April 4, 2024
Catlin still needs to fill board vacancy
All Annual Town Meetings set for next Tuesday
Vance hears grant sought for Lincoln Trail
East Central Region Teacher of the Year, Stacey Rickard
SPORTS
Smoot breaks school record in 3200 meter
Doubleheader with LeRoy goes 1-1
Salt Fork Storm stops Danville Vikings 6-5
OBITUARIES
ROBERT “ROB” D.K. FOLEY, 35, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024, following injuries obtained in an automobile accident. He was born Jan. 26, 1989, in Danville, the son of Shane A. Foley and Dawn M.K. Payton.
Rob was a 2007, graduate of Jamaica High School where he excelled as an athlete. He took an athletic scholarship to Olivet Nazarene University where he continued his love for football and his academics. Following two years at Olivet Nazarene Rob wanted to focus more on academics and transferred to Eastern Illinois University where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in finance and a minor in accounting in 2012. Following his graduation from college he took on employment at City Wide Title where he has shined in his career over the past 12 years.
He is survived by his loving parents, Dawn (Mark) Bushue of Covington, Ind. and Shane (Tish) Foley of Oakwood; his two children, Dexter Foley and Phoenix Foley; a brother, Sean Foley, a half-brother, Shane Foley, Jr.; a stepbrother, Darrin Blakeney; his maternal grandfather, Michael (Dorene) Payton; and his former wife Katherine Foley.
He is preceded in death by maternal grandmother Mary Ann Rodrigues and his paternal grandparents, Monty Foley and Paula Ewell.
Visitation and funeral service was April 1 at Moss Family Funeral Home, Batavia.
LARRY D. MEGENHARDT, 72, of Catlin, passed away at 11:53 a.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born on June 19, 1951 to John D. and Deloris V. (Bailey) Megenhardt. He married Darlene L. Current Jan. 27, 1990 in Covington, Ind. She survives.
Also surviving are two children, James (Cindy) Megenhardt and Gail Megenhardt; brother, John (Penny) Megenhardt; four sisters, Ginger (Paul) Singleton, Lacy (Tony) Walker, DeeAnn (Bob) Greenman and Barbara Braun; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Peggy Burger.
Larry was born and raised in Clay City, Ind. and graduated in 1969. He moved his family to Danville where he had the opportunity to work and eventually retire from Teepak after 42 years as a Research and Development Lab Associate. Prior to Teepak, Larry had also worked for the Saw Mill in Clay City, Pillsbury in Terre Haute, and the Newport Army Plant.
He was always active with chores, helping someone out, or traveling. He had done mission work in Kentucky, Illinois and Haiti and helped remodel the Fair Hope Building in Danville from a restaurant. He was also very involved in the children’s ministries at their church. Larry also worked on the family farm his entire life, up to last year. He was always willing to help anyone who asked for it. He could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He loved spending time with family, especially the grandkids. Larry lived the best life he could with guidance from God and his Bible.
A service to celebrate his life was held March 30 at Sunset Funeral Home with Pastor Robin Bolden officiating. Burial was Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Fair Hope Children’s Ministry.
April 11, 2024
EYES TO THE SKY
Hardens present history of bisons at Historical Society meeting
Catlin Fire Board meets
Salt Fork Drama Club to hit the stage
Food Giveaways to be held across County on April 23
Girls, boys both win County Track Titles
Tough week as boys drop 3
Barnett’s homer not enough to take Jerkers
Vermilion County residents can help seek funds that will improve internet access in rural areas
Obituaries
TONY RAY KINDRED, 54, of Paris, formerly of Chrisman, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Wed., April 3, 2024, at Carle Hospital in Urbana. He was retired from Paris Fire Department after over 30 years.
He was born Feb. 18, 1970, in Danville, the son of Chuck R. and Ruby N. (Key) Kindred. He married Jodi Lyn Elmore of Sidell Feb. 21, 1998, in Las Vegas, Nev., and she survives.
Other survivors include his parents, Chuck and Ruby Kindred of Chrisman; two children, Colby and Samantha Kindred, both of Paris; a sister, Susan Kindred Dye of Kansas, Ill.; his granddaughter, Oakley Kindred of Paris; his parents-in-law, Bill Reagan and Wilma Ingram of Sidell; several aunts, uncles, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tony earned his diesel mechanic certification from Lincoln College of Technology, graduating first in his class. He will be remembered as hard-working, generous, and helpful. He had a great sense of humor but was not good at sitting still. When not on duty, he enjoyed working part-time for Precision Towing, Goodyear and the Edgar County Animal Shelter. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and rode as many miles as he could on his Harley-Davidson. He was fiercely devoted to his parents and family, and even during his illness rarely missed a chance to support his children in their endeavors.
