The Sidell Reporter

The Sidell Reporter The Sidell Reporter has been publishing weekly since 1888. Located in southwestern Vermilion County,

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.

11/23/2025

Position Title: Maintenance WorkerDepartment: OperationsReports To: Village PresidentEmployment Status: Part-Time (Up to 40 hours per month)Location: Indianola, Illinois

One dog still loose after vicious  attacks in SidellNo show trustees could start dissolution talksEarthrise Energy submi...
11/20/2025

One dog still loose after vicious attacks in Sidell

No show trustees could start dissolution talks

Earthrise Energy submits solar farm permits to Catlin

Carroll to fill board vacancy

CFD considers software upgrade

Storm season is here!
Girls open with win over the Sages

7th & 8th Grade girls’ teams both win conference champs

Salt Fork postseason awards for fall sports

Junior High
boys’ basketball

5th and 6th Grade girls’ basketball

Salt Fork School play Nov. 21 & 22

Healing in the heart of the country: Roxy’s House blends therapy, nature and animals

Obituaries
KAREN L. CONN, 63, of Indianola passed away at 9:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at her home.
Karen was born June 27, 1962, in Danville to Richard L. and Vernie Rhoton Taylor. Surviving are her mother Vernie Vestal of Georgetown; one son, Billy (Kristin) Puckett of Sidell; one daughter, Kala (Bryan) Mitchell of Chireno, Texas; three brothers, David Taylor of Elizabethtown, Ky., Benjamin “Benny” Taylor of Indianola and Danny (Lynn) Taylor of Indianola; one sister, Michelle (Joe) Boyer of Tilton; and two grandchildren, Owen Mitchell and Lorelai Puckett.
She was preceded by her father and stepfather, Larry Vestal, who recently passed on Oct. 12, 2025.
Karen was a dedicated employee for Viscofan, Danville for over 20 years. She enjoyed traveling and going to concerts. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Funeral services are Thursday, Nov. 20. 12 noon at Robison Chapel, Catlin with Pastor Steve Pearson officiating. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

REBECCA “BECKY” JO GREEN, was born Aug. 21, 1962 in Danville and passed away Thursday (Nov. 6, 2025) in Champaign after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of Jackie (Grace) Reffett and Patricia Tiffin. On July 23, 1983, Becky married Gary Green in Danville, and he survives. She is also survived by her parents; children, Tracy (Shannon) Albert, Travis Green, Kelsey Green and Cory Green; three grandchildren; siblings, Tina (Michael) Fiedler and James Reffett; mother-in-law, Dorothy Butterfield; as well as close friends Dana Daily and Linda Nijak.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Reagan Williams; grandparents, Ross “Dick” and Freida Tracey and Ralph and Ester Reffett; and father-in-law, Bob Green.
Becky graduated from Danville Area Community College with a certification in radiologic technology and later earned a master’s degree in hospital administration while working at Provena in Danville. Her career took her to Hawaii as a traveling MRI technologist, including time spent working at Kona Community Hospital on the Big Island. She concluded her professional journey as an MRI/CT technologist at the VA hospital in Danville.
Becky enjoyed traveling, visiting casinos, where she had a knack for winning; watching reality television shows; shopping; and spending cherished time with her family and friends. She was legendary at “going big” at Christmas, always trying to make each year better than the last.
Her strength and spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched throughout her life. Per Becky’s wishes, no services will be held

If you want to do something worthwhile and very moving to participate in, please consider sponsoring a wreath to be laid...
11/14/2025

If you want to do something worthwhile and very moving to participate in, please consider sponsoring a wreath to be laid on the veterans graves at the National Cemetery in Danville. The ceremony is so moving and then to watch volunteers all over the cemetery laying beautiful live greenery wreaths at the foot of the white markers is a sight to behold. You can donate one wreath for only $17. Last year there was a large part of the cemetery that did not get covered with wreaths because not enough were donated. If you can show up to volunteer on Dec, 13 I guarantee you will be blessed. If you can not but want to sponsor one or more wreaths, please consider doing so. My family and I will be there to help lay the wreaths and hope to see a lot of you there too!

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1217414810433381&set=a.371441611697376&__cft__[0]=AZXTmvv0oPj4Ow5qIKUCX3181oeqTOz_TPnQVFUlNxXvgvsJdEP8J3minoe8fo1dE3l0c0Te8y0jVLLufwyOrnK7RVISu0gZKaQepOdNb-fpCEwaPA21-quoKWH9QhwGdojnX-wapa-QUWWdZPuBbcyV7NAHxM7IWpI3vFlhxWRaM9d4AOYSGfn8uvBe9bG-QqnBhjNW5LLgFUT6_XHXck2r&__tn__=EH-y-R

Just 30 days until millions of Americans come together for one purpose: to Remember, Honor, Teach.

