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2008 - A look back...
May through August
May 1
The 2008 Paris High School May Fete Court was introduced to the school. Court members were Emily Higginbotham, Shannon Kachmar, Chelsey McCarty, Mackenzie Smith, Hannah Church, Lulie Elezoski, Courtney White and Annie Wooten.
May 2
Shannon Kachmar is named May Fete Queen. Underclassmen girls perform routines with a POP culture focus during the 2008 event. Annie Wooten was named first attendant and Emily Higginbotham was second attendant.
May 4
A fire destroys Piper Auto Specialties in Vermilion. The business supplied Corvette parts to a worldwide customer base for 30 years.
May 7
A fire damages Stratton Township home owned by Shawn Brogan. Brogan fought the fire with a water hose until firefighters arrived. While he was able to minimize the damage, firefighters stressed the importance of getting away from a fire and waiting for help to arrive.
May 9
Project Sticker Shock hit Paris stores. Members of CAMA Teens and the SUN group combined efforts to place warning stickers on alcoholic beverages at Paris stores. The stickers were meant to serve as a reminder to those over 21 that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for minors. The sticker campaign coincided with town efforts to keep teenagers safe during and after prom.
Wal-Mart management John Sanchez and Rooney Blumthal climbed to the store roof and vowed not to come down until they raised $2,000 for Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
May 11
Strong northwest winds, blowing over 30 miles per hour, swept the area. The City Street Department spent most of Mother’s Day Sunday clearing trees and limbs from roadways and roofs. Some trees were even uprooted.
May 19
Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center launches new website.
Edgar County board raises marriage license fees by $5, from $27 to $32.
May 23
Paris mother, Mylinda K. Wood, entered a negotiated guilty plea to a Class 1 felony of permitting the sexual abuse of a child after allowing her 15-year-old daughter to engage in a sexual relationship with an older man.
May 23 & 24
Area high schools schools hold commencement ceremonies. Ceremonies covered in the Paris Beacon-News included Paris High School, Chrisman High School, Shiloh High School, Kansas High School and Marshall High School.
May 26
The City of Paris honored fallen soldiers during the annual Memorial Day celebration on the square.
May 28
A main City of Paris water pipe busted, putting the city under a boil order and closing down many eating establishments unless they were able to use alternate water sources.
A child playing with matches caused a house fire with significant damage at 626 North Main Street. The residence, owned by Ernie Board, was unoccupied and was, at the time, being used to store lumber.
May 29
U.S. Representative Tim Johnson (R-15th District) met with local law enforcement officers who wanted him to continue supporting the federal Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant Program.
The boil order for the City of Paris was officially lifted at 9:15 a.m.
May 30
Tornado sires sounded throughout Illinois, with gusting winds sweeping Paris overturning semi trucks and causing structure damage.
June 3
The first bout of heavy rain and flooding struck Edgar County. Over two inches of rain fell in less than an hour. Several roads flooded, hindering traffic in some areas.
June 3
A three-vehicle accident resulted in a semi tractor-trailer going up in flames and two people being transported to Paris Community Hospital.
June 4
Area firefighters were able to rescue two men from the rushing waters of Brouilletts Creek. Over four inches of rain fell within 24 hours of the near-tragic incident. Two men running a back hoe through the area were eventually caught up in the heavy current.
Former Paris High School teacher Frederick W. Fischer received probation after pleading guilty to a Class 2 felony of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Fischer was originally charged with the Class 1 felony of criminal sexual assault after it became known that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
June 5
Scott Eugene Brossman drowned in the Sugar Creek while swimming with a friend and her children.
June 7
Heavy rains continue to plague the area and wash out the annual Brocton Festival and Draft Horse Show. More than eight inches of rain fall in a weeks time. Adding to the problem, the Edgar County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency sirens failed to sound during the storm.
June 9
The Paris Beacon-News reports local resident Amanda Fessant was named the 2008 Female Horizon Artist of the Year during the Christian Country Music Festival “Agape Fest” held recently in Texas.
June 10
Chrisman school board members vote to return music program to the school.
June 11
Borton resident, Jacqueline Marie Holt, was hospitalized after being shot. Joseph “Archie” Gross, 49, also of Borton, was taken into custody and a cache of weapons were seized from his home.
June 14
Shriners from across the country gather in Paris while local residents join in the Shriner’s weekend celebration. Over 42,000 pounds of barbecue is served to hungry festival goers.
June 16
Paris District 95 and Unit 4 school boards come up with “One Community, One Voice” slogan as they begin talks of joining in a cooperative high school.
