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Photo Galleries | The Times

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Photos: Future of farming education rises at Illinois Valley Community College

Photos: Future of farming education rises at Illinois Valley Community College

An aerial view of the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. Crews have begun construction on the exterior walls. The new facility is expected to redefine IVCC’s agriculture program, equipping the college to train and upskill agricultural workers, support the development of new technologies and promote sustainable practices. Approximately $1.6 million has been pledged toward the agricultural center, and IVCC plans to launch a community donation program later this spring. The 10,250-square-foot building is slated for occupancy in 2027. The project is supported by a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration, a $240,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and a $1 million gift from the Wisgoski family.

By Scott Anderson●
Photos: La Salle-Peru High School's new Ag Center gets brick facade

Photos: La Salle-Peru High School's new Ag Center gets brick facade

Crews are beginning to place bricks on the exterior of the La Salle-Peru Township High School’s new Agriculture Center, located on the southeast corner of Sixth and Creve Coeur streets in La Salle. The $8 million agriculture center is taking shape and is expected to be completed by the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: 40 years of Walmart in the Illinois Valley

When Walmart opened its first store in Peru on Tuesday, April 1, 1986, it marked a major retail milestone for the Illinois Valley. Check out photos from when the store originally opened and the grand-opening ads.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: IDNR manages 300-acre prairie controlled burn near Oglesby

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources conducted a controlled burn on Monday, March 30, 2026, across from Deer Park Golf Club near Oglesby and Starved Rock State Park. Approximately 300 acres of prairie were burned during the planned burnoff. The burning of the prairie helps maintain a healthy grassland and prevents invasive plants.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: No Kings rally draws crowd to Washington Park in Ottawa

Over 100 people gathered for a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Washington Park in Ottawa.

Photos: L-P dominates Streator in girls soccer matchup

L-P defeated Streator 7-1 on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the L-P Athletic Complex in La Salle.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Utica Knights of Columbus donates over $2,600 to local charities

The Utica Knights of Columbus Father Maquette Council donated $2,600 to four local charities in the Illinois Valley on Thursday, March 18, 2026 at the Utica Village Hall. The organizations were Horizon House, Lighted Way, Special Olympics and Starve Rock Regional Center. The Knights of Columbus also donated $200 to the Utica Police and Fire Departments. The money was raised through The Knights of Columbus Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive, commonly known as the Tootsie Roll Drive, last October. The fund drive supports local programs for people with special needs.

By Scott Anderson and Scott Anderson●