http://www.thesidellreporter.com/

The Sidell Reporter, Sidell, IL (2025)

08/14/2025

Rail crossing closure starts Monday
Starting Monday, Aug. 18, Fairmount’s Main Street railroad crossing will be closed for the week.

School board approves staff

Sidell Board Rejects 1% Grocery Tax

JHS class of ‘75 meet for 50 year reunion

Britt Kneads Dough — and the community’s eating it up

Junior High softball starts

Memorial Service
DOUG TODD—An Open House Memorial for Doug Todd will be held Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Catlin American Legion, 104 Commercial Street. Stop by anytime between 4-7 p.m.
Doug was born April 4, 1950 to Donald and Eleanor (Hughes) Todd and passed away July 4, 2025.

08/07/2025

Group asks Catlin to not alter landscape

Vance citizen finds way to increase funds for cemeteries

Reporter is seeking help
The Sidell Reporter would like to hire a freelance reporter to cover one or two board meetings a month, especially the Fairmount Village Board that meets the third Wednesday of each month.
If you are interested in helping with either of these opportunities, please contact Editor Rinda Maddox at [email protected] or 217.288.9365.

Salt Fork’s Project Success helps revive Catlin Rocks!

FFA attends Leadership Camp

OBITUARIES

KENT LEASURE 91, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, with his daughter by his side. Born on Jan. 11, 1934, in Danville, Kent was a dedicated member of his community and a cherished figure in the funeral service industry for over seven decades.
A graduate of Sidell High School in 1952, Kent pursued further education at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1953. He began his career as a Funeral Director Embalmer at Houghton Funeral Home in Georgetown, where he not only provided compassionate service but also ran the ambulance for the funeral home. His dedication to serving the community led him to purchase the funeral home, subsequently renaming it Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home.
Kent’s commitment to his profession was matched only by his commitment to his community. He was an active member of the First Church of Christ in Georgetown and held membership in several professional organizations, including the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. As a proud member of Masonic Russell Lodge 32-degree, he contributed to the lodge’s many philanthropic endeavors. In addition, he was a Shriner and took great pride in transporting families to the Chicago and St. Louis Shriners Hospitals. He was also a member of the Lions Club and could sell a raffle ticket and make gravy for their breakfast fundraisers unlike any other. He served as past president of the Vermilion County Funeral Director Association and left a legacy of kindness and service.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kent proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, in the Field Artillery, which reflected his commitment to duty and service at every turn in his life.
Kent was known for his kind and loving nature and possessed a great sense of humor, often captivating those around him with his storytelling. Later in life, he discovered a passion for running (completing his first marathon at age 65) and cycling (rode across the state of Illinois to raise money for the Georgetown Library), activities that he embraced with the same enthusiasm he brought to all aspects of his life. His artistic side shined after retirement as he became a master at stained glass, with numerous windows in churches across East Central Illinois that reflect his work. He was also an avid collector of history, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the community he held dear.
Kent is survived by his beloved daughter, Julie Leasure, his son-in-law, Marty Meade, and his second daughter, Dawn Richer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Onam Leasure and Dorothy (Beuel) Leasure and his beloved wife, Ella Jane (Diehl) Leasure, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. He was also preceded by his brothers Keith and Kenny Leasure.
Kent’s memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew him, as a shining example of what it means to serve others with love, dedication, and humor. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment, compassion, and a zest for life that will not be forgotten.
A Celebration of Kent’s life was held Aug. 6 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Houghton-Leasure Chapel, Georgetown. Officiating was Phil Miller. Burial was at Georgetown Cemetery. The Lions Club had a rose ceremony, followed by Masonic rites by the Georgetown Masonic Russell Lodge. Memorials may be made in Kent’s honor to the FCOC Backpack Program, or give blood in Kent’s name. Share memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NANCY M. HUBBARD GLIDEWELL, 63, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
She was born Sept. 24, 1961 to Eva (Cope) and Jesse Hubbard Sr. She was a 1979 graduate of Jamaica High School.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Her generosity and warm spirit touched the lives of many. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she enjoyed spending as much time with them as she could. She loved fishing, grilling and being outdoors.
She is survived by her children: Jason (Grace) Hubbard of Georgetown, Caleb Hubbard of Paris, Ashley (John) Scott of Danville and Lois (Matt) Reynolds of Catlin; grandchildren Kaiden, Nevaeh, Grayson, Zoey, Carson Scott and Kenneth Hubbard;. siblings, Ronald (Linda) Hubbard, Jesse Hubbard Jr., Timothy (Lori) Hubbard and Larry Hubbard Sr. and sister-in-law Letious Hubbard; several nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Barbara Lewin and Darlene Snider, brother Kenneth “Red” Hubbard, niece Jessica Lewin and nephew Lance Hubbard.

