Local News

Library upgrades are long overdue

During the Nov. 13 city council meeting members of the city board approved $12,000 in TIFF funding for the Paris Carnegie Library, according to library director Ceili Boylan the timing of the extra …

Crestwood earns exemplary rating from ISBE

Crestwood Elementary School students and staff can enter the Christmas season knowing they made the nice list, at least according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Recently released ISBE …

Light display brings family and friends together

Bee Well of Edgar County has been offering the community a preview of the holiday season on the eve of Thanksgiving for several years now. Known as “Dashing Through the Lights”, the …

Underdogs take center stage

Paris High School is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its upcoming drama production of “Puffs,” a whimsical and spellbinding journey into the world of wizardry. Set to …

Aikman Wildlife brings the outdoors into Crestwood

The Crestwood cafeteria filled with excitement during an after-school program as Kelsey Aikman, of the Aikman Wildlife Adventure, brought the outdoors inside with five different animals. …

US-150, Vermilion Road intersection to be rebuilt

A road improvement east of Paris roughly 13 years in the making is approved and slated for 2024. After the north side of the intersection of Vermilion Road (2000 E) and US-150 received some updates …

$375,000 tax levy in place as county awaits ambulance service bids

A $375,000 property tax levy was the center of attention during a truth in taxation hearing and subsequent Edgar County board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The levy, which is not to exceed $0.20 per …

Thousands gifted to local organizations

Paris Elks Lodge #812 held its annual night of giving Tuesday, Nov. 21, giving more than $14,000 to various community organizations. Among the recipients are Altrusa, Edgar County Animal …

Veterans take center stage

The Paris American Legion Post 211 hosted a memorial program the morning of Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, at the War Memorial on the Edgar County Courthouse Square. Legion commander, Paul …

Memorial bench finds a new home

Attorney for the City of Paris, Richard Kash, opened the Monday, Nov. 13 city council meeting with a prayer of thanks for the men and women who serve the needs of the community. “Today we …

Brocton Barn plans continue to deteriorate

BROCTON – The Brocton Village Board meeting Wednesday, Nov. 8., was filled with conflicting opinions once again as community members struggled to make decisions about the future of a beloved …

Chrisman focuses on supporting small business

CHRISMAN - The Chrisman Area Community Club (CAC) is celebrating local businesses and offering the community a chance to win an array of prizes on Saturday, Nov. 25. “The club is an …
Christmas in Paris gives locals a reason to stay “gnome for the holidays”

Christmas is coming

The Edgar County Courthouse Square is preparing to transform for an annual event that brings families and friends together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas in Paris (CIP). …

COVID cases spike in Edgar County and across Illinois

COVID-19 is rearing its ugly head once again in Edgar County. While the virus’ grip on society has loosened since the pandemic, it is still a threat, especially considering recent findings from …

Jail design in final stages

The Edgar County Board’s building and grounds committee met with multiple design and construction representatives on Nov. 7 to discuss the most recent changes to plans for a new jail. …

Stakeholders meeting raises areas for growth in Paris

A comprehensive vision for the future of Paris is a work in progress following a Tuesday, Nov. 7 meeting of stakeholders at Paris City Hall. While it is the third meeting of the core group, …

Rotary celebrates 71-year commitment of Doc Sprague

There is no living person who remembers the Paris Rotary Club’s charter on Oct. 30, 1922, but one member can recall several happenings in the Paris Rotary Club over the past seven decades, Dr. …
Wineology mixes interest, education and enjoyment

Filling a glass, taking a class

A longtime dream is coming true for Paris resident and oenophile Jeni Lueken, with her new business, Wineology. With her travels across the U.S. and many countries, she realized just how vastly …

Hampton Inn gets creative with charitable pumpkin contest

Amidst a slew of spooky Halloween happenings throughout Edgar County, Paris’ Hampton Inn found a fun, festive way to celebrate the season and give back to local charities – an employee …

Attorney General Raoul encourages veterans, service members to participate in free veterans consumer scams webinar

Chicago  –  In advance of Veterans Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to participate in a free military rights webinar to …

