March 5, 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.

Vance Twp. considers $5,760 share in proposed ambulance district plan

Catlin confronts 2026-27 shortfall, eyes spending cuts

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.

Fast horses and big dreams for young rodeo rider

Taylor Owens makes history in girls wrestling for Oakwood-Salt Fork

Jr. High 7th & 8th defeats VG

SF wins over Chrisman, loses to Schlarman on senior night.

Obituaries
    ROY BENJAMIN “BENNY” LEARNARD was born Oct. 22, 1935 in Georgetown as the firstborn child of Elmer and Leone (Bentley) Learnard. Ben spent his entire life in the Georgetown area and graduated from Georgetown High School in 1954. While in High School, he participated in many activities and made many lifelong friends that he kept in touch with throughout the years and enjoyed their class reunion trips to the Bahamas and Las Vegas. 
    Soon after graduation, Ben began his life’s work on the family farm and on Nov. 8,1958, married the love of his life, Karen Jo (Rosdail) Learnard. She survives. Soon after, they were blessed with two sons who also survive, Steve (Lisa) Learnard and Greg (Cindi) Learnard.
    Throughout the years, Ben and Karen not only farmed but also operated other farm supply businesses, including Coastal Seed and Fertilizer, Federated Co-Op and Learnard Seed Service, the latter of which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year!  He won many sales awards over the years and was a trusted consultant to many area farmers. Ben also felt it was important to be involved in his community and served in many capacities at Fairview Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau and spent many nights on “patrol” for the Sugar Grove Detective Assn.
    In his younger years, Ben was a very accomplished softball pitcher and played on several successful teams in the area. One of his favorite teams was the “69ers.” This was a group of Danville area kids who graduated from college in 1969. With him being the elder statesman of the team, he loved the youthful enthusiasm and passion they played with every game. He was also a pitcher on the Vermilion County Farm Bureau “Over 35” team that were State Champions in 1972.
    Upon his retirement from farming, Ben took up his favorite hobby full time. That hobby was chauffeuring and watching his grandchildren compete in various sports at many different levels. When called upon, his willing spirit and lead foot always got them to their games on time!  He is survived by grandchildren Morgan (Kaylee), Joel (Hayley), Ross (Jaylyn), Jordan (Taylor), Kalyn (Steve Trompeter) Learnard and Megan (Ryan) High. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jackson, Madison and Reagan High; Faye, Effie, Loula, Banks, Beau, Ella, Knox, Sawyer and Rhett Learnard; Lily, Graham and AJ Trompeter. He is rejoicing in heaven with great-grandaughter Monroe Grace Learnard who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bill.
    Ben had a heart for helping those less fortunate and always took time to help others when he saw a need. He also had a knack for a good practical joke when the opportunity arose! 
Ben was called home to his Savior on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at 6:39 a.m. at OSF Medical Center in Danville. He will be missed by all who knew him.
    Funeral Services were March 1 at Sunset Funeral Home in Georgetown with Matt Filicsky and John Tennyson officiating. Burial was at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Salt Fork Athletic Boosters or Fairview Church.

    LARRY M. MCDOWELL, 92, of Sidell, passed away at 7:32 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.  Larry was born Jan. 15, 1934, in Danville to John Archilbald and Olive Montgomery McDowell. He married Bonnie Maddox on June 28, 1953, in Sidell. She survives.  Also surviving are one son, Brad (Chris) McDowell of Sidell; one daughter, Shelley (Craig) Lane of Covington, Ind.; one brother, James “Jim” (Alice) McDowell of Catlin; three grandchildren, Chad McDowell, Holly Elston, and River (Cole) Schaub; and three great-grandchildren, Hallie Jo Elston, Annie Lynn Elston and Ridge Matthew Schaub. He was preceded in death by one brother, Michael McDowell.
    Larry and his brother Jim were general contractors for their commercial construction company, McDowell Construction Company, for many years in the Danville area. After retiring he went on 17 mission trips including Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Haiti. He was a member of the Faith Church of Fairmount.  Larry enjoyed golfing, boating, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services were February 27 at Faith Church of Fairmount with Pastor Chuck Powell officiating and Pastor Rob Bolden assisting. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell. Memorials to GO International, World Gospel Mission, or the Organization of the Donor’s Choice. Robison Chapel, Catlin, handled arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

    MICHELLE L. VANCE, 55, of Murdock was called home by her heavenly father on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. 
    Michelle was born on Nov. 3, 1970 in Danville. 
    She is survived by her parents, Bill and Karen Smith; husband, Bill Vance; daughter, Shayla (Tyler) Vance; step-daughter, Susan Paris; grandchildren, Bradley and Mikayla; siblings, Heather (Jason) Ray, Elizabeth (Rob) Smith, and Marcus Yeazel; nieces and nephews, Kent, William, Charles, Alexa, and Jax; biological mother, Ruth Ramirez; special aunt Mary Yeazel; and several dear uncles, aunts, and cousins. 
    She was welcomed at heavens gates by her grandparents, Glenn and Bertha Yeazel; biological father, Mitchell Woodrum; brother, Daron Yeazel; and infant brother, Michael Yeazel. 
    Michelle grew up in Sidell and graduated from Jamaica High School in 1989. She was a CNA for several years, a long-time employee for Walmart and helped start up three different locations, and was currently working at Libman in Arcola.  Michelle loved to bowl and played in a bowling league at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy for several years. She was also an avid Bingo player, and enjoyed going to concerts (especially Kid Rock concerts) with family and friends.  Her happy place was on the water fishing or just enjoying the view; that was when she was truly at peace. Above all, she cherished her time spent with her family playing board games or just simply visiting and catching up with everyone.  Michelle was always so empathetic and showed compassion for everyone whether you were family, a friend, or a complete stranger. She will be missed by all who knew her. 
    Michelle’s family will be holding a private celebration of life. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. 
    Honoring quote from Michelle’s daughter, Shayla Sue: “There are not enough words to encapsulate the amazing person she was and the beautiful soul she will always be.”

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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