Paris Illinois-City

10/04/2026

Another great day in Paris as Potterfest wraps up and Union Street Market closes out the night with great music. Thank you to all of the organizers and volunteers who came together to help draw hundreds to Paris. We hope to see everyone October 31st again in downtown Paris for Scare on the Square.

10/03/2026

The 2nd Annual Potterfest is going on now till 7pm in downtown Paris. The event is put on by Edgar County Monster Mash Committee. Here is a look at some of the sights of the event. Come on out and see for yourself what all the excitement is all about.

10/03/2026

Today I want to congratulate Captain Marcus Wayne Mark Brinkerhoff on successfully completing 20 years of service with the Paris Fire Department!

Mark and I started our careers here just one day apart, so reaching this milestone together is pretty special. Twenty years at one job is an accomplishment in itself, but 20 years in the fire service takes dedication, sacrifice, commitment, and a genuine love for what you do.

Over those 20 years, Mark has been a great friend, an exemplary firefighter, and an excellent Captain. More importantly, he has become one of those guys everyone in the firehouse turns to when they need an answer, some advice, or the knowledge that only comes from years of experience. That kind of respect isn’t given because of the rank on your shirt it’s earned over time, and Mark has certainly earned it.

I’ve had the privilege of working beside Mark for nearly our entire careers, and I’m proud of everything he has accomplished and what he continues to bring to the Paris Fire Department.

Mark, congratulations on 20 years of dedicated service to the department and the citizens of Paris. It’s been one heck of a ride getting here together.

And don’t worry I’ll be glad to keep you around for another 20! 😆

Congratulations, brother. Well deserved!

Chief Janis

10/02/2026

Paris City Hall will close office for Training on Monday October 5th from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Dropbox will be available but the drive thru and the office will be closed during those times. They are switching to a different phone system so there maybe times when they aren't working during this process.

Brooke Newhart
City Administrator
City of Paris

10/02/2026

Paris City Hall office will be closed on Monday October 12th due to Columbus Day. The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday October 13th at 5:30 p.m. Pre-agenda meeting will remain the same date on Wednesday October 7th at 4 p.m.

Brooke Newhart
City Administrator
City of Paris

09/30/2026

Downtown Paris will be offering many activities around the square and Union Street again this weekend.

09/30/2026

Trick or Treat hours are set for Saturday October 31st from 5-7pm.

09/29/2026

🧠 FTD AWARENESS — NOT ALL DEMENTIA IS ALZHEIMER’S
Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is a group of brain diseases caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain. According to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, FTD is the most common form of brain disorders for people under age 60. FTD-Fact-Sheet-9.23

FTD can look very different from Alzheimer’s. Symptoms may include changes in personality or behavior, apathy, difficulty making decisions, movement problems, and challenges with speaking or understanding language. Most cases occur between ages 45 and 64, and FTD is often misdiagnosed. FTD-Fact-Sheet-9.23

❤️ Awareness matters. Support matters. Understanding matters.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration offers information, support groups, and resources for individuals and families affected by FTD. Their HelpLine is 1-866-507-7222.

Someone you know may need this information.

Mayor Craig Smith read a proclamation recently on behalf of the Kirby Family and daughter Kara.

09/29/2026

MUNICIPAL ELECTRICAL
AGGREGATION UPDATE

Several area cities and counties have been working together to secure competitive electric supply rates for residents through a municipal aggregation program. The participating communities include Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon, Paris, Neoga, Oakland, the Villages of Ashmore,
Lerna, and Humboldt, along with Coles County.

Residents have been receiving Ameren’s standard electric supply rate since January 1, 2026, following the expiration of the group’s previous contract with Homefield Energy. The buying group, with guidance from its consultant, The Stone River Group, recently solicited bids for a new electric supply contract. After reviewing the bids received, the group was unable to secure
an electric supply rate that was more competitive than Ameren’s current Price to Compare rate. For comparison, Ameren’s Price to Compare rate will be $0.10441 per kWh beginning October 1, 2026. Because the group was unable to obtain a more competitive bid, residents will remain on Ameren’s standard rate at this time. The buying group plans to reevaluate electric
supply rates in the summer of 2027 and will again explore whether a group aggregation contract can provide a competitive rate for participating residents. Residents and businesses do not need to take any action at this time. Please note that some companies may contact residents with offers for alternative electric supply contracts. These companies are not affiliated with the municipal aggregation program. Residents
are encouraged to carefully review any offers, including the rate, contract terms, and length of the agreement, before signing.
Municipal Electric Aggregation was approved by voters in November 2012 as a way to purchase electricity for residents and small businesses at wholesale prices. Since its inception, the goal of the program has been to provide savings for participants. The participating communities will continue to monitor the electric supply market and evaluate opportunities to secure a competitive group rate in the future.
For households needing assistance with energy costs, a list of township offices and nonprofit organizations offering support can be found on Ameren’s website. Eligible households may also qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program that provides financial assistance with utility bills. More information is available by calling 1-877-411-9276 or visiting Ameren’s energy assistance resources. Ameren also provides energy-saving tips and flexible billing options to help residents manage
their energy costs.

Brooke Newhart
City Administrator
City of Paris

09/28/2026

Please make note as this begins today!

Beginning today!!!!