June 17
Paris McDonald’s announces a one day delay in the grand-opening originally scheduled for June 18.
June 20
Edgar County is officially declared a disaster area after flooding devastated many areas of the county earlier in the month.
Paris McDonald’s finally opens the doors to its brand new restaurant after days of delays.
June 23
Paris Firefighter Warren Kennedy announces his resignation, effective Aug. 15, after 22 years with the department.
June 24
ZF Boge employees receive the official word the Paris factory will close its doors within the next two years.
June 27
Two-year-old Brooklyn Istre dies in a house trailer fire in Cherry Point Trailer Park.
June 30
Metcalf Park Day is held to honor volunteer firefighters of the Metcalf Fire Protection District, which marks its 60th anniversary in 2008. Special honor is given to Herman Weddle who has served the fire district for the last 50 years as an active firefighter.
July 4
Annual Independance Day Celebration held at Twin Lakes Park in Paris with music provided by the City Band and City Chorus as well as other area favorites.
July 7
A 12-year-old girl reports a man tried to coax her into his van in Redmon. The Edgar County Sheriff’s Department issues a public statement describing the man as an older white male with gray hair, driving a green Chevy Astro van.
July 9
Legislation is signed into law directing the State Director of Corrections to transfer the Ed Jenison Work Camp to the City of Paris by quit claim deed for $1.
Mary Liz Wright is sworn in as the newest Crestwood School Board member. She fills a vacancy left by Geno Flori.
July 11
The annual EIU Alumni Golf Outing is held at Sycamore Hills Golf Club.
July 15
The City of Paris opens bids for water project and receives “just excellent bids,” according to Paris Mayor Craig Smith.
July 16
PFC Willington Mitchell “Billy” Rhoads, 23, of Paris, dies in Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He was serving his second deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan as a part of the HHC, 173rd BSB.
July 18
The annual Edgar County 4-H Fair kicks-off. Despite lack of state funding, volunteers are able to pull together and ensure another successful event.
July 19
The 147th annual Edgar County Fair begins with the Variety Horse Show being the first event.
The second annual Orange Power of the Past Allis Chalmers Working Tractor Show is held in Paris.
July 20
Taylor Bell is crowned 2008 Edgar County Fair Queen. Madyson Collier is Little Miss Edgar County Fair.
July 21
Another strong summer thunderstorms moves through Edgar County, causing tornado like damages.
July 22
Emily Higginbotham and Kaitlin Neibarger advance to the Illinois State Fair Talent Show competition after winning in the senior and junior divisions, respectively, at the Edgar County Fair Talent Show.
July 24
Funeral services and military burial are held in Paris for fallen soldier PFC Willington Mitchell “Billy” Rhoads, 23, of Paris.
July 26
Young Westville couple Chad and Kim Hagan die following a motorcycle accident just south of the Vermilion/Edgar County Line in Ross Township. The ISP report indicates Marie Lazzell, 76, of Danville, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu south on state Route 1 when she veered into the northbound lane and crashed with Hagan’s 2003 Harley-Davidson.
July 28
Cayla K. Wheeler, 23, of rural Westfield, is charged with the death of her newborn son. Police discovered the infant boy’s body in a wooded area near Wheeler’s home while investigating a fire at the house. Drowning was determined as the cause of death.
Aug. 1
A fire causes significant damage to a house located at 304 E. Van Buren. home ws
Aug. 4
Crestwood and Dist. 95 school boards meet seperately and both vote to include the cooperative high school question on the Nov. 4 election ballot.
Aug. 8
Paris resident Mary Lou Wright is honored for 30 years of service with the county fair during the opening day of the Illinois State Fair.
Aug. 9
The 2008 Edgar County Relay for Life event is held at the Edgar County Fairgrounds.
Paris Rotary Club completes new playground at the American Legion.
Aug. 18
Robert Steven Siverly is back in police custody after escaping from the Edgar County Jail Aug. 14, 2004.
Aug. 19
Michael Robinson, 44, of Marshall is killed in a car crash on State Route 1 at Grand Turn Road in Clark County.
Area children return to school after summer break.
Aug. 20
Kelly Matthews, 40, of Charleston and formerly of Paris, is found dead in her vehicle at the storage facility on south Main Street. Edgar County Coroner Pete Templeton rules the incident a suicide.
Aug. 24
Hume residents and visitors enjoy Hume Festival.
Aug. 25
Paris City Officials break ground at the construction site for the new water storage tank.
Aug. 26
Newly retired Paris Police officer Gary Cash is honored by Mayor Craig Smith and the City Council for his 22 years of service on the force.
