Local News

Christmas for Kids Car Show

On Saturday, May 10, a car show at the Lake Ridge Christian Church was held to support Christmas for Kids. With the sun shining bright, cars from all areas of time stood present. From (ss chavells) …

PIO community clean up

The PIO Community Clean up was a two-day event focused on beautifying public spaces across Paris with the help of over 65 enthusiastic volunteers. Organized through a collaborative effort …

Four members of the Crestwood school board of education renew terms

Four members of the CUSD #4 board of education renewed their commitment to Crestwood School during the board’s Wednesday, May 7, meeting. Following April 1’s consolidated election, …
Criminal court cases were heard on April 12

Stalking, assault, murder

On Monday, April 12, multiple criminal cases were called before a judge at the Edgar County courthouse. —Michael A. Lowery, 54, who currently faces three counts of criminal sexual assault …
Annual event at Horizon Health celebrates and pays tribute during National Nurses Week

Twilight Walk honors fallen nurses

In 2025, National Nurses Week concluded on Monday, May 12, a date recognized as Florence Nightingale’s birthday and National Nurses Day. To honor the lives of fallen nurses across Edgar County, …
Local schools present annual awards to students

Strong students

Principals from several Edgar County schools, teachers, parents and a handful of students gathered at the Paris Family Restaurant early on the morning of Wednesday, May 8, to celebrate and …

Paris City declares May 23-24 Poppy Days

At the Paris City Council meeting on Monday, May 12, the council opened with a proclamation, designating May 23 and 24 Poppy Days, honoring veterans and reminding Paris that the American Legion …

Hume welcomes new board members

During the May 12 Village of Hume board meeting, several key developments took place, including the swearing-in of new trustees and the approval of a bid to begin much-needed gravel and alley …

Dispatcher debacle sparks debate

According to 911 Director Taylor Ray, the delay in constructing the new Edgar Public Safety Center (ECPSC) is allowing 911 dispatchers to refresh their hardware. Ray explained that equipment …

Highway Department announces road maintenance projects beginning May 14

The Edgar County Highway Department has announced scheduled roadway maintenance projects on Vermilion Road (CH 1) from US 150 to Sulphur Springs Road and Clinton Road (County Highway 2) from One …
Community baby shower offers support for new, expecting mothers

A shower of support

PARIS—The Edgar County Public Health Department (ECPHD), in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield, hosted a heartwarming and impactful Community Baby Shower that brought together over 100 …

Paris launches Beautify Project to support property cleanups

A new initiative aimed at helping residents clean up and improve their properties was introduced last month by City Commissioner Doug Hasler. The initiative, called the Beautify Paris Project , …

Union Street transforms for monthly market, live music

The Paris Improvement Organization (PIO) is set to launch a new community event this summer that promises fun, food and live music for the whole family. Union Street Market and Music will debut …

Bee Well garden blossoms

Spring has arrived in Edgar County, and Bee Well is ready to launch its community garden at Schwartz Park. The garden hopes to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn how to grow …

Chrisman water meter changes

CHRISMAN—At the May 5 Chrisman city council meeting, officials voted to amend a longstanding ordinance regarding water meter readings with the hopes of reducing resident confusion and …
Community members gather in rain and reverence to honor organ donors and recipients

Hope lives on

“Organ, eye and tissue donation is an act of profound compassion. It brings healing to those in need, and provides families of donors with something deeply meaningful in the midst of grief, the …

PCHS 99th Annual May Fete

PIO looks for projects

The Paris Improvement Organization (PIO) is seeking tasks, jobs and projects around the city of Paris for its annual Paris Community Clean-Up days next weekend, on May 9 and 10. “We have …

Board debates solar scenarios

Battery energy storage systems, also known as BESS, and commercial solar energy facility ordinances continue to be a hot topic for members of the Edgar County Board. At the board’s study …

Young artists shine at Link student art show

On Sunday, April 27, the Link Art Gallery in Paris hosted its annual Edgar County Student Art Show for the community’s enjoyment. There were many different pieces on display from Paris …