07/31/2025

School starts Aug. 14 for kids
Salt Fork School District will hold in-person student registration only one day, Monday, Aug. 4 from 1-7 p.m. at the South Campus. Online registration is available daily.

Gustin fills vacancy on Fairmount village board

Non school groups will have to fill out Use form

Board looks at financial gain if solar farm is built

Reporter is seeking to hire a freelance reporter to cover one or two board meetings a month, especially the Fairmount Village Board that meets the third Wednesday of each month.

Band was right fit for Olivia Fritz as she headed to ASU

Bismarck Lions to hold Jonah Fish Fry Aug. 2

07/24/2025

Resignations, appointments – Indianola works at filling vacancies

Catlin Fire Board report

Carroll Township Board report

Letter writer: Public has a right to fair, unbiased reporting

Webb enjoys the game from the
other side

OBITUARY
LAURA FAUSETT HARRIS, aged 97, died July 11, 2025 in her Kankakee home, where she resided since 1962.
Laura was born the second child, April 23, 1928, at the Fausett homestead farm near Sidell, to Floyd Vernon and Belva Blossom (Vaughn) Fausett.
Laura married Donald Joseph Harris, of Effingham on March 10, 1951, at the Sidell Baptist Church, before Donald reported to active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.
Donald preceded Laura in his death on March 01, 2013. They were married for nearly 62 years.
Laura was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She taught band and choir at Bismarck High School and orchestra and choir in west Kankakee. She musically performed for various functions on the piano, violin, and on her marimba. Laura also started, and taught the kindergarten program at Immanuel Baptist Church in Kankakee.
Laura Harris was of a protestant Christian faith. She was a 67 year member of Governor Bradford Chapter of DAR, in Danville and a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma. Laura was a lover of fashion, a collector of ornamental knick-knacks, who loved to shop twenty-four-seven, as she was “Keeping Up Appearances.”
Surviving is her only child, Steven Joseph (Laura Byarley) Harris. Also surviving is niece Libby McIntyre (Steve) Happ of Camargo, nephew Malcolm McIntyre of Newman, niece Linda Randolph Ferguson of Kagawong, Ontario, Canada, nephew Robert (Judi) Randolph Jr. of Winter Haven, Fla., and various great nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband, Laura Harris was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Frances Fausett McIntrye, brother-in-law James McIntyre of Newman, nephew-in-law James Ferguson of Kagawong, Ontario, Canada, and nephew Malcolm McIntyre’s two children, Brad and Rebecca McIntyre of Newman.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes, Kankakee. There will be no service. A private inurnment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Sidell. “Go rest high on that mountain, girl your work on earth is done. Wish I could see the angels faces, when they hear your sweet voice sing.” —Vince Gill.
Praise be for the compassionate care from the doctors and nurses of Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Ascension at Home, and UpliftedCare hospice, all of Kankakee, Illinois, during Laura Harris’s last few weeks.

07/17/2025

McGee calls for personal attacks to stop, get unified

Catlin will not respond on solar ahead of zoning board decision

Despite no on extension, Richardsons have time while zoning board is set

Smoot enjoyed his year in Cross Country but will move on

Hard-earned success at the Fair for area youth

DONALD DOUGLAS “DOUG” TODD, 75, of Urbana, passed away July 4, 2025. Doug was born on April 4, 1950, in Danville to Donald and Eleanor (Hughes) Todd. He graduated from Jamaica High School in Sidell in 1968 and farmed with his father and brother on the family farm, Triple T Farms, for the majority of his career. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. Doug was also a skilled welder and mechanic. He had a passion for flying, where he carried an instrument rating pilots license, tractor pulling, scuba diving, among many others. Doug also served as President of Sidell Lions club for a time and was a member of the Sidell Flying club. Doug is survived by his brother, Dan (Mary Lou) Todd; his children, Robert “Bobby” (Jennifer) Todd, Heather (Jesse) Grissom, Kara Todd and Collin (Jamie) Todd; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Todd, Connor (Briana) Todd, Milani Church, Colden Earles, Addison Earles, Weston Todd and Katie Todd; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. An Open House Memorial will be held at the American Legion, 104 Commercial St, Catlin on Sat., Aug. 23. Stop by anytime between 4-7 p.m.

