February 26, 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.

Fairmount Village to get Watchfire sign

Michelle Yeazel Vance dies in auto accident

Puzeys crowned Valentine King and Queen

Food Drive
The Jr. High Class of Fairmount Faith Church will hold a food drive Sat., March 7 at Fairmount Casey’s. All proceeds will go to the Sidell Food Pantry. Non perishable items and monetary donations will be collected.

New House Program sparks positive change at Salt Fork Junior High

Zufall earns Dean’s List

Sports

OSF Wrestlers shine under state spotlight
Frazier, Ehler earn podium finishes in Champaign

Pacot’s late bucket lifts Lady Storm to Regional Three-Peat

Storm’s season ends in thriller; Schlarman advances with 43-41 Regional win

Storm earns 4th, Medals

Junior High Girls Volleyball

Obituaries

    RONALD A. ELLETT, 83, of Marengo, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 20, 2026, following a courageous 16-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
    Ron was born on Nov. 20, 1942, in Logansport, Ind. to Homer Archibald Ellett and Francis Elizabeth (Guthrie) Ellett. He graduated from Jamaica High School in Sidell in 1960, where he distinguished himself as a star athlete. He continued his education and football career at Eastern Illinois University, earning a degree in business and physical education.
    In the fall of 1963, Ron began his lifelong impact on young athletes when he was hired as a teacher and coach at Hampshire High School in Hampshire, Ill. There, he established the school’s football program and built it into a powerhouse. Over 21 seasons, he compiled an impressive 124–68 record, highlighted by state championships in 1976 and 1979 and a state runner-up finish in 1978. As a coach, Ron emphasized hard work, toughness, and determination-values that shaped the lives of countless players.  He later coached Elgin High School to the 1984 quarterfinals and served as head coach at North Park College the following year. In addition to football, he led Hampshire’s baseball teams to numerous conference championships.
    In his forties, Ron began a second successful career as a builder and contractor. Over the next 20 years, he constructed many homes throughout the Hampshire area, leaving a lasting mark on the community he loved.
    In his free time, Ron enjoyed golfing-celebrating five holes-in-one over the years-and was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many activities. He and his beloved wife, Karen (Holze) Ellett, shared 39 wonderful years of marriage and cherished their snowbird lifestyle, spending more than three decades between Marengo and Phoenix, Ariz.
    Ron is survived by his loving wife with whom he shared a life filled with devotion and cherished memories. He leaves behind his children, Ronald J. (Rayme) Ellett, Douglas R. (Sue) Ellett, Amy M. (Ken) Johnson, and Matthew L. (Jennifer) Ellett; and his stepchildren, Gregg (LeAnn) Dunlap and Kirstin Dolan-Susick, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy in his life.
    He was a proud and devoted grandfather to 13 grandchildren: Ronald, Lucas, Meghan, Duncan, Ellianna, Jace, Matthew, Madison, and Casey Ellett; Taylor (Kyle) Loftus; Connie (Connor) Nelson; Michael Seyller; Payton Johnson; and two step-grandchildren Miranda and Lauren Susick.  Nothing brought him greater happiness than time spent with them and his three precious great-grandchildren, Edie  Josie Nelson and Bennett Loftus.
    Ron is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Dixie Todd; his brother, Terry (Linda) Ellett; and his brother-in-law, Lee Fischer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Mary Culp and Bette Fischer. Though he will be deeply missed, his love, guidance, and steady presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
    Visitation will be held on March 13 from 4-7 p.m. and again on March 14 at 9 a.m. with funeral services on March 14 at 10 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church, 157 W. Jefferson Avenue, Hampshire.  The family invites attendees to wear purple in honor of Ron’s favorite color. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org. A graveside burial will follow.


    LARRY M. McDOWELL, 92, of Sidell passed away at 7:32 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois.  Arrangements are pending at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois.

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

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