The 2008 Paris High School May Fete Court was introduced to the school. Court members were Emily Higginbotham, Shannon Kachmar, Chelsey McCarty, Mackenzie Smith, Hannah Church, Lulie Elezoski, Courtney White and Annie Wooten.
May 2
Shannon Kachmar is named May Fete Queen. Underclassmen girls perform routines with a POP culture focus during the 2008 event. Annie Wooten was named first attendant and Emily Higginbotham was second attendant.
May 4
A fire destroys Piper Auto Specialties in Vermilion. The business supplied Corvette parts to a worldwide customer base for 30 years.
May 7
A fire damages Stratton Township home owned by Shawn Brogan. Brogan fought the fire with a water hose until firefighters arrived. While he was able to minimize the damage, firefighters stressed the importance of getting away from a fire and waiting for help to arrive.
May 9
Project Sticker Shock hit Paris stores. Members of CAMA Teens and the SUN group combined efforts to place warning stickers on alcoholic beverages at Paris stores. The stickers were meant to serve as a reminder to those over 21 that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for minors. The sticker campaign coincided with town efforts to keep teenagers safe during and after prom.
Wal-Mart management John Sanchez and Rooney Blumthal climbed to the store roof and vowed not to come down until they raised $2,000 for Riley’s Children’s Hospital.
May 11
Strong northwest winds, blowing over 30 miles per hour, swept the area. The City Street Department spent most of Mother’s Day Sunday clearing trees and limbs from roadways and roofs. Some trees were even uprooted.
May 19
Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center launches new website.
Edgar County board raises marriage license fees by $5, from $27 to $32.
May 23
Paris mother, Mylinda K. Wood, entered a negotiated guilty plea to a Class 1 felony of permitting the sexual abuse of a child after allowing her 15-year-old daughter to engage in a sexual relationship with an older man.
May 23 & 24
Area high schools schools hold commencement ceremonies. Ceremonies covered in the Paris Beacon-News included Paris High School, Chrisman High School, Shiloh High School, Kansas High School and Marshall High School.
May 26
The City of Paris honored fallen soldiers during the annual Memorial Day celebration on the square.
May 28
A main City of Paris water pipe busted, putting the city under a boil order and closing down many eating establishments unless they were able to use alternate water sources.
A child playing with matches caused a house fire with significant damage at 626 North Main Street. The residence, owned by Ernie Board, was unoccupied and was, at the time, being used to store lumber.
May 29
U.S. Representative Tim Johnson (R-15th District) met with local law enforcement officers who wanted him to continue supporting the federal Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant Program.
The boil order for the City of Paris was officially lifted at 9:15 a.m.
May 30
Tornado sires sounded throughout Illinois, with gusting winds sweeping Paris overturning semi trucks and causing structure damage.
June 3
The first bout of heavy rain and flooding struck Edgar County. Over two inches of rain fell in less than an hour. Several roads flooded, hindering traffic in some areas.
June 3
A three-vehicle accident resulted in a semi tractor-trailer going up in flames and two people being transported to Paris Community Hospital.
June 4
Area firefighters were able to rescue two men from the rushing waters of Brouilletts Creek. Over four inches of rain fell within 24 hours of the near-tragic incident. Two men running a back hoe through the area were eventually caught up in the heavy current.
Former Paris High School teacher Frederick W. Fischer received probation after pleading guilty to a Class 2 felony of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Fischer was originally charged with the Class 1 felony of criminal sexual assault after it became known that he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.
June 5
Scott Eugene Brossman drowned in the Sugar Creek while swimming with a friend and her children.
June 7
Heavy rains continue to plague the area and wash out the annual Brocton Festival and Draft Horse Show. More than eight inches of rain fall in a weeks time. Adding to the problem, the Edgar County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency sirens failed to sound during the storm.
June 9
The Paris Beacon-News reports local resident Amanda Fessant was named the 2008 Female Horizon Artist of the Year during the Christian Country Music Festival “Agape Fest” held recently in Texas.
June 10
Chrisman school board members vote to return music program to the school.
June 11
Borton resident, Jacqueline Marie Holt, was hospitalized after being shot. Joseph “Archie” Gross, 49, also of Borton, was taken into custody and a cache of weapons were seized from his home.
June 14
Shriners from across the country gather in Paris while local residents join in the Shriner’s weekend celebration. Over 42,000 pounds of barbecue is served to hungry festival goers.
June 16
Paris District 95 and Unit 4 school boards come up with “One Community, One Voice” slogan as they begin talks of joining in a cooperative high school.
June 17
Paris McDonald’s announces a one day delay in the grand-opening originally scheduled for June 18.
