Local News

Illegal tattoo shop draws attention from health authorities

According to one local health leader, the ink flowing out of an unsupervised tattoo operation is posing a danger to Paris. Kim Ross, administrator of the Edgar County Public Health Department …

Lifelong Paris resident retires after 45 years of service

  Sabrina Funkhouser started working at just 14 years old. Her first job at Monical’s Pizza in Paris required a special permit, because of her age, according to her husband John …

Local law enforcement to implement unmanned drones thanks to community donations

In a couple of months, fleeing criminals and citizens in distress are likely to meet two new agents of the law, but they’ll have to look up. As a result of donations from community members …

Freshman fatality shakes Shiloh School

HUME — Students and staff of the Shiloh Community Unit School District are mourning the loss of a freshman student after a tragic accident in the early hours of Sept. 3. CUSD #1 …

PEDCO prioritizes childcare

In Edgar County, the Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) is making the issue of childcare its focus. Childcare is an ongoing concern that touches multiple aspects of a community. Not only …
Edgar County family brings community together for citywide cleanup

Be the change you wish to see

Phil and Kat Stapp are using their time to clean up the city of Paris and create an impact on the city in hopes of a brighter future. Together, they created a group called “Be the Change” …

Paris eyes $1.2M grant with community backing and big plans

Updates and upgrades to recreational spaces have been a hot topic for residents and community leaders in Paris for months. The need to see communal spaces upgraded and the desire for new activities …

An end is in sight for courthouse renovations

After renovations, storm damage and re-renovations, the Edgar County Courthouse is almost whole once again. Edgar County Board members and contractors hope the revitalized structure and the …

Paris Council focused on community clean-up and improvements

A visitor to the Paris City Council meeting Monday, Aug. 26 shared her displeasure with members of the city council over the condition of several streets inside city limits. The guest said she …

Alabama man in custody after shots fired in Paris

Residents on the southern end of Paris heard gunshots split the still summer air during the morning of Saturday, Aug. 10. The alleged shooter was detained before appearing for a preliminary hearing …

Edgar County hosts candlelight vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day

The first-ever Edgar County Candlelight Vigil will begin at 7 p.m., tonight, Aug. 31, a day earmarked as International Overdose Awareness Day. The hour-long outdoor event takes place at New …

Going once, going twice, sold!

With the help of Knowles Auction, a Marshall-based auction service, and countless others, the Edgar County Shrine Club had a successful evening at their annual auction fundraiser Aug. 24. The event …

Paris man found dead in suspected suicide

Details surrounding the death of a Paris man found dead at his residence late Thursday morning have been released by Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett.  According to a press release issued …

Poole case approaching anniversary, decisions loom for prosecution

November marks the 12-month anniversary of the declaration that Tyler Poole, 27, was unfit for trial. The next time Poole appears in the Edgar County Courthouse, serious decisions will await the …

Edgar County hosts first candlelight vigil for International Overdose Awareness Day

The first-ever Edgar County Candlelight Vigil will begin at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31, a day earmarked as International Overdose Awareness Day. The hour-long outdoor event takes place at New …

Prepare to submerge: Paris Fire Department and Horizon Health conduct annual dive training

Additional fees are adding up for Chrisman treatment plant project

CHRISMAN – The price tag for planned upgrades to Chrisman’s wastewater treatment plant is causing a stink. During a Monday, Aug. 19 meeting, members of the Chrisman City Council …

‘Pack the Park’ event sees great turnout

Sunrise Park has been thriving this summer with many events and get-togethers held at the East Edgar Street park. On the evening of Saturday, Aug. 17, crowds gathered at the park for the latest …

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 211 awards scholarships

Coming soon to Edgar County...

