Smoke and charred timber burned from a large brush fire that broke out near the 12000 block of West Bottom Road on Monday, March 2, 2026 near Granville. The fire was elevated to the second alarm as the flames spread further west. Over 150 acres of timber burned along the Illinois River during the incident.

Crews burn off part of the green area for a controlled burn on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Deer Park Golf Club in Oglesby. The burn helps to manage invasive species, remove thatch buildup, and encourage the growth of native plants.

Crews started cutting trees near the trailhead to French Canyon on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Starved Rock State Park. A newly constructed bridge will be built here beginning this month. Starved Rock State Park received a 37 million upgrade to trail improvement that is underway and continue through 2026. Trail closures will be announced on the Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park Facebook pages.

Over 125 participants from 13 teams plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Mendota during the 9th Annual Mendota Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 28. The event, held in support of Special Olympics of Illinois, raised $36,000 for local programs serving the Mendota, La Salle and Peru areas. Despite temperatures of 39 degrees with a wind chill of 23 degrees, brave plungers took the icy dip to support athletes in Special Olympics programs.

More than 110 walkers from 18 teams braved the cold on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in downtown Ottawa to participate in the "Coldest Night of the Year" mile-long walk at Jordan Block Park. The community fundraising event brought together participants of all ages who bundled up against winter weather to support the cause. Walkers made their way through the downtown area, demonstrating community solidarity and commitment to making a difference.

Marquette defeated St. Bede to win the Class 1A Regional title on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at Serena High School. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

Woodland defeated Newark 57-38 to win the Class 1A Regional title game on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at Woodland High School. This is the first time since 1989 that Woodland has won a Regional title. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

L-P wins its third consecutive regional title with a 57-53 victory over Ottawa on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in Sellett Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Logan Junior High sixth graders hosted a live wax museum on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Princeton. Students made poster boards while dressing up as their featured character at the event.