June 20
Edgar County is officially declared a disaster area after flooding devastated many areas of the county earlier in the month.
Paris McDonald’s finally opens the doors to its brand new restaurant after days of delays.
June 23
Paris Firefighter Warren Kennedy announces his resignation, effective Aug. 15, after 22 years with the department.
June 24
ZF Boge employees receive the official word the Paris factory will close its doors within the next two years.
June 27
Two-year-old Brooklyn Istre dies in a house trailer fire in Cherry Point Trailer Park.
June 30
Metcalf Park Day is held to honor volunteer firefighters of the Metcalf Fire Protection District, which marks its 60th anniversary in 2008. Special honor is given to Herman Weddle who has served the fire district for the last 50 years as an active firefighter.
July 4
Annual Independance Day Celebration held at Twin Lakes Park in Paris with music provided by the City Band and City Chorus as well as other area favorites.
July 7
A 12-year-old girl reports a man tried to coax her into his van in Redmon. The Edgar County Sheriff’s Department issues a public statement describing the man as an older white male with gray hair, driving a green Chevy Astro van.
July 9
Legislation is signed into law directing the State Director of Corrections to transfer the Ed Jenison Work Camp to the City of Paris by quit claim deed for $1.
Mary Liz Wright is sworn in as the newest Crestwood School Board member. She fills a vacancy left by Geno Flori.
July 11
The annual EIU Alumni Golf Outing is held at Sycamore Hills Golf Club.
July 15
The City of Paris opens bids for water project and receives “just excellent bids,” according to Paris Mayor Craig Smith.
July 16
PFC Willington Mitchell “Billy” Rhoads, 23, of Paris, dies in Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He was serving his second deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan as a part of the HHC, 173rd BSB.
July 18
The annual Edgar County 4-H Fair kicks-off. Despite lack of state funding, volunteers are able to pull together and ensure another successful event.
July 19
The 147th annual Edgar County Fair begins with the Variety Horse Show being the first event.
The second annual Orange Power of the Past Allis Chalmers Working Tractor Show is held in Paris.
July 20
Taylor Bell is crowned 2008 Edgar County Fair Queen. Madyson Collier is Little Miss Edgar County Fair.
July 21
Another strong summer thunderstorms moves through Edgar County, causing tornado like damages.
July 22
Emily Higginbotham and Kaitlin Neibarger advance to the Illinois State Fair Talent Show competition after winning in the senior and junior divisions, respectively, at the Edgar County Fair Talent Show.
July 24
Funeral services and military burial are held in Paris for fallen soldier PFC Willington Mitchell “Billy” Rhoads, 23, of Paris.
July 26
Young Westville couple Chad and Kim Hagan die following a motorcycle accident just south of the Vermilion/Edgar County Line in Ross Township. The ISP report indicates Marie Lazzell, 76, of Danville, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu south on state Route 1 when she veered into the northbound lane and crashed with Hagan’s 2003 Harley-Davidson.
July 28
Cayla K. Wheeler, 23, of rural Westfield, is charged with the death of her newborn son. Police discovered the infant boy’s body in a wooded area near Wheeler’s home while investigating a fire at the house. Drowning was determined as the cause of death.
Aug. 1
A fire causes significant damage to a house located at 304 E. Van Buren. home ws
Aug. 4
Crestwood and Dist. 95 school boards meet seperately and both vote to include the cooperative high school question on the Nov. 4 election ballot.
Aug. 8
Paris resident Mary Lou Wright is honored for 30 years of service with the county fair during the opening day of the Illinois State Fair.
Aug. 9
The 2008 Edgar County Relay for Life event is held at the Edgar County Fairgrounds.
Paris Rotary Club completes new playground at the American Legion.
Aug. 18
Robert Steven Siverly is back in police custody after escaping from the Edgar County Jail Aug. 14, 2004.
Aug. 19
Michael Robinson, 44, of Marshall is killed in a car crash on State Route 1 at Grand Turn Road in Clark County.
Area children return to school after summer break.
Aug. 20
Kelly Matthews, 40, of Charleston and formerly of Paris, is found dead in her vehicle at the storage facility on south Main Street. Edgar County Coroner Pete Templeton rules the incident a suicide.
Aug. 24
Hume residents and visitors enjoy Hume Festival.
Aug. 25
Paris City Officials break ground at the construction site for the new water storage tank.
Aug. 26
Newly retired Paris Police officer Gary Cash is honored by Mayor Craig Smith and the City Council for his 22 years of service on the force.
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| Lions defeat Tigers, 69-57 | 1544th gives back to the community |
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