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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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
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 …
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 …
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
(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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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
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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
(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 …
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 …
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 …
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, 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 - 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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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.
…
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, …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Chrisman Police Chief pushes for modern reporting system, faces resistance from City Council
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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—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—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 …
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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
