January 22, 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.

No paper will be published on Feb. 5 
  There will not be a Sidell Reporter published on Thursday, Feb. 5. Deadline for news and advertising for the Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 issues remain the same as noon on Monday for Thursday publication

Newspaper for Sale
    The Sidell Reporter is looking for someone to take over the 138-yearold publication as managing editor or owner/publisher. Contact Editor Rinda Maddox by phone, text, email, US
mail, Facebook, carrier pigeon or thru the Grapevine. Just not by Fax. We got rid of that years ago.

Headlines

Indianola in IML’s America250 Time Capsule

Indianola loses another trustee; now needing to fill three seats

Carroll seeks one democrat to fill vacancy on board

Rick and Betty Brown celebrate 60th anniversary

Catlin Library’s expansion explained at village meeting
Citizens ask board about SB25 and how it will affect proposed solar farm

Fisher National Bank announces new Georgetown branch, opening this Summer

Sports

Busy weekend for OSF wrestlers

Ehler, the first Illinois athlete to capitalize on new IHSA rule

Lady Storm batters Westville twice in a week

Boys defeat Uni High before entering County Tourney

Storm Cheer places 2nd in County; Payton Cox wins Ashley Wilson Scholarship

Jr. Hi Girls in second week of action

7th Grade Boys win first round in IESA Regional



Obituaries

    BOBBY D. MARING, 67, of Catlin, passed away at 4:17 p.m. on Wed., Jan. 14, 2026, at the Franciscan Health, Lafayette, Ind.
    Bobby was born Aug. 12, 1958, in Danville to Clarence and Imogene Owens Maring. He married Connie Thomas on March 18, 1978, at the Methodist Church in Sidell. She survives.  Also surviving are one son, Zachary Robert (Stefany Ellis) Maring of Danville; four brothers, Chester (Marylynn) Maring of Osceola, Ind., Charles (Marie) Maring of Sidell, Art (Bonnie) Maring of Villa Grove, and Kenny (Kitty King) Maring of Danville; four sisters, Shirley Whaley of Sidell, Connie (Sven) Anderson of Fincastle, Va., Alice (David) Lamb of Rolla, Mo., and Peggy Miller of Broadlands; three grandchildren, Olivia Maring, Chloe Maring, and Cameron Maring; and best friend and honorary brother, Jack Jones whose friendship will forever be cherished by those who witnessed it.  He was preceded in death by seven brothers, seven sisters and two brothers-in-law.  Bobby worked as a service technician for Terex Concrete Construction from 1977 to 2003. He enjoyed family and friends, his grandchildren and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed doing yardwork, sitting in the garage telling stories and loved telling stories about his work travels.  He loved his pets and was a grillmaster, Mr Fixit, and he was very determined and persistent and didn’t let his disability change his life.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.


    DANA WRIGHT JOLLEY passed into eternal life on Mon., Jan. 12, 2026 at his home in Fithian with family by his side.  Born to Clifford and Nora (Wright) Jolley on April 29, 1952, Dana’s destiny was predetermined as a 4th generation farmer. He made his home on his grandparent’s Paul and Jean Jolley’s, farmstead in Fithian.
    Dana is survived by his wife, Judy (Cord) Jolley. Other survivors include his mother, Nora Jolley; his son, Brad (Jamie) Jolley (grandson Brady…his pride and joy) of Tilton; his daughter, Stacey (Doug) Ireland (step-grandson Jonathan) of Danville; his sister, Kathy (David) McGee of Catlin; niece, Betsy McGee (Craig Davenport); nephew, Christian (Natalia) McGee; and special great nephews; Gabriel Davenport, Caleb, and Luke McGee.  Dana’s father, Cliff, predeceased him.
    Dana was a life-long farmer in the Fithian/Fairmount/Jamaica/Oakwood and Catlin area. Along with grain farming he raised and bred Simmental cattle.  He was a member of Jamaica United Methodist Church, which late consolidated with Fairmount United Methodist Church. He was a 1970 graduate of Jamaica High School where he was an active sportsman known as a hard-hitting lineman in football and as a defensive forward in basketball.  As a youth he showed swine at the Vermilion County Fair and continued participating with the Vermilion Co. Fair as Livestock Chairman. He was a 50-year public servant as Vance Township Trustee and was on the Pleasant View Drainage District Board.  Dana enjoyed collecting antique tractors, plows, and was known for growing sweet corn to share with his family and friends.
    The family gathered for a private service at Robison Chapel in Catlin with his friend, Bob Thompson, officiating and burial followed at Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be held Jan. 19 at Robison Chapel.  Memorials may be made in Dana’s memory to Caleb McGee Medical Fund, Fithian Fire Protection District or Oakwood Rescue in care of Robison Chapel, P.O. Box 79, Catlin, IL 61817. Online condolences are welcome at www.robisonchapel.com.


