February 12, 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.

Proposition of cemetery ownership and tax increase is on March 17 ballot for Vance Township

Commissioner Wilson stopping Comcast work due to their destruction of Conxxus cables

Sidell water rates to increase in March

Catlin Legion “moving on up” as they renovate upper level for bar, food

SF High Scholastic Bowl

Sports

New record set by Oakwood-Salt Fork boys wrestlers

Salt Fork’s tempest blows four teams off the court

Lady Storm defeat Danville High’s Lady Vikings in doube OT action


Obituaries
    ROBERT DANIEL HARBAUGH was born Jan. 28, 1949 in Tuscola to Robert (Bob) Harbaugh and Betty Sams. Robert passed away Jan. 31, 2026 in Pleasant Meadows Nursing Home in Chrisman, surrounded by family and friends.  Rob was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Debbie Wynn. Surviving is his brother, Mike Harbaugh (Lorie) of Tilton, his spouse, Jeannie Jones of Westville; and his daughter, Michelle (Brandon) Thomas of Georgetown; and his grandchildren, Bryson Miles, Kai Harbaugh, and Nolan Ross.  Rob was a major baseball and football fan. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and The Chicago Bears. He was also a Danville Moose Lodge member 1001 for many years.  He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his friends and family, as well as playing corn hole, playing cards, and watching his grandchildren grow up. 
    Rob was cherished by all who knew him. Celebration of life will be held Feb. 22, 2026 at the Edgewood Center at Forest Glen Preserve Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come gather and share stories and memories to reflect the time Rob shared on earth. 
Watson Cremation and Funeral Home attended the family.


    ROGER WILLIS RUDDER, 90, of Villa Grove, passed away peacefully on Thurs., Jan. 29, 2026 at Newman Rehab and Healthcare Center in Newman.
    Roger was born on Jan. 6, 1936 at Jarman Hospital in Tuscola to Ralph and Oakie (McKee) Rudder. He married Mary DeMoss on June 26, 1955 at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in rural Sidney.
    He is survived by his loving and very devoted wife, Mary Rudder; son, Don (Laura) Rudder; grandchildren, Brandon (Jenna) Rudder and Rachel Rudder; and great-grandchildren, Holly, Rowan, Bryce, Addysen, and Emersyn Rudder.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathleen Courson; son, David Rudder; a niece, and a nephew.
    Roger grew up in Allerton and graduated from ABL High School in 1954. He worked at Courson Hardware for 38 years. Roger enjoyed camping with family and friends, collecting International Harvester toy tractors, square-dancing, and woodworking. Roger got great joy from being with his grandchildren.
    Graveside services were held at Locust Grove Cemetery in Philo on Feb. 1, 2026. Memorial donations may be made to the family. Joines Funeral Home attended to the family.

    PHYLLIS JOAN BECKER, 93, of Catlin, passed away at 11:03 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at her home.  Phyllis was born Sept. 20, 1932, in Belgium, Ill., the daughter of Hobart Harl and Dorothy Rose Schweighart High.  She married the love of her life, Paul Eugene Becker, on Aug. 20, 1950, in Georgetown. He preceded her in death on March 16, 2010.          Surviving are one son, William A. Becker of Perrysville, Ind.; two daughters, Paula (Jeff Wakeland) Clawson of Perrysville, Ind. and Mary R. (Mike) Clawson of Danville; two brothers, Harl Richard (Kathy) High of Westville and Dwayne (Cathy) High of Catlin; two sisters, Donna Taylor of Catlin and Pam (Bob) Stark of Catlin; six grandchildren, Melanie (Josh) Stansberry, Garrett (Angela) Becker, Kyle (Jessica) Becker, Sharlynn (Skyler Reed) Rooksberry, Cody (Destiny Mapp) Hewitt, and Deric (Briana) Clawson; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one brother-in-law, Larry (Sarah) Garwood; and special nephews, Chuck and Mark (Connie) Becker.  She was preceded in death by two daughters, Teresa Becker and Sharlynn Hewitt; one daughter-in-law, Cindy Becker; one son-in-law, George Hewitt; and two brothers-in-law, Charles Becker and Joe Taylor.
    Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom and then worked at the Catlin IGA for 17 years and had been a teller at the First National Bank of Catlin for five years. She was a long-time member of the Catlin Church of Christ where she had taught Sunday School and was involved with the youth groups.  She was a member of the Danville Boat Club and the Danville Elks Lodge
    Phyllis enjoyed traveling and camping with her children and other family members. She took cheerleaders to camp in Florida and also the church group for Bible Bowl in Florida. She and her husband had enjoyed ballroom and country dancing with many of their friends
    Funeral services 1 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 14, 2026, at the Catlin Church of Christ with Pastor Chris Lawler officiating. Burial in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 14, 2026, at the Catlin Church of Christ.  Memorials to the Fair Haven Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

Help Wanted: Reporter Needed
    The Sidell Reporter is looking to hire someone to cover 1-2 board meetings every month. Contact Editor Rinda Maddox 217-474-9365 or editor@thesidellreporter.com

Click to view online edition