LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
There’s a new face in the newsroom at The Prairie Press, and he’s bringing plenty of newspaper experience, a camera, a passion for sports and a whole lot of enthusiasm for his new community.
Noah Johnson has joined The Prairie Press as its new editor, bringing more than four years of experience in journalism, photography, community programming and sports broadcasting to Paris and Edgar County.
While Johnson may be new to town, the newspaper world is certainly not new to him.
Over the course of his journalism career, Johnson has written and published more than 800 local news stories, along with dozens of high school sports stories. His reporting experience includes everything from city council meetings and county government to breaking news, public safety, festivals, politics, schools and, of course, Friday night lights.
And if there’s a microphone nearby, don’t be surprised if Johnson knows what to do with that, too.
Johnson’s journalism journey began in Georgia, where he worked as a sportswriter and broadcaster for Fetch Your News in Ellijay. He covered high school athletics throughout North Georgia, writing game stories, photographing events, interviewing coaches and athletes, and providing colorful commentary during livestream broadcasts.
He eventually expanded his reporting beyond the sidelines.
As a reporter and photographer for the White County News in Cleveland, Ga., Johnson covered local government, politics, public safety, crime, community events and breaking news.
In 2024, Johnson headed north to Michigan, joining the Daily Press in Escanaba as a reporter and photographer.
During his time there, he published more than 600 articles with photographs, covering everything from city council and county board meetings to festivals, emergency scenes, court proceedings and community events.
His reporting also gave him the opportunity to interview several state and national political figures and other prominent public officials.
But Johnson’s work in Michigan wasn’t limited to journalism.
Most recently, he served as education coordinator for the Bonifas Fine Arts Center, a nonprofit arts organization in Escanaba.
There, he coordinated educational programs, worked with local artists, organized classes and events, helped produce the organization’s quarterly magazine, wrote stories, handled photography, managed supplies and even created and hosted a free poetry night.
So, yes, he has a pretty full résumé.
One thing that stands out about Johnson’s background is the sheer variety of hats he’s worn.
He’s a reporter.
He’s a photographer.
He’s an editor.
He’s a sports guy.
He’s a podcaster.
And now, he’s an editor.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in psychology from the University of North Georgia, graduating in 2021.
His political science background has served him well in covering local government and politics, understanding that a newspaper isn’t just a place where news is printed.
It’s part of the community.
As editor, he’ll oversee the newspaper’s editorial operations while continuing to report, photograph and connect with people throughout Edgar County.
He’ll also be taking the reins as the newspaper’s primary sports contact, putting his extensive experience covering high school athletics to work for local athletes, coaches, families and fans.
Whether it’s a school board meeting, a football game, a community celebration, a business opening or an important story happening around town, Johnson says he’s excited to be part of telling those stories.
And while he’s spent the past several years moving from Georgia to Michigan and now Illinois, he’s looking forward to putting down roots in his newest community.
So if you see a new face at a meeting, standing along the sidelines with a camera, talking to someone on Main Street or frantically typing away on deadline, there’s a good chance you’ve found the newest member of The Prairie Press team.
Johnson currently lives in Charleston with his wife, Indra Valdez, dog Enzo and cat Billy.
Welcome to Edgar County, Noah! We’re glad you’re here.