Human trafficking seminar coming to Paris

The Carolyn Wenz Elementary School cafeteria was filled with elected officials, law enforcement, mental health specialists and concerned citizens during a Neighborhood Watch meeting Thursday evening, …

Communities will honor Veterans Day

Meaningful programs and ceremonies are planned for Veterans Day to commemorate the service of all U.S. veterans. Paris and surrounding Edgar County towns have planned special events for this …

I Heart Cookies loves small-town USA

I Heart Cookies, a cookie trailer based in Wichita, Kan., loves traveling the country looking for small towns to swoop into and set up their trailer to sell the decadent desserts. Today the …

Wallace gets 30-months probation for Gary White’s death

Emotions were high in the courtroom when Preston Wallace appeared for sentencing. The Tuesday, Oct. 31, sentencing followed his previous guilty plea to a Class 3 felony involuntary manslaughter …

Pumpkin trees take over a community

MARSHALL- A group of neighbors is lighting up their trees with glowing pumpkins to bring joy to local children, but the communal decorating effort is bringing smiles to the faces of just as many …

Meet a Paris firefighter

Michael Warner is a senior member of the Paris Fire Department, having joined the department Nov. 18, 2001. He is in the senior man on the C-2 shift and is in charge if the captain is gone. …

Local coffee shop is a finalist in state competition

Discover Downstate Illinois challenged Midwest natives to find the best locally-owned coffee shop. In a post on Sept. 21, the tourism bureau asked followers to share the names of their favorite small …

A lifelong career leads to memorable moment

Ray Sollars has responded to countless calls during his more than 40-year career as a police officer, but a response Oct. 3, 2022, identified him as a hero. “I was sitting in the Nazarene …

Gates collects angels, each holds special memory

Many people collect objects that are, or were once, common, but Naomi Gates has gone a different route with Heaven’s Retired Angels.  Her collection began in 1999 when her daughter, …

Vigilance against fraud

Everyone needs to exercise care against scams, but this is particularly true for senior citizens. “They especially focus on the elderly, those who live alone and are widows or …

Team Michael needs you!

Sept. 30 should have been a day of unrestrained excitement for Michael Nugent-Dolan. He was turning 13 years old and entering his teenage years. Michael received gifts and was surrounded by family, …

Chrisman gaining ground on infrastructure improvements

CHRISMAN — There was a time infrastructure issues were arising so fast the Chrisman City Council seemed almost overwhelmed. The city’s aging system still has problems, but …

Flock cameras already assisting local law enforcement

Only a few short months after installing Flock cameras throughout Paris, local law enforcement is already putting them to good use. The Flock cameras, a form of automatic license plate readers …

Meet a Paris Firefighter

When Paris Fire Captain Steve Gallagher arrives on scene, he approaches each incident with the same mindset. “I always say that we did not cause the problem that we are dispatched to, we …

Local landmark restored

The wish of a friend and neighbor lost to COVID in 2021 has been fulfilled with the restoration of a familiar landmark just across the state line in Libertyville, Ind. For a generation of Paris …

Skills for surviving the un-dead

Knowing how to prepare for and respond during an emergency is a skill every individual needs to have. Unfortunately, learning about natural disasters and survival skills is not always viewed as an …

District 95 puts a focus on hiring and training staff

The Paris Union School District 95 school board honored Debbie Graves on her retirement after 26 years of working for the district. Board president Kevin Knoepfel presented the recently retired …

City providing new home for visiting Santa Claus

Santa Claus will have a new home when he is in Paris this year to visit his young friends. “It’s about time we got a new Santa Claus House,” said Commissioner Harry Hughes …

Hume trying to sort out fiber internet

HUME — Not much has happened in the month since representatives of Conxxus told the Hume Village Board the company is coming into the community with fiber optic internet service. That …
Meet a Paris Firefighter

Janis sees the role as making a difference

Captain Zack Janis, a senior member of the Paris Fire Department, has worked his way up through ranks after joining the department in October 2006 as a firefighter. He knows exactly when the …

