June 18, 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.

Higher revenues help Catlin offset budget deficits

Carroll Township keeps road fleet moving forward

Traffic control changes at Indianola intersection

IDOT pushes back plans again to fix deplorable highway thru Indianola

A decade later, Brooklynn Kepling’s story is still one of hope

Nationally ranked from the free throw line

Obituaries

    JANICE WADE, 64, a dedicated and loving woman who spent most of her life caring for her family, passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2026, surrounded by those she treasured. Born on June 24, 1961, in Danville, Jan’s life was a testament to devotion and kindness.
    Throughout her years, Jan was known for her warm spirit and generous heart. Her passions included music, old movies, and playing cards and dice, reflecting the simple joys she cherished. She had an enduring love for helping anyone in need–be they people or animals–and took pride in keeping her home tidy and welcoming. Those who knew her appreciated her selflessness and the gentle strength with which she lived her life.
    Jan’s legacy lives on through her beloved children: Andi (Craig) Wade, Markia (Jeremiah) McCorkle, and Riki Wade. She was a proud grandmother to eight, and great-grandmother to one. Jan is survived by her sisters Sandra Thorton and Elaine (Kevin) George, as well as many nieces and nephews who remember her fondly.
    Her parents, Paul and Violet (Hewitt) Gilroy of Sidell, along with her siblings Anita Schmidt, David Gilroy, and Charles Gilroy, preceded her in death. While the void left by their absence has been profound, Jan’s enduring presence offered a source of comfort and strength to her loved ones.
    A funeral service to honor Janice’s life will be held on Sat., June 20, at Pleasant Mound Church of Christ, located at 7132 County Road 1450 E, Georgetown  at 4 p.m., visitation prior to service from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The family asks that you wear bright colors as Jan had said she wanted it to be colorful. This will provide friends and family an opportunity to come together in remembrance and support.  Janice’s passing marks the end of an era of boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her, a lasting example of love and care. Share memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 

    TAMMI DEE WILLIAMS, 63, of Tilton, passed this life on April 1, 2026 at her home.            Tammi was born on March 15, 1963 the daughter of Cleo Williams and Pat (Deckard) and Bob Constans of Danville. She married Mike Clawson on June 15, 1991 and together they loved and parented Deric Allan Clawson who she referred to affectionately as her “buddy.” Tammi and Mike remained close friends until her passing.  Survivors include Tammi’s mom and Bonus Dad, Pat and Bob Constans of Danville, her buddy Deric Clawson of Danville, her brother and best of friend, Eric Williams of Danville, and step brothers, Todd (Judi) Constans of Danville and Brad (Janet) Constans of Plainfield, Ind. Tammi was preceded in death by her father, Cleo Williams.  A very special and life friend, Georgie Chalkus will forever miss Tammi.      Tammi graduated from Bismarck High School in 1981 and the Danville School of Cosmetology Pivot Point in 1983.  A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sat., June 27, at Saloon by the Rail, 111 West 8th Street, Tilton, 1 to 4 p.m.

    DEBRA SUE WARGO, 71, of Catlin, passed away on Fri., June 12, 2026 at OSF Sacred Heart in Danville after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Debbie was born on April 14, 1955 in Danville to Donald and Shirley (Whitaker) Thiede. She attended Catlin Grade Schools and graduated from Catlin High School in 1973. Debbie worked at Walgreens and at several financial institutions throughout the years in both banker and managerial roles.  She enjoyed spending time with her friends–traveling together, shopping, and visiting wineries. Debbie loved watching The Cubs and Big Brother, working in her garden and tending to her flowers, and challenging herself with the newest electronic gadgets. She adored her cat Sangria, who already misses her greatly, and loved collecting cows. Debbie had a great sense of humor and could be a touch sassy. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family and “her people.”
    Debbie leaves behind her children: Lacy (Fred Jr.) Starr and Blake (Tina) Wargo; her brothers, Mark (Barb) Thiede and Gregory Thiede; her two “sisters,” Dode Greene and Marianne Chrostowski; her niece, Kay Lee Mullen; her nephew, Nick (Amanda) Mullen; and her cat, Sangria. She was preceded in death by her parents.
    Visitation will be from 11 to 1 p.m. on Mon., June 22 at Kruger Funeral Home, Danville. Services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating. 
    Memories at www.krugercoanpape.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the OSF Bobette Steely Hegeler Cancer Center, 806 N. Logan Avenue, Danville, IL. 61832. 

    RUTH HELEN MARTIN PRIBBLE, 91, of Danville, formerly of Fairmount, died at 1:40 p.m. on Sat., June 13, 2026, at the Hawthorne Inn of Danville.
    Ruth, also known as “Sissy” in her youth, was born March 2, 1935, in her parents’ (Elvin Omar Martin and Helen Elizabeth Engle) home in Danville. She graduated Danville High School in 1953.
    Ruth married Donald Eugene Pribble on Aug. 29, 1953, in Danville. She is survived by three children, Michael W. Pribble of Colorado, Kimberly A. Lerch of Champaign and Staci L. (Derek) Girton of Oakwood. She is also survived by a sister, Jane Page, of Westville, six grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother (George Martin), and a very special son-in-law, Jerry Lee Klayer.
    Ruth was a tomboy in her youth. She loved softball and bragged about playing football with the boys in the neighborhood. As she matured, she took on more traditionally feminine hobbies of needlework, including crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and her favorite, quilting. She sewed most of her daughters’ clothing and for others to make extra money as she raised her family.
    Before her first child was born, Ruth worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the phone company as an operator. She chose to be a stay-at-home mother while raising her children in Catlin. She returned briefly to the workforce when her children were older and retired from Big D Seed Company.
    Ruth spent her retirement attending antique car shows with her husband, showing off their collection of Kaiser-Frazer vehicles. She and Don also enjoyed attending USS Kimberly reunions with Don’s fellow Korean War shipmates.
    Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements. There will be a private graveside service at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

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