June 12, 2025

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.

Sidell water rates to increase

Sidell Township to try use of milling on some rural roads

Catlin Fire Protection District Board Report

JHS Class of 65
A reminder to the Jamaica High School Class of 1965 that a reunion will be held Saturday, June 21 at 5 p.m. at Possum Trot. For questions, call JoAnna at 217-662-2277 or Mary at  217-377-8145.

Ridge Farm Lions to hold 10th festival on June 21

Catlin receives 110 new books

Salt Fork High School 2024-2025 
A Year in Review

Salt Fork North DARE essay winners

Salt Fork South Year Book cover design winners


OBITUARIES

    JAMES P. “JIM” MEHARRY, 77, lifelong Catlin area farmer and longtime Westville educator, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, June 2, 2025, at his farm home in rural Catlin. 
    He was born March 19, 1948, in Champaign to John F. & Dorothy Gunkel Meharry. Survivors include his brother, Tom (Janis) Meharry; one sister, Jane (Steve) Aufmuth; a niece and nephew, Elysia (Don Harder) Aufmuth, John (Monica) Meharry; and several great-nieces.
    Jim was a graduate of Jamaica High School Class of 1966 and received his master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University at Charleston. Jim also served in the Naval Reserve. He had taught science and chemistry at Westville High School and was active in the family farming operation with his brother, Tom. He was an avid collector.
    The family will gather for a private graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Champaign. Donations to Jim’s memory may be made to the Catlin Historical Society. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

    JUDY A. WARD, 84, of Catlin, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Thurs., May 29, 2025, at the OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.
Judy was born Aug. 26, 1940, in Danville to Wayne and Ina Belle Brooks Huffman. She married Arnold Gene Ward on Oct. 14, 1962, in Catlin. He preceded her in death on March 30, 2013.
    Surviving are one son, Timothy Ward of Champaign; one daughter, Teresa (Barry) Nielsen of Arlington Heights; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Sherry Huffman and Barb Huffman, both of Catlin. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Tom Huffman and Curt Huffman.  
     Judy was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ and the Dorcas Class. She enjoyed sewing especially newborn gifts for infants and families. 
     Funeral services were June 3 at the Catlin Church of Christ with Chris Lawler officiating. Burial was in Sandusky Cemetery, Westville. 
Memorials to the Catlin Historical Society. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.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.