PARIS — As communities across the country begin celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the Paris Park Board is excited to help kick off a summer-long celebration in Edgar County. …
The sixth annual unofficial ‘Fourth of July Parade’ will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4. All vehicles are welcome to participate, including tractors, trucks, cars, side by sides, four wheelers …
metcalf residents unveil ‘center of the universe’ rock
Metcalf residents gathered in the village park recently to celebrate the dedication of a new monument proclaiming Metcalf as the “Center of the Universe.”
On Friday, June 12, a ceremony drew …
The Prairie Press recently earned multiple honors at the Illinois Press Association’s annual convention, including a second-place finish in the prestigious General Excellence …
Grand Prairie Friends has acquired more than 200 acres of protected natural habitat in the Wabash River Valley, assuming ownership of two nature preserves from The Nature Conservancy.
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The Paris Park Board is proud to announce Rides for Relief, a charitable car show event set to rev up West Lake in Paris, Illinois on Friday, July 3, 2026. The event will bring together classic car …
Marshall Public Library invites the community to uncover the stories hidden within their family trees during “Answering the Call: From Enlistment to Pension,” a featured program of the …
SPRINGFIELD—Edgar County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 0.9661, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).
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Nestled in the middle of Paris, one resident has transformed her backyard into her very own grocery store through regenerative urban agriculture practices.
“I do an extreme version of …
For nearly three decades, Paris Fire Capt. Steve Gallagher has quietly tended to the memory of those who served before him, placing memorial markers and flags on the graves of retired Paris …
Ernie Eveland Gymnasium was filled with music, energy and encouragement Friday night as Seventh Day Slumber brought their Y2K Reloaded Tour to Paris, joined by special guests Jason Dunn of Hawk …
2025 Miss Edgar County Fair Queen prepares to compete in state pageant
With the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant just days away, Edgar County Fair Queen Chloe Martin is putting the finishing touches on months of preparation as she readies herself to compete Jan. …
More than 80 families in the Paris area will receive holiday support this year thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Paris FFA chapter and the generosity of the local community. The chapter recently …
Since the early 2000s, Gloria Mitchell has been the heart and hands behind every exhibition at our gallery, expertly organizing and placing artwork so that each piece shines like a diamond. Her rare …
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival isn’t just a celebration of Indiana’s rustic charm and historic craftsmanship. It’s also a full-on feast for anyone who loves fair food with …
Millennial Mind
When my mom, Jenny Craig, found a lump in her breast in August of 2022, she didn’t waste time in denial. She knew in her heart what was coming and faced it head-on. When the doctor confirmed it …
The Shawna Morrison Memorial 5K is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 27, marking its 21st year of honoring the life and legacy of Army National Guard Sgt. Shawna Morrison.
This year, the reins of …
Key Club International celebrates monumental birthday of program
As the local school year begins, Key Club International is marking its 100th year of existence along with its parent group, Kiwanis International.
Members of Paris Cooperative High …
When fourth-grade teacher Marie Wimsett and local artist Tei White teamed up to create a children’s book, they didn’t expect their little frog-inspired fairytale to hop its way into the …
Paris High School student Bella Sunkel never expected a failed fire starter from a Rural King store to spark the idea that would become her own small business. But what began as a project to help …
A Paris native and former Lady Tiger athlete has carved herself a niche in academia and sports management.
Erin McNary is now the Clinical Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Sport …
When Mark Waldhauser completed his degree in actuarial science from the University of Illinois in 1993, he had an epiphany.
Although he is a whiz at mathematics and statistics, the 1988 graduate …
In a town where second chances are rarely front-page news, Gage Rager is quietly rewriting his own headline with a mower, a weed eater and an ironclad work ethic. The 27-year-old Paris native …
While many young adults have considered a career in the fine arts, usually as an actor, few have taken the path that Paris native Monica Payne has taken.
Payne’s career journey began as a …
My conversation with the man we all recognize on Jasper Street
Every town has a familiar face.
In Paris, that face belongs to a man with a gentle smile, a purposeful stride and a wave that’s become a symbol of something much bigger than himself. His …
enjoying a healthy summer can be fun and memorable for all
As the school year ends and the warm weather rolls in, kids across the country are eager to embrace the freedom of summer vacation. While it’s tempting to let screen time and lazy mornings take …
Painting the Prairie, an annual art show at The Link Art Gallery, opened its doors to patrons and art connoisseurs on Friday, May 9, with an open-house reception and short awards ceremony.
