May 14, 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 sees progress on property violations

Clean up days
Sidell
May 16, 8-noon. Dumpsters located behind village hall.
Golf cart inspections also held at same time at village hall. Bring driver’s license and proof of insurance. Permits are $25.
Fairmount
May 16, 8-noon. Dumpsters located at town garage.
Catlin
July 18, 8-11 a.m..

From farm trucks to school buses: Taylor drives student success

Salt Fork

Storm dissipate Seeger, Iroquois West

Storm plucks Hawks 28-8

Kurtenbach, Wear win 1st in Sectionals

Salt Fork Junior High off to State Track meet

Obituaries

    STEPHEN “STEVE” D. BERRY, 81, of Fairmount, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda (Piepenbrink) Berry; son, Stephen A. (Jana) Berry; daughter, Suzanne Berry (David) Miller; and two grandchildren.
   Steve was born on May 9, 1944, to Raymond and Ruth Berry from Catlin.
   Even as a child, he loved to be outdoors and had fun exploring the town, playing with friends, shooting his slingshot, and tormenting his sister.
 After graduating, Steve worked at Lauhoff Grain, Co. in Danville before entering apprenticeship training to become a Union electrician. He founded Berry’s Electrical Service, which he owned and operated for 45 years. He was always kind and thoughtful, and towards the end of his career, he often donated his time and expertise, providing electrical service pro bono to the elderly. He was an IBEW Local 538 member for his entire career. 
    He married Linda Piepenbrink in 1964, and together they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. They lived in Catlin for 14 years, where they had their two children, before moving out to live by the Salt Fork River near Oakwood. Steve helped build his own house with his friend and local contractor Chuck Vestal.
    Steve was also very active in the Catlin Church of Christ,where he served as a deacon and elder for many years. He and Linda led the church youth group for several years. For decades he took communion to church members who were too ill to attend church. Steve also loved shepherding new church members.
   Steve was kind and loving and had the heart of a servant in all he did. He easily made friends with people of all ages wherever he went. Many people came to visit and offered to help when Steve became ill, sharing how much they respected Steve and wanted to support him.
   Steve battled cancer for many years, always with patience and humility, ministering to people wherever he went, and even sharing his faith with his doctors and the nursing and health care staff that cared for him. Steve was a wonderful and compassionate Christian man who made an immeasurable impact on his family, friends, and community.
    Funeral services were May 12 at the Catlin Church of Christ with Darren Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Jones Grove Cemetery, Catlin, Memorials can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Robison Chapel, Catlin handled arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

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