SidellReporter_111325-1.jpgZoning board upholds ordinance: no residence in business districtSidell makes plans for a com...
11/13/2025

SidellReporter_111325-1.jpg

Zoning board upholds ordinance: no residence in business district

Sidell makes plans for a community Christmas
Upholds Zoning Board’s decision: no residence in business district

Richardson places 36th in state; beating personal, school record

Junior High boys open season with tough loss in Topper Classic

Junior High girls wallop Chrisman, Hoopeston

Salt Fork girls Bball team to host “Meet the players”

Hunter places 16th, 13th in IHSA Sectional swim meet

Salt Fork named 3-Star National Chapter at FFA Convention

Obituary

DEBRA ANN (LAMB) MILLER, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 8, 2025.
She was born on Feb. 13, 1955, in Danville to Archie and Angie Lamb. Debra, or Deb as she was affectionately known, is survived by two brothers, Ray (Donna) Lamb of Kissimmee, Fla., and David (Alice) Lamb of Rolla, Mo. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Richard (Shirley) Lamb of Catlin. Deb is also survived by her brother-in-law, Steve Miller of Danville, and sister-in-law, Linda (Daniel) Rosnett of Indianola.
Deb met the love of her life, Harl Miller, while in high school, and they were married on Dec. 1, 1973. Married for over 51 years, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Deb cherished her role as a mother and farmer’s wife, and for many years, she also worked at the Veterans Administration in Danville, proudly serving those who served our country.
Together, Harl and Deb traveled across the country, with Deb visiting all 50 states. Their trips to Alaska were among her absolute favorites. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, she inherited her love for the team from her father and was overjoyed to witness their long-awaited World Series championship in 2016.
Deb was the proud mother of five children: April, Travis (Nicci), Caleb (Deserai), and Rachel (Eric Bryant). One child was lost in miscarriage. Her grandchildren – Tanaya, Jace, Khai, Tyler, Ryland, Eric, Armon, J’Lene, Ava, Avery, Owen, Londyn, Eli, Laeanna, Beckett, Sofia, IreLynn – were her greatest joy. She loved attending their sporting events, doing crafts with them, and celebrating holidays together. Christmas was her favorite time of year; she lived the spirit of Jesus through her generosity and love, handcrafting personalized Christmas stockings for every child and grandchild.
A talented artist with a passion for the fabric arts– knitting, spinning, and quilting – Debra shared her gifts freely. Many family members will continue to find comfort in the quilts and blankets she lovingly created. She also led the textile department at the Georgetown Fair for many years, sharing her skills with her community.
Debra had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus and was active in church life, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Since the passing of her parents and brother, she often spoke of longing for a joyful reunion. Her family takes comfort in knowing that, through God’s grace, she is now with them.
We will miss her dearly and look forward with hope to the day we are reunited once more.
A Celebration of Deb’s life will be at 10 a.m. on Fri. Nov., 14, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Houghton-Leasure’s Chapel, Georgetown. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Thurs., Nov. 13 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Please share memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

JULIE LOU TRISLER CATLETT, 69, President and Owner of Trisler Seed Farms, and longtime Fairmount resident, passed away at 11:05 a.m. Wed. Nov. 5, 2025, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
She was born Oct. 3, 1956, in Danville to Lyle and Blanche Landman Trisler. Julie married Gregory H. Catlett June 17, 1988, in Champaign. Greg survives, as well as, one step-son, Nicholas (Jordan) Catlett of Catlin, and one step-daughter, Alexis (Randy) Webb of Oakwood; one sister, Jean (Hal) Anderson of Branson, Mo., two step-grandchildren Taylor Smoot and Hendrix Catlett, as well as four nephews, and one niece. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John Trisler and Jim Trisler, and her sister, Jody Trisler.
Julie was a certified 100 ton yacht captain, as well as President and Owner of Central Illinois Production, served on the board Illinois Foundation Seeds Association, and the Independent Professional Seedsman Association. Her hobbies include gardening and traveling.
The family will gather for a private funeral service with burial to follow in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount, with Pastor Mike Roberts officiating. A public visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Tues. Nov. 11 at the First Baptist Church in Fairmount. Memorials in her memory to the Vermilion County Humane Society. The Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