CHERYL TUTWILER, 70, of Danville passed away at 5:04 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at her home. Cheryl was born Aug. 4, 1954, in Lawrence-ville, Ill. to Robert and Lucille Dill Shaw. She married Mark Tutwiler I on July 28, 1979, in Danville. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are two sons, Steven (Jennifer) Bainbridge of Fairmount and Mark Tutwiler II of Danville; two daughters: Pamela K. Bainbridge of Danville and Serina Jones of Danville; two brothers, Jay Shaw of Fairmount and Gene (Jill) Shaw of Lafayette, Ind.; one sister: Cynda Opfer of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Cheryl had been a cook at the Oakwood Truck Stop and Purdue University. She enjoyed playing games on her phone, watching Facebook videos, and was a devoted General Hospital Fan. She loved family gatherings, bonfires and playing solitaire.
Memorial services were July 15 at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Mike Cox officiating. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

07/09/2025

SidellReporter_071025-1.jpg

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.

Sidell Food Pantry facing empty shelves, lack of help

Coming down in Sidell…
And going up in Sidell…
Building clean up and water tower construction begins

Fairmount & Jamaica Flashback

Obituary
JANE MONSSON died Sunday,June 29, 2025 in Plano, TX. She was 73. She was the daughter of Douglas and Sara “Sallie” Monsson. Jane taught science and coached girls’ basketball at Jamaica Junior High for several years in the 1980s. After moving to Texas, she had a multi-faceted career as a horseback riding instructor, graphic design artist and accomplished water-color painter. She had one sister, Ann (Jack) Lee of Boynton Beach, Florida.
Jane was a beloved riding instructor at Mill-Again Stables, whose strength, honesty, and kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
She was a talented and dedicated teacher, known for her stern yet caring approach to horsemanship and effective riding. She invested every ounce of her heart and soul into her students, often going beyond riding lessons to offer guidance, support, and encouragement in their lives. Her commitment to her craft and her students made her not only a skilled instructor but also a cherished mentor and friend.
In addition to her influence in the arena, Jane was an accomplished artist. She possessed a remarkable ability to capture the unique personality and expression of each horse she painted. Her art is a beautiful testament to her talent and the deep connection she shared with the animals she loved.
Jane’s legacy is felt daily at Mill-Again Stables and she will be deeply missed but remembered fondly for her strength, her kindness, and the positive influence she had on everyone around her.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 12, 2025 from 12:00-3:00pm. The address is Mill Again Stables, 3116 East Parker Rd. Plano, TX 75074.

07/03/2025

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.

Crowd speaks out against 1400 acre solar farm

Vance to look closer at budgets

Citizens fill village hall with more questions on solar

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.

Hird crowns Jr. Miss Vermilion County Fair

New series begins “Fairmount & Jamaica Flashback by Brett McMahon

OBITUARIES

ERNEST “ERNIE” R. RICHARDS, 80, of Metcalf passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Ernie was born to Forrest and Maxine (Eas-tin) Richards on July 11, 1944 in Tuscola. On Sept. 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Nancy Hance.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years; two sisters-in-law, Kay Simpson and Sharon Koester; mother-in-law, Martha Hance; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Maxine Richards; sister-in-law Phyllis Webster; brother-in-law Charles Simpson; and father-in-law Alexander Hance.
Ernie was a lifelong farmer, beginning with his dad while still in school and continuing on his own after a stint in the United States Army. His love of farming began at an early age when his parents gave him his first toy tractor. He went on to become an avid collector of farm toys, mostly John Deere.
He enjoyed rooting for many sports teams, including the Fighting Illini, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Shiloh Lady Raiders, the Shiloh and Titan boys sports, and any team that included his nieces and nephews. He was their number one fan. He also enjoyed watching tractor pulls, whether at the county fair or the Louisville National Farm Machinery Show.
After retiring from farming, he enjoyed winters at their home in Florida, where he could be found spending time with family and friends or just enjoying a beer on the lanai watching for gators on the lake.
He was a member of the Hume Lions Club, the Roth-Williams Legion, and the Hume Christian Church.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thurs., July 3, 2025 at Joines Funeral Home in Newman. A funeral service will be held the following day (Friday, July 4) at 10 a.m. also at the funeral home. Pastor Craig Roller will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Young America Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Roth-Williams American Legion or Auxiliary.

