December 7, 2023

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 Township begins discussion on salary increases

Plenty of ways to ring in the season with area towns

Deadlines for Reporter
    The Sidell Reporter will publish the Christmas issue, along with it’s regular issue, on Dec. 14. There will also be a newspaper printed Dec. 21, but this issue has an early deadline of FRIDAY, DEC. 15. There will not be a paper printed Dec. 28.

Plenty of ways to ring in the season with area towns

From farm animals to vet – a natural transition for Heather Almy Venn

Storm dissipates in Tuscola take down

OSF Wrestlers dominate with 8-0 record so far

Third quarter shutdown gives Salt Fork first VVC victory

Candidates file with Vermilion County Clerk for March 19 Primary

Obituaries

    DOTTY SMOOT, 84, well known Fairmount resident and businesswoman, passed away at 9:40 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 4, 2023, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana after a very brief illness.
    Dorothy Ellen was born Jan. 1, 1939, in Jamaica Township to David and Bessie Burton Sigmon. She married Larry Lee Smoot on June 21, 1959 in Fairmount. He preceded her in death on April 4, 2004. Surviving are one son, Jeff Smoot of Fairmount one daughter, Shelly (Christine Ferran) Smoot of Fairmount two sisters, Polly (Hank) Ruff of Sun Valley, Wis. Linda (Emerson) Byrd of Mendota two grandsons, Jared Smoot of Fairmount and Jordan (Olivia) Smoot of Broadlands one granddaughter, Nicole Paul of Tolono four great-grandchildren, Jaxson Smoot, Zoe Smoot, Millie Paul, Meri Paul and one sister-in-law, Marge Sigmon. Also surviving is her good friend and former neighbor, Mike Robison. She was preceded in death by three brothers, David Sigmon, Robert Sigmon, and Preston Sigmon and two sisters, Barbara Phelps and Dolores White.
    Dotty and Larry were partners in the popular “Fairmount Lounge” for many years. She had also owned Dotty’s Ceramics and Gift Store in Fairmount. She was an avid gardener and loved working in her yard. Dotty also enjoyed antiques as well as going to the river boat. Mickey Mouse collectibles were one of her favorites. Watching Illini basketball was a past time for her and she loved wintering in Florida. The family would like to thank Max, Warner, Bernard, and Alyssa for the care and attention they gave Dotty during her stay at Carle.
    Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 9, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Mike Roberts will officiate. Burial will be alongside Larry at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 11 am till 1 p.m. on Saturday at Robison Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Humane Society or Carle Hospice. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

    SHARRON COTE, 83, passed this life on Nov. 23, 2023, at Franciscan Hospital in Lafayette, Ind., due to complications from surgery. Sharron Lynn Williams was born June 25, 1940, the only child of Ervin and Hazel (Sandlin) Williams, in Gary, Ind. At eight years old, Sharron moved to Indianola with her family. It was here she met life-long friends and learned to play piano.
    Many of her weekends and summers were spent in Georgetown with her paternal grandparents, Clyde and Esta Mae Williams. Sharron developed her love of cooking from her grandma. Judy (Cimino) Hawn resided across the street and became fast friends. Sharron and Judy had many adventures, from playing in the playhouse, to climbing in the coal house. They remained best friends until Sharron passed. Sharron graduated from Jamaica High School in 1958, as President of Student Counsel. Upon graduation, Sharron attended Uterback-Brown Business College in Danville.
    In 1963, Sharron married H. Russell Moore. During their union, Katherine “Kathie” and John Moore were born. Sharron and Russell raised their family in Williamsport, Ind.. Sharron stayed home with the children until they started school. After which she worked in the Warren County Courthouse, as assistant to the Recorder, Marty Fox. She was active in Brownies, Cub Scouts, and 4-H. She never missed a baseball game or swim meet. Sharron also played the piano and pipe organ at the Williamsport United Methodist Church. In 1983, Sharron met Gerald “Gerry” Cote. They married on June 30, 1984. Upon marrying, Sharron moved to West Lafayette, Ind., where she and Gerry built their home, where they still lived. Sharron and Gerry shared a love of music. They played music together all over the country and Canada. They formed the band, The Bent Nickel Band, where they were regulars at the Fiddler’s Gathering and the Feast of the Hunter’s Moon.
    Sharron worked at Purdue University in the Purchasing Department. She worked there until her retirement in 2001. Surviving is her husband, her two children, Kathie (Dirk) Porter of Danville and John (Lisa) Moore of Attica, Ind a grandson, Andrew Moore, Attica, Ind. She will be missed by Gerald’s children, Jerry (Dee) Cote, Romney, Ind., and Melinda Muzio, Patchogue, NY, their children and grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held later. One of Sharron’s passions was feeding the hungry. She was a faithful contributor to the charity: Food Finder’s Food Bank, 1204 Greenbush St., Lafayete, IN 47904. If compelled, please send donations in her memory.

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