Memorials to an education fund for the benefit of his children and grandchildren c/o First Farmers Bank & Trust of Paris.
Services celebrating his life will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) April 11 at Templeton Funeral Home with Pastor Nate Alexander officiating. Burial will follow in Cherry Point Cemetery west of Chrisman. Visitation was Wednesday.
Share memories at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com.
JACKIE “TOOT” PITLIK, 65, of Indianola, passed away on Mon., April 1, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born June 20, 1958, in Danville, daughter of the late Charles and Christina (Nabors) Sills. She married Frank Pitlik Jr. on March 24, 1979, in Danville. He preceded her in death on Aug. 22, 2004.
Survivors include her significant other, Brian Barney; her siblings, Bonnie Crowder, Jeff (Rita) Sills, Michael (Joann) Estes; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Peppers.
Along with her parents and husband, Jackie was preceded in death by one brother: Kevin Sills; one sister, Karen Sills; a nephew, Jeffrey C. Sills and brother-in-law, Larry Crowder.
Jackie loved watching baseball and football and was an avid Cubs, Illini and Dallas Cowboys fan. When not watching her favorite sports teams, Jackie enjoyed crocheting, bowling, playing Bingo and listening to Elvis tunes. Celebration of Life was April 9 with Pastor Raymie Gordon at Sunset Funeral Homes Oakwood Chapel. Burial was at the Danville National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Share memories, at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
CAROL JO HOLAVES, passed away at 7:39 a.m. on April 8, 2024 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville.
Carol was born on Aug. 9, 1936 in Danville, and raised in Champaign until her junior year of high school. Her family moved to Catlin where she finished high school and attended one year at the University of Miami after moving to Florida. Her adult life she lived in Florida, where she worked as a dental assistant.
Carol is preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Kavanaugh; father, Shelly Bragg; husband, Gus Holaves; and son, Michael Bratton.
She was a member of St James United Methodist Church and belong to two Danville Garden Clubs, Red Hats and Old Town Preservation. .
Graveside Service will be held Sat., April 13, 11:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola with Rev. Dr. Don Jackson. Sunset Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carol’s memory to C.A.R.A. Animal Rescue in Tilton. Share memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
No vote for Solar permits
Ross Wilson to fill vacancy as Catlin Commissioner
Indianola accepts village hall bids
Sidell hears of trespassers
Carroll raises cemetery fees
Catlin Township hears HB5050 would allow counties to dissolve township road districts
Farm Bureau requests public to fill out Internet survey
Vermilion Valley Conference Art Show
Sports
Boys take 11-1 win in five innings over Hilltoppers
Jamison triple, McGee homer lead Storm to 11-6 win
Boys collect 11 personal records at Monticello Invite
Obituaries BARBARA JANE KNOTT passed away in Savoy on Sat., April 6, 2024, at the age of 97. She was born in Charleston to William Ross and Lena Ringo. She was predeceased by her husband, Lyle Lester Knott; brother-in-law, James Francis Knott and his wife, Beulah Delores Krick Knott; her son-in-law, Michael Lord (Rebecca); sister, Evelyn Ringo Johns; brother-in-law, Robert Wilson Johns ; nephew, Tyler Ross Mourning, and niece, Colby Michelle Mourning.
Barbara and Lyle were married on April 2, 1947, in the First Methodist Church in Charleston. Barbara is lovingly remembered by her children, Daniel Vincent Knott (Helen) of Cookeville, Tenn. and Lyle Alan Knott (Patti) of Champaign; one daughter, Rebecca Knott Lord of Springfield; five grandchildren, Melissa Knott Mendoza; Michael Patrick Lord, Ross William Lord; and Bryn and Taylor Knott; and three great-grandchildren, Justin Smith, Christian Worlein, and Emma Mendoza. She lived to see the birth of her great-great grandson, Liam Smith. She is also survived by her niece, Evelyn “Bitsy” Johns Mourning (Phil Boores) and nephew, Robert William Johns (Diana).
Barbara graduated in 1947 from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston with a B.A. in education. She dedicated her life to education and enjoyed teaching a wide variety of subjects and found fulfillment in her profession. In 1988, she retired at the age of 65 from Jamaica School District in Sidell, Illinois.
The freedom of retirement allowed her to travel, spend time with her grandchildren, study the Bible, garden and one of her favorite past times, playing cards (Euchre and Kings on the Corner).
Barbara was a long-time, active member of the Sidell United Methodist Church. While heaven must be rejoicing at welcoming her, those of us who are left behind mourn her death and will continue to do so for the rest of ours.