Beginning in 2025, everyone in Edgar County will have a new, easy-to-use and comprehensive resource at their fingertips. The Prairie Press’ first-ever Edgar County Area Community Guide …

Chrisman Days Celebration returns

Chrisman will host their annual Chrisman Days celebration Sept. 6-8. The weekend is expected to be filled with events sun up to sun down and give residents and visitors a chance to explore the …

Kansas school board troubled by clothes and ambulances

Members of the Kansas CUSD #3 Board of Education met Wednesday, Aug. 21, for their regular, monthly meeting to discuss various changes this coming fall. The board and teacher’s union have …

From shelter to home

The Edgar County Animal Shelter is a pillar in the Edgar County community. They are responsible for encouraging local strays to become members of future families. On Aug. 17, the animal shelter …

Paris resident named ‘Waffle Boss’ in international hotel chain contest

With a jolly last name and a merry spirit, it is no surprise that Paris resident Beverly Christmas is known for serving up smiles in her role as a Hampton Breakfast Host. Now, Christmas is receiving …

Photo of the Week

911 Board asks County Board for share of revenue

Building a new public safety center is not cheap – and neither is moving and maintaining the equipment needed for one. During a Monday, Aug. 12 Edgar County Board study session, Edgar …

Village plans for future changes

HUME—“Everything is good as far as we know, there is nothing to report,” that sentiment was heard multiple times during the Hume village meeting Monday, Aug. 12. The police …

Local woman faces jail time for stalking officer

A Paris woman will remain in the custody of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department until her jury trial in September after Judge David Lewis found probable cause in Class 4 felony stalking and …

Girl Scouts accepting new members

Paris area girls in grades kindergarten through 12 are invited to join the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. The group is hosting a registration event 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Aug. 22 at Paris …

Beloved specialty drink and snack joint ‘The Fizz’ announces closure

For the past four years, the Fizz Soda Shop and Eatery has been serving up drinks and treats at 404 S. Main Street in Paris. On Saturday, Aug. 17, the drive-thru-only shop used social media to …

Edgar County 4-H’ers go for gold

Publisher’s note: Below are additional results from this year’s Edgar County 4-H Fair not included in Saturday, Aug. 10’s ‘Edgar County Fair Results’ insert. 2024 …

Paris Park Board turns over a new leaf

So far, 2024 has proven to be a busy year for the Paris Park Board. The beloved spider at Paris’ Union Street Park received a fresh coat of paint, permanent nets for a new sand volleyball court …

Paris declares Poppy Days

The City of Paris held its bi-weekly meeting Monday, Aug. 12 to discuss local needs. While city council meetings generally focus on approving motions and providing funding for city expenses and …

Paris 95 lessens payback

On Monday, Aug. 12, members of the Paris 95 Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Mary Morgan Ryan glimpsed a break in the district’s recent storm of audits and payback requests. …
Back-to-School Breakfast kicks off with Olympic-sized boost for Paris school staff

Teachers are 'going for gold'

Held at Lake Ridge Christian Church (LRCC), the official back-to-school breakfast for all educators in the city of Paris took place Monday, Aug. 12. The annual event has been hosted by the Paris …

Edgar County woman in custody following double car theft

A woman reportedly stole not one, but two vehicles during the afternoon of Thursday, Aug.15. The first vehicle was a white, Ford F-350 Super Duty. The unauthorized driver took the truck through …

Paris 95 sets tentative budget for FY-25, reviews financial situation

On Monday, Aug. 5, Mary Morgan Ryan, Paris Union School District 95’s new superintendent of schools, delivered on her promise of providing financial transparency, briefing Paris 95 board …

Game placement continues to puzzle Paris

The Paris City Council has decided to pass on placing an outdoor chess set in a public park. The decision, made during a pre-agenda meeting on Aug. 7, came following a lengthy discussion between the …

City of Chrisman welcomes new Water Commissioner

CHRISMAN – The Chrisman City Council filled a vacancy during its Monday, Aug. 5 meeting when Chrisman resident Rodney Wolfe was sworn in as the new Water Commissioner. “It’s …

‘Purloined Pork’ case closes: Justice served with a side of ham

Andrew Bathe, also known as the supposed swine swindler of the Paris Carnegie Library’s prized piggy bank, appeared at the Edgar County Courthouse Thursday, Aug. 8. Bathe, represented by …

