Local News

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

Chrisman Police Chief pushes for modern reporting system, faces resistance from City Council

"You need to sell a squad car."

CHRISMAN—During the Monday, Feb. 3, Chrisman City meeting, Police Chief Tom Dolan presented the board with the need for a new police data management system. The council displayed a troubling …

Compassionate Food Pantry honors volunteers

PARIS—“Often, those who do the small things are overlooked, but their actions are so important,” Dr. Marilyn Frey said. “I want to say thank you to each and every one of you …

Lions Club announces Recycling Challenge

The Lions Club is gearing up for its annual Recycling Challenge, an exciting initiative that has impacted the Paris community for the past five years. What started as an effort to recycle caps and …

PCH volunteers donate respirators to Horizon Health

PARIS—Paris Community Hospital Volunteers are helping ensure the safety of Horizon Health ambulance crews. The PCH Volunteers recently donated $5,000 toward the purchase of four Controlled …

Concrete mishaps

PARIS—Costly mistakes have delayed progress on construction of the Edgar Public Safety Center (ECPSC) according to members of the Edgar County Board. A three-in-one jail, dispatch center …

Circle of Care: Supporting children grieving loss from substance use disorders

The Circle of Care program addresses a critical yet often overlooked issue: supporting children, youth and families grieving loss due to substance use-related deaths and disorders. The initiative, …

Rose sets sights on voter IDs, law enforcement and deer culling for 104th General Assembly

PARIS—The 104th Illinois General Assembly is officially underway. Hundreds of bills are making their way through the state legislature, including one submitted by State Senator Chapin Rose …

Tyler Poole found fit to stand trial

Publisher’s note: This is an evolving story. The Prairie Press will provide additional updates as they become available. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a …

Jan. 22 marked 89th anniversary of Paris firefighter’s death

Publisher’s note: The following article was written by Paris Fire Department captain Steve Gallagher. The article has been edited to fit AP Style Guidelines but is largely unchanged. …

Chrisman flag box offers alternatives for ‘Old Glory’

CHRISMAN—On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Chrisman American Legion finalized plans to install a flag drop box outside of Post #477. Legion member Jim Jenness bought the original post office box …
County Causes

Paris Elks Lodge #812: A century of community support and service

PARIS—Since its founding in 1902, Paris Elks Lodge #812 has been a cornerstone of Edgar County, providing support and resources to those in need. Guided by its mission to strengthen the …

Kansas BOE prioritizes safety and Vision 2030

During a Jan. 15 meeting, the Kansas Board of Education discussed various topics crucial to the success and safety of students and staff. The board covered updates on semester exams, student …

Paris Park Board launches 2025 with new leadership, fresh plans

PARIS—The Paris Park Board is shifting gears for 2025. With a renewed focus on community and sustainability, the board’s refreshing spirit comes with new leadership. Kelly Toon, who …

PHS Athletic HOF prepares to welcome third class

PARIS—Six individuals and two teams will be inducted into the Paris High School Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) on Saturday, Feb. 1, according to HOF Committee President Harry Hughes. It is …

"Shear" determination

Debby Jo Holmquist is a professional shepherdess and entrepreneur. She holds four national certifications in the medical field, a multitude of “Top Shepherd” awards and has been nominated …

Dr. Darren Brucken named Horizon Health CMO

PARIS—Dr. Darren Brucken is officially the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Horizon Health. In addition to his new duties, Dr. Brucken will continue his current, full-time position as hospitalist …

Deputy shortage, gaps in evidence contributed to plea deal in Karlla Tresner case

PARIS—After an alleged attempt to poison and kill her two-year-old son and her husband, Karlla Tresner was sentenced to 180 days in the Edgar County Jail and 30 months of probation. She entered …

“Eternal Seasons” reception rescheduled at Link Art Gallery

PARIS—The Link Art Gallery in Paris has announced the open reception for its highly anticipated exhibit, Eternal Seasons: A Life in Color, has been rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 24. The event, …

Aubrey Lawson: A journey of growth, community and inspiration as Miss Edgar County

PARIS—From the small-town charm of Paris, Ill., to the grand stage of the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in Springfield, Aubrey Lawson has embraced a journey defined by personal …

Village debates opinions and options

HUME— During the last village meeting in Hume, trustee John Land reported that trash bags were mysteriously disappearing from the community center. On Monday, Jan.13, during the first meeting …

City of Paris purchase new camera system for police department

PARIS—The final month of 2024 was busy for the Paris Police Department, according to Mayor Craig Smith. During the first city council meeting of the year on Jan. 13, Smith presented a report …

Edgar County Shrine Club donates $250,000 to Shriner’s Research Center

Marking the largest annual contribution in the club’s history, the Edgar County Shrine Club made a groundbreaking $250,000 donation to the Shriner’s Children Hospital on Dec. 13. The …

