October 15, 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.

Sidell Village continues growing new memorial kiddie park

Catlin Fire Depart. hears plans for Trunk or Treat, Chili Day

Salt Fork Sports

Salt Fork rolls past Georgetown in 50-6 win

Netters drop two before defeating Danville in two sets

Ladies place 6th in Cumberland Invite

OSF Soccer drops two, adds one for a 9-2 record to date

Woestman, Harrold qualify for State

Junior High Girls’ basketball gets season underway

Obituaries

    BOBETTE MEIS, 59, of Catlin, passed away at 1:45 a.m. on Thurs., Oct. 8, 2026, in St Joseph.
    Bobette was born Feb. 16, 1967, in Danville to James and Pamela Catlett Bedinger.
    Survivors include one son, Eli (Ashtyn) Meis of Catlin; her father, James (Linda) Bedinger of Catlin; one brother, Brent Bedinger of Catlin; two granddaughters, Gwendolyn and Juniper; one step-sister, Lori (Darren) Chambliss of Catlin: one step-brother, C.J. (Christy) McCollum of Catlin; her aunt, Teresa (Kevin) Smoot of Catlin; and her lifelong friend, Jan (Bill) Gallo of St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pamela S. Catlett Bedinger.
    Bobette had been a dedicated Court Reporter for 30 years. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers, and had an especially close bond with her granddaughter, Gwen.
    The family will gather for a private graveside service. Memorials in her memory to the Leukemia Research Foundation in care of Robison Chapel. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

    MATTHEW F. GATES, 43, died on Oct. 4, 2026 at his home in Fairmount.  Born in Urbana on April 9, 1983, he was the son of Steven and Lori Gates. Matthew was a graduate of the Central High School Class of 2001. Following high school, he entered the Air Force and went on to build a career doing work he genuinely enjoyed. He worked at several auto shops in the area before spending 10 years with Beaumont Auto & Tire Service in Champaign.
    Matthew had a deep enjoyment for the things that brought him happiness and connection. He liked working on cars, playing video games, and playing Frisbee golf. He loved his animals, guns, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  He also found special joy in being around little kids and older people, and he treasured the time he spent with his friends.
    Those who knew Matthew will remember him most for his kind, loving, and thoughtful nature.
    He was preceded in death by his father, Steven Gates, and his grandparents Richard and Hazel Francis and Orville and Dorothy Gates.
    Matthew is survived by his mother, Lori (Francis) Gates; his son, Billy Mansfield; and his brother Aaron (Meredith) Gates. He will also be dearly missed by his niece and nephew, his uncles, aunts and cousins as well as his dogs, Laika and Gus and his cats, Pumpkin and Smokey.
    Per his wishes, Matthew will be cremated. A celebration of his life will take place at the First Christian Church in Champaign in the near future. Sunset Funeral Home in Danville assisted his family. Online condolences at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
    In lieu of flowers his mother requests donations be made to one of the following: his son, Billy Mansfield; Sunset Funeral Home towards his end of life arrangements, First Christian Church, or an animal rescue of your choice. 

    JANICE ANNE ADAMS, 73, of The Villages, Florida, passed away on Sat., Aug. 29, 2026, after a battle with aggressive lung cancer.
    Jan was born on Jan. 24, 1953, in Decatur to Francis “Frank” and Mary Etta (Wyrick) Adams. She spent her youth in central Illinois, including Fairmount where she attended school while her father was the first principal at Jamaica High School.
    Jan is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Gabel; grandson, Ronnie Gabel, of Urbana; sister, Judy (Garry) Henthorn, of Champaign. She was preceded in death by her parents and her eight beloved pugs. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies from Southern Illinois University and earned a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. She and earned a master’s degree in Spanish from Michigan State University.  After earning her teaching certificate, Jan taught Spanish and Social Studies at several colleges. She also developed programs and taught occupational Spanish to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, hospital personnel, and because no profession was safe from her enthusiasm for Spanish- even used-car salespeople.  A memorial reception will be held on Sat., Oct. 24.

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