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The Herald-News

Photos: Extreme cold weather blasts Joliet area

January 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm CST

By Gary Middendorf, Gary Middendorf, Gary Middendorf and Gary Middendorf

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Steam rises off the Des Plaines River below the Jefferson Street Bridge as temperatures drop below zero on Friday, Jan 23, 2026 in Joliet. (Gary Middendorf)

Weather Joliet Will County Shaw Local Front Headlines Winter Weather Winter

Gary Middendorf

School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus. Transitioned from animation to photography in 2010. Freelanced as a photojournalist from 2011 to 2021 before taking on the role as Photo Editor for the Herald-News in 2021.

Gary Middendorf

School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus. Transitioned from animation to photography in 2010. Freelanced as a photojournalist from 2011 to 2021 before taking on the role as Photo Editor for the Herald-News in 2021.

Gary Middendorf

School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus. Transitioned from animation to photography in 2010. Freelanced as a photojournalist from 2011 to 2021 before taking on the role as Photo Editor for the Herald-News in 2021.

Gary Middendorf

School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus. Transitioned from animation to photography in 2010. Freelanced as a photojournalist from 2011 to 2021 before taking on the role as Photo Editor for the Herald-News in 2021.