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 …
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 …
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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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.
…
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, …
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.
…
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 …
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—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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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: 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 – 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 …
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—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 …
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 …
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 …
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—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 …
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, …
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 …
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.
…
On Oct. 13, Eli Brinkerhoff, a senior at Paris Cooperative High School, embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Galapagos Islands. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was made possible by Saint …
CHRISMAN – Monday, Nov. 4’s Chrisman City Council meeting was short and sweet compared to others, clocking in at 23 minutes long. The group discussed a variety of issues, but most had to …
CHRISMAN—The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that Pennsylvania Street (U.S. 150) in Chrisman will close Nov. 11.
The closure is necessary for the Decatur & Eastern …
PARIS—On Nov. 2nd, the Paris Elks Lodge #812 held a dinner to thank and honor local veterans. The homemade meal is becoming a tradition according to the lodge’s secretary Marci Irwin, who …
PARIS – According to Edgar County Clerk and Recorder August Griffin, Tuesday, Nov. 5 was an Election Day unlike any he’s seen previously in his 14 years of service. Voters arrived in …
PARIS – During nearly 21 years of active military duty, Paris native Rick Maples saw the world. After a year-long stint with his hometown National Guard unit, the 1544th Transportation Company, …
The Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) has recently shifted its focus to an issue that affects multiple aspects of a community, childcare.
To understand the childcare needs of Edgar …
PARIS—During its last bi-weekly city council meeting, the city of Paris expensed a total of $8, a drastic difference from the more than $300,000 the city approved during its most recent meeting …
Since 2011, This Able Veteran has been serving veterans who suffer from PTSD as a result of their time in the service. The 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, based in Carbondale, Ill., provides …
FRANKLIN, Ill.—The new FFA national president is from Illinois – and he has ties to an Edgar County farming family.
Thaddeus “Thad” Bergschneider was elected by unanimous …
Edgar County and the surrounding areas were brought to tears on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004, when the headline of the Paris Beacon News declared “Two 1544th soldiers killed in base …
PARIS – When voters across Edgar County head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, they will expect their vote to be recorded accurately. Anna Riegelein’s job is to make sure those …
Edgar County celebrates Halloween with several festivities and fun
The Paris Center of Fine Arts (PCOFA) continues its mission to provide high-quality live entertainment, and the upcoming lineup is sure to thrill audiences of all ages. With three diverse and …
CHRISMAN—During their regular meeting on Oct. 21, the Chrisman Board of Education announced they were awarded a new grant totaling $50,000.
“We got a DECO grant, which is through the …
PARIS—Stacy Woodyard began working at the University of Illinois Extension office Oct. 27, 1997. From there, she would grow within the organization and become an impact-maker in her profession.
…
CHRISMAN – Veterans Day is fast approaching, and the Chrisman City Council is moving to ensure more local veterans are recognized on the city’s war memorial in time for local services and …
PARIS— Hour House implemented a Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) council in Edgar County in July of 2022. Since then, individuals and organizations across the area have been meeting …
HUME—Fresh off the finish of a complete gymnasium renovation, the Shiloh CUSD #1 is preparing for its next project. This time the school board has its sights set on the building’s …
PARIS—A local coffee trailer in Paris has announced the long-awaited grand opening of its brick-and-mortar location. Stagecoach Coffee, located at 324 N. Main St., will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. …
PARIS – Edgar County’s tentative tax levy for fiscal year 2025 proved to be the elephant in the room during the Edgar County Board’s study session on Monday, Oct. 21.
Edgar …
PARIS – A small group gathered at the LINK Art Gallery earlier this week. The group was not there to observe or create art, as one might expect, but to celebrate an act of charity.
Andrea …
PARIS – In a memo sent to The Prairie Press, Edgar County Clerk and Recorder August Griffin announced the Edgar County Courthouse, located on the city square in Paris, will be open for early …
Many years ago, Hard Times Farm was created south of Paris, near Hill Road. The land has continuously been nurtured by the Becker family. On Oct. 22, a plethora of farmers, neighbors and kids came …
PARIS – Efforts to bridge the internet connectivity gap between urban and rural residents of Edgar County are now in the hands of the Illinois Broadband Office, according to news shared during …
HUME — In addition to accepting the resignation of the village treasurer, the community of Hume spent the majority of its monthly meeting Oct. 14 discussing changes happening in and around the …
Firefighter, 911 operator, rescuer, adventurer and role model – Dustin Pruett has many roles within his community, even as a double amputee.
