July 23, 2026

A sampling of headlines in this week’s Sidell Reporter. To read the stories that go with this, plus many more articles in this week’s issue, subscribe today to read the Reporter in print and/or online. For details click here.

Committee proposes Pre-K-3 at North, Grades 4-8 at South

#512 eyes elementary changes, weighs solar savings

DeAth responds to road concerns

Indianola ready for celebration

Catlin’s zoning hearing postponed due to no ordinance

Indianola approves beautification plans

Fairmount to receive deed for Main street property

Catlin High School Class of ’86 meets for 40th

Ehler takes third at fargo, makes osf wrestling history

JHS reunion
The Jamaica High School classes of 1962, 1963 and 1964 will hold their annual reunion at the Possom Trot on Sat., Aug. 15. For reservations, call or text Larry Smith, 843-516-0049.


OBITUARIES
    RICHARD L. HILLARY, Sr. passed away on July 17, 2026 in Mountain Home, Ark. at the age of 83.  Richard was born on Jan. 10, 1943 in Jamaica, Ill. to Ailene McDaniel and Raymond Hillary. Richard married Mattie L. Philpot on Sept. 25, 1965 in Fairmont.  Richard worked as a truck driver. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and skiing with his kids. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and Fox News, but most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
    Richard is survived by his wife; daughter, Natalie (Craig) Fluhr; son, Richard Hillary, Jr; brothers, Danny (Linda) Hillary and Gary (Debbie) Hillary; sister, Sharon Riggle; grandchildren, Ethan Fluhr, Arloa (Larry) Meister, Ryland (Shelby) Fluhr; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Leilani, and Kalea.
    Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
    Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House.
    A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Mountain Home. Visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.

    RICHARD “PETE” LEE POWELL, 78, of Danville, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, after a courageous health battle. Pete was born on October 23, 1947, in Danville, to Clyde O’Neil Powell and Alma Jean Powell (Savage).
    If you knew Pete, you knew laughter. He never met a stranger because, before long, everyone became a friend. He loved making people smile, always had a story to tell, and if he could get you laughing, his day was made. He’d also be the first to tell you he was a chick magnet.  Pete served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam era. He began his career with Illinois Bell before following his passion and starting his own heavy equipment operating business. If you ever watched him work, you knew he was one heck of an equipment operator.  Pete could usually be found at VIPs Restaurant, having coffee, sharing stories, and plenty of laughter with the same group of friends as they solved the world’s problems.
    As a Senior Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders, Pete dedicated countless hours honoring veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and their families. The Patriot Guard became much more than an organization—it became family.  More than anything, Pete was a devoted father and an incredibly proud Papa. During his years with the family, he embraced the role of father to three girls. Although circumstances changed over time, his love and concern for all of them never faded. Nothing brought him greater joy than being Dad to Katie and Papa Pete to Olin, Otto, and Arden.
    Pete was preceded in death by his parents.
    He leaves behind his daughter, Kathryn “Katie” (Cole) Elder of Coulterville; his former stepdaughters, Brooks Bennett-Miller and Blair Bennett-Colella, whom he continued to love deeply; three cherished grandchildren, Olin, Otto, and Arden Elder; his sister, Debbie (Joe) Heleine of Fairmount; niece, Brandi (Nathan) Schmidt of Zionsville, Ind.; nephew, Philip Heleine of Fithian; three great-nieces; and his best friend and true love, Trudy Pickett of Danville, who undoubtedly deserves all the praise for putting up with Pete through the years. Pete measured his life by the friends he made, the laughter he shared, and the family he loved. We are all better for having known him.
    Pete’s wish was to have a celebration of life filled with laughter, friendship, and love.      Celebration will be Sat., August 8, at 9:30 a.m. at East Park Church of Christ, 1244 East Voorhees St., Danville.
    Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

    CHARLES FREDERICK BENNETT, 91, of Oakwood, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his home.  Charles was born on December 28, 1934, in Salem, the son of Jesse and Berniece Jewel Bennett. He married Dorothy Smith on April 1, 2011, in Sidell. She survives.
   Other survivors include: one daughter, Teresa Bennett; daughter-in-law, Lisa Bennett; stepdaughter, Theresa (Keith) Hooker of Sidell; three grandchildren, Karisa Bennett, Brittany Bennett, and Cody Bennett; four step grandchildren, Travis Woodard, Tyler Woodard, Tad Woodard, and Tara Connor; ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Bennett, his stepson, Kevin Smith, four brothers, and three sisters.
   Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked at CE&I Railroad for 42 years. He enjoyed building model airplanes and flying them. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, wintering in Florida, and most of all enjoyed his family.
   Graveside rites will be Fri., July 24, 11 a.m. at Friends Chapel Cemetery east of Chrisman. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling arrangements.

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