PCOFA Hall of Fame inducts two patrons of the arts

PARIS—A crown jewel to the city of Paris and Edgar County is the state-of-the-art Paris Center of Fine Arts (PCOFA) complex at Paris Cooperative High School. On Jan. 11, a crowd of avid art …

Winter Storm Blair blows through Edgar County

Children around Edgar County rejoiced the morning of Jan. 7 when they discovered that winter breaks would be continued for an extra day thanks to the after-effects of Winter Storm Blair. The Arctic …

Respiratory illnesses sweep through Edgar County

PARIS—A wave of viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu, are sweeping across Edgar County. The recent spread of viral infections, a …

Edgar County woman pleads guilty in poisoning case

An Edgar County woman accused of attempting to poison her two-year-old son and husband has entered a negotiated plea deal with the Edgar County state’s attorney.  In exchange for a …

Triple Whammy

In the heart of Paris, Chrisman Police Chief Tom Dolan has found a unique way to bridge his commitment to public safety with his passion for empowering the community. Beyond his law enforcement …

Chrisman City tackles rate hikes, reappointments and library funds

CHRISMAN— The first city council meeting of the new year was held Jan. 6. With Mayor Dan Moore not in attendance, Commissioner Gerry Hoult served as Deputy Mayor for the meeting. Commissioner …

Horizon Health names new CEO

PARIS—Jay Carmichael, a seasoned rural health leader with more than a decade of experience, has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Horizon Health, effective Jan. 20. …

Rec pool project finds new momentum as work progresses

PARIS—After much anticipation, a dream 15 years in the making is inching closer and closer to becoming reality. In November 2024, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) approved …

$3M in Unclaimed Property for Edgar County

In Edgar County, an estimated 23,250 people have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer’s office. The value exceeds $3 million. To help local residents reconnect with their …

Diepholz Auto hosts ‘Month of Giving’

For the past three years, Diepholz Auto of Charleston and Paris has made December a season of generosity, transforming it into a “Month of Giving” to support local charities and …

Medical Reserve Corps unit launches

The Edgar County Public Health Department (ECPHD) is preparing to introduce a new program called the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The establishment of MRC Unit 2919 marks an exciting milestone in …

Edgar County artist returns home for Link Art Gallery show

PARIS—Brit Cardarelli is a celebrated children’s book illustrator, the founder of Sticks and Stripes Studio as well as a textile and watercolor artist. She’s enjoyed an illustrious …

Officials urge caution as winter storm hits Edgar County

The Arctic outbreak, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, brought snow to Edgar County and surrounding areas on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6. The storm forced severe winter weather warnings …

Edgar County Closures: Winter Storm Blair

Last updated Monday, Jan. 6 at 10:53 a.m. Below is a list of local businesses, schools and offices closed due to weather as of Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. If you would like to report your business or …

Edgar County officer-involved shooting under investigation by Illinois State Police

In a public statement on Facebook, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department released details of an officer-involved shooting incident on Friday, at a rural Edgar County address. According to the release, …

Horizon Health names new CEO

PARIS—Jay Carmichael, a seasoned rural health leader with more than a decade of experience, has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Horizon Health, effective Jan. 20. …

Paris PD to open warming center as winter storm looms

PARIS—The Paris Police Department announced Thursday, Jan. 2, that an emergency warming center will be open to the public beginning Sunday, Jan. 5. Housed in what was once the Paris High School …

2024 Year-in-Review

From The Prairie Press Staff It’s easy to forget the stories I’ve written. Still, there are a few articles from 2024 that stick out in my mind. Most center on incredible individuals …

Tailgate bench sparks community excitement

PARIS—A unique blend of creativity, community spirit and holiday cheer is making waves thanks to a local craftsman from Rosedale, Ind. Known for transforming vintage tailgates into handcrafted …

Paris volunteers carry on 100-Year-Old Christmas Basket tradition

PARIS—Most people dread the idea of spending a Friday afternoon at a funeral home, but for many Paris residents, a blustery afternoon and early morning in Templeton Funeral Home’s garage …

Gold coin discovered in Salvation Army kettle

The Paris Rotary Club routinely volunteers to ring the iconic Salvation Army bell every holiday season. This year, during their Saturday stint of bell ringing, members of the group had a unique …

Carbon monoxide poisoning claims lives of man and dog on Christmas Day in Brocton

According to a press release from Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett, a man and his dog were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning on Christmas Day. The statement was released to the public …

Edgar County law enforcement officer joins forces with Circle of Care

There are a lot of reasons for handling people with care, especially children, according to Kansas Police Officer Doug Cochran. As a father, grandfather and law enforcement officer with decades of …

