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Photo Galleries | The Times

Photos: Massive blaze engulfs structure near Earlville

Firefighters from Serena, Mendota, Troy Grove, Somonauk, and Earlville fire departments responded to a structure fire in the 4000 block of East 16th Road on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 near Earlville. Firefighters were dispatched shortly after 12p.m. to the scene. The fire was upgraded to the second alarm through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS 25) shortly after.

By Scott Anderson

Photos: Oglesby, Utica, and Tonica firefighters brave arctic cold for crucial ice rescue drill

Firefighters and EMS personnel from Utica, Tonica and Oglesby braved sub-zero temperatures Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, to conduct ice-rescue training on a private pond south of Utica. Wearing wetsuits, firefighters cut multiple holes through the ice while practicing rescue scenarios. The exercise focused on teaching new techniques to improve safety and efficiency during frozen-water emergencies.

By Scott Anderson, Scott Anderson, Scott Anderson, Scott Anderson, Scott Anderson and Scott Anderson ●

Photos: Penguin Plunge makes a splash in Ottawa

The Penguin Plunge was a successful fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois, with participants taking frigid dives into the water at Skydive Chicago to raise money for the organization.

By Kyle Russell●

Photos: Beck Oil plans demolition of historic Streator church

Crews are preparing to demolish the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 in Streator. Last August, The Streator City Council approved a TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Beck Oil Company to open a gas station with a car wash in the 400 block of North Park Street. The church held its last service in 2010.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Princeton hosts thrilling Class 1A Regional boys wrestling meet

Individuals from Amboy, Dixon, Hall-Putnam County, Mendota, Marquette, St. Bede Princeton, and Sandwich all competed during the Class 1A Regional meet on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 at Princeton High School.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Ottawa's Appellate Courthouse undergoes renovation

Crews are renovating the Appellate Courthouse on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in downtown Ottawa. The Appellate Courthouse is going through a renovation to make it more wheelchair accessible.

By Scott Anderson●