So far, so good for the ECPSC

According to contractors working on the construction of the Edgar County Public Safety Center (ECPSC), a three-in-one jail, sheriff’s office and dispatch center, the project is moving in the …

Horizon Health expands Mobile Integrated Health

The Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) unit at Horizon Health has acquired a new truck to assist with home visits, emergency response and other needed health issues. “Using the truck as our …
INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL ROTARY GROUPS TAKE ON ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

Local group gets 'SMART' about the future

Rotary International is no stranger to taking on big, health-related challenges. The group first tackled getting Polio vaccines into the arms of people around the world, specifically in underserved …

American Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage

The American Red Cross announced Monday, Aug. 5, that the nation is facing an emergency blood shortage after the national supply fell by more than 25 percent. In Edgar County, a July 22 blood drive …

Campbell accepts plea deal

Dejharie Campbell, 20, accepted a plea deal on Thursday, Aug. 8 for his role in a Friday, June 28 altercation that led to a self-inflicted fatality. Campbell was charged with aggravated unlawful use …

Registration for the annual Honeybee Parade is now open

Paris’ bee-loved Honeybee Festival is fast approaching, and the Paris Lions Club is accepting entries for the celebration’s parade.  A registration form is available online. The …

Two Paris natives emerge victorious at the Route 1 Rumble

For years, the Route 1 Rumble Demolition Derby has served as the explosive finale to the Edgar County Fair. On Saturday, July 27, fans were treated to a reminder of just how intense the event can be. …

First responders rush to rural home

On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 6, EMS personnel and firefighters were called to an address on Clinton Avenue following reports of a house fire. Many fire trucks and ambulances covered the yard …

Making an impact, one package at a time

When he’s not tending to swine for the family business, preparing for a 4-H show or learning at Ms. Holly’s House, Kade Ray, 9, is taking time to put together care packages for a blessing …

Every drop counts for ‘Pouring with a Purpose’

Wineology, located at 614 North Main Street in Paris, will have something for everyone age 21 and older on Saturday, Aug.10. More importantly, the proceeds from the event will all go to a …

A game of musical parks

Thirteen parks are spread throughout Paris, blessing the city with space for outdoor activities and amenities. Yet with plenty of options to choose from, the Paris Park Board can not cohesively agree …
Old North Main street home finds new life as an Airbnb thanks to local duo

Pack your bags! You're staying in Paris.

Samantha Gonzalez and Jordan Wilken are building a new adventure in Paris. The couple rebuilt a house from disarray into a cozy, welcoming Airbnb. With walls splashed with pink, blue and green, …

Chrisman native Brent Owen is climbing the ranks of NCAA basketball

An Edgar County native is moving up the NCAA Division II head coaching ranks, accepting the top job at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. Chrisman’s own Brent Owen – who still …

Chrisman Leader is for sale, final publication announced

CHRISMAN — The Chrisman Leader, one of the last locally owned newspapers in Edgar County, is in the market for new ownership. Current owners Alice and Kyle Lientz broke the news shortly after 6 …

Teamsters Local 916 calls out state agency for violating contract

SPRINGFIELD – A local union is demanding the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) pay employees at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) the wage increases …

Edgar County Community Foundation makes donation to Paris Soup Kitchen

Toxicology report released following June 27 accident

The release of a toxicology report on Tuesday, July 30 by Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett is shedding light on a fatal June 27 car accident.  Authorities responded to reports of a …

One dead following Edgar County accident, State Police increasing patrols

WOODYARD – More details surrounding a two-vehicle collision are beginning to emerge, including the identity of a man who passed away from injuries sustained in the crash. According to a …

Emergency action taken to protect West Lake Park

The Paris city council chose to end its search for bids in favor of an emergency action to safely and swiftly repair erosion damage at West Twin Lake Park, near Twin Lakes Drive. The city elected to …

Education comes to Schwartz Park

With the new school year quickly approaching, the talk of education grows every day. Teachers are getting lesson plans ready, parents are getting their children fresh school supplies and kids are …

