Columnists | The Prairie Press

The word disciple likely conjures thoughts of the 12 male disciples of Jesus —an accepted idea. If I tell you there were female disciples, that may not such a comfortable idea for some. A … more

By Laurie Williams | 10/30/23

On Monday the eclipse activities will last three hours, but other than peak time it will be slow. The first hour and the last hour are worth checking in on but be social, enjoy the day and the company.

How do we know the eclipse path?

A famous paradox is the namesake of Heinrich Olber who asked “why is the night sky dark if there are so many bright stars in it?” If there are infinite stars and the universe … more

Terry Sullivan - Arm Chair Science | 3/6/24

The Benefits of Needle Exchange Programs

Methamphetamine use is a serious public health concern in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methamphetamine use has been associated with long-lasting brain damage, … more

By Jonathan Burns | 10/30/23

Eyeglasses are a struggle

I need glasses to read with unless I am transferring information on a sheet of paper to the computer screen. I usually type the stuff I write with size 14 lettering. If I am in the mode of … more

By Roger Stanley | 8/15/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the October 1923 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. DRILL THROUGH DOOR OF SAFE Robbers entered the Hamilton mill office in East Union Street, … more

By Callie Baber | 10/30/23

Learn from grace

As we move through life, we need to always be learning. Growing in wisdom and in our ability to love like Jesus Christ will cause us to be more gracious. Grace is a free gift given that is not … more

By Kurt Speece | 6/17/23

Where's the cats?

We had cats on our farm for many years. When we lived over by Pine Grove School we had a calico cat who stayed in the coal house. Some of the older farmers called it a wash house. This … more

By Roger Stanley | 10/30/23

Auto mirrors serve a purpose

Mirrors are on cars and trucks for a reason. Actually, a very valid reason. They help you avoid accidents. It aggravates me to ride with drivers who turn their heads to look rearward … more

By Allen Englbright | 8/17/23

What have you done for me lately?

Each year at the Edgar County Fair, candidates for Miss Edgar County are required to give a speech. This year, one of the candidates encouraged those in attendance to volunteer. She … more

By Troy Horne | 8/17/23

Art is good for the brain

For the majority of adults, art class is remembered as a favorite time in school. Art class is often seen and remembered as a messy place for playing with shapes, colors and using scissors. … more

By Tiffany Gale | 10/30/23

It was decreed to Abraham as an "everlasting covenant" (Gen. 17).

When the fullness of the time came

(Editor’s Note: During the month of December Pastor Hoffman will be providing us with a multi-part series on incarnation, today’s column is the first part of that series.) We have … more

Jack Hoffman Pastor's Perspective | 12/6/23

The Burlington shortcut

When Harley, a good Paris friend of mine, set his GPS for Burlington, Colo., he drove with confidence it would deliver him there. Burlington is on I-70, which should have been a simple geographic … more

By Allen Englebright | 8/28/23

This holiday season, reach out and help others. Smile with your face and with your eyes. Be quick to embrace friends and give out compliments.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy, A lesson over the rainbow

As we face this holiday season take a lesson from Bobby McFerrin. In 1988 he sang, “In every life we have some trouble. But when you worry, you make it double. Don’t worry, be … more

Terry Sullivan Armchair Science | 12/6/23

A neighbor is more than proximity

Recently, I came across a study I found to be fairly sad. Although I don’t know the exact number, this study found a majority of Americans don’t know their neighbors. Another study … more

By Troy Horne | 8/28/23

Paris Fire Department’s very own red firetruck.

Why are fire engines always red?

Truthfully, fire engines can be painted any color. They can be purple with pink polka dots. Chicago fire engines are red and black. Their color is determined by whomever … more

12/6/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the September 1924 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. The September 1923 volume is misplaced so Out of the Past is 99 years instead of a century ago. … more

By Callie Baber | 10/12/23

Employers can break barriers

Employment is essential for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve independence and live a fulfilling life. However, adults with developmental disabilities face barriers to … more

By Jonothan Burns | 8/28/23

Soybean cuttin' is different

My mom told me I was born during bean cuttin’ days. Oct. 30, 1937, is a day my dad and mom will remember because that was the day I was hatched according to Granny Henry. On that day, … more

By Roger Stanley | 10/12/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the August 1924 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. The August 1923 volume is misplaced so Out of the past is 99 years instead of a century ago. FOR … more

By Callie Baber | 8/28/23

Ornamental corn offers a key to understanding cancer

We are entering the fall festival season with traditional decorations using sunflowers, pumpkins and ornamental corn. That multicolor corn was traditionally called Indian corn in reference to … more

By Terry Sullivan | 9/17/23