“He goes out and does things to show kids …
PARIS – Monday, Oct. 14 was a busy evening for the Paris 95 Board of Education – members discussed and voted on a long list of items over the course of the board’s hour-long …
Halloween events big and small are happening across Edgar County in the coming weeks. An appearance from Bluey, open trunks full of candy, bounce houses and live music are all on the agenda for kids …
PARIS — In addition to regular consent agendas, payment of bills and motions declaring surplus property, the Paris City Council took time to issue a trio of proclamations during Tuesday, Oct. …
PARIS – Paris resident Auraline Bell, 24, never thought her artwork would be in the running to win a contest, let alone to represent the entire State of Illinois. Bell enjoys expressing herself …
PARIS—Social media has been recognized as a tool offering the population access to information and the power of connectivity to neighbors both near and far. According to Amanda Johnson, a …
PARIS – On Saturday, August 17, The Fizz Soda Shop and Eatery, a fan-favorite restaurant that burst onto the Paris culinary scene in 2020, announced plans to close, effective August 30, via …
CHRISMAN – Members of the Chrisman City Council found themselves jammed between a rock and a hard place Monday, Oct. 7. Council members previously refrained from approving bids for phase two of …
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – A former Chrisman City police chief and Paris Police officer found himself charged with a pair of misdemeanors in August. His recent employment with the Edgar County …
THREE WOMEN SAVE ELDERLY DRIVER FROM DROWNING AT PARIS' TWIN LAKES PARK
PARIS—On Saturday, Oct. 5, tragedy nearly struck Paris. An elderly woman accidentally drove her car into the West Lake at Twin Lakes Park and was on the verge of drowning. In an act that many …
Paris Union School District 95 is partnering with Horizon Health and the Edgar County Public Health Department to “ensure that all children are ready to learn and thrive.”
In a …
PARIS—Legacy Student Ministries, the youth department at Paris First Baptist Church is preparing to host its first-ever 5K and one-mile fundraiser. Scheduled for Oct. 12, the race has been …
PARIS—The First Annual DD Homes 1K Color Run and Walk and Car Show is all about helping others and giving back, according to car show organizer Brad Totten. The combined event is on Saturday, …
PARIS—The garden at Schwartz Park has been a fruitful addition to the community, serving as an educational tool for individuals curious about gardening or those who simply enjoy it. Residents …
PARIS – As a local legend, Carl Dean “Alfalfa” Switzer’s early life and meteoric rise to silver-screen stardom on the popular “Our Gang” films are well-documented, …
PARIS — Like many 15-year-olds, Paris area native Everett Lau spent much of his time studying during his sophomore year of high school. But Lau also had another hobby to occupy his time, one …
PARIS—EnerStar Electric Cooperative announced Sept. 30, they were awarded a 2024 CoBank Sharing Success matching grant totaling $20,000. According to an EnerStar pressrelease, “The grant …
PARIS – For Stephanie Rasner, images of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in Florida and Southern Appalachia looked all too familiar. The destruction caused by such storms is …
PARIS- Shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, a call was placed to 911 from the West Lake in Paris. The emergency phone call came from an Edgar County resident who said while they were fishing from …
Two libraries from Edgar County will welcome new visitors throughout October with a popular program sponsored by the region’s library system.
The sixth annual Library Crawl invites patrons …
The Paris City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 23 opened with a proclamation declaring Oct. 11 and 12 as “Lion’s Candy Days.”
Following his official proclamation, Paris Mayor …
On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Chrisman Public Library held story time. Miss Kara read “Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten”, written by Lynne Marie and “Hedgehugs”, written by Steve …
The annual Honeybee Festival buzzed to life in Paris despite stormy conditions Sept. 27-28. A highlight of the annual two-day event was the Honeybee Parade, Saturday, Sept. 28. Starting at 11 a.m. …
TOLEDO, Ill. – First Neighbor Bank recently announced a donation to the Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA), a community-focused organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for …
PARIS – According to a filed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), alleged lapses in staff communication resulted in the hospitalization of a local nursing home …
PARIS – No official action was taken during the Paris 95 Board of Education policy committee meeting Monday, Sept. 23, but the meeting proved to be productive nonetheless. All board members, …
The 2024 election cycle is in full swing, and Edgar County residents who want to cast their vote before Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5) are invited to do so. Early voting for each county precinct …
Two new queens were crowned at the annual Kiwanis Honeybee Festival Pageant
PARIS—The 2024 Kiwanis Jr. Miss Honeybee Festival Queen Lauren Bowers best describes the sensation of winning her Honeybee crown as a “fever dream.”
“There were so many …
TOLEDO, Ill. – First Neighbor Bank recently announced a donation to the Embarras River Basin Agency (ERBA), a community-focused organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for …
PARIS – Patrons lining the drive-thru at Stagecoach Coffee likely noticed something different about their drink on Tuesday, Sept. 24 – custom cup sleeves displaying positive messages kept …
PARIS — Following a second pre-trial conference, a jury trial has been set for Marshall resident Melissa Edwards.
Edwards, who currently faces seven charges, including a Class 2 DUI, …
The Paris City Council meeting Monday, Sept. 23 opened with a proclamation declaring Oct. 11 and 12 as “Lion’s Candy Days.”
Following his official proclamation, Paris Mayor …