'Day of Liberation' declared in Paris

On Wednesday, April 22, Mayor Craig Smith declared May 1 as “A Day of Liberation.” Smith’s pronouncement was made as part of a proclamation during a city council pre-agenda meeting …

New Paris District 95 board members

By Victoria leitch vleitch@prairiepress.net PARIS—A leadership transition took place during the April 28 special meeting of the Paris Union School District 95 Board of Education. The …

Hit-and-run suspect denied pre-trial release

After an investigation into a hit-and-run incident, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Dakota Gibson, on East 1200th Road in Paris, deputies of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Office arrested …

Chrisman FBLA hosts Bingo night

CHRISMAN—If you’re looking for a fun night out and a chance to support some truly inspiring students, mark your calendars for May 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Chrisman FBLA is bringing the community …

Mayo Middle School prepares for Spring Concert

PARIS—The halls of Mayo Middle School are buzzing with excitement as students prepare for their much-anticipated Spring Band Concert, set for Sunday, May 5. With over 130 students …

Local results finalized

The results from the April 1 consolidated election in Edgar County have been finalized, according to Edgar County Clerk and Recorder August Griffin. As expected, the official results did not change …

Chrisman City addresses water, city dump and playground issues

At the April 21 Chrisman city council meeting, community leaders gathered to address a range of important topics, from routine approvals to larger infrastructure and public safety concerns. Although …

Halls of Madness opens for Memorial Day Weekend

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” …
CUSD #1 board of education prepares for multiple changes

Adjustments & amendments

During the monthly CUSD #1 Board of Education meeting on Monday, April 21, board members discussed several adjustments coming to the school’s campus, including the need to rearrange the …

Paris native Griffin Johnson makes Kentucky Derby debut

In a world where stories of grit, dreams and destiny intersect, few tales are as heartwarming and inspiring as that of Griffin Johnson and his beloved racehorse, Sandman. What started as a chance …

‘Hopping’ into community activities

On Friday, April 18, the Paris Health and Rehab Center put on its fifth annual Easter egg hunt for the Paris community. The event included an egg hunt, bicycle raffle winners, cookies and …
Probable cause found during preliminary hearing for former Kansas teacher

Former teacher returns to court for assault charges

(Publisher’s Note: The following article contains references to sexual misconduct involving a minor and an authority figure. Reader discretion is advised.) On Monday, April 21, former …

Suspect arrested in hit-and-run

After a vigilant investigation into a hit-and-run incident on East 1200th Road in Paris, deputies of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a suspect.  The April 18 incident …

New details released in Paris hit-and-run incident

The Edgar County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement regarding a hit-and-run incident on East 1200th Road in Paris on Friday, April 18.  “From the initiation of the …

Leadership transition at Paris Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn in Paris is ushering in a new chapter of leadership. On Monday, Heather Williams passed the title of general manager to Amy Highsmith. Williams has led the hotel since it opened …

Edgar County Public Health Department prepares for upcoming events

The Edgar County Public Health Department (ECPHD) has a busy and impactful season ahead, with several significant public health initiatives and events underway. One of the most anticipated …

New additions coming to Paris parks

Three Paris parks are getting upgrades this spring thanks to a generous donation. During last month’s Paris Park Board meeting, Casey Redman announced that the city of Paris had received a …
Trio of local coaches honored for building champions on and off the court

More than a game

For three local basketball coaches, the 2024–25 season wasn’t just about wins and losses — it was about grit, growth and guiding young athletes toward something greater. Adam …

Hume tackles water pressure, alley repairs

At the April 14 Hume meeting, local officials and community members gathered to discuss a variety of practical and procedural matters ranging from water pressure complaints to alleyway maintenance …
District 95 unpacks financial fixes and recovers grant funds

Red ink and relief

On Monday, April 7, Paris-Union 95 district superintendent Mary Morgan Ryan shared a variety of financial updates with the school board and a small audience. According to Morgan Ryan, two …