    NANCY JANE LIVINGSTON, 89, of Catlin, passed away at 10:47 a.m. on Mon., Jan. 12, 2026, at her home.
    Nancy was born June 22, 1936, in Decatur to Jack and Ethel Keyes Gibbons. She married Dale Livingston in April of 1957 in Decatur. They later separated and he preceded her in death.  Surviving are one son, Rodney (DeAnna) Livingston of Catlin; two daughters, Rebecca Butner of Catlin and Renee Mingee of Catlin; two grandchildren, Melissa (Rob) Goad and Beau (Ellen Elghammer) Butner; and four great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by one brother; one sister; one son-in-law, Melvin Mingee; and one step granddaughter: Wendy.
    Nancy graduated from Decatur-Macon County School of Nursing in 1957 and interned at Riley Hospital for Children. She retired from nursing in 1997. She enjoyed watching Illini games, NASCAR races and was called NASCAR Nancy. She loved animals, especially cats, reading, working puzzles, and listening to music. She loved cardinals and was also a Cardinal fan. She was president of the music boosters at Catlin High School.
    Memorial services were Jan. 19 at the Catlin United Methodist Church with Chaplain Kevin R. Teal officiating. Memorials to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Animal Shelter.  Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.


    LLOYD DALE CAMPBELL, was born on April 9, 1929, at home in Manley, IL to Lloyd D. Campbell and Ida Lois (Hobbs) Campbell. He peacefully passed away surrounded by loving family members on Jan. 14, 2026.
    Dale’s early years were spent growing up in Hannibal, Mo. He attended Ilasco High School where he met the love of his life, Sadie Loretta Barnes. Their wedding on March 14, 1947,marked the beginning of nearly 58 years of cherished marriage until Sadie’s passing on February 23, 2005.
    In 1949, Dale and Sadie settled in the Danville area, where Dale established and managed Campbell’s Disposal from 1953 to 1991. Following his retirement, his son Mike took over the family business, ensuring its continued success.  Dale found joy in various activities throughout his life, including boating, camping, traveling, lawn care and tending to crops and livestock. Dale loved to sing, and the music in his soul echoes through time, resonating with gospel melodies, even until his final moments on earth. He now sings in a Heavenly choir!  Above all, Dale treasured his time with his family, creating lasting memories and passing down stories and the values of his faith in Jesus Christ.
     Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lois Campbell, his beloved wife, Sadie; and four sisters and their spouses, Dorothy (Robert) Reed, Letha (Robert) Tucker, Trella (Glenn) Pabst and Vila (Richard) Hird.
    Dale is survived by his wife, Naomi Joy (Bensyl) Campbell; his brother, Calvin (Sheri) Campbell of Hannibal, Mo.; and his children, Linda (Pete) Odle and Mike (Sue) Campbell, all of Catlin.  His legacy lives on through his eight grandchildren, Jeff (Vicki) LaBaw, Lori (Brad) Lee, Josh (Brittani) Odle, Misty (Chad) Turner, Mindy (Tony) Keller, Jason Campbell, Trenton Campbell and Eric Childs. Dale had 18 beloved great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Lloyd Dale Campbell’s legacy lives on through his family, who will forever remember his love, kindness, and dedication to creating a strong family bond. His wish for an unbroken family chain and eternal togetherness in Heaven will be cherished and honored by those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.


    IRIS MARTIN, 93, of Catlin, passed away at 4:10 p.m. on Jan, 12, 2026 at Hawthorne Inn in Danville.
    Iris was born at the home of her grandmother, Olive Switzer, on June 14, 1932, the daughter of Edward and Goldie (Switzer) Collom in Eugene, Ind. She married Gene Martin on Jan. 27, 1961 at the Methodist Church parsonage in Catlin. He preceded her in death on Feb. 5, 2022.
    She is survived by special friends Jean Shafer and Alinda Higgins.
    Iris graduated from Cayuga High School in 1950. She attended business school and worked as an accountant for Pawley Lumber Company, Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation in Covington, Ind., and Bullock Garages INC in Danville for over 40 years, retiring in 1992.
Iris and Gene became members of the Catlin United Methodist Church in 1996, where she kept the church decorated and assisted with church activities. She and Gene were devoted to restoring and protecting historical items saved from the devastating church fire in 1989. She was a life member of the Catlin Historical Society where they maintained the flower gardens for several years.
    Iris and Gene had a love for animals which was shown through the many cats and dogs they had through the years. Their most recent friend was their faithful, loving dog, Lizzy.
A Celebration of Life Service was held Jan. 20 with Pastor Trevor Oetting officiating. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville assisted the family with arrangements.
    Memorial Contribution may be made in Iris’ memory to the Catlin Historical Society or to the Catlin United Methodist Church. Memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.



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Special Issues Great for Jamaica Alumni
“A Look Back at 39 Years of Cardinal Pride.”
40 pages covering Jamaica sports from 1955-1995. Lots of pictures, stats and memories from fans and athletes. $15-pick up at Sidell Reporter; $17.50 to be mailed.

“The 50th Anniversary of Jamaica High School: 1955-2006”
commemorative issue.
32 pages with over 100 photos depicting the first 50 years of Jamaica High School. Includes a list of all graduates and teachers. $15-pick up at Sidell Reporter; $17.50 to be mailed.

“Jamaica High Alumni Photo Album 1956-2015”
64-page album of each senior composite that hung in the hallway at Jamaica High. $15-pick up at Sidell Reporter, $19.50 to be mailed.