July 16, 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.

Palyn Provost crowned Georgetown Fair Queen

Planning well underway for Catlin’s celebration of the County Bicentennial

Nash resigns from Sidell Village Board

Sidell through her eyes: Sara Lee Dodd reflects at 90

Eakle resigns after 42 years with township

Bridge closure on 800 East Road may take longer to reopen in Catlin Township while getting bids

Catlin Fire Board report

Storm mound gets major league touch
Busch Stadium field specialist teams with FFA students on Salt Fork project

Keith, Seifert find champion success as first time producers

Attending the World Cup is a check off of the bucket list for Phil Cox

Obituary
    RUTH MARIE THOMAS, born in Allerton on May 24, 1940, peacefully departed this world on July 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as beautiful and abundant as her beloved garden.       She was one of nine children born to the late Ralph and Ida Smith.
    For over 46, Ruth was married to the love of her life, James Thomas, of Indianola. Together, they made their home and raised their family primarily in Georgetown, building a lifetime of beautiful memories.
    Ruth was a woman of fierce loves and incredible talents. She was a highly skilled seamstress who routinely saved the day. She loved her husband, her massive, bustling family, the feel of dirt between her fingers, and the thrill of watching things grow.
    Above all, Ruth loved animals. She was a passionate protector of cats and dogs alike, managing a colony of neighborhood felines and constantly opening her heart and home to fosters in need. While she was a gentle friend to every creature, she held a notoriously soft spot for dogs, especially the wonderfully loud, delightfully yappy ones.
    She was a friend to almost every creature that crossed her path. Except ground squirrels. Ruth hated ground squirrels.
    Ruth’s immense heart, grace, and sharp wit will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, James Thomas; her surviving children, Carl David Lewis (Deborah), Teresa Davis (Tim), Phyllis Lomax (Eric), Tammy Howard (Doug), and Jimmy Thomas (Sabrina); and her two brothers, Tom Smith and William Smith, both of Georgetown.
    She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
    As our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she has been joyfully reunited with her parents, her six siblings who went before her, her beloved daughter Tonjia Meyers (survived by husband David), and her two precious grandsons, Joseph Lewis and Elijah Davis.
    While she is undoubtedly resting in peace, the local ground squirrel population of Georgetown is arguably resting much easier today, knowing the undisputed queen of the backyard has moved on to higher ground. We can only assume she is currently lecturing the angels on proper perimeter defense.
    A celebration of life will be held today (Thurs., July 16) at Vermilion Grove Friends Church in Ridge Farm from 2-5 p.m.
    In lieu of flowers, Ruth would have likely asked that you plant something beautiful, support a local animal shelter, sew a button for someone in need, or aggressively shoo a rodent off your lawn in her honor.

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