March 12, 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.

Mayor breaks tie as Sidell to impose $500 fines April 1

Board reporters are needed
The Sidell Reporter needs help covering a few board meetings a month. Please contact Editor Rinda Maddox, editor@thesidellreporter.com, for details.

Hoax TikTok threat leads to lockdown, arrest at Salt Fork

Catlin Fire Board

Get out and cast your vote Tuesday, March 17

Sidell remedy’s final chapter: last tin of Fenaseptic purchased

Salt Fork Sports

Storm finishes as runner up in County

Salt Fork High School Track and Field opens with indoor meet

DACC names local students on Honor Roll

Junior High volleyball 

Obituaries
    TROY RANDALL BENNETT, 57, of Fairmount, passed away at 3:13 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Fairmount.
    Troy was born on August 28, 1968, in Danville, IL the son of Bernard D. Jr. and Verna B. Higgins Bennett. He is survived by his mother, Verna Bennett of Fairmount; his sons, Bryce (Jennifer Gonzalez) Bennett (Tobias Woods) of Fairmount and Brant and Benson Bennett of Georgetown; his girlfriend, Melinda Neff of Fairmount; one brother, Kirbi (Kimberly) Bennett of Fairmount; one sister, Cindy (Bill Hurt) Decker of Catlin; Melinda's sons, Zachary, Dillon, and Austin Neff; and several nieces and nephews and his dog Tank. Troy was preceded in death by his dad.
    Troy worked as a farmer for Stan Puzey for 27 years. He loved being outside, where he enjoyed doing landscaping and hunting coyotes. He was an avid Cardinals fan and he loved spending time with his grandpa Chuck Tiffin.
    A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

    JON E. MOHR, age 82, died at Newman on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was the son of Ernst and Eugenia Mohr of Allerton, the oldest of four siblings.
     He graduated from ABL High School as valedictorian in 1961 and completed his Bachelor and Masters degrees at the University of Illinois in 1966 and 1973. Jon had worked with Deere, U of I, and Allerton Implement Company. He also taught for U of Phoenix. Jon had resided in Crawfordsville, Ind. to 2021 when he moved to Newman.
     He is survived by daughter Laura in England, sons Todd in California, Bob in Illinois, Douglas in Georgia, and his much loved grandchildren and great grandchildren. His parents, wife Kay, and a granddaughter preceded him in death.
     Jon was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. He loved to sing and had recorded favorite hymns. His children and grandchildren were especially dear to him and his trust was in his Lord Jesus. Plans for a gathering in remembrance will be announced at a later time.


    ELLEN COLEEN SMITH, 80, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. 
    Born on Sept. 27, 1945, Ellen lived a life devoted to her faith and her family. She went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion Ellen was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Tilton where her dedication to her Christian faith was evident in the way she lived each day. Above all else, Ellen was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her faith guided her life and shaped the love she so freely gave to others. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Pickrell and Deva Davis, her stepmother, Beulah Pickrell, her brothers, Richard Kruger, Dutch Kruger, and Fred Kruger, and her sister, Ruth McCallister.
    Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Donald Smith; her son, James Smith; her cherished granddaughter, Cassidy Smith and her cherished grandson, Collin Smith. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Jennie and Jeff Francis.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jennie Francis and Cintarire Lawrence, whose compassion and support meant so much during Ellen’s passing.
    Ellen found great joy in knitting, quilting, and crocheting, lovingly creating pieces that will be treasured for years to come. She especially loved helping raise her grandchildren and sharing stories that will live on in the hearts of those who listened. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and the warmth and love she shared so generously.
   Funeral services were March 9, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Kitinoja officiating. Burial in Pleasant Grove Cemetery,Oakwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service details.


    MARY ANN HAWKINS, 60, of Collison, passed away Wed., March 4, 2026, at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan, Ga. after complications from a heart attack while on vacation.
Mary was born June 12, 1965, to Ron and Virginia Camp in Danville. She graduated from Armstrong High School in 1983. She worked at Bell Helmet following her graduation until 1990. After her son, Kyle, was born, she stayed at home for a few years to care for him. Once he started school, she then began to sub at the Armstrong Post Office while also working at the Phillips 66 in Oakwood. In 2007, she began working at AT&T in Rantoul and had been employed there for almost 19 years.
    Mary married her late husband, Kent Hawkins on May 16, 1987. They spent 37 wonderful years together before he passed away in Feb. 2025. Together, their pride and joy was their son, Kyle (Abby) Hawkins. Mary’s favorite title for the last three years, however, had been Nana. She absolutely adored her two grandsons, Kash and Kolt. There was never a visit to see them without a Hot Wheels car in her hand.
    Mary was an avid baker. She enjoyed making all different kinds of sweet treats and never went to a family gathering without at least three pies in her hand. She enjoyed sewing and spent several years while staying at home with Kyle making Raggedy Ann dolls.  Mary was proceeded in death by her husband, Kent, parents, Ron and Virginia Camp, brother, Bob Camp, mother-in-law, Judy Hawkins, brother-in-law, Tom Lancaster, and brother-in-law, Clint Hawkins. She is survived by her brother, Carl (Carol) Camp, sister, Cheryl Lancaster, brother, Jim (Elizabeth) Camp, brother, Jeromie (Donna) Camp, in-laws, Jim and Gloria Hawkins, sister-in-law, Kathy Camp, sister-in-law, Kelly (Dan) Izard, sister-in-law, Becky Hawkins, several nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews.
    A celebration of Mary’s life was held March 11, at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, Oakwood. She was laid to rest in the Collison Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Georgetown Fair Association as Mary enjoyed watching the hog shows at the fair and was looking forward to watching her grandsons show hogs in the future.

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