Block provides rare stem cell match

Stem Cell donation was first used in 1979 to save the life of young Laura Graves. The success of the treatment led Robert and Sherry Graves founding a national registry of willing volunteers to …

County’s new tandem trucks arrive, but can’t be used

The Edgar County Highway Department has new equipment, but it will likely be another year before it is in service. Highway engineer Aaron Lawson advised county board members during the Tuesday, …

Teeing off for change

Forty-seven years ago, Jack Runyan had an epiphany while waiting to tee off at what is now Eagle Ridge Golf Course. “I’m waiting in line to tee off and I flipped around and seen so …

Honor flight is special for area veteran

Vietnam War veteran Paul Fred Keehner Jr. has a message for other veterans — participate in an honor flight. “The honor flight was well worth going,” said Keehner. “Any …

Barn in Brocton becomes point of contention

BROCTON — The status of a barn dominated discussion at the Brocton Village Board meeting Wednesday, Oct. 11. Village president Chad Dudley suggested it is time to charge a rental fee for …

Home death ruled a suicide

Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett has ruled the manner of death for Shawnna L. Cunningham as a suicide. The cause of death is a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  The 44-year-old was found …

Local organization continues finding funds for kids

At the end of July, a tractor run was held in the northern part of Edgar County. Nineteen tractors joined forces with side-by-sides and various rural vehicles to drive down country roads, all with …

Chrisman class of 2026 to host ghost rally

The shadowy and enigmatic roads surrounding Chrisman present a unique and eerie undertaking. The Chrisman High School sophomore class is hosting a Ghost Rally at dusk Saturday, Oct. 14. The …

Christmas baskets are returning to tradition

A local Christmas tradition stretching back to period following World War I is getting brushed off for a return to its roots. Scott Barrett, chairman of the Community Nurse Christmas Basket, …

Paris 95 implements changes as part of corrective action

Paris Union School District 95 is implementing a number of changes as part of the corrective action plan it submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education in July. The plan followed an audit …

Sprague receives recognition

Robert “Doc” Sprague has called Paris home for nearly a century. Sprague was born Jan. 14, 1927, in Paris and grew up here. He graduated from Paris High School and went to the …

Englum saves swimmers

The Lakers baseball team was in Panama City, Fla., for a tournament during June and one of the coaches became a hero to two girls. After the last game June 17, the players and coaches went to …

Police respond to accidental shooting

The Paris Police Department is investigating an accidental shooting that occurred over the weekend. Police Chief Terry Rogers said the department responded to the incident at approximately 4:24 a.m. …

New park board starts to spruce things up

With four new members (Andreanna Smith, Kelly Toon, Susan Barnes and Samantha Gonzalez) named to the Paris Park Board in August, the group is sporting a new look. The revamped board named new …

PERK begins a new school year

  PERK (People Encouraging Remarkable Kids) started nine years ago to provide one-on-one mentoring to assist youth in developing positive social and behavioral skills, increased …

Meet a Paris firefighter

Like other firefighters, Charles Thorpe Jr. has the heart of a servant. “I joined the fire service to help people and protect the community in their time of need,” said Thorpe. …
Steve Gallagher's career inspired a search for trinkets and collectibles

Paris fireman collects firefighter artifacts

Steve Gallagher, a captain with the Paris Fire Department, combines his career with a side passion for collecting.  Firefighting is more than a 28-year career for Gallagher, it is a family …

Snafu in getting repair costs

Repairing historic structures while maintaining the building’s integrity is often a challenge. That is the reality facing those tasked with repairing damage to the clocktower of the Edgar …

Paris puts teeth into property cleanup

Paris residents failing to keep their property neat and orderly will find themselves subject to a new cleanup ordinance. The Paris City Council passed a greenery nuisance order at the Monday, …

Horace railroad closing has date change

Plans by the Decatur-Eastern Railroad to close the crossing on the Horace-Brocton Road at Horace have changed. The railroad originally announced a closing from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. The …

