Photo Galleries | The Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Marquette defeated Woodland 53-29 to win the 99th annual Tri-County Conference Championship on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 at Putnam County High School.
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The Illinois River is nearly frozen over. Canals and lakes are close to freezing over. The frozen river reduces the flow of barge traffic as they navigate the icy waters. With temperatures staying in the sub-zero range, it has allowed the Illinois River to freeze. Normal temperatures are forecasted next week.
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East Peoria defeated Streator 64-36 on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Pops Dale Gymnasium at Streator High School. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.
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Seneca defeated Roanoke-Benson 56-48 during the Tri-County Conference Tournament on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 at Putnam County High School.
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