Local News | The Prairie Press

The Prospect Amphitheater was home to music, snacks and drinks Friday, Aug. 9. Big Fun Band of Terre Haute, alongside Lot 50 Brewing and Daisy Mae’s of Paris, brought together good tunes and treats for an evening hosted by the Prospect Community Foundation Series. More information and a schedule of upcoming events is available on the “Prospect Community Foundation Amphitheater” Facebook page.

This summer, Paris residents can look forward to a season jam-packed with music. Between Music in the Park, Union Street Market performances, Paris City Band shows and the Prospect Community … more

By Chris Ingham | 5/29/26

Levi Jernigan, left, took his oath and was officially sworn in as a member of the Paris Fire Department by Mayor Craig Smith, right, during the Tuesday, May 26 Paris City Council meeting.

Jernigan joins PFD

The Paris Fire Department has a new firefighter. Levi Jernigan was sworn in as an official fire officer during the Tuesday, May 26, city council meeting. His oath of office was administered by … more

By Bethany Wagoner | 5/29/26

One Final Call

A decommissioned ambulance destined for the salvage yard was given a final, meaningful mission last week, serving as the centerpiece of a hands-on joint training exercise for local first responders. … more

5/29/26

A press release from the Edgar County Coroner revealed two fatalities resulting from a head-on collision near Redmon on Saturday, July 6; an additional report three days later uncovered a deceased Edgar County resident in his home.

Coroner releases details in golf course mowing incident

Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett released details of a mowing accident that has resulted in the death of an Edgar County man during the early afternoon on May 22. Per Barrett, 911 … more

The Prairie Press Team info@prairiepress.net | 5/22/26

The meaning of “Public Safety”

“In essence, the public was hoodwinked,” 911 Board Chairman Adam Webb asserted during the May ETSB board meeting on Monday, May 18. After Webb opened the meeting, State’s Attorney Philip … more

By Chris Ingham info@prairiepress.net | 5/22/26

White Oaks defendants return to court as media request is denied

A judge denied a request for expanded media coverage in the ongoing White Oaks case during a May 15 hearing in Edgar County court, ruling that cameras and audio recording devices will not … more

By Victoria Leitch vleitch@prairiepress.net | 5/22/26

Captain Steve Gallagher retires

Steve Gallagher tried three times to become a firefighter. He was 34 years old when he finally got the call. Thirty years later, he is walking out of the Paris Fire Department as one of the … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 5/22/26

Jeffery Martin celebrates his first-place finish at the Route 1 Rumble on Saturday, July 27.

Smashing for Shrine Kids demo derby announced

The Edgar County Shrine Club invites the community to an exciting evening of demolition derby action as part of its annual charitable fundraiser, “Smashing for Shrine Kids.” The event will be … more

Special to The Prairie Press info@prairiepress.net | 5/20/26

A Vance stone in the Edgar County cemetery denotes the place that Samuel Vance was reburied in 1886. He was originally buried in the Presby Yard where Vance school now stands. The taller stone on the left marks the Alexander lot. Vance and Alexander were both leaders in the early city life of Paris. It seems fitting to find their remains that close together after death.

University of Illinois establishes partnership with the Edgar Cemetery Board

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have had a productive spring, beginning with a seminar that offered horticulture education to attendees. Nearly 100 participants attended the … more

Special to The Prairie Press info@prairiepress.net | 5/20/26

Paris 95 principals outline school improvement efforts across district

Principals from all three schools in Paris District 95 presented updates on their school improvement plans during the Monday, May 11 school board meeting, highlighting efforts focused on attendance, … more

By Victoria Leitch | 5/15/26

RAM returns to Paris

Remote Area Medical (RAM) will return to Paris on June 13 and 14, bringing free medical, dental and vision services to residents in need for the second year in a row. The two-day event is organized … more

By Bethany Wagoner | 5/15/26

Diane Boyer, left, receives a proclamation from Paris Mayor Craig Smith, right, during a May 11 city council meeting. The issuance made May 22 and May 23 Poppy Days in the city of Paris.

Volunteers needed for Paris Poppy Days

The City of Paris will once again be celebrating its commitment to those who have paid the ultimate sacrafice, following Mayor Craig Smith’s declaration of May 22 and May 23 as Poppy Days in Paris. … more

By Bethany Wagoner | 5/15/26

Honoring those who serve us

PARIS — Nurses gathered outside Horizon Health on Wednesday, May 6, to celebrate National Nurses Week during the hospital’s annual Twilight Walk, an event focused on honoring the dedication, … more

By Victoria Leitch | 5/15/26

Piratefest 2026

5/14/26

Drew Griffin, left, was sworn in as the new Fire, Public Health and Safety Commissioner at Monday, April 27’s City of Paris council meeting. He replaces Doug Hasler, who submitted his resignation at the same meeting.

City commissioner retires

The Monday, April 27, city council meeting in Paris marked the close of a long chapter for city commissioner Doug Hasler, who made his retirement as the Fire, Public Health and Safety Commissioner … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26

City of Paris sets $23 million budget

The city of Paris has officially adopted a budget for the fiscal year 2027. The resolution to pass the budget was made during Monday, April 27’s regular city council meeting at City Hall in Paris. … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26

Suspects in White Oaks Park attempted murder plead not guilty

Three defendants charged in connection with the alleged attempted murder of three Black men at White Oak Park earlier this month made their latest court appearances on Friday, April 24, as their … more

By Victoria Leitch vleitch@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26

Hopes & Dreams for a better future

Eight new teens since January. Fourteen young people currently housed. A 15th on the way. For Paris’ Hopes and Dreams Inc., the need has never been greater — and neither has the mission. … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26

Restoration and repair delays in Kansas boat program

The April 15 Kansas Board of Education meeting included an update from ECCEL Academy, updates on the restoration and repair of the school’s boat for their bass fishing program and the replacement … more

By Chris Ingham cingham@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26

THE TOP FOUR PERCENT

For the third year in a row, Horizon Health has received the Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals for timely and effective emergency care – highlighting its low wait times, rapid diagnosis and … more

By Bethany Wagoner bwagoner@prairiepress.net | 5/1/26