Funeral services were held on April 10 at the Sidell United Methodist Church, Sidell with the Rev. Christopher Easton officiating. Burial was at the Resthaven Memorial Park, Mattoon. The family requests donations be given to Sidell United Methodist Church P.O. Box 49, Sidell, IL 61876.
Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.
Board votes down solar farm despite committee’s approval
Fairmount board hears county will hold rabies clinic
Residents share concerns with Salt Fork Board of Education
Clean up days
Indianola and Carroll Township, May 2-5
Sidell, May 11, 8-12
Fairmount, May 18
Catlin, June 8, 8-10
Golf cart inspection May 11
Dodd’s Scrubs and cuts is a family affair
SPORTS
Maloney’s homer drives in three toward an 11-run 2nd inning against Comets
Salt Fork girls, boys places 2nd, 3rd in Tuscola Open
Bookended with losses, Ladies beat Comets 11-7
Capansky Signs with Cornell
7th Boys, 8th Girls finish third in County/Conference
OBITUARIES
DANIEL EARL “DANO” TOMAW, 70, of Paris and formerly Sidell, passed away peacefully at 3:17 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at his home. He was employed with Herrington Transportation after over 35 years as a truck driver.
He was born Feb. 4, 1954, in Danville, the son of the Deward Earl and Rena Evelyn (Reynolds) Tomaw. They preceded him in death. He married Donna Louise Kafer on July 18, 1991, at the Ford County Courthouse in Paxton and she survives.
Other survivors include his children, Christinna Tomaw of Paris, Jacob Tomaw of South Bend, Indiana, and Dannyel Gray of Middletown; a sister, Chris Tomaw of Fairmount; a brother, Charles Tomaw of Fairmount; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Dan’s life was devoted to God, his trucking career, his wife, his family, and his community; and in that order. He was a member of Living Word Church of Roberts, where he had served as a deacon. Dano drove as a member of Teamsters Local #26 for many years before going to work for Herrington Transportation where he was affectionately called “Blueberry.” He was very proud of having achieved his goal of reaching 3 million miles this past December. In addition to trucks, Dan loved motorcycles and fast muscle cars, and he was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to their annual canoe trips.
In keeping with Dan’s instructions to “celebrate my life, not mourn my death,” no formal services are planned. The family will organize a trucking convoy to celebrate Dan’s memory at a later date. Templeton Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.
Share memories with Dan’s family at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com.
MARJORIE WOLF, 96, of Allerton, passed away at 5:35 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Newman Healthcare in Newman.
There will be a private family burial at GAR Cemetery in Homer with Rev. Clyde Snyder officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.
Marjorie was born June 15, 1927 in Homer, the daughter of Thomas and Nellie McClaren Morrison. She married Leslie Wolf on April 28, 1946 in Danville. He preceded her in death on January 26, 2016.
Survivors include her daughter, Carole (Dave) Gillenwater of Allerton; grandchildren, Taylor (Scott) Freidel and Robert (Chelsea) Anderson; sister, Beverly Umbarger of Homer; and three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by five brothers and sisters.
Marjorie was a member of Allerton United Methodist Church and graduated from Homer High School in 1945. She enjoyed shopping, camping and playing euchre.
Memorials can be made to Allerton United Methodist Church.
PATRICIA ANN FOX, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Wed., April 17, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
She was born June 5, 1935, in Danville, daughter of the late Pearl William and Cleo Haze (Hopkins) Dowers.
Patricia married Joseph Fox on July 10, 1954, in Charleston and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by two daughters: Diana (Bob) Kmetz and Teresa (Mark) Steinbaugh; her grandchildren, Jocelyn (Matt) Zenk, Laura (Rob) Webb, John (Rachel) Kmetz and Rachel (Jacob) Campbell; 11 great-grandchildren; along with many life-long friends.
Patricia was preceded in death by her brothers: Bill (Franny) Dowers, Harold (Anita) Dowers and Dale Dowers; and a sister-in-law: Beverly Dowers.
Patricia retired from the Danville Post Office as a rural mail carrier for Danville and Fairmount. Among her favorite pastimes, she loved traveling with her daughters, and delighted in visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her devotion to her church and the teachings of the Bible shaped her life profoundly. She was a skilled baker, seamstress and gardener. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love for her family and unwavering faith. Though Patricia’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide all who were fortunate to have known her.
A Celebration of Life was held April 21 with Pastor Greg Taylor officiating at Sunset Funeral Home, Danville. A private burial will take place at Springhill Cemetery in Danville at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children and Second Church of Christ in Danville. Memories may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.