Local News | The Prairie Press

Paris High School announced their midterm graduates at the board meeting on Monday, Dec. 11.

Tiger Health Center shuts its doors following frozen grant funds

After launching in October of 2022, the Tiger Health Center is closing its doors. The facility, located at Paris High School, closed its doors yesterday, Jan. 12, after nurse practitioner Amber Pitts … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 1/13/24

Meals on Wheels receives largest donation

The Horizon Health Meals on Wheels program has received its largest single contribution to date. A recent $10,000 gift from First Farmers Bank & Trust through the Horizon Health Foundation is the … more

Special to The Prairie Press | 5/29/23

Philip Dobelstein was sworn in as Edgar County’s new state’s attorney following the resignation of Timothy Gilbert on Jan. 8. Dobelstein has filled the position of assistant state’s attorney since September of 2022.

A familiar face steps into new office

A new name will soon be emblazoned above the door to the Edgar County state’s attorney office. Former state’s attorney Timothy Gilbert resigned from the role this week, passing the baton … more

1/13/24

The County Jail will be completely new including having a new name, the Edgar County Public Safety Center (ECPSC).

New name for the new jail

The Edgar County Board’s jail project has a new due date for schematics and bids, pricing estimates and, most notably, a name for the facility. As discussed during a Jan. 8 Edgar County … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 1/20/24

"The signs would benefit the community’s Neighborhood Watch committee and be placed at various intervals of public property throughout the village."

Eyes, ears and opinions are shared in Hume

HUME — It may be a new year, but the same issues and concerns are plaguing Edgar County communities. During the Hume village board’s meeting in December, former trustee Fern Keys … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 1/13/24

Tom Dunn has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels since 2008. Dunn is seen above (right) with his grandson (left) making deliveries to home-bound individuals via Horizon Health’s Meals on Wheels program.

Delivering a different kind of care

Hundreds of thousands of adults across the country struggle with hunger and isolation, and in a world that is still struggling to fully recover from the stressors of a worldwide pandemic compounding … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 1/20/24

Local Republicans gather for annual Lincoln Day Dinner

A large crowd of Edgar County GOP faithful gathered Feb. 23 at The Step Station for the annual Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. Edgar County Republican Chairman Doug Cochran welcomed attendees to … more

By LINDA LANE lanefamily1992@gmail.com | 3/6/23

“Sixty-one percent of surveyed teachers said they would prefer to have an e-learning day and 25 percent said to leave the day as a snow day.”

School faces snowy situation

Local school boards are currently contending with tempestuous winter weather and trying to balance their responsibility to care for students’ well-being and their education. The Community Unit … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 1/20/24

Chris Clawson, left, and Mayleen Johnson-Roe, right, socialize with a pair of rescued Huskies at the Edgar County Animal Shelter.

Edgar County Animal Shelter hosts playtime for huskies

Under normal circumstances, canine enthusiasts pay upwards of $1,000 for the piercing blue eyes and soft, delicate fur of the beloved Siberian husky. On Wednes- day, July 12, Paris dog lovers enjoyed … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 7/18/23

Cutest Pet Contest finalists announced

The moment Edgar County's cat, dog, bunny and donkey parents have been anxiously waiting for has finally arrived. Finalists for each category in the 2024 Prairie Press Cutest Pet Contest are here and … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 1/27/24

Communities honor Memorial Day

Traditions are valuable because they mark special occasions reminding us what is important by reinforcing values and beliefs. One long standing national tradition is the celebration of Memorial Day … more

By Suzanne Williams swilliamsprairiepress@gmail.com | 5/30/23

Firefighters close down Main Street to battle New Year's Day blaze

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, members of the Paris Fire Department braved the cold to respond to a house fire at the corner of Main and Roberts Street in Paris. As a … more

By Robby Tucker and Bethany Wagoner rtucker@prairiepress.net | 1/1/24

Honoring those who served

On any given day in cemeteries throughout the United States, a longstanding military ritual occurs that is both moving and familiar. Men and women have been honored for their service at their … more

By Daniel Briseño daniel@prairiepress.net | 5/30/23

“The intruder went to a home and started trashing the house when she was inside and started breaking glassware,”

Chrisman Mayor details frightening break-in

CHRISMAN – A detailed account of a weekend break-in and an ensuing arrest captivated councilmen and a handful of visitors during a Tuesday, Feb. 20 Chrisman City Council meeting. Chrisman … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 2/26/24

Meet a Paris firefighter: Chad Crampton

Chad Crampton is living his dream. The Paris fire chief has moved up through the ranks since joining the department Aug. 1, 1999, and cannot see himself doing something different. “I … more

By GARY HENRY ghenry@prairiepress.net | 5/30/23

Firefighters from the Paris Fire Department and all stations of the Paris Community Fire Protection District practice extrication techniques in a simulated school bus accident.

Emergency personnel practice for unthinkable

First responders were busy Tuesday evening, July 11, destroying an old school bus at the fire training center on Cherry Point Road. The exercise involved Paris Fire Department, all stations of … more

By GARY HENRY ghenry@prairiepress.net | 7/18/23

“I’m coming today to talk to you guys about the potential of legalizing UTVs, which are also known as side by sides, and their use in city limits and on side streets,” a resident said after the city’s mayor, Craig Smith opened the floor for public comment.

City of Paris could legalize UTVs

Residents of the City of Paris, and visitors, shared an array of ideas surrounding the future of Paris while attending the city’s preagenda meeting Wednesday, March 20. “I’m … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 3/27/24

Cases moving in Edgar County Circuit Court

The following people were among those who had cases scheduled for the March 20 and the March 23 criminal and traffic calls in Edgar County Circuit Court: In custody Randy J. Bramlett, 55, … more

4/4/23

Tovey promoted at First Mid Bank & Trust

First Mid Bank & Trust has promoted Melissa Mathias Tovey to Senior Vice President, Director of Bank Administration. “Melissa’s promotion is a testament to her remarkable … more

By LINDA LANE lanefamily1992@gmail.com | 5/30/23

Morgan Boyer opened Amethyst Facial Spa in a space inside the Hello Beyoutiful Salon, at 112 Andrew St on March 10.

Amethyst Facial Spa taking new clients

Amethyst Facial Spa owner Morgan Boyer opened the spa March 10, in a space inside the Hello Beyoutiful Salon, at 112 Andrew St. So far, things have been good. Boyer graduated from a … more

BY GRETCHEN STONE gstone@prairiepress.net | 3/27/24