04/16/2026
2026 Salt Fork Prom Court – Couples from left, Junior Prince and Princess Jamison Chambliss and Lanie Birge; King and Queen Candidates, Brayden Norton and Taylor Owens, John Watson and Rain Pitlik, Kade Smith and Sailor Pacot, Braxton Clem and Addison Earles and Maddax Stine and Karli McGee. Prom will be held this Saturday at Sleepy Creek Vineyard.
Village clean up days
Indianola
May 1, 2 & 3. Seniors 55 & over can place items on curb for village volunteers to pick up.
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.
Indianola voters will determine number of village board members in November
Ambulance service at risk without tax district
Warning: response times could stretch to an hour if funding plan fails
McBride appointed to fill Catlin Township vacancy
Mayor lists properties violating ordinances
“We want to help Sidell property owners with their cleanup”
Salt Fork ladies storm through opponents, collect four wins
Salt Fork boys beat Bearcats; slide past Cornjerkers
Stine, Filicsky both throw season’s best
Burma-Shave signs were staple of highway travel
Salt Fork Drama Club to perform The Purrfect Crime April 24-25
Obituaries
JAMES “JIM” LEON PATTON, 78, of Sidell, passed away peacefully at home on Wed., April 8, 2026, at 11:01 p.m., surrounded by the love of his family.
Jim was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Shawneetown, Ill., to the late Omar and Maggie Kent Patton.
He was a devoted and loving husband to Shelley Archer Patton for 49 years. Jim and Shelley were married on Dec. 24, 1976, in Allerton and built a life centered on family and commitment. He was a deeply cherished father to Angela “Angie” Patton Yates (Frank), Steven Patton (Angie), Kathryn Patton Lapin (Arthur) and James Clay Patton (Alexandra). He was preceded in death by his son, Cody James Patton. He was also a proud grandfather to Tristan Yates, Anakin “Stone” Yates, Jesse “Cruz” Yates, Makaylia Patton Pray, Colton Patton, and Mary Katherine Patton and three great-grandchildren, all of Alabama. His family was the center of his life, and he took immense pride in each of them. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Joann Patton Mahan and his niece, Ashley Mahan Roper (Justin), and their son Jaxton. He shared a close and meaningful bond with Joann and Ashley, and together they spent many years traveling, creating memories that remained important to him throughout his life. Jim was owner and manager of Sidell Agri-Services, the grain elevator and fertilizer plant in Sidell, where he was known for his strong work ethic and the relationships he built within the community. He approached both his work and his life with integrity, humility, and a genuine care for others. He was a lifetime member of the Sidell Lions Club and also served in the National Guard.
He enjoyed boating, camping and flying, and valued the time spent outdoors with his family. His interest in his work followed him wherever he went, often leading him to drive through grain elevators in every town he drove through, much to the familiar experience of his family. He will be remembered most for his kindness and compassion—for his family, for friends, for strangers, and even for animals. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He lived his life as a true Christian man, quietly walking in faith and leading by example. In his later years, as Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease progressed, he remained steady – meeting each stage with strength, dignity, grace, and a clear appreciation for all those who cared for him. Though he is no longer with us, his presence will live on in the countless memories shared by those who loved him. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and all those around him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Funeral service were held April 15 at the Sidell United Methodist Church with Joe Eakle officiating. Burial, alongside Cody, was in the Fairview Cemetery in rural Sidell. Memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
MARK E. TODD, 63, of Sidell, passed at 5:26 p.m. Sun., April 5, 2026, at his home. Mark was born May 13, 1962, in Danville to Roger and Dixie Ellett Todd. His mother of Forysth, Mo., survives, as well as two sons, Chad Todd of Bolingbrook, Mark “Tyler” Todd of Oak Forest; one daughter, Kayla Jo (John) Graham, of Mokena; a brother, Michael L. (Maddie) Todd of Forsyth, Mo.; and six grandchildren, Dylan Todd, Abigail Graham, Dominick Todd, Nolan Todd, Wyatt Graham and Marley Edwards. He was preceded in death by his father and his son, Adam Todd. Mark had been plant manager of the Dyna-Chem Plant in Georgetown from 1980-2025. Fishing and beer were his pastimes, and he loved taking his dogs for rides, as well as splitting wood and NASCAR racing. He was a Dale Earnhart fan and enjoyed Dallas Cowboys football and the Chicago Cubs. Services will be announced at a later date. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details.
