Heavy smoke filled Interstate 180 about a half-mile south of the Illinois Route 26 and Interstate 180 intersection on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 near Princeton. A Mutual Aid Box Alarm (MABAS) was dispatched around 12:30p.m. Fire departments from Bureau, Ladd, Wyanet, Princeton, Hennepin and others assisted with the brush fire. Firefighters had to use ATV's to access areas along the Hennepin Canal.

Herscher defeated Streator 35-31 on Monday, Feb. 3, 2026 in Pops Dale Gymnasium at Streator High School. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

L-P defeated Morris 48-38 on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Sellette Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Morris played L-P on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Sellette Gymnasium at L-P High School.

Firefighters responded to