Paris Police Department honors dispatchers during National Telecommunications Week

PARIS—As National Telecommunications Week is observed across the country April 13-19, the Paris Police Department is taking time to recognize the vital and tireless efforts of its …

Tootsie Pop Days returns to the City of Paris

One hundred years ago, in 1925, Helen Keller addressed Lions Club members at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. She challenged the group to become “knights of the blind in the …

2025 Paris Chamber of Commerce Celebration

Chrisman City imposes new fees

At the latest Chrisman City Council meeting on Monday, April 7, commissioners tackled a variety of issues affecting the community. Building/demo permits The council approved several …

Paris schools sign debt forgiveness resolutions

During school board meetings on Monday, April 7, the Paris-Union 95 board and the Paris Cooperative High School board of education passed matching resolutions to solve a recently discovered …
Local bank and soup kitchen partner together to feed Paris

Banking on kindness

For two weeks, First Mid Bank and Trust on N. Central Street did more than handle deposits and loans — it became a hub of generosity and compassion, organizing a food drive that filled 13 totes …

Officer involved shooting investigation closes

The Edgar County State’s Attorney Office has released a statement concluding its review of an officer-related investigation performed by the Illinois State Police. The investigation was …

National grant funding cuts hit Edgar County

The Trump Administration notified the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) on March 24, 2025, that it was terminating federal grants nationwide in the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for …

Shiloh Road closing Tuesday, April 15

The Edgar County Highway Department announced a partial closure of Shiloh Road (County Highway 11) from Horace-Brocton Road (CH 8) to 1500th Road, will begin at 7 a.m. on April 15. The roadway …

Katie Inn closes for safety

Paris fire chief Chad Crampton issued a public statement on Wednesday, April 9, stating the Katie Inn, located at 118 E. Court Street in Paris, has been closed due to significant health and safety …

Sass pleads guilty to felony charge

Danielle Sass, 39, appeared in Edgar County Court Monday, March 31, where she pled guilty to a single Class 4 felony charge related to driving with a revoked license as part of a negotiated plea …

Loco raises $1,330 for HRC

In a powerful show of community support and creativity, Loco Estilo Ink hosted a special fundraiser April 4-6, raising an impressive $1,330 for the HRC Council. The three-day event welcomed more than …

Rotary swings into action

A collaboration between Rotary and the Paris Park Board resulted in three new pieces of equipment at Sylvian Park last summer. This spring, Rotary is continuing its mission to better the community by …

Public Health Department expands harm reduction efforts in Edgar County

Kim Ross, administrator of the Edgar County Public Health Department, recently introduced the community to an essential harm reduction program aimed at mitigating health risks associated with …
Local tattoo shop partners with HRC for fundraiser

Inking for a cause

Juan and Belinda Hernandez, owners of Loco Estilo Ink in Paris, have decided to use their business to promote community involvement and compassion. On April 4, 5 and 6, Loco Estilo Ink will be …

Creating a "Bridge to Recovery"

Joe Trotter, Harm Reduction Program Coordinator at Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, traveled to Paris to be the keynote speaker during a recent Bridge to Recovery event at First Baptist …

Park board discusses dog parks and disc golf projects

During the Wednesday, March 26 Paris Park Board meeting, members discussed multiple concerns and projects that have been recently brought to their attention, and the lack of available funding to make …

Paris offers city-wide beautification service

The city of Paris and Ingrum’s Waste Disposal are pleased to announce their joint participation in the effort to assist local residents with the disposal of excess and unwanted items that has …

Former Edgar County teacher arrested on sexual assault charges

(Publisher’s Note: The following article contains references to sexual misconduct involving a minor and an authority figure. Reader discretion is advised.) On March 18, 2025, the Kansas …

Behavioral health provider joins Horizon Health in Terre Haute

Sycamore Pain and Wellness, a service of Horizon Health, welcomes Jenny Houzenga to its outpatient behavioral health team. Houzenga is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse …

The first first responder

On the morning of Feb. 21, Edgar County resident Rachel Brown made a call no one ever wants to make. In the midst of overwhelming grief and panic, she reached out to 911, hoping for a lifeline. The …

Paris plans renovation

Despite a postulation that the city of Paris had an 80 to 90 percent chance of receiving a $1.2 million OSLAD grant to fund bathroom park renovations, the funds were not awarded to the city. At …

The Paris Theatre re-opens under new management

The Paris Theatre, a fixture of N. Central Street street and downtown entertainment in the city of Paris, opened its doors under new management on Friday, March 21. Gage Smitley, the …

Stephanie Sanders enters guilty plea after four years

After four grueling years, a case revolving around the death of an Edgar County man and his infant child is coming to a close. On March 1, 2021, Michael Phipps and his two-month-old daughter …

Meet the candidate: Marisa Sunkel

Publisher’s note: Answers to the following questionnaire were submitted by Crestwood CUSD #4 Board of Education candidate Marisa Sunkel and are largely unedited, outside of minor stylistic …

Local group receives Unit of Distinction

The Edgar County Retired Teachers Association (ECRTA) announced that they have received a “Unit of Distinction” award from the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA.) ERTCA …

Chrisman City approves new police data system

At the March 17 Chrisman City Council meeting, city officials deliberated on various issues concerning compliance, budgeting and vehicle allocations within the local police department. One of …

American Way Storage offers free storage units in to support tornado-affected community

In response to the devastating tornado that recently impacted the Paris community, American Way Storage is stepping up to provide relief. The company will offer free 5x8, 5x10 or 10x10 storage units …

Paris gets shaken by EF1 tornado

The City of Paris and most of Edgar County experienced an unexpected bout of severe weather when an EF1 tornado touched down on March 15. The twister moved through parts of the city, downing trees, …

Candidates share perspectives on district concerns

During Monday’s Paris- Union 95 board of education meeting a board member utilized the public comment section to address claims he believes were “without merit.” “Some …

Chrisman City approves $300,000 USDA loan reimbursement

In their March 4 meeting, the Chrisman City Board deliberated on a critical financial decision regarding a USDA loan reimbursement. The discussion, which centered around how much of a $540,000 …

Meet the candidate: Tom Tuttle

Publisher’s note: Answers to the following questionnaire were submitted by Paris-Union School District 95 Board of Education candidate Tom Tuttle and are largely unedited, outside of minor …
Meet the Rec Center’s newest trainer Alyssa Woodyard

Finding strength in community

For many, fitness is more than just exercise—it’s about connection, confidence, and rediscovering a part of oneself that may have gotten lost in the shuffle of daily life. This belief …

Paris City awards grants, discusses dog park and new street sweeper

The City of Paris recently held both a Pre-Agenda Meeting and a Regular City Meeting, on Wednesday March 5 and Monday, March 10, respectively, to discuss various community projects and administrative …

Paris schools contemplate hiring resource officer

  The Paris-Union 95 school board will look different at its next meeting, pending the results of April 1’s consolidated election, but the potential trustee change is not the only …

Meet the candidate: Ashley Hemrich

Publisher’s note: Answers to the following questionnaire were submitted by Paris-Union School District 95 Board of Education candidate Ashley Hemrich and are largely unedited, outside of minor …

The Tipsy Elf: Shamrock Edition

Get ready to don your green and toast to good fortune—The Tipsy Elf is back, and this time, it’s all about the shamrocks. Following the overwhelming success of its Christmas pop-up, The …

State office plans move to Paris

Adam Niemerg is a familiar name to many residents of Edgar County; now, his face may become just as familiar to those in the city of Paris. The Republican member of the Illinois House of …
Paris man sets fire to family home in response to text message

Heart (and home) set ablaze

An Edgar County man told Paris police officers he set fire to a Paris residence because someone would not “be honest with him.” The man, 27-year-old Michael Fitzsimmons, appeared in …

