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Photo Galleries | Illinois Valley

Photos: Celebration of Lights shines bright in La Salle

La Salle's Celebration of Lights runs from early November through New Year's Day at Rotary Park. The free drive-through display is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Donations are welcome. With over 400 unique and original displays, the Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park is one of the biggest and brightest Christmas light celebrations in North Central Illinois.

By Scott Anderson and Scott Anderson

Photos: Northern Lights dazzles over the Illinois Valley

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) dazzled the sky throughout the Illinois Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) created sparking geomagnetic storm conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Space weather forecasters anticipate that geomagnetic activity may intensify to strong (G3) conditions overnight and could be around again tomorrow night.

By Scott Anderson

Photos: Hall High School dedicates WWII Park on Veterans Day

Hall High School held a Veterans Day program and WWII Memorial Park dedication on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at Hall High School. The park is located on the southeast side of the school to continue the tribute to the 24 fallen soldiers who attended Hall High School in WWII. These were all part of Ella Sartain's Eagle Scout Service Project. Ella is a Hall student with the Class of 2026.

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

Photos: Baker Lake construction halfway finished in Peru

Crews with Gillian Construction repair the walking path around Baker Lake on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Peru. The walking path is nearly half-poured. It's been one month since construction began. The work includes a 10-foot-wide concrete path, with secondary concrete paths also added, connecting the new parking lot near Lighted Way to the parking lot, playground, and shelter on the west side of Baker Lake. The new path will be wider by 2 feet than the current one. The park remains closed to the public. The project will be completed in early December.

By Scott Anderson

Photos: Inaugural Frosty on First event from above downtown La Salle

Check out aerial photos from the inaugural Frosty on First event on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 downtown La Salle.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Mendota, Coal City boys soccer meet in state semifinal

The Mendota and Coal City boys soccer teams met Thursday in an IHSA Class 1A state semifinal game at Hoffman Estates High School.

By Mark Busch ●

Photos: Princeton at Riverdale Sectional

Here are Mike Vaughn's photos of Tuesday's Princeton/Peoria Notre Dame at Riverdale Sectional volleyball match

By Kevin Hieronymus●

Photos: L-P sweeps Morris in Class 3A Sectional volleyball

L-P defeated Morris 15-22, 25-18 during the Class 3A Sectional semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 in Sellett Gymnasium at L-P High School. The Lady Cavs will play Washington in the Sectional title game on Thursday at 6p.m. at L-P High School.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Mendota boys soccer is headed to State after thrilling victory over Quincy ND

Mendota defeated Quincy Notre Dame 2-1 to win the Class 1A Supersectional on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Mendota High School. The Trojans will now face Coal City in the Class 1A State semifinals on Thursday, at 7:30p.m. at Hoffman Estates High School.

By Scott Anderson, Scott Anderson and Scott Anderson●