“Rooting” for local produce

Watermelon, corn, tomatoes; oh my! Growing season has bloomed in Edgar County. Local farmers and vendors have been setting up to serve the community with fresh produce. Ken Brooks, owner of Pa …

Pre-trial release denied again for Kansas man involved in June shooting

An investigation into a fatal apartment complex shooting that shocked Kansas residents on Friday, June 28 continues to be a top priority for Illinois State Police, the Edgar County Sheriff’s …

Edgar County Board considers “shift” to solar

Now that ground is officially broken at the future site of the Edgar County Public Safety Center (ECPSC), members of the Edgar County Board are shifting their attention to energy solutions for the …
Aubrey Lawson and Ellie Krieger named Edgar County Fair Royalty on July 21

Crowned with confidence: A queen’s interview

“Your 2024 Little Miss Edgar County is contestant number 15, Ellie Kreiger!” “Your 2024 Miss Edgar County is contestant number three, Aubrey Lawson!” Last Sunday, …

Metcalf turns 150, celebrates with fan-favorite fish fry

METCALF – The quiet village of Metcalf was flooded with the sounds of music, warm conversations and the aroma of a traditional, deep-fried delicacy on Saturday, July 20, all to celebrate a …

Constructing a safe environment

On July 17, the Edgar County Public Health Department discussed actions needed to repair the floors in their dental area. The floors are in desperate need of rehabilitation and plans to convert to a …

Painting an impact

Millie Arp Hamilton is a beloved teacher who has made an impact on many students, inside and outside of her middle school art classroom. The local artist originally went to college for Studio …

Lawson, Krieger named 2024 Edgar County Fair royalty

Paris meeting takes walk in the park

This week’s pre-agenda meeting for the city of Paris on Wednesday, July 17, took an exciting turn when David Riggen presented newly made signs for Schwartz Park. Riggen, a member of the …

Chrisman City Council hit with a rising tide of inaccurate water bills

CHRISMAN – Much of the Chrisman City Council’s Monday, July 15 meeting was devoted to water bills, more specifically, a wave of unexpected price hikes. Councilmen discussed a slew of …
Cargill volunteers team up to give back to Edgar County Animal Shelter

Showing care for canines

On July 16, Cargill, Paris Mill and C&W came together to donate food, supplies and monetary contributions to the Edgar County Animal Shelter. Cargill employee Darla Willoughby recognized the need …

Charges filed in fatal Route 1 crash

Emotions continue to run high for an Edgar County family and their community as more details surrounding the tragic death of a Chrisman man emrge. On March 15, a devastating two-vehicle accident …

Leadership class builds knowledge and connects community

In 2001, the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce created a program to identify and motivate emerging leaders in the community. Paris Area Future Leaders class (PAFL) partners with community leaders, …

Faulty update freezes tech worldwide and across Edgar County

A faulty security update resulted in what NBC News called “arguably the largest global information technology outage in history” on Friday, July 19. The outage affected law enforcement …

Coroner rules death of rural Chrisman man a homicide

CHRISMAN – A news release from the Edgar County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death of James H. Lutz a homicide. Lutz, a resident of rural Chrisman, was killed Friday, March 15 after a …

Single-vehicle accident downs pole

Around 10:30 a.m., July 17, Paris Fire, Paris Police and Horizon Health EMS personnel responded to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Main and Kimble Street in Paris. First …

Buzzing with Culture

The oldest human with evidence of tattoos on their skin was discovered in a glacier of the Otzal Alps, near the border between Austria and Italy. The man, often referred to as “Otzi the …

"Powder Puff" autocross class making its first appearance

Fair week is an exciting and eventful time for Edgar County, with carnival rides, fair food and adrenaline-pumping events. In addition to the traditional, something new is coming to the fair this …

Edgar County Fair hosts 65th Annual Queen Pageant

The Edgar County Fair is hosting the 65th Edgar County Fair Queen Pageant at 7 p.m., July 21, at the Edgar County Fairgrounds grandstand. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. The 2023 …

“It Will Grow on You”