Crestwood BOE supports Illinois Vision 2030

PARIS—After spending 13 minutes discussing a proposed tax levy, the Crestwood Board of Education unanimously a dopted a levy based on a projected EAV of $165,000,000 with a total extension of …

Safford Monument Co. closes its doors

PARIS—A Paris business with a 164-year history shuttered its doors last week. Safford Monument Co., located at 134 South Main Street in Paris, closed in early December. A notice on the door …

Army recruiter faces multiple charges for assault and possession, production of indecent imagery of a minor

Editor’s Note: This article includes references to sexual exploitation carried out against minors. Reader discretion is advised. CHARLESTON—At 9 a.m., on Dec. 16, a United States …

Ambulance response concerns spark review of county agreement

PARIS—Legal liability may be brewing in southern Clark County for a local ambulance service, as revealed during a Monday, Dec. 9 Edgar County Board study session. According to Samantha …

Village of Hume debates changes to ordinance violations and verbiage

HUME—The village of Hume's ordinance committee has been working hard over the past two months, compiling, presenting, writing and serving ordinance violations. The fruits of their labors and …

Shop With a Cop 2024

Not many children dream of walking down the aisle of a store chatting with a police officer or asking a firefighter which shoes will help them run faster. But for many children in Edgar County, …

City of Paris searches for police and fire candidates

PARIS—The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Paris is creating an eligibility list for the Paris Police Department and Fire Department after approving motions to expand the …

Take a book. Share a book.

PARIS—A new chapter in community engagement and literacy has arrived in Paris. On Dec. 2, a Little Free Library was installed at Schwartz Park. Led by Meagan Brinkerhoff, the project is a …

Christmas in Kansas

Chrisman High School evacuated after boiler room fire

CHRISMAN—Students, teachers and staff were forced to evacuate Chrisman High School on Tuesday, Dec. 17 after a fire reportedly broke out in the building’s boiler room. According to …

Edgar County assistant state’s attorney faces fraud allegations

Publisher’s note: This is an evolving story. The Prairie Press will provide additional updates as they become available. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a …

Take a book. Share a book.

PARIS—A new chapter in community engagement and literacy has arrived in Paris. On Dec. 2, a Little Free Library was installed at Schwartz Park. Led by Meagan Brinkerhoff, the project is a …

Paris 95 levy passes

PARIS—When it was first announced in November, the proposed 13.65 percent increase in Paris Union School District 95’s property tax levy sparked a fierce social media response, leading …

Paris welcomes new tattoo shop and recording studio

A new tattoo shop and recording studio has opened at 109 N. Central Avenue, Paris, Ill. Loco Estilo Ink and Flowhustler Studio have teamed together to bring a unique new amenity to the Paris …

County approves budget and property tax levy, swears in officials

PARIS – As of Wednesday, Nov. 27, Edgar County’s FY-25 budget and tax levy are set, and so are several local offices and the county board. Incumbents Philip Dobelstein (R, …

Chrisman Library’s story walk brings books to life

CHRISMAN—In early June of this year, Chrisman Public Library Director Cheri Oates met with members of the Chrisman City Council and requested permission to install a story walk on the city …

Addiction treatment decreases

PARIS – In America, the quaint warmth of small, rural communities is increasingly threatened by a silent killer. Addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs or another controlled substance, has grown …

Jingle all the way to The Tipsy Elf

PARIS—A brand-new holiday attraction has landed in Paris, and it has brought sparkle, merry and magic. A cozy corner of the town has been transformed into an Instagram-worthy pop-up bar that …

Emery writes 'Her'story

For many readers of The Prairie Press, Tom Emery is a familiar byline. What avid readers and history fans may not realize is that his work reaches far beyond the pages of a single Edgar County …

Dashing through Chrisman

Memorial School addresses heating system failures, prepares for possible temporary shutdown

PARIS—On Dec. 3, an alert sent to parents and guardians of Memorial Elementary School students alerted the community that the school may temporarily shut down, due to heating issues. …

ROSC Council conducts survey

PARIS—The Edgar County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Council is conducting a community-wide survey to gauge public awareness of available resources related to substance use disorder …

Edgar County volunteers are making an impact this season

Several organizations and businesses in Edgar County are preparing for the holiday season, more specifically, the ‘giving season.’ Dollar General, located at 211 S. Central, and …

Christmas basket tradition continues for Paris residents

PARIS—In Edgar County, one of the longest-standing holiday customs is the annual Christmas Basket event organized by the Community Nurse and Welfare Association (CNWA), also known as the …

Local Elks Lodge dishes out $15,000 in donations during Annual Night of Giving

PARIS – Since 2019, Elks Lodge No. 812 has invited local charities and non-profits to the Annual Elks Night of Giving – an evening when the Lodge gives back to the groups that are making …

