Coming soon to Edgar County...

Beginning in 2025, everyone in Edgar County will have a new, easy-to-use and comprehensive resource at their fingertips. The Prairie Press’ first-ever Edgar County Area Community Guide …

Community Calendar
Obituaries
    • James Ciulla

      Dr. James Ciulla passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 5, 2024, at 7:05 p.m., with his wife at his side, after a lengthy illness. Per his …

    • Jean Heath

      Jean Louise Heath, NAV. Ret., 92, passed away at home quietly on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024, surrounded by family, caretakers, hospice and her …

    • Lloyd Johns

      Lloyd E. Johns, Jr., 71, of Paris, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. He was a …

    • Sharon Nail

      Sharon K. Nail, 69, of Chrisman, passed away at 7:43 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 202,5 at her residence, surrounded by her family. At her …

    • Mary Pittman

      Mary Margaret Pittman, 91, of Paris, passed away at 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at her home. Services celebrating her life are 2 p.m. …

Lady Redbirds complete golden season, seal state championship with win over Eureka

GERMANTOWN HILLS, Ill.—In sports and life, the journeys worth taking are often the most difficult. The Mayo Middle School eighth-grade girls basketball team faced a long and arduous trek to the …
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Siren Report
    • Siren Report, Jan. 17

      Paris Police Department On Jan. 17, at 7:40 p.m.,  Samantha D. White, 40, was cited for no valid registration and operating an uninsured …

    • Siren Report, Jan. 14

      Paris Police Department   On Jan. 14 at 8:36 a.m. Angela C. Entrican, 45, of Paris, was cited at North and Main St. and was …

    • Siren Report, Jan. 9

      Paris Police Department   On Jan. 9,  at 11:49 a.m. Carlos Uribe, 79, of Paris, was cited at 13473 IL HWY 133 and issued a …

    • Siren Report, Jan. 4-8

      Paris Police Department   On Jan. 4, 2025, at 8:08 p.m., Carl B. Schaefer, 43, of Paris was arrested for Battery and Parole …

    • Sire Report, Dec. 28- Jan. 1

      Paris Police Department   On Dec. 28, at 9:32 a.m. Jonathan P. Stevens, 18, of Terre Haute, Ind. was cited for driving the wrong …

School News

Crestwood implements life-saving cardiac team

PARIS—Having an AED or a written plan in place is no longer enough when it comes to a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) emergency at school, according to the state of Illinois. On Jan. 1, 2025, a new …

Building Bridges: Local mentorship program partners with alternative school in Paris

PARIS—For nearly a decade, one local program has connected students with volunteers to build lasting relationships and boost student achievement. That program, called PERK (People Encouraging …

Cardinal Cupboard: Free snacks, big impact

The Cardinal Cupboard, a grant-funded school market serving Chrisman Junior High and Chrisman High School students, has become a vital resource for the schools. The initiative, supported by a …
History

Santa Claus in Springfield

In the 1850s, the arrival of December meant that stores in downtown Springfield would be filled with toys and gifts, and newspapers would be filled with ads reminding holiday shoppers that …
Lifestyle
The benefits of having a pet: A life-enhancing companion Pets have been an integral part of human lives for centuries. From the loyal dog to the independent cat, pets come in various forms, each offering unique companionship and joy. Owning a pet is not …
Reading into the new year You can almost smell it: a crispness in the air, the whiff of new possibility, a determination to do things differently. It is officially a new year. Ten days into a new year, to be exact.  …
Party like it’s 2005 2005 was a pivotal moment in history—a year of cultural landmarks, technological advancements and unforgettable music. When reflecting on this remarkable year, it’s impossible not to be …
Health
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 …
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. …
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 …
Faith
This weekend is “Nearly Christmas” What would you do if you woke up to a never-ending day? What if that day was Christmas Eve? For one local resident, that scenario will happen this weekend, and it will happen on a stage for …
Presbyterian Church of Paris celebrates 200 years The Presbyterian Church of Paris will celebrate its bicentennial anniversary Sunday, Nov. 3, with a special worship service at the church. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. and is followed by a …
Called to care for a community PARIS — There are more than 16,000 people in Edgar County. Of the thousands of people in the area, hundreds struggle with addiction, disease, displacement, food insecurity and poverty. Dozens …
Art

Link Art Gallery showcases artists

 Dave Egan started working in colored pencil at age five, like many children, but it was something he hadn’t done for 40 years. After years of farming, only coloring his …

'Scapes on Stage' take center stage at PCOFA

PARIS—In addition to the induction of two new PCOFA Hall of Fine members, Jan. 11 also served as the final night for the second annual ‘Scapes on the Stage’ contest at the Paris …

A colorful night on the prairie

When Mark Killion was seven, his parents got him a reflecting telescope for Christmas. Some moments can change the course of a life. Perhaps it is hard to see in the present which actions will …
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