“It Will Grow on You,” is the theme of the 2024 Edgar County Fair – and the competition and exhibition in the Art Hall might be the best personification of the theme. Two of …

Edgar County Fair set to bring the party

In its 162-year history, the Edgar County Fair has provided spectacle, amusement and summertime memories to attendees. This year, the Fair is providing something new: a “party barn.” …

Paris 95 BOE holds first meeting with new superintendent

Mary Morgan Ryan was announced as the new superintendent of schools for Paris Union School District in late April. On Monday, July 8, Morgan Ryan participated in her first Board of Education meeting …

PHS focuses on AP class opportunities

Paris High School’s AP classes have grown not only in numbers but also in the number of advanced placement classes available for students. Assistant Principal Denise Young provided a …

Community Center controversy in Hume

HUME—This village of Hume received a substantial donation from the congregants of the former Hume United Methodist Church during its regular, monthly meeting July 8. After holding their …

Coroner called twice

A press release from the Edgar County Coroner revealed two fatalities resulting from a head-on collision near Redmon on Saturday, July 6; an additional report three days later uncovered a deceased …
Helping Hands Soup Kitchen is on a mission to feed the people of Paris

Serving more than soup

For the first time in a long time, Paris has its soup kitchen back with the help of Vicky Dick, Sue Sheeran, and a handful of community groups, grants and several churches in Paris. Together, the …

“Trauma season” hits Edgar County

Summer is a busy season. Perhaps nobody knows this better than the emergency personnel, EMS, fire, law enforcement and the coroner’s office, of Edgar County. In the past three weeks, The …

Edgar County continues searching for sober housing

HRC, ROSC and other organizations focusing on community well-being are entering into a new fiscal year in the month of July, and with the new year comes a new budget. “We just passed a new …

Erosion is eating away at a Paris park

Directly across from the All-Abilities Playground at the West Lake, erosion damage is taking its toll and causing concern for the Paris City Council. Chris Redman, the city’s …

Two-vehicle crash causes multiple injuries north of Chrisman

WOODYARD – A two-vehicle accident on the northern edge of Edgar County resulted in multiple injuries on Wednesday, July 10. The Chrisman Fire Department, Neal EMS and Horizon Health …

Legal disputes loom over Chrisman fiber optic lines

CHRISMAN – Fiber optic internet is a technological leap in internet speed and bandwidth compared to rural internet, and in recent weeks, crews have been hard at work installing the cables …

Edgar County man found dead in home

On Monday, July 9, 911 dispatchers were contacted at 2:59 p.m. and asked to provide a wellness check at a West Madison Street residence. The caller told operators they were calling from the …

Metcalf to celebrate sesquicentennial

METCALF—The Village of Metcalf will celebrate its sesquicentennial on Saturday, July 20 with a full day of fun activities including local vendors and food trucks. The main event begins at …

New Community Council hopes to serve locals in need

The world sometimes needs a little bit of help to get it back on its feet, even with the simplest of gestures. April Burns has led with this example showing those around her that a small gesture of …

Two deaths result from State Route 133 crash

A press release from the Edgar County Coroner has revealed that two fatalities resulted from a head-on collision near Redmon on Saturday, July 6. “Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett has …

Local auction find offers Chrisman a glimpse into a presidential past

CHRISMAN – When lifelong Chrisman resident Mike Henry started browsing local auction listings, he had no idea he would discover a historical document connecting his hometown with a past U.S. …

The art of making a difference

“I don’t like to see anybody suffering. I don’t like to see animals suffering. I’ll just help who I can help,” a talented Midwestern artist said. It is the …

"Step"ping into service

Mike Step became a Rotarian in 1995, almost 30 years ago. Since joining, he has served as a secretary, a vice governor, a district governor and president of a local chapter, not once but twice, …
Wandering Spirits mobile dry bar opens to serve the Edgar County area

Shaken, stirred and on the move!

Wandering Spirits mobile dry bar opened this summer. Owners Kali Martin and Whitney Sprinkle feel it is important that potential customers understand the purpose of a dry hire bar. “A dry …