August 13, 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.

Bates fills vacancy on Sidell Village board

Residents urge careful review of wind/solar rules

Sidell to hold antique tractor pull Aug. 23

Ford voted to fill township vacancy

Scarlett finds unexpected calling at Notre Dame

Obituaries
    JAMES TERRY DOLAN, 89, of Catlin, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 30, 1937, in a rural farmhouse outside of Sullivan, he was the son of Carl L. and Myrtle E. (Ames) Dolan. On June 30, 1963, he married the love of his life, Nancy Jean Schreiber, at the Chapel of St. John the Divine in Champaign, and celebrated 63 cherished years of marriage this year.
    He is preceded in death by his parents; his guardians, uncle Hugh “Pop” and aunt Nettie Dolan; his brother, Ralph A. Dolan; and his sister, Sandra “Sandy” J. Dolan. His memory lives on through his beloved wife, Nancy; his eldest son, Michael Dolan, and wife Pattama Phromsorn of Houston, Texas; his youngest son, Charles Dolan, and wife Sallie, of Catlin; and his cherished granddaughters, Naomi and Alana Dolan.
    Terry’s lifelong dedication to hard work began as a youth in Crabapple, a one-room country schoolhouse, where he earned his very first dime sweeping the floors. As a student at Sullivan High School, he demonstrated natural leadership early on as Chairman of the Supervised Farming Committee for the FFA Chapter. He graduated in 1955 under a senior quote that embodied him: “Give Me the Simple Life.”
    Terry continued his education at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Agronomy. During his college years, he was active in the Field & Furrow Club, Agricultural Economics Club, Illini Sportsman Club, and ROTC. He was awarded the University of Illinois’ Corn and Soybean Division Best Judge title in 1957. He remained a proud Lifetime Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association.
    Terry served honorably in the Illinois Army National Guard (1959-1967), rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, achieving Expert in both rifle and mortar, as well as Marksman in pistol. He was a proud patriot and veteran in service to God and Country.
    Terry’s spirit of service and leadership extended into his home life. Alongside his sons, he served four years as an Assistant Boy Scout Leader, twice co-leading Troop High Adventure trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch and guiding countless canoe and camping trips through Midwestern forests and swollen rivers. A devoted father, he was also a cheering fixture at the poolside for 14 years as a proud Nelson’s Turtles Swim Team Dad. As a devoted grandfather, he planned his schedule to never miss his granddaughters’ school events, music recitals, plays, or award ceremonies, all while making them a cherished part of his and Grandma’s daily activities.
    Terry was a born entrepreneur and agricultural innovator. At just 18, he started a custom baling business and worked on the survey team for the Shelbyville Reservoir in Moultrie County. Following college, he started a distinguished career in the chemical and fertilizer industry. He served as District Manager for Federal Chemical Company and later for the U.S. Industrial Chemicals (USI) Division. He also co-owned and managed the Bi-State Warehouse in Danville, IL.
    Terry worked as District Manager for Duval Potash (1972-1976). When the company was acquired by Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Terry had the distinction of being hired as the first American salesman for the prominent Canadian company. He also worked in sales for Charah Sulfur. Recognized for his pioneering sales strategies and distribution innovations, Terry earned numerous top sales honors, was featured in national agricultural publications, invited to international conferences, and traveled extensively across the American Midwest connecting farmers with the vital resources they needed.
    Terry played a pivotal role in shaping regional agribusiness. In 1966, He initiated the creation of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) and served on its Board of Directors (1978-1981). In 1981, he co-founded the Midwest Ag Industries Exposition (MAGIE), which remains the region’s premier trade show for agribusiness.
Even in his later years, his industrious passion never faded. Alongside his wife, they operated Shaklee Products to promote health and wellness. Together with his family, Terry also owned and operated Pizza Time Inc. for 25 years, a beloved local fixture until a near-fatal car accident forced the couple into a well-earned retirement to focus on recovery, family, grandparenting, and community.
    As a public servant and pillar of his community, Terry served as the Catlin Village Commissioner of Public Property (1968-1975) before serving 16 transformative years as Mayor of Catlin (1975–1991), while simultaneously serving as Chair of the Vermilion County Planning Commission. As Mayor Dolan, he spearheaded major infrastructure improvements, including a new water-sewer treatment facility and a modern Village/Township Hall that housed Catlin’s first public library. Together with Nancy, he co-founded the Catlin Historical Society and Catlin Heritage Museum, bringing together local citizens to preserve the village’s 200-year history.
    Terry’s courage as Mayor gained national prominence when he took a bold stand against mining practices that threatened to destroy thousands of acres of prime Midwestern farmland. He spearheaded a federal lawsuit on behalf of Catlin and surrounding communities. His environmental advocacy culminated in 1977, when he stood alongside President Jimmy Carter in the White House Rose Garden as Carter signed the historic Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, sealing the moment with a pen and a handshake. In 1979, the Honorable J. Terry Dolan testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washington, D.C. His landmark efforts continue to protect American farmland and fund environmental restoration today through the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program.
    In recognition of his decades of dedicated leadership, Terry was named Catlin Man of the Year in 1984 and was awarded the Key to the Village of Catlin upon his retirement in 1991. He was also a member of the Catlin Lions Club.
    Terry was a devout Episcopalian and a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Danville. Over the decades, he served fellow parishioners as a Sunday School teacher, Vestry member, Synod Delegate, and member of the Diocese of Springfield Commission.
As a lifelong steward of the earth, Terry spent his free time tending to the Dolan Family Farm and assisting with operations at the Pollywog Association, where he enjoyed the great outdoors with his family for 51 years.
    Terry was known for his witty humor, bright blue eyes, unwavering integrity, and boundless devotion to those he loved. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a leader whose influence left the world better than he found it.
    The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center and Carle Home Care for their tender and compassionate care.
All services will be held at Church of the Holy Trinity, 308 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Visitation was Wednesday, and Funeral Mass is today (Thursday), August 13, at 10:30 a.m. Military honors by American Legion Post 210 will immediately follow. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling arrangements.
    Everyone is invited to the Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, September 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Terry’s favorite getaway; Pollywog Association Clubhouse in Oakwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Terry’s honor to the Catlin Historical Society or the Church of the Holy Trinity. Email: jamesterrydolan@gmail.com or text/call 217-474-8465 for information on how to donate.

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