Local News

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 …

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 …

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 …

Chrisman City holds lengthy meeting

CHRISMAN – The Chrisman City Council’s Monday, March 18 meeting was lengthy and involved, clocking in at an hour and two minutes and featuring several heated exchanges regarding a variety …
Queen of hearts jackpot winner receives $305,218 check from American legion

A new Jackpot Queen is named

There was a lot of excitement and anticipation at The Paris American Legion Post 211 was full of excitement Wednesday, March 20 for the Queen of Hearts drawing with a jackpot of $305,218. A …

String of fires continue to burn Paris

Paris firefighters have had a busy week combating fires with back-to-back bursts of flames. An early morning structure fire at the corner of Wood and Sheriff Streets on Wednesday, March 20 marks the …

Early morning fire marks third blaze in two days

An early morning structure fire at the corner of Wood and Sheriff Streets in Paris marked the latest development in a busy week for the Paris Fire Department. Firefighters responded to the scene …

PHS Board hears Scholastic Bowl wins, all-conference names

The Paris High Board of Education met Monday, March 11, in its regular meeting, to approve a list of regular business items and to hear about recent student wins for basketball, band and the …

COVID-19 pandemic leaves a painful mark on history

March 11, 2020, a day in recent history many will never forget. The World Health Organization declares a new disease, Covid-19 a pandemic. The first severe pandemic since 1918, Covid shook the …

Autopsy report reveals cause of death for Grandview resident

GRANDVIEW – In a report published on March 19, Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett revealed the cause of death of a male Grandview resident. Brown’s body was reported on …

Hume prepares for fiber optic

HUME — The village of Hume is gearing up to have fiber network installed by Conxxus. According to representatives from the company, the projected date for the project to begin is the second …

City of Paris continues to make changes

Some things never change when it comes to the running of a city, but on occasion, a few updates are needed, and some of those impending changes were discussed during the Monday, March 11 city council …

Horizon Health bids for ambulance service

More spirited discussion of Edgar County’s ambulance service tax levy took center stage this week during the Edgar County Board meeting on Wednesday, March 13 and the study session that …

Kansas remains in hot water

KANSAS – The Kansas Village Board may be one step closer to adding a trustee to fill the board’s vacancy after its monthly meeting Wednesday, March 13, in the temporary village hall …

Farm auction hits 50th milestone

At the Young Farmers Consignment Auction, Saturday, March 9, groups of farmers clad in head-to-toe Carhartt’s considered flood lights under a shed roof, as the auctioneer truck moved slowly …

Soaring property sale prices could affect taxes

Fatigue, shortness of breath and fever are all lingering side effects of COVID-19, but four years removed from the start of the pandemic, Edgar County residents may start to feel the sting of another …

Head-on collision results in death of Chrisman man

CHRISMAN – A fateful, head-on collision occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, resulting in the death of a Chrisman resident. Two vehicles collided on Illinois Route 1, …

Chrisman swings for a compromise on golf cart ordinance

CHRISMAN – A spirited discussion of golf cart rules and regulations made its way from the fairway to Chrisman City Hall on Monday, Mar. 11. Chrisman resident Larry Cox inquired about the …

BeeWell Celebrates March Health Challenge

This month, BeeWell celebrates “5 Simple Ways to March Healthy” and encourages everyone else to get involved. A flier will be posted online to share with others, including a QR code to …

Lincoln impersonator at Lincoln Day Dinner

An annual event in Edgar County, the Lincoln Day Dinner, was Thursday,  Feb. 29 at Step Station—the evening’s host was Doug Cochran. Cochran is the Edgar County Central Committee …

City discusses fiber optic lines

A pre-agenda meeting for the City of Paris Wednesday, March 6, updated the community on an increase of damages and dangers seen in the past few weeks. “With the fibers going in, there have …

American Idol alum Alex Miller is coming to Paris

Standing at 6 feet, 6 inches tall, Alex Miller could be easily mistaken for someone whose claim to fame was on the basketball court. Instead, the budding star is making a name for himself on the …
Local authors are preparing to join Peace Corps mission to expand literacy

Herbert the Edgy Hedgie goes to Jamaica

When Marie Wimsett and Tara Elmore co-wrote Herbert the Edgy Hedgie, they never envisioned traveling to Jamaica for a Meet the Authors presentation in collaboration with the Peace Corps. That is …

Redbird seventh-graders punch ticket to state

Publisher’s note: The results of Friday night’s state match between Mayo and Staunton were unavailable at press time. For updates and scores, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or visit …