Siverly arrested on meth charges, again

Two Paris residents are in the Edgar County Jail on Class X felony methamphetamine charges. Following a Paris Police Department narcotics investigation, law enforcement served a search warrant …

Gallery seeks exhibit entries

The Link Art Gallery annual Fall Juried Exhibition is Oct. 6-Nov. 10 and entries are needed. Artists who are at least 18 and live within 100 miles of Paris are encouraged to submit pieces. All …

Shiloh students see success

HUME —  The staff at Shiloh Community Unit School District 1 beamed with pride for their students on Monday, Sept. 18, as the board held its monthly meeting. Bren Rhode brought …

Building upgrades coming in Kansas

KANSAS — Finishing a roof project at the Kansas Treatment and Learning Center (TLC) and some new windows dominated activity for the Kansas Community Unit School District 3 school board. …

No-cash bond does not stop law enforcement

Paris Police Chief Terry Rogers has a blunt message for those who think the new Safe-T Act is a license for criminal behavior. “You can go to jail. You will go to jail,” said Rogers. …

Nothing dulls the sparkle of a Honeybee Queen

Overcoming obstacles is something both the Jr. Miss and Miss Crown winners of the 2023 Honeybee Queen Pageant had to do before they received their titles on Sept. 17. Karma Richarson, who was …

Horace railroad crossing is closing temporarily

The Edgar County Highway Department has announced the Decatur-Eastern Railroad is closing it’s crossing on the Horace-Brocton Road for repairs. The crossing on County Highway 8 is west of …

More tree work is needed, no budget left

CHRISMAN — City commissioner Michael Jordan is looking for money to address some problem trees in Chrisman. “Since my budget is shot for trees, I brought it back to the board,” …

The Honeybee Train is back

For a long time, the Honeybee Train was run by the Honeybee Antique Association, but since the group disbanded the train has been missing from the celebration. The FFA and agriculture classes at …

Coroner called to Kansas

Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett has released preliminary information on the death of a Kansas woman. Barrett said the body of Shawnna L. Cunningham, 44, was found inside her Kansas home by a …

Brocton prepares to use block grant

BROCTON — Lee R. Beckman, of Milano & Grunloh Engineering at Effingham, provided a rough time frame for the Brocton village board to spend a $1 million grant. “You got your water …

County uses opt-out provision in new law

A new law for an Affordable Housing Tax Incentive Program will not be used in Edgar County in the foreseeable future. Supervisor of Assessments Deena Hasler met with county board members during …

Fiber internet woos Hume

HUME — Residents of Hume may have the option of choosing between two fiber optic internet providers. Representatives of Conxxus attended the village board meeting Monday, Sept. 11, to …

The thrill of the safe hunt

Whether with a rifle or a bow, in a tree stand or a blind, understanding the principles of hunter safety is crucial for any sportsman. Jack Hoffman, a long-time resident of Paris and a hunter safety …

County board contemplates selling bonds

Edgar County Board members were tasked with deciding when the time is right to sell municipal bonds to fund a new jail. An ordinance for issuing up to $8 million in general obligation bonds was …
Edgar County residents are buzzing with excitement for the 25th Honeybee Celebration

The buzz on Honeybee is all about community

This year the Honeybee turns 25 years old and plans to make the celebration a memorable time for everyone in the community are underway. “The Honeybee is really a celebration of …

Paris 95 issues new statement, receives hefty pay-back proposal from ISBE

During an open session on Sept. 11, 2023, Paris Union School District 95 board president Kevin Knoepfel issued a statement regarding the district’s corrective action plan and the current …

Bee Well pushes community garden

The September Bee Well of Edgar County meeting was a mix of good and bad news. Mary Liz Wright discussed issues with the community garden projects during the Sept. 7 meeting. On the positive …

Hobsons seeking park concession

Michael and Opal Hobson took their desire to obtain the Twin Lakes Park concession license to the Paris City Council. They first approached the Paris Park Board Aug. 29 and were told the city …

Chrisman city council still has vacancy

CHRISMAN — “Can you tell everyone we still need a water commissioner?” Chrisman Mayor Dan Moore asked following the Tuesday, Sept. 5, city council meeting. The council has …
Car lovers support cause