SHIRLEY ELLEN JENKINS passed away peacefully at her home in Temple, Ga, on Tues., Nov. 4, 2025, at the age of 90. She was the widow of Harold (Bud) Jenkins, Jr. They shared 20 beautiful years together. She was the mother of four children, grandmother to two and great-grandmother to five.
Shirley was born on May 14, 1935, in Paris, to Harley Cravens and Edith Trott Cravens Swinford. She spent her early adulthood raising her kids and after they were grown, she went to college and graduated in December 1986. She served as the mayor of Fairmount for many years before relocating to Venice, Fla., where she worked at Thermotype until her retirement.
Shirley and Bud loved spending their time at the dog park with their Jack Russell, Maggie. Shirley loved music, cooking, and was an avid NASCAR fan. If you were to ask her daughters, they would say she was the greatest cook.
Shirley is preceded in death by her father, Harley Cravens, her mother, Edith Trott Cravens Swinford; her husband, Harold (Bud) Jenkins, Jr; her daughter, Julie Rigdon; her brother, David Cravens; and her sister, Nancy Cravens Boren.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Hopper and Jennifer (Mark) Victory; her son, Mark (Melody) Glispie; her grandchildren, Cory Glispie and Emily (Ray) Liu; her great grandchildren, Adam, Markus, Victor, Thailin, and Liliana Liu; as well as her beloved Jack Russell and companion, Buddy.
In keeping with her wishes, Shirley will be cremated. The family will have a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions in memory of their mother be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://stjude.org.
Cremation services have been entrusted to Hutcheson’s Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan, Georgia.

11/12/2025
11/07/2025
SidellReporter_10-30-25-1.jpgRemember to turn your clocks back Saturday nightIndianola to work on inventory of ordinance...
10/30/2025

SidellReporter_10-30-25-1.jpg

Remember to turn your clocks back Saturday night

Indianola to work on inventory of ordinances

Veteran’s meal
Sidell American Legion Auxiliary will host a dinner for veterans Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m., at Miss Daisy’s. Veteran’s dinner will be provided; $18 for guests. RSVP by Nov. 5 to Amanda Rull, (605) 430-5702.

Brush pick up
Sidell will have the last brush pick up on Wed., Nov. 5. After that date brush will not be picked up until next spring.

Is your mailing address correct

Sidell signs final loan

Honoring our shepherds: Local pastors recognized during National Pastor Appreciation Month - Part 2

Salt Fork trails the Clifton Central Comets 49-30
Off to Round 1 of Playoffs on Saturday

OSF soccer wins 3rd Regional

OSF X-Country girls run best ever at Regionals

Salt Fork Netters finish season 18-11

SFJH Girls Basketball

Church of Christ offers food help during shut down

Salt Fork Unit 512 to honor veterans with special programs Nov. 11

OBITUARY
KEITH ALLEN “PAWPAW” SMILEY, 82, of Indianola, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 27, 2025, at his home.
Keith was born Aug. 22, 1943, in Danville to Lovell and Zella Rodgers Smiley. He married Ralphine Pruitt on Sept. 12, 1965, in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Fredrick Smiley of Indianola; one daughter: Lucinda (David) Goble of Indianola; one sister, Ruth Ann Murphy of Tilton; two grandchildren, D.J. Goble and Destiny (Billy) Johnson; one great-grandson, Jacob Johnson; and one great-granddaughter on the way, Aurora Lucille Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roy Smiley; and one sister, Helen Simmons.
Keith served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from General Motors in 1992 after 34 years. He was a former member of the Lions Club and was a Boy Scoutmaster.
He enjoyed camping and traveling with his family and liked to be outside, working on cars, woodworking, and tinkering in the shed. He helped build the Indianola Methodist Church addition and was always willing to help a neighbor or friend. He loved spending time with his family.
Funeral services 12 noon on Fri., Oct. 31, 2025, at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Jim Pruitt officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola with military honors by the Danville American Legion Post #210. Visitation will be from 10 a.m till noon on Friday at Robison Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Transitions Hospice or the Catlin Church of Christ. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

10/29/2025

Veteran’s meal
The Sidell American Legion Auxiliary will host a dinner for local veterans Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m., at Miss Daisy’s. Veteran’s dinner will be provided; $18 for guests. RSVP required by Nov. 5, call or text (605) 430-5702.

Address

116 E Market Street
Sidell, IL
61876

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