The Prairie Press

Be kind to one another

“I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. We’re all different, and I think we’ve forgotten that’s OK that we’re different… But just because I … more

10/14/19

Celebrate our freedom

Beginning Sunday through Saturday, Oct. 12, newspapers throughout the country are marking the 79th annual National Newspaper Week. The annual observance is a recognition of the service of … more

10/7/19

NECAS now in doubt

The failure of the Ross Township Board to act Thursday night on the question of how to save the Northern Edgar County Ambulance Service again prolongs the effort to find a workable funding … more

9/16/19

Declare Jesse White Day

In 1998, Jesse White was elected to lead an Illinois Secretary of State’s office that was mired in scandal. Four years earlier, a truck driver who had paid a bribe to obtain an Illinois license … more

9/9/19

Get busy with NECAS

The time to make a decision about the fate of the Northern Edgar County Ambulance Service is long past due. Earlier this year the NECAS board started a process to create a special service area to … more

9/4/19

Watch out for the kids

School is back in session this week throughout Edgar County. That means preschool age through high school students are out again in large numbers. Let’s make this a safe year by taking special care … more

8/26/19

Making a difference

An additional 60 Paris 95 children will have the opportunity to attend pre-school during the 2019-2010 school year, thanks to an Illinois State Board of Education grant — and we believe this will … more

8/19/19

Talk to your children

Edgar County students will be returning to their classrooms next week. It’s a good time for students and parents to prepare for the year ahead. Spark PE, a research-based group providing … more

8/12/19

Put your phones down

Cartoonist Walt Kelly coined the phrase, “we have met the enemy, and he is us,” in the 1960s as a reflection of the turmoil surrounding the war in Vietnam. The phrase — a reprise of the … more

8/5/19

It’s been a fair week

It’s been a fair week in Edgar County with both the 4-H Fair and the Edgar County Fair dominating the activities for our friends and neighbors. As always, the 4-H fair, under the direction of … more

7/29/19

Americans still awed

“Let me say, as I sit here before you today having walked on the Moon, that I am myself still awed by that miracle. That awe, in me and in each of us… must be the engine of future achievement, … more

7/22/19

It’s fair time once again

The Edgar County 4-H Fair and the Edgar County Fair open their annual runs in the next week — and we couldn’t be more excited. Both fairs showcase our county’s largest industry — … more

7/17/19

Celebrate America

This year, our celebration of the Fourth of July finds a nation, gripped by racial anxiety and at odds on just about everything. Even with all the bitterness and acrimony among Americans, the United … more

7/3/19

Hate not welcome here

The Prairie Press faced a dilemma this week regarding how to report something from the previous weekend. Multiple Paris residents found fliers on their property. This in itself is not newsworthy … more

6/17/19

Do they speak for us?

As the Illinois General Assembly adjourned after what Governor J.B. Pritkzer described as “an historic session,” the groans heard throughout Edgar County and much of East Central and Southern … more

6/10/19

Thank you ECSSAA

At the stroke of midnight Friday, there was a changing of the guard for the ambulance service serving the seven Edgar County townships that make up the Special Service Area Number 1 Ambulance … more

6/3/19

People make it happen

The growth and sustainability of any great community can be attributed to many factors – location, economic climate, education systems, recreation outlets, infrastructure and people. But no … more

5/28/19

Feeding the children

“Hunger can be found in your next door neighbor, your classmates and the most unlikely places. People often have stereotypes about hunger and who it affects, but until you open your eyes to the … more

5/20/19

Honor our mothers

They birthed us, cleaned, fed, sheltered and counseled us for years, and, when the chips are down, are always there to tell us they love us. Mothers are most worthy of praise, and Mother’s Day is a … more

5/13/19

Supporting families

There is no magic formula that enables one to help another stop —or cut back—on his or her addiction. It’s a complex problem, with many related issues. But family and friends of addicts in … more

5/6/19