Local car club raises funds for scholarships

The East Side Motor Club held its annual scholarship drive car show Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Twin Lakes Cruisers Pavilion in the West Lake. More than 40 cars were on display while music of the …

Kansas hikes water rates seeking solution to big problems

KANSAS — Residents in the village of Kansas will see larger amounts due on their October water bills. The village board approved an immediate 50% increase in the water rate during the …
The REC enters new phase in capital campaign approving pool

Diving in for a better future

The Rec Center's new slogan for its capital and sustainment campaign, "Dive In For the Future," is fitting. After the campaign's efforts reached a new milestone last week, staff, patrons and all of …

Noble pleads guilty, sentenced to prison for fight behind Wenz School

One of the two men accused of the Aug. 15 altercation behind Carolyn Wenz School that included the discharge of a firearm is prison bound. Alex M. Noble and Tyge A. Hissem were arrested and …

Kiwanians ready for Honeybee

Kiwanis Club of Paris members are busy as bees preparing for the annual Honeybee Festival Sept. 22-23. The main feature for the Kiwanis Club is the popular pancake tent. Tickets for the pancake …

City of Paris meets and discusses changes

A change is coming to the corner of Shaw and Jasper. The Paris City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 28, approved a $17,962 TIF grant to Don Robinson to develop the property. Tax Increment Financing …

Brit Beat rocks the PCOFA, again

“BritBeat,” a multimedia show featuring the music of The Beatles kicks off the regular season of the Paris Center of Fine Arts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the theater located on the …

Classics continue to come to Paris

The Paris Carnegie Library has been working with the Paris Park Board and the Friends of the Library Organization for more than a decade to bring the classic works of Shakespeare to Paris. …

Festival brings familiar fun for the entire community

CHRISMAN — The Chrisman Days Celebration is following a familiar and comfortable format next weekend. “After last year, it’s nice to have a break,” said Chrisman Fire …

Progress on courthouse roof

It’s the difference between night and day. Edgar County Board members Andy Patrick and Russ Lawton with Edgar County Clerk and Recorder August Griffin got a full inspection of what has …

New exhibit

The Link Art Gallery’s next exhibit is a retrospective of Hannah Newgent Eads' work. The exhibit begins with an opening reception 5 p.m. Sep. 1 beginning at 5 p.m. and ends Sep. 29. …

Gas leak reported near downtown Paris

Local emergency personnel responded to reports of a gas leak at 223 W. Wood Street, Paris, on Monday, Aug. 28. The leak, initially reported around 11:45 a.m., occurred after an excavator working …

Tree removal prompts replacement discussion

The removal of three large maple trees adjacent to the Edgar County Courthouse prompted some discussion among county board members about next steps. “What I have heard from people is now …

Chrisman readying for Chrisman Days

CHRISMAN — The Chrisman Days Festival is Sept. 8 and 9, and city officials are getting ready for the event. Mayor Dan Moore told city council members during the Monday, Aug. 22, city …

Drink like a civilized Viking

BROCTON — The popular image of mead is Viking warriors quaffing flagons of the honey-based spirit from drinking horns in raucous celebrations. Maybe, but mead also has a more refined side. …

Indiana development concerns Edgar County leaders

NEW GOSHEN, Ind. — Wabash Valley Resources’ plan to convert the former SG Solutions gasification plant in West Terre Haute, Ind., to the production of anhydrous ammonia is not setting …

Welcoming Wilson to the Press

Paris high school student Aubrey Wilson has joined the staff at The Prairie Press as a part of the school’s co-op program offering students the chance to intern at local businesses and receive …
Astronomy and astrophotography are Killion’s passions

Killion looks farther than most

Retirement often allows a person to develop a new passion or expand a lifelong interest that took a backseat while working. Such is the case for Mark Killion who retired in 2017 as a structural …

Paris brothers charged with possession of child porn

Two brothers from Paris have been detained and charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography. Following a search of their home on Thursday, August 24, 47-year-old Robert E. …