Quanex Corporation supports Edgar County Community Foundation

Upcoming Preschool Screenings

CHRISMAN- The Chrisman school district and the Department of Early Childhood are offering developmental screenings to parents of children two to five years old. The free screenings provide …

Shiloh CUSD 1 and Myers part ways

The Shiloh Board of Education and its Superintendent, Bill Myers, decided to part ways during a special board meeting held Monday, March 4. Myers was not present at the meeting but the board …

Shelter dog finds new home, new job with veteran

When Michael Joiner met his new service dog, Casey, something just clicked with the Lab/Pointer mix. On a visit to the Edgar County Animal Shelter, Joiner had looked at a few different dogs that …

First responders remain busy in new year

Among the variety of conversations had during the City of Paris’ meeting Monday, Feb. 26. several sought out improvements for the Paris police and fire departments. City Mayor Craig Smith …

“Seaing” community involvement at the Rec Center

The 2023 Rec Auction “Welcome to the Jungle” broke records in every way, according to the Rec’s executive director Erin Hutchison. The 2023 auction saw 196 people in attendance. …

New mural could come to Twin Lakes

Despite lingering winter weather, the Paris Park Board is firmly focused on the arrival of spring, and with it, new features and updates for several of Paris’ parks. One of the most …
Addiction Awareness Panel promotes conversations surrounding mental HEALTH

Advocating for awareness

Lisa Foster knew her family member had a drug problem but the problem did not become predominant until their first arrest. During an Addiction Awareness Panel hosted by Edgar County’s ROSC …

Paris native joins City Council as Commissioner

The vacant seat on the city council board, left by the passing of the late commissioner Paul Ruff in December of 2023, was filled during the City of Paris’ meeting Monday, Feb. 26. …

Health Board approves resignation

The Edgar County Board of Health held its monthly meeting Wednesday, Feb. 21. In her Administrator’s report, Monica Dunn said this is a busy time for the Health Department. She reviewed …

Kansas School Board OKs graduation dates

The Kansas School Board accepted the resignation of Terry Smothers, as the high school assistant baseball coach, at its Wednesday, Feb. 21 regular meeting. The board also hired Josh McCollum as …

City of Paris audit reveals $4 million net position

The City of Paris received the audit report from Katie Knoll of Larson, Woodyard and Henson during its Wednesday, Feb.21 pre-agenda meeting. The audit highlighted a surplus of $4 million while also …

Twelve-year-old apprehended after high-speed chase

In the early hours of Feb. 27th, 2024, at approximately 02:30 a.m., Terre Haute Police Department Uniformed Officers observed two vehicles traveling at high speed northbound on S. Seventh Street near …

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 …

Natural deaths not found

In recent months, Edgar County coroner Scott Barrett has seen a significant uptick in the number of decomposition cases countywide. Elderly residents who are homebound or who don’t live with …

Horizon Health Foundation promotes mental health

For some, Thursday, May 11, 2023, marked the end of the COVID-19 pandemic – it was the day the CDC lifted the Public Health Emergency Declaration (PHE) associated with the virus. For others, …
Mayo art students lend their talents to help a community organization raise funds

Students "sea" a better future

Millie Arp Hamilton is an art teacher at Mayo Middle School who is simultaneously pursuing her master’s degree. The grad student has had the opportunity to share several experiences with her …

Three vehicles involved in Route 1 accident

A three-vehicle accident shut down the east lane of state Route 1 on the northern edge of Paris on Friday, Feb. 23. The four occupants in the vehicles did not sustain any major injuries and received …

Towne and Countrie Garden club meeting

Towne and Countrie Garden Club met Friday, Feb. 9, at Betty Jane’s Kitchen for their February meeting. The hostesses were Eleanor Wesch and Jane Cheesewright. The speaker at the meeting …

Hume City Council introduces overseer for fiber optic project

HUME— The village of Hume’s monthly meeting shared citizens’ concerns over half-demolished buildings and brand-new installations on Monday, Feb. 12. Beginning the …

Paris enters Homefield Energy agreement

The city of Paris is striving to fuel its citizens, and their businesses with the funds they need to flourish, and, in some cases, events that get them up and moving towards a better future. One of …

Kansas turns off water supply to homes

KANSAS – The Kansas Village Board received good news during its monthly meeting Wednesday, Feb. 14, a clean audit. Nick Sibenaller of Gilbert, Medsker and Madigan in Charleston discussed …

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 …

PHS searches for athletic trainer

The Paris High School Board meeting Monday, Feb. 12 started with a presentation by Bob Abernathy of the ECCEL program. ECCEL stands for Edgar Clark Career Exploration Leadership, a class for …

