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Photo Galleries | Bureau County Republican

Photos: Visitors brave winter weather at Starved Rock State Park during Bald Eagle Weekend

Visitors to Starved Rock State Park brave harsh winter weather during Bald Eagle Weekend on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Power outages affecting areas along the Illinois waterway forced organizers to relocate programs and shows to the La Salle room at Starved Rock Lodge. The Illinois Waterway Visitor's Center closed due to a lack of power, with its activities moved indoors.

By Kyle Russell

Photos: La Salle firefighters battle two-story house fire on Bucklin Street

La Salle firefighters responded to a fully engulfed two-story home in the 800 block of Bucklin Street on Friday, Jan. 23. A woman, her son and their dog evacuated safely before crews arrived. Firefighters from La Salle, Peru, Oglesby and Utica fire departments worked together to battle the blaze in subzero temperatures. Peru Fire Department provided an aerial truck to help crews reach the roof. Firefighters broke windows and cut a hole in the roof to access the seat of the fire. Bucklin Street was closed between 8th and 9th Streets during firefighting operations.

By Tom Collins and Scott Anderson

Photos: Princeton unveils plans for new fieldhouse facility

Princeton High School sports teams could be playing future games in a fieldhouse. In December, the Princeton City Council amended its zoning ordinances to accommodate a proposed fieldhouse for the Princeton School District. The project is in the beginning stages. The school district is considering purchasing 15 acres north of Liberty Village for a 50,000 to 80,000 square foot indoor sports complex. The facility would also include parking. The fieldhouse concept would serve both youth and high school teams. The site is located behind the Princeton High School softball field, known as Little Siberia.

By Scott Anderson

Photos: The Princeton Closet donates $200,000 to Bureau County organizations

Over 40 organizations across Bureau County gathered for a group photo during a Lending a Hand funds distribution of checks totaling $200,000 on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at the Closet in Princeton. The Closet has donated 2.3 million dollars to area organizations over the past 16 years.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Fire breaks out at Fire On Fifth inside Westclox

Firefighters responded to Fire On Fifth inside the Westclox building on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 in Peru. A working fire started in the storage room inside of Fire on Fifth. The fire started at 10a.m. Fire departments from Utica, Oglesby Peru and La Salle all assisted on the scene. La Salle and Peru EMS were also dispatched. The entire Westclox building was evacuated. Two employees were transported by ambulance for smoke inhalation. A smoke detector inside Star Union Spirits triggered an alarm, prompting a fast response from firefighters.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: St. Bede girls basketball defeated Dwight in the Tri County Conference Tournament semifinals

St. Bede defeated Dwight 57-46 during the Tri County Conference Tournament semifinals on Monday, Jan. 20, 2026 at Dwight High School. The Lady Bruins will play Mildand in the title game on Thursday at 8p.m. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

By MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network●

Photos: Chicago Bears season ends with 20-17 overtime divisional playoff loss to Los Angeles Rams

The Chicago Bears lost 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday night in their NFC divisional playoff matchup at Soldier Field in Chicago.

By Mark Busch ●

Photos: St. Bede girls basketball takes down Marquette in Friday night showdown

St. Bede defeated Marquette 50-38 on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at St. Bede Academy. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

By MaKade Rios for Shaw Local News Network●