ANNE M. SHONK, 68, of Georgetown passed away at 3:18 a.m. on Wed., April 8, 2026, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Dear Mama, You have always been my pillar of strength, my confidant, and my first love. Most importantly, you were the one who introduced me to Jesus. Your love for Jesus was evident in everything you did. Our bond was filled with laughter and joy. Your laugh was the most beautiful sound to my ears. When Tom came into our lives we became the three amigos, always inseparable, forming a special connection that will endure. As we continue to walk in faith with Jesus, I find peace that we will be with Jesus and you in eternity. I will always miss you deeply. Our relationship was mother and daughter the best of friends. When something was bothering the other, even if we were apart we would get that feeling that something was wrong with the other one. We were that close. I love you, Mama and you’ll always be my love. Anna M Buyno Shonk, a devoted child of God peacefully joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tues., April 7, 2026. She was born April 11, 1957 and she is survived by her daughter, Annie (Thomas) McCrone; sons, Luke (Kim) Shonk and Gabriel Shonk; and her beloved grandchildren. Though she did not have the chance to see her sons or grandchildren for years, she always held them close in her prayers and love. Her greatest wish was for them to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Mom’s dedication extended beyond her family, as she worked tirelessly at Woodlawn Cemetery and later at Vermilion Grove Cemetery. Her hard work and kindness did not go unnoticed, as many praised her for her exceptional efforts. She had a knack for bringing beauty to forgotten graves and offering prayers for the family of the departed. In her passing, Mama leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. Her impact on those around her will forever be cherished. She will be dearly missed by her many siblings and one extra special sibling, Jerome Buyno with whom she cherished the conversations with. She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen; two grandbabies; her mama and daddy and her fur child, Sadie Sue whom was her special love. Reunited at last! Until we see you again, Mama we will keep loving Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him. We can’t wait to see you again!! Love you, God bless you Mama P.T.L. You’re going to have the best Birthday in Heaven this Saturday! Proverbs 31:25-26
No services will be held. Robison Chapel is handling the arrangements. Condolences: www.robisonchapel.com.
VIVIAN M. ROSE, 88, of Catlin passed away at 4:27 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville. Vivian was born in Wood County, Ohio the daughter of Donald E. and Lucy L. Armstrong Van Vorce. She married William E. Rose on June 9, 1956, in Wood County, Ohio. He preceded her in death on May 6, 1996. Survivors include two daughters, Dianna (Tim) McFadden of Catlin and Judy Rose of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; one sister-in-law, Kay Van Vorce; two grandchildren, Emilie Mae (Paul) Ribbe of Bismarck and Ethan McFadden of Catlin; and two great grandchildren, Lennox Ribbe, Lincoln Ribbe. She was preceded in death by one brother, Bruce Van Vorce; and one sister and brother-in-law, Bonna (Bob) Dickey.
Vivian was a longtime employee of the Catlin IGA and was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying “March Madness” and keeping track of her brackets. She also kept track of Ohio State sports. Board games, knitting and crocheting and word search were hobbies, as well. She loved cooking for her family.
Memorial services at a later date. Robison Chapel is handling arrangements. Memorials in her memory to Paralyzed Veterans of America, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or your local Humane Society. All donations in care of Robison Chapel Post Office Box 79 Catlin, Illinois 61817.
PAULA (DARR) FRANKLIN, 76, formerly of Catlin, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Laurels of Hudsonville Assisted Living and Rehab Center in Hudsonville, Mich. on Dec. 27, 2025. Paula was born to the late Willis P. and Norma D. Byerly Darr on June 30, 1949 in Danville. Paula spent her informative years in Catlin and was raised by her maternal grandparents, the late Herman and Lois Byerly. She was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ and graduated from Catlin High School in 1967. Paula was very outgoing, loved to be around people, was a great sister and aunt, a loyal friend and loved by many. After high school, Paula met the love of her life and married the late Joseph Reynolds, formerly of Georgia and a navy veteran. As a result, she spent the majority of her adult life in California, New Jersey and South Carolina, eventually retiring and settling in Grand Rapids, Mich. Paula enjoyed her pets and fishing and swimming with her family and friends. She was also a huge fan of NASCAR, Elvis Presley, and her two favorite sports teams, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.
Paula is survived by her stepmother, Joyce Ann Darr of Ft. Myers, Fla., a brother, Lynn (Kassie) Darr; stepsister, Susan (Craig) Schreiber; and stepbrother, Brian (Staci) Darr; and extended family.
Memorial service 11 a.m. on Sat., April 25, 2026, at the Catlin Church of Christ with Chris Lawler to officiate. Burial in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. on Sat., April 25, 2026, at the Catlin Church of Christ. Robison Chapel is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