Jim Acklin launches write-in campaign for Republican nomination

A Paris native and lifelong public servant has launched a write-in campaign for the Republican nomination for the 102nd district in the Illinois General Assembly. Jim Acklin, who is currently …

Girl Scout cookie sales robust for Troop 2255

Angela Edmonds and her husband, William Breneman, are in year six as troop leaders for Troop 2255 of the Girl Scouts, in Paris. In that troop, 15 hard-working girls are in the midst of selling …
Paris High School Hall of Fame inducts second class during weekend event

Remembering the greats

Some of the best teams and athletes to ever wear the orange and black of Paris High School were welcomed into an elite group during the second annual Tiger Senior Apartments Community Room – …

Paris 95 begins search

A month and a half into 2024, Paris Union School District 95 is turning the page on a new chapter. During a Monday, Feb. 12 Board of Education meeting, Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) …

Husband of former coach calls for two resignations at Shiloh School amid harassment allegations

The Community Unit School District 1 school board’s monthly meeting for February might have been held on Valentine’s Day, but the Feb. 14 meeting was filled with sentiments of …

Library providing free fire safety forum

The Paris Carnegie Library is joining forces with the Paris Fire Department to give Edgar County residents an hour of free knowledge. Winter Fire Safety, a program presented by Paris firefighters, …

Daddy Daughter Dance at Bloomfield Barn

CHRISMAN— The Bloomfield Barn in Chrisman pays homage to the barns of time gone by while featuring modern conveniences, the barn’s owners, Mark and Jill Mattingly, strive to do the same. …

Chrisman weighs legal action following painting mishap

CHRISMAN – The Monday, Feb. 5 Chrisman City Council meeting covered a lot of ground, including a debacle that may lead to legal action and could cost the city up to $30,000. Near the end of the …

A compassionate community comes together

On Feb. 5, Paris resident Kelly McCrocklin took to Facebook to share a need with her community. The need, she informed her friends, was cereal boxes for a local food pantry. Boxes of dried …

Paris parks plan for growth

During a busy pre-agenda meeting for the city of Paris on Wednesday, Feb. 6, Paris area parks became a growing topic. The green conversations launched as Dave Riggen presented an idea to the …

IDOT Teamsters approve strike

Across Illinois, Teamsters working for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) voted to authorize a strike earlier this week, as revealed in a statement released by the International …

Edgar County man found dead

The body of missing rural Edgar County man Chad N. Brooks was found Feb. 8 by Cole County Sheriff’s Department investigators, near Westfield Road in rural Charleston. He was pronounced dead at …

PFD battles three fires this weekend

Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4 were busy for the Paris Fire Department, with firefighters responding to three different fires over the weekend. Paris Fire Department Fire Chief Chad …

Better connections could be on their way to rural areas

Rural areas, including Edgar County, have long needed more reliable and affordable internet connections, a recent release of funds could see those needs met across the state if businesses and …

Dilemma for law enforcement

A bill amending the Illinois Vehicle Code and placing a slew of restrictions on agents of the law was proposed Monday, Jan. 29. Representatives opposing the suggested changes say crimes will spike …

Alumni night upcoming

Former Paris High School Marching Tigers are invited to join the present band for the annual Alumni Night Saturday, Feb. 10, as part of the Paris High School Athletic Hall of Fame festivities. …
Local non-profit is pairing students with mentors to build a brighter tomorrow

The "PERKs" of friendship

Since 2002, legislators, businesses, adults and children have come together every January to celebrate National Mentor Month: a time to encourage, appreciate and challenge adults of all backgrounds …

Chrisman resident facing charges connected to illegal videos

Publisher’s Note: This article transcribes courtroom testimony that references instances of sexual exploitation carried out against minors. Reader discretion is advised. A Chrisman man is …
Why risk of injury should not prevent students from playing contact sports

Contact sports should be enjoyed

Contact sports are the sports where the players will regularly collide and interact with each other. Some, such as football and wrestling, feature a great deal of human contact when compared to other …

Ink Gallery now open in Paris

The former House of 2,000 Needles is now under the name The Ink Gallery and the ownership of engaged couple Kyle Ward and Hannah Godsey. Business has been steady,” Ward said. …

Houghland is 90 years young

Marge Houghland celebrated her 90th birthday in a big way. In honor of her special birthday, a celebration was held at the First Christian Church in Paris. Surrounded by family and friends, …

Horizon Health extends social services

Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At its core is social services, a public service intended to provide support and …

Tile failure leaves massive hole on Paris square

Tile archway under the highway, at East Court and South Main Streets, failed Monday, Jan. 29, leaving a gaping car-sized hole on the corner in front of Paris Realty. Several small pipes feed …