A holly, jolly Christmas in Paris

Two Paris residents arrested following Ashmore theft

Two Paris residents were apprehended by the Coles County Sheriff’s Department earlier this week after a side-by-side UTV was reported missing. Andrew Towell, 40, and Katelynn Bowman, 27, …

Route 1 collision case continued

PARIS—A Marshall woman with five separate felony charges will have her day in court, facing evidence gathered by the state, after she learned her motion for dissemination was denied on Nov. 18. …

A ‘Marvel-ous’ Christmas in Paris

The holiday season in Edgar County is truly something special. Thanks to the dedication of local organizers and volunteers events like Christmas in Paris have become an eagerly anticipated tradition, …

Embracing change, honoring the past

PARIS—Nov. 29, marks the start of a new era for The Prairie Press. A little more than 10 years after its first edition, the publication is making major changes to its print schedule and format. …

Shop With A Cop returns for 32nd year

PARIS – Several signs point to the arrival of the holiday season: carols playing in retailers, wreaths hanging on doors and the arrival of snow. In Paris, it’s hard to imagine the arrival …

Wastewater plant funding search delayed

CHRISMAN—The Chrisman City Council learned of further delays to its wastewater treatment plant project during its Monday, Nov. 18 meeting. The group also discussed a potential pivot for the …

Chrisman parents demand action

CHRISMAN—During a recent Chrisman Board of Education meeting on Nov. 18, a large group of parents voiced concerns about the safety and well-being of their children in classrooms and schools, …

Rec Center secures pool permit

PARIS—“It is rock n’ roll time,” Executive Director of The Rec Center Erin Hutchison told a Prairie Press reporter on Nov. 20. In her hands, she held a permit from the …

Edgar County Housing Authority moves locations, opens up applications

Effective Dec. 1, 2024, the Edgar County Housing Authority will open its new Administration Office, located at 230 S High Street in Paris. They will also be extending their hours of operation by …

Edgar County schools receive report card data

At the end of October, the Illinois State Board of Education released its 2024 report card for Illinois schools. The annual report cards summarize how each school is progressing on a wide range of …

Expecting the best

The Paris Lady Tiger basketball season is off to a flying start, led by three returning seniors and underclassmen who gained valuable experience last season. Coach Dave Tingley said there were …

CUSD #4 debates tax levy

PARIS—After a vehicle ran into a portion of the fence at Crestwood School on Sept. 19, obvious repairs to the barrier were needed. During the CUSD #4 Board of Education’s meeting on …

Poole still deemed unfit for jury trial in murder case, discharge hearing to be set

Publisher’s note: This is an evolving story. The Prairie Press will provide additional updates as they become available. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a …

Local woman in custody after alleged attempt to poison husband, child

Publisher’s note: This is an evolving story. The Prairie Press will provide additional updates as they become available. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a …

Paris 95 slashes expenditures

PARIS – A lot can change in a year. In fiscal year 2023, Paris Union School District 95 earned a 2.65 out of four on its Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Financial Profile …

EnerStar board names Angela Griffin new CEO

PARIS—After a nationwide search, the EnerStar Electric Cooperative board of directors has appointed Angela Griffin as the next Chief Executive Officer. She will succeed Dave Clinton, who is …

Hume village board tackles key issues, approves several measures

HUME—The village of Hume convened for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 11. A broad range of issues affecting the community were discussed. Among the main topics were internet …

Edgar County honors veterans

PARIS—Monday, Nov. 11 offered some Edgar County residents a rare, three-day weekend with autumnal weather and much-needed rays of sunshine. But, for others, the brisk November day served as an …

Bee Well prepares for holiday season

PARIS—The latest Bee Well meeting brought together local leaders, health professionals, educators and volunteers from various organizations to discuss ongoing projects, share updates and plan …

Mobile police camera coming to Paris

PARIS—During a regular, scheduled Paris city council agenda meeting on Nov. 6, Mayor Craig Smith reminded all attendees and board members that the regular city council meeting will be delayed …

Paris park board discusses memorials, holiday events

PARIS—The Paris Park Board recently received donations in memory of two Paris residents. The funds and subsequent plans to utilize them in one of the 13 different city parks were discussed …

Chrisman local designs interactive children’s cookbook

If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a toddler or young child in the kitchen, you know it’s no easy task. Imagine turning that culinary chaos into an entertaining, educational experience, …

Edgar County chips away at proposed tax levy increase

PARIS – Efforts to reduce an incoming tax levy hike in Edgar County have proven successful, but local residents will likely still see an increase in their tax bill in 2025. During a …

Christmas is a “Star of the Industry”

If the title of Waffle Boss and a custom silver crown were not reward enough, next month Bev Christmas will be adding another achievement to her growing list of worldwide recognitions and trophies. …