Local News | The Prairie Press

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

Fuzzy McDaniel, right, rings up the final sale of his career, at R & J Stores Thursday afternoon for customer Cerra Martin while co-workers store manager Bridget Dahlin and Charla Beabout look on. Today is his birthday, and his plans for the immediate future are to get healthier.

Lifelong Paris resident retires from R&J

Every community has a storyteller, someone who can spin yarns about important events or people. For Paris, one of those storytellers is Fuzzy McDaniel. A lifelong resident of Paris who graduated … more

By NANCY ZEMAN nzeman@prairiepress.net | 5/30/23

Those outdoor projects are in addition to several projects revolving around the school’s gymnasium. The projected start date for the gym updates is May 28.

Shiloh shoots for gym updates

HUME — The Community Unit School District 1 board is slowly getting accustomed to changes, in both leadership and a variety of scheduled activities and plans. The district’s former … more

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

Hurricane Prairie hits home

A derecho storm swept through Edgar County Thursday with shock and awe and left the county without power, damaging homes and agricultural crops. Trees throughout the county were uprooted and … more

Prairie Press Staff Report | 7/1/23

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, … more

By Gary Henry ghenry@prairiepress.net | 10/2/23

Ridge Farm youth killed in Edgar County accident

A two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning, July 19, resulted in a fatality and the closure of state Route 1 between Chrisman and Paris. Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett confirmed shortly after … more

BY ROBBY TUCKER rtucker@prairiepress.net | 7/19/23

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 … more

By Gary Henry ghenry@prairiepress.net | 10/2/23

The single gift of an antique fire extinguisher from his wife was the spark that ignited Steve Gallagher’s passion for collecting fire fighting memorabilia.

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 … more

By Linda Lane lanefamily1992@gmail.com | 10/2/23

"The board approved outgoing bid specifications for ambulance service in Special Service Area No. One, which encompasses Buck, Paris, Hunter, Stratton, Grandview, Symmes and Elbridge townships."

County Board approves ambulance service bid specs

The Edgar County Board covered plenty of ground between its Tuesday, Feb. 13 study session and a Wednesday, Feb. 14 meeting this week. Most notably, the board approved outgoing bid … more

By Robby Tucker rtucker@prairiepress.net | 2/21/24

March 9 is National Slam the Scam Day

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is getting the word out about National Slam the Scam Day and building awareness of how to avoid becoming a scam victim. Scams happen every day, around the … more

Special to The Prairie Press | 3/6/23