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Pageant season offers more than just sparkle
As summer approaches and the days grow longer, another season blooms alongside the sunshine and festivities—pageant season. For many, this time of year brings to mind sparkling evening gowns, …
The Red Tail Ranch started as a dream.
In 2019, Mike and Cat Eads lived in Hume. Mike Eads, a Master Mechanic, owned his own mechanic business, was Mayor of Hume and worked part-time as an Edgar …
Halls of Madness Haunted Attraction is bringing back its fan-favorite off-season event, Madness in May, for another year of spine-tingling fun.
Created as a “halfway to Halloween” …
Paris Center of Fine Arts welcomes massive mythical creatures
Edgar County residents are preparing for an unforgettable adventure at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, as Dragons & Mythical Beasts takes the stage at the Paris Center of Fine Arts. The thrilling …
Univeristy of Illinois Extension offers unique opportunities with Master Gardeners program
In 2025, the Illinois Master Gardener Program commemorates its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedicated service in distributing horticultural knowledge and fostering community engagement …
Spring has arrived and it’s time to think about planting. Lots of books have been written, and science has been conducted concerning the best time to plant and what to plant. Thanks to …
Breaking barriers through hygiene
Founded in 2023, the Sage and Prim Community Support Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers by providing access to health, hygiene and harm-reduction products. Through its “soap …
The smell of sizzling ground beef and the aroma of asparagus, a surprise secret ingredient, filled the air at the Edgar County fairground last Thursday night as young chefs went to battle in the …
Following an 8:45 a.m. public hearing on Wednesday, March 12, the Edgar County Board placed a moratorium on a proposed ordinance for battery energy storage systems, better known as BESS.
The …
PARIS—Founded in 2024, Helping Hands Soup Kitchen is making strides to combat hunger in Edgar County with a mission to feed those in need, both physically and spiritually. Operating as a …
It’s often said that each generation grows up in a world unrecognizable from the last, shaped by technology, culture and societal shifts.
To truly grasp this evolution, let’s compare …
More than 500 residents came together to support the Edgar County Shriners
Edgar County Shrine Club hosted their second Glow Bingo event on Friday, Feb. 7 at Ernie Eveland Gymnasium in Paris. Tickets to the event were available online for weeks leading to the event and sold …
Miss Edgar County Aubrey Lawson shares her experience at State
For reigning Edgar County Fair Queen Aubrey Lawson, the opportunity to compete in the Illinois County Fair Queen pageant was nothing short of a whirlwind. Reflecting on her time at the state …
2025 marks a significant milestone for Bee Well of Edgar County. The wellness coalition celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since its formation in 2014, Bee Well has been dedicated to promoting a …
From rural roots to literary legacy and a Netflix series
More than 83 years after she began publishing her Little House on the Prairie books and decades after her passing, Laura Ingalls Wilder remains one of America’s most beloved authors. Now, her …
Pets have been an integral part of human lives for centuries. From the loyal dog to the independent cat, pets come in various forms, each offering unique companionship and joy. Owning a pet is not …
You can almost smell it: a crispness in the air, the whiff of new possibility, a determination to do things differently. It is officially a new year. Ten days into a new year, to be exact.
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Millennial Mind
2005 was a pivotal moment in history—a year of cultural landmarks, technological advancements and unforgettable music. When reflecting on this remarkable year, it’s impossible not to be …
As we continue to work our way through the advent season and to the day Christians celebrate as the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I want to share two of the most beautiful Christmas …
CHRISMAN—In 2018, Paula Bouton had a stroke. Despite having little to no traditional stroke symptoms, the life-altering experience disrupted Bouton’s life and caused irreparable damage.
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When Mark Killion was seven, his parents got him a reflecting telescope for Christmas.
Some moments can change the course of a life. Perhaps it is hard to see in the present which actions will …
“Never be so polite, you forget your power. Never wield such power, you forget to be polite.”
-Taylor Swift “Marjorie” 2020
This past Friday, Saturday and Sunday …
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Learning to cook is essential for kids to foster independence, promote healthy eating and develop important life skills. But, it can also feel incredibly overwhelming.
You don’t have to …