Leader commits to DACC, looks forward to role in new program

At six years old, Aubree Leader had dreamed of becoming a college athlete. This week, she proved dreams can come true. On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Leader inked her letter of intent with Danville …
The Edgar county ROSC is working with community members to create change

Recovery care is healing Edgar County

Edgar County is taking strides to create a supportive environment for individuals in a community struggling with substance use disorder, thanks to the instillation and involvement of a system of care …

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 …

Equipment malfunction sparks urgent response at Chrisman natural gas substation

CHRISMAN – An equipment malfunction at a local natural gas substation caused quite a commotion over the weekend, resulting in the closure of an intersection and the evacuation of a nearby home. …

Weekend fire continues a troubling trend in Paris

Local firefighters and first responders have remained vigilant in the New Year. In less than four weeks, the Paris Fire Department has already responded to six different structure fires. The …

Kansas School Board begins to consider bus leases

The School Board for Kansas Community Unit School District No. 3 met Wednesday, Jan. 17, in its regular meeting, where they wrestled with bus lease options and agreed to approve the Tri-County …

Changes are coming to Shiloh school

HUME — January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time set aside to recognize the hard-working members of local communities who volunteer their time and energy to make decisions about the …

SHARE program saves money for library patrons

The SHARE program, in 2023, saved Paris library patrons more than $415,000. That program, which makes interlibrary loans an easy and convenient online service, provides extra popular titles to …

Meet a Paris firefighter

“Events from my childhood gave me perspective on what it’s like to be on the other side of an emergency call,” Zach Bell said. Bell joined the Paris Fire Department on July 10, …

Volunteers Honored for Compassionate Food Ministries

Dr. Marilyn Frey hosted a luncheon Wednesday, Jan. 17, to honor volunteers of Compassionate Food Ministries, the food pantry dedicated to serving Edgar County residents. Volunteers met for lunch …

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 …
Meals on Wheels volunteers are bringing healthy meals and compassionate care

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 …

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 …

Paris 95 audit report shows marked improvement with one caveat

Members of the Paris Union School District 95 (Paris 95) Board of Education breathed a collective sigh of relief on Monday, Jan. 8 after a briefing on the district’s most recent audit revealed …

Gretchen Stone joins the Prairie Press newsroom

A lifelong love of journalism has carried Gretchen Stone across the country, from the wilds of West Virginia to the banks of the Mississippi and now, as of Monday, Jan. 8, to Edgar County as a staff …

Paris Council OKs new Liquor License

The Paris City Council approved a new Class B Liquor License, moving the city up to 10 Class B liquor licenses, during its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 8. The license was granted under an …

PHS received clean audit

The Paris Cooperative High School Board of Education met on Monday, Jan. 8, and presented its annual audit. Tami Knight from the Kemper CPS Group LLP reported it was a clean audit with no issues …

Dueling Pianos Returns on Jan. 27

Cure the Winter Blues: Dueling Pianos celebrates three years running on Jan. 27, the major annual fundraiser for Hopes and Dreams. Doors open at 6 p.m. that Saturday, in the Ernie Eveland Gym, …

Meet a Paris firefighter

Like other firefighters, River Wilken believes his role is to serve and protect members of the community. “My responsibility is to provide support to the community by education, medication …

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 …
Former Edgar County state’s attorney resigns, Dobelstein fills vacancy

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 …

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 …

Gas leak forces evacuation of entire Paris block

Just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10, first responders and utility crews responded to reports of a gas leak at the 300 block of E Adams Street in Paris. Residents near the site of the leak were …

Single-vehicle rollover briefly closes Route 16 near Kansas

Local paramedics, law enforcement and firefighters responded to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover at approximately noon on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The vehicle’s driver suffered only minor …

Link Exhibit at art Gallery

A new exhibit, Fertile Inspirations, opens with a reception at the Link Art Gallery at 5 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2024. The exhibit and reception showcases work by members of the Coles County Arts Council. …

Edgar County state’s attorney resigns, Dobelstein to fill vacancy

During an Edgar County Board study session on Monday, Jan. 8, chairman Jeff Voigt revealed that Timothy Gilbert, Edgar County state’s attorney, has inked a resignation letter effective …

Paris Bowling Alley gets a family-friendly face lift

The Paris bowling alley has recently had a change in ownership. The new owners, brothers Riley Bouge and Casey Bouge wanted to change up the way the old bowling alley operated with a focus on …

Miss Edgar County prepares to compete for the title of Miss Illinois

In the middle of the summer of 2023, at the start of fair season, Kelsie Dosch accomplished the fantasy of many young girls in Edgar County by winning the county pageant and landing the title of Miss …