District.

Wind, Solar proposal draws questions at Catlin hearingSidell Village Clerk not available 24/7Police Chief requests new o...
06/11/2026

Wind, Solar proposal draws questions at Catlin hearing

Sidell Village Clerk not available 24/7
Police Chief requests new ordinance for e-bikes.

Sidell Township approves budget

Catlin Fire Dept. approves purchase of new UTV

Memory Tree becomes Monthly Awareness Tree

Rangel takes the mound for Danville Dans

Post Season Honors for Salt Fork spring athletes

Exploring Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum

Vance will ask to change meeting night at next Annual Town MeetingCatlin addresses railroad crosswalk bid for repairsTra...
06/04/2026

Vance will ask to change meeting night at next Annual Town Meeting

Catlin addresses railroad crosswalk bid for repairs

Tractor Pull and car show
Sidell Fire & Rescue will hold their annual Garden Tractor Pull and car show behind the village hall this Saturday. Car show register starts 10 a.m.; tractor pull starts 1 p.m.

Stine is 2nd Runner Up in State discuss

Storm ends season in Regional Championship

5th Graders give DARE speeches

Pages of the Past takes a look at 1947

Salt Fork High Honor Roll

06/01/2026

If you haven't seen a copy of the Salt Fork High School graduates' special section in this past week's Reporter, you can still pick them up at the Casey's in Fairmount and Catlin, or inside the Sidell Grocery, or in news boxes in front of Sidell Post office and Sidell Reporter.

Inside this issue: Meet the class of 2026 in a special graduation issueSF High School basketball court named ‘Lou Hinkle...
05/28/2026

Inside this issue: Meet the class of 2026 in a special graduation issue

SF High School basketball court named ‘Lou Hinkle Court’ after long-time coach

Fairmount passes budget

Final bell for long-time Salt Fork teachers

Girls win Regional, fall to Leroy in Sectionals

Girls’ 4x200 team and Richardson’s 1600 breaks school record in State Track and Field meet

Regionals
begin for boys

Salt Fork High Schoolers are challenged to read

Salt Fork Junior High Honor Roll

Signing day for Salt Fork band students, Church

Let us not forget that today is about more than cookouts and a long weekend. Memorial Day honors the men and women who d...
05/25/2026

Let us not forget that today is about more than cookouts and a long weekend. Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the military. Please remember by attending a service, there are many to choose from. Here are the closest ones. Today and always ~ We must never forget. 🇺🇸

05/24/2026

Share your graduation snapshots with us on our page! Edited to add: We’d love to see your fun/sweet candids … they might be used in Thursday’s Salt Fork H.S. graduation edition!

Animal fees, village hall repairs, highlight Indianola meetingNew board begins transition for Davis, Greenview Cemeterie...
05/21/2026

Animal fees, village hall repairs, highlight Indianola meeting

New board begins transition for Davis, Greenview Cemeteries

Rinehart addresses character assassination

Sidewalk, speeding scooters are concerns in Catlin

Carroll purchases tractor

Catlin assessor explains why property taxes have increased

Catlin Fire PD board elects officers

Salt Fork’s Evie Wear is Junior High State Shot Put Champion

Tough week for boys

Storm Track & Field

Softballers
to
play
in
Regional
Championship

Obituaries
SHARON J. STRUCK died Sat., May 9, 2026. She was born in Champaign on Jan. 2, 1941 to Leslie Ray and Marie Nora (Sitts) Mitchell. Sharon grew up in Champaign, graduating from Champaign High School, class of ’59 and attended Commercial College. Sharon spent a decade in Florida as co-owner of Splendid Co., an architectural accessory company. After moving back to Illinois, she was employed at Buhrmester Accounting and later at ASC, retiring in 2013. She married Marty Struck of Broadlands and had two children, Elizabeth “Betsy” Lancaster and Corey Struck. Sharon was a longtime active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands, enjoyed sewing, playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling with siblings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Martin “Marty” Struck, her parents, her sister, Carolyn (Earl) Davy, and her brother, Nolan (Pat) Mitchell.
Sharon is survived by her daughter, Elizbeth “Betsy” (Dave) Lancaster; son, Corey (Laura) Struck; grandchildren, Trenton Thompson, Kallie Lancaster and Henry Struck; sister, Gloria (Larry) Buhrmester; brother, LeRae Jon Mitchell; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Services were May 18 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Broadlands, with Pastor Jason Braaten officiating. Burial was in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials to Sidell District Library.

SCOTT COVINGTONS, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, born Jan. 31, 1962, lived a full and meaningful life until his peaceful departure on May 10, 2026.
Scott, of Westville, was a man of bold character, known for his kind heart, unwavering loyalty, strong personality, and passionate disposition. His love for hot wings, the TV show Gun Smoke, and riding his Harley were only eclipsed by his love for football and his family. The latter was his greatest cause and joy in life.
A devoted member of the V3 Church family, Scott's faith played a significant role in his life. His personal testimony and transformation inspired many, as he hosted his podcast "Come Now the Broken Hearted." This will live on as part of his enduring legacy of courage, integrity, and faith.
Scott is survived by his son, Nickolas (Ashlyn) Covington; grandchildren, Aiden, Brinlee, and Atlas Covington; siblings, Kara (Pat) Sharpf, Wade (Jessica) Covington, Lindy (Mike) Hoskins, and Jeff (Lisa) Covington; nieces, nephews, many special aunts, uncles, cousins and his beloved church family.
Scott was predeceased by his father, Leamon Covington, step-mother Lois Covington and his mother, Saundra Jones. His memory will forever be treasured and his legacy upheld by all who had the privilege to know and love him.
Scott's courageous journey and faith have left an indelible mark on his community. He will be profoundly missed, yet his lessons and love will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Sidell sees progress on property violationsClean up daysSidellMay 16, 8-noon. Dumpsters located behind village hall.Golf...
05/14/2026

Sidell sees progress on property violations

Clean up days
Sidell
May 16, 8-noon. Dumpsters located behind village hall.
Golf cart inspections also held at same time at village hall. Bring driver’s license and proof of insurance. Permits are $25.
Fairmount
May 16, 8-noon. Dumpsters located at town garage.
Catlin
July 18, 8-11 a.m..

