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
    • Barbara Wooters

      Barbara F. Wooters, 81, of Paris, passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Friday, June 27, at Twin Lakes Extended Care in Paris. A graveside service is …

    • Heath Bowers

      Heath Gehret Bowers, 42, of Paris, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, at the University of Illinois at Chicago …

    • Larry Dennison

      Larry Wayne Dennison, 75 of Paris, passed away at 1:16 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Services …

    • Ernest Richards

        Ernest (Ernie) R. Richards, 80, of Metcalf passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 26, 2025. A funeral service is at …

    • Denny Dardeen

        Denny Ray Dardeen, 68, of Harrisburg, Ill., passed away on June 22, 2025, at 7:20 p.m. at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, …

World Class athlete

At just 16 years old, Paris Cooperative High School junior Maddie Rhoads is preparing for the experience of a lifetime. This summer, she will join the Seattle Cascades, a world-class Drum Corps …
Like us on Facebook!
Siren Report
    • Siren Report, July 3-8

      On July 3, at 2:54 p.m., Angela Mattingly was cited at 510 Ten Broeck and charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle and failure to …

    • Siren Report, June 30

      Paris Police Department On June 24, at 8:52 a.m. Jacob W. Gosnell, 36, of Paris, was arrested for Assault. He was taken to Edgar County …

    • Sire Report, June 19-23

      Paris Police Department On June 19 at 2:40 p.m. Richard A. Kelly, 59, Paris, was arrested at 608 W. Adams and was charged with Domestic …

    • Siren Report, June 13-15

      Paris Police Department On June 13, at 5:01a.m., Thadius E. Campos of Marshall, Ill. was cited at Gibson Drive and Route 1 and was charged …

    • Siren Report, June 8

      Paris Police Department On June 8, at 4:11 a.m., Larry D. Lowry, 53 of Paris, was arrested for Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle and No …

School News

Paris-Union 95 school registration

Paris Union School District 95 will begin providing daily and extracurricular transportation for students next year. The Board of Education is supporting a phased plan to provide transportation for …

Crestwood holds Student Awards Program

Crestwood’s 2024-25   Student Awards Program showcased the outstanding achievements of students from Kindergarten through eighth grade in a joyful celebration of academic success, …

Carolyn Wenz hosts annual sock hop

As the school year winds down, Carolyn Wenz Elementary found the perfect way to send students off into summer—with laughter, friendship and a hallway filled with sno-cones and sand art. What …
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
Directing her destiny While many young adults have considered a career in the fine arts, usually as an actor, few have taken the path that Paris native Monica Payne has taken. Payne’s career journey began as a …
A wave a day Every town has a familiar face. In Paris, that face belongs to a man with a gentle smile, a purposeful stride and a wave that’s become a symbol of something much bigger than himself. His …
Healthy summer fun As the school year ends and the warm weather rolls in, kids across the country are eager to embrace the freedom of summer vacation. While it’s tempting to let screen time and lazy mornings take …
Health
Celebrating strength PARIS— On Friday, May 30, community members came together at Horizon Health to celebrate themselves and/or their loved ones at the annual National Cancer Survivors Day luncheon. The event …
Outbreak spikes concern After a sixth case of measles was reported in the state of Illinois in early May, Health Department officials confirmed that the number of reported cases in the United States is now above 25. …
Faith
Paris Nazarene church welcomes new pastor From a young age, Tessa Stine knew there was a divine calling on her life. Even as a middle schooler, the quiet stirrings of faith were already taking root in her heart and life. At just 13 …
Leaving a living legacy For nearly 50 years, Right to Life of Edgar County has worked to educate, advocate and provide resources for those in need. Whether through local events, fundraising or community outreach, the …
Edgar County's first Freedom Rally planned for May The first Freedom Rally will take place in Edgar County on Thursday, May 1, the evening of the annual National Day of Prayer. The event, dubbed as “an evening of hope” by local …
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 …

Center of Fine Arts releases season schedule

The Paris Center of Fine Arts (PCOFA) has officially announced its complete lineup for the 2025-26 season. “We’re thrilled to unveil the PCOFA season lineup — and trust us, …

Painting the Prairie opens

Painting the Prairie, an annual art show at The Link Art Gallery, opened its doors to patrons and art connoisseurs on Friday, May 9, with an open-house reception and short awards ceremony. …
Follow us on X!