DELBERT “DALE” LEE PANKEY, formerly of Sidell, passed away June 19, 2025 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born June 2, 1950 to Robert Lee and Edna Lorraine Mingee Pankey. He was raised in Sidell and spent most of his life driving a semi. He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. He enjoyed his dog Sissy that traveled with him. He also enjoyed reading and Jim Beam.
His is survived by his daughter, Angela Pankey of Danville; two grandchildren, MaCabe (Lindsey) Pankey and MaKenzie Pankey, both of Danville; and four great-grandchildren, Deontae Cross, Cameron Walker, MaCabe Pankey II and Zander Pankey; a brother, Kenny (Jaye) Pankey of Shingle Springs, Calif. and their children, Tasha and Troy and several great nieces and nephews; and special friends, Matt and Polly Taylor of Covington, Ind.
Donations can be made in Dale’s name to the Cancer Research Foundation.

PATRICIA ANN PRUNKARD, 77, of Indianola passed away at 12:53 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville.
She was born Feb. 8, 1948, in Danville to Paul and Stella Mae C**n Cummings. She married Doug Prunkard on Dec. 1, 1979, in Danville. He preceded her in death on Dec. 7, 2017.
Surviving are two sons, Jeff (Michelle) Prunkard of Tomball, Texas and Jake Prunkard of Crawfordsville, Ind.; one daughter, Suzette Carpenter of Indianola; four brothers, Terry Cummings of Idaho, Lonny Cummings of California, Eldon Erwin of Danville and Jerry (Lori) Cummings of Catlin; one sister, Paula Vasquez of California; six grandchildren, Kyle (Andrea) Carpenter, Tyler (Crissy) Carpenter, Caleb (Cecile) Carpenter, Katie (Ross) Patrick, Kyle Todd and Olivia Prunkard; eight great-grandchildren, Lenny Carpenter, Clayton Carpenter, Devin Lappin, Tyler Lappin, Logan Lappin, Mateo Carpenter, Margot Carpenter, and Freya Patrick; three great-great-grandchildren, Tiana Lappin, Paisley Lappin and Charlotte Lappin. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one granddaughter, Sarah Carpenter.
Patricia was a longtime beautician for over 30 years, owning her own beauty school and teaching the art of hairdressing. She enjoyed TV, especially police dramas and documentaries, camping, diet coke, traveling and her home. She loved spending time with her family and kids. Memorial visitation is today (Thursday) 5-7 p.m. at Robison Chapel in Catlin.
The family will gather for a private burial. Memorials to the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Care Center. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com

MARJORIE BLOCK, 97, of Danville passed away at 10:33 a.m., Sat., June 28, 2025, at Parkview Retirement Village San- ford, NC.
Marjorie was born on Jan. 1, 1928, in Jamaica Township, the daughter of Willis and Grace Hedges Fox. She married Joseph Earl Block on April 8, 1950, in Catlin. He preceded her in death on Sept. 13, 2016. Survivors include one son, John L. Block of Sante Fe, NM; one daughter Deborah (David) Ziebart of Sanford, NC; one grandson, Jason (Amy) Ziebart; and three great-grandsons, Noah Ziebart, Joseph Gabriel Ziebart and Oliver Ziebart; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph and Marion Fox.
Marjorie graduated from Eastern Illinois University. She retired from teaching in Illinois and California. She was Teacher of the Year of her county one year in Merced County, Calif. She was interested in genealogy and was a member of the Genealogical Society in Merced as well as in Danville.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Mon., July 7, 2025, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Chris Lawler will officiate. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Visitation is from 10 a.m. till service time on Monday. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

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!

The Sidell Reporter

08/14/2025

08/07/2025

07/31/2025

07/24/2025

07/17/2025

07/09/2025

07/03/2025

06/26/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category