Columnists | The Prairie Press

There once existed a period of time in the very early life of mankind called the Stone Age. Maybe it was the cave man age. No one is alive today who lived back then to describe it, nor … more

By Allen Englebright | 7/2/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the June 1923 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. Spelling and punctuation have not been changed except where necessary for better understanding. … more

By Callie Baber | 6/13/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the late October-early November 1923 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. Spelling and punctuation have not been changed except where necessary for better … more

By Callie Baber | 11/6/23

Bible Belt still strong

Kentucky has always been characterized by rugged forested, scenic hills. So much so that Western Kentucky University chose the name Hilltoppers for their mascot. When Daniel Boone earned … more

By Allen Englebright | 9/25/23

Anticipating Rural School Reunion

Rosie and I look forward to a special day about this time of year. We went to one-room country schools so that qualifies us to meet with others that attended those type of schools. Up until I … more

By Roger Stanley | 8/3/23

Officers caught by surprise

(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an encore printing of a column from 2020. The Old Codger is working on new material but did not have it ready in time for this week’s issue.) … more

8/5/23

Training help builds independence

Individuals with developmental disabilities often face challenges in gaining independence and living independently. Life skills training can help these individuals with developmental disabilities … more

By Jonathan Burns | 9/6/23

Small compromises, big disasters

Gary was a gifted musician who had been raised in church. As his talent matured, Gary was repeatedly invited to extend his influence by singing and playing in local bars and clubs. He wanted the … more

By Rick Cook | 9/25/23

Are we alone? Recent findings spark discussion

Last week social media exploded with posts relating to the Mexican Government hearing on UFOs where two tiny mummies were presented as evidence. The scientific community is split but consensus … more

By Terry Sullivan | 9/25/23

The day Fred bought a new camera

Throughout his life my friend Fred was a dedicated tightwad. He beamed with pride at all the money he’d saved by being a cheapskate. Now and then, however, he loosened his purse … more

By Allen Englebright | 9/15/23

Addiction recovery is a challenge

I grew up with parents who were also addicts. In those days, we didn’t call people addicted to nicotine through cigarettes addicts. They were just family members or neighbors. The … more

By Rick Cook | 9/15/23

Remembering waiting in line

I think about all the times my family waited in line and all the people waiting in line with us. The first time my brother and I waited in line was for a showing of “Bambi.” My mom … more

By Roger Stanley | 9/15/23

Independent living skills for adults with disabilities

Living independently is a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling life, but for adults with disabilities, it can be a daunting challenge. Independence is not only about living on one's own, but also … more

By Jonathan Burns | 9/25/23

Squash is the oldest of the Three Sisters

Native Americans mastered companion planting 5,000 years ago. They planted a few kernels of corn, beans and squash in the same hill in a technique known as the Three Sisters. Beans provided … more

By Terry Sullivan | 11/9/23

Out of the Past

Here is a compilation of stories appearing in the September 1924 issues of the Paris Beacon-News. The September 1923 volume is misplaced so Out of the Past is 99 years instead of a century ago. … more

By Callie Baber | 9/25/23

Fairy rings are full of lore

The rains of August brought not only green lawns, but the appearance of fairy circles or rings. They usually grow in an arc or full circle if old enough. I’ve written before about how … more

By Jan Phipps | 9/15/23

200 years of change

I have been researching the last year or so about what has changed in our county the last 200 years. First of all, the westward movement began in earnest around 1800 as the Revolutionary War was … more

By Roger Stanley | 9/25/23

Global weather extremes have arrived as July will likely be the world's hottest month

Residents of Phoenix, Ariz., celebrated July 31 when the temperature dropped to108 degrees. They had experienced 31 consecutive days with the temperature above 110. Arizonians were not … more

By Terry Sullivan | 8/5/23

Churches are not in competition

The story is told of a man who dies and goes to heaven, or the story could use a woman as the subject. The soul meets St. Peter at the gates and St. Peter says, “Welcome, let me give you the … more

By Troy Horne | 8/5/23

Struggling with post piles

Most farms I have ever lived on, or visited, had a post pile. It seems they grew bigger back in the ’50s and ’60s when farmers were taking out fences instead of building them. … more

By Roger Stanley | 8/5/23