Community groups partner together to plan events

The Edgar County ROSC met for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The meeting served as an opportunity for the multiple organizations who have partnered with the coalition to provide agency …

Chrisman City Council discusses police systems

CHRISMAN—At the Chrisman City Council meeting on March 4, officials once again debated implementing a new police record management system, weighing the benefits of modernization against …

PCHS hosts Princess for a Day to fundraise for After Prom

Every year, the Co-op class at Paris Cooperative High School takes on a significant project to raise money for the much-anticipated After Prom event. The most detailed and engaging fundraiser they …

Coroner called to Kansas home

At approximately 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28 Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett released details on a Kansas man who was found dead in his residence on Thursday afternoon. “Village of Kansas …

Lincoln Day Dinner held in Edgar County

During this year’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, republican party members were treated to an informative Lincoln-themed presentation from local historian and author John Ellis. The Thursday, Feb. …
JMS merges with Wooten, plans to embrace community roots

“Is this Chuck? No, this is Justin.”

When business owner Marisa Sunkel merged her family’s business JMS Trucking and Excavating with Wooten Trucking, she wasn’t just purchasing an additional business; she was carrying …

Meet the candidate: Andrew Roberts

Publisher’s note: Answers to the following questionnaire were submitted by Paris-Union School District 95 Board of Education candidate Andrew Roberts and are largely unedited, outside of minor …

City of Paris receives award

Water from the City of Paris’ water treatment facility is heading to a state drinking water competition after placing first place in a regional water taste test. The win was announced during a …
Annual Rec Center fundraiser filled with community support

Night on the Nile

For 12 years, The Rec Center in Paris has held an auction to raise funds for its facilities, programs and future endeavors. The auction, according to board president Drew Griffin, is the primary …

April trial scheduled in DUI case

Marshall resident Melissa Edwards currently faces five felonies following a fatal Route 1 accident on March 15, 2024. She was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Feb. 21 for a pre-trial …

Kansas CUSD #3 weighs fees for new volleyball club

KANSAS - A new volleyball club is on the horizon for Kansas CUSD #3, but before it can take shape, the school board has raised concerns regarding its impact on school facilities, student involvement …

Edgar County increases deputies

The Edgar County Board has passed a resolution to increase the number of sheriff’s deputies by one. The resolution’s passing comes at the request of deputies at the Sheriff’s …

Meet the candidate: Faith Milam

Publisher’s note: Answers to the following questionnaire were submitted by Paris-Union School District 95 Board of Education candidate Faith Milam and are largely unedited, outside of minor …

Documentary premieres in Hume

Local film fans, community leaders, friends and family members will have the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event when “The Farmer’s Daughter” premieres at the …
Brookstone Estates receives Valentine blessing

“How sweet it is to be loved by you”

PARIS—Valentine’s Day is a time for love, kindness and community engagement. This year, the residents of Brookstone Estates Senior Living Community felt that love in full bloom. …

Poole pleads guilty, receives 27-year sentence with plea agreement

PARIS—After 19 long months, Tyler Poole, the Ohio man charged with the first-degree murder of Paris resident Charles “CK” Nay, entered a new guilty/mentally ill plea on Thursday, …

Diving In: Paris native Noah Tretter joins recovery efforts in Potomac air crash

When Americans heard about the mid-air crash of an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River on Jan. 29, immediate thoughts and prayers were of the 64 …

District 95 begins planning the budget for 2025-26 school year

PARIS- Paris Union School District 95 is moving into the new year with its focus fixed on financial transparency and continued improvement. During Monday, Feb. 10’s monthly board meeting, …

Congregation plans reception for retiring minister

The local congregation at The Presbyterian Church of Paris will honor the Rev. Rodger Allen with a reception on Sunday, Feb. 17 following the worship service at 11:30 a.m. Allen will retire from his …

Bloomfield Barn hosts annual Daddy-Daughter Dance