From farm trucks to school buses: Taylor drives student success

Storm dissipate Seeger, Iroquois West

Storm plucks Hawks 28-8

Kurtenbach, Wear win 1st in Sectionals

Salt Fork Junior High off to State Track meet

OBITUARY

STEPHEN “STEVE” D. BERRY, 81, of Fairmount, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (Piepenbrink) Berry; son, Stephen A. (Jana) Berry; daughter, Suzanne Berry (David) Miller; and two grandchildren. Steve was born on May 9, 1944, to Raymond and Ruth Berry from Catlin. Even as a child, he loved to be outdoors and had fun exploring the town, playing with friends, shooting his slingshot, and tormenting his sister. After graduating, Steve worked at Lauhoff Grain, Co. in Danville before entering apprenticeship training to become a Union electrician. He founded Berry’s Electrical Service, which he owned and operated for 45 years. He was always kind and thoughtful, and towards the end of his career, he often donated his time and expertise, providing electrical service pro bono to the elderly. He was an IBEW Local 538 member for his entire career.
He married Linda Piepenbrink in 1964, and together they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. They lived in Catlin for 14 years, where they had their two children, before moving out to live by the Salt Fork River near Oakwood. Steve helped build his own house with his friend and local contractor Chuck Vestal. Steve was also very active in the Catlin Church of Christ,where he served as a deacon and elder for many years. He and Linda led the church youth group for several years. For decades he took communion to church members who were too ill to attend church. Steve also loved shepherding new church members. Steve was kind and loving and had the heart of a servant in all he did. He easily made friends with people of all ages wherever he went. Many people came to visit and offered to help when Steve became ill, sharing how much they respected Steve and wanted to support him. Steve battled cancer for many years, always with patience and humility, ministering to people wherever he went, and even sharing his faith with his doctors and the nursing and health care staff that cared for him. Steve was a wonderful and compassionate Christian man who made an immeasurable impact on his family, friends, and community.
Funeral services were May 12 at the Catlin Church of Christ with Darren Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Jones Grove Cemetery, Catlin, Memorials can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Robison Chapel, Catlin handled arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Donation, Township support, funds legal help for solar ordinanceComptrollers working on transfer of cemeteriesLearning, ...
05/07/2026

Donation, Township support, funds legal help for solar ordinance

Comptrollers working on transfer of cemeteries

Learning, loving and walking by faith

Food Drive
Catlin Church of Christ is hosting a food drive May 9 to support their neighbors. Drop off essential items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 715 W. Vermilion, Catlin. Donations also taken.

Storm continues to place high in track and field events

Ladies blow over Buffaloes 17-0

Salt Fork run rules Cissna Park for 12-2 win over Timberwolves

Payton Cox signs with ONU

Salt Fork Jr. Hi Track and Field

Tax time again: Vermilion County bills hit mailboxes, first due June 18

Obituaries
LOUIS “LOU” HINKLE, 73, of Danville, passed away at his home on April 26, 2026, at 12:44 p.m. with his family by his side.
Lou was born on June 12,1952, the son of Gene and Myrtle (Pichon) Hinkle in Danville. He met Laurie Kegley in August 2008, and they were married Jan. 6, 2017, in Danville. She survives.
Survivors also include his children, Lacey (Andy) Price of Catlin, Lindsay (Eric) Light of Oakwood, Amy (Josh) Stimac of Danville and Michael (Jennifer) Stimac of Danville; his grandchildren, Kennedy, Reagan, Addison, Owen, Brayden, Corbin, Karter, Desmond and Beckett; his siblings, Brad Hinkle of Oregon and Lisa Hinkle-Boen of State Line, Ind.; his niece, Jena (Daniel) Strawser of State Line, Ind.; and his nephews, Jacob Boen of Sidell and Kody Hinkle of Oregon; as well as special friends, Mike and Lori McMahon of Westville.
Lou is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Greg Hinkle, and two lifelong friends, Monty Read and Chuck Mullins.
Lou’s first career was in the grocery business working for chains such as A&P and Ken’s IGA. He then shifted gears and worked for companies including CMI and Great Scott. Most recently, Lou was a Salesman for DP Supply, Inc. He loved his customers and always felt like they were a part of his family.
He was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan and coached basketball at Catlin/Salt Fork schools for over 30 years. Labor Day in Westville was Lou’s Christmas. It was an annual tradition. He’d pack up everyone’s chairs, coolers, and set up in front of Latoz Hardware at 6:00 a.m.
Lou enjoyed vacationing in Pass-A-Grille, Fla., his home away from home. His life was all about spending time with his kids and grandkids in any way possible. He also loved a good “road trip” with close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Catlin High School, 701 West Vermilion Street, Catlin.
Memorials may be made in Lou’s memory to Salt Fork Athletics/Basketball or OSF Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the above or to your favorite charity. Share memories on at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Address

116 E Market Street
Sidell, IL
61876

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Sidell Reporter posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Category