December 11, 2025

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.

Community dinner in Sidell Dec. 20

Luminaries shine the way to Christmas Eve service

Sidell gives Richardsons 90 days to move out of business-zoned building

Salt Fork holiday programs
South Elementary Concert
Dec 17, 6 p.m.
North Elementary
Dec. 12
K-2nd, 1:15 & 6:30 p.m.
3rd-4th, 2 & 7:30 pm.

Catlin Fire Board Report

Sidell Assembly Christmas play
Sidell Assembly UPC will be hosting a Charlie Brown Christmas Play and Dinner on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.  

Christmas parade in Fairmount this Saturday
The Fairmount Event Committee will host a Christmas Parade through Fairmount this Saturday. Line up begins at 9:30 a.m. across from Casey’s with the parade down Main Street beginning at 10:00. The parade route will go to the south end of town, turn at Vance Street and end at the fire station.

Salt Fork Sports

Nine OSF wrestlers place in Washington invitational

Boys get first season win against Judah Christian

Girls dominate with two big wins

8th Graders have big week with three wins

7th Graders end 20-3; 8th Grade Regional Champs

Obituaries
    DWIGHT BROWN  was affectionately known as DW, a beloved figure in the Georgetown community, passed away suddenly on Dec. 2, 2025, at the age of 75.  Born Jan. 29, 1950, in Gary, Ind., DW was known for his vibrant personality, never meeting a stranger and always engaging in conversations that left others feeling uplifted.
    DW was the proud owner and operator of the Yard Stor since 1978, a testament to his hard work and dedication to his community. He earned a bachelor’s degree and was actively involved in various local initiatives that gave back to the youth, including youth baseball programs and the Ridge Farm Library, Georgetown Fair, and Ridge Farm Tractor Pull. His contributions to these services showcased his commitment to nurturing the next generation.
A lover of the great outdoors, DW found joy in fishing at Norman’s pond, where he embraced the tranquility of nature. Fly fishing was one of his favored pastimes, alongside painting, hunting, and enjoying the simple pleasures that life had to offer. His adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors created cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
    DW is survived by his son, Grant (Heather) Brown; daughter Krysten Brown; and grandchildren, Emmett and Greyson, along with step-grandchildren Seth, Landon, Lexi, and Trey. He also leaves behind a brother, special friends, Norman Mills and Chris Lierman, his longtime partner at the Yard Stor. He shared a close relationship with the mother of his children, Barbra (Peter) Johnson, which highlighted his ability to maintain meaningful connections throughout his life.
    He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Brown, and his mother, Clara Pugh Brown, who both instilled in him the values of kindness and community service.
    Visitation for DW will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, from 3-7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center’s Houghton-Leasure Chapel 200 E West Street in Georgetown. His funeral service will take place the following day, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home with interment to follow at Crownhill Cemetery. Please join DW’s family in sharing pictures, videos, and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
    Dwight Brown’s legacy will continue to shine through the lives of his family, friends, and the countless individuals he touched during his lifetime. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his generous spirit and passion for life.


    JOANN “CRICKET” F. BUNTING, 90, of Tilton went home to eternal peace early in the morning at 7:44 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2025, at home surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends.
    Cricket was born on Oct. 9, 1935, in Fairmount to Guy and Bessie Goodwin Cook. She is survived by her daughter, Ricki (Robert) Treadway; two granddaughters, Jessica (Scotty) Mitchell and Lindsay (Lonnie) Estes; three great-granddaughters, Amy (Cameron) Haskins, Anna (Jeremy) Ervin, and Hadley Borst; and a great-grandson on the way, Gatlin Estes; and three great-great-grandsons, Hunter, Hudson and Colson.
    She is preceded in death by her life companion Donald A. Duez, as well as three brothers, Sherman Cook, Charles Cook, and Virgil “Bill” Cook; and four sisters, Bernice Traux, Elsie Allhands, Jackie Cheuvront and Louise “Tootie” Richter.
    Cricket enjoyed her days being ornery and on the go. Besides spending time with her family, she enjoyed crafting in the garage, shopping for the best bargains, and her all-time favorite, rummaging. She enjoyed all her special time spent with her Indiana friends, Dianna, Freda, Heather and Amber.
    Memorial Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Pastor Jay Sorrell officiating. 
    Visitation is from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, at Robison Chapel. Inurnment will be at a later date at Greenview Cemetery, Fairmount.  Memorials in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.


    DEBBIE JOANNE (SONGER) WILLIAMS, 64, of Indianola passed away at her home on Nov. 30, 2025.
    Debbie was born on Sept. 2, 1961, the daughter of Robert and Joanne (Talbert) Songer in Danville. She married Louis Edward Williams, Sr. on Oct. 30, 1980 in Hannibal, Mo.
Survivors include her husband, Louis Edward Williams, Sr., of Indianola; her children, Louis (Angie) Williams, Jr, of Palmyra, Mo., Robert Williams of Indianola and Laura (Marty) Niehoff of Hannibal, Mo., seven grandchildren, Tyler (Melanie) Niehoff, Joey Williams, Mackenzie Williams, Aiden Williams, Levi Williams, Brylee Williams and Elena Williams, as well as two great-grandchildren, Kohen and Vivienne Niehoff.
    Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law, Patricia Williams and one grandson, Kegan Edward Williams.
    Debbie worked as a medical secretary for many years and enjoyed spending her free time crocheting, fishing, playing Bingo, and attending gun shows, rummage sales and collecting antiques.
    A Celebration of Life was held Dec. 8 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. 
    Burial was at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville.  Memorials may be made in Debbie’s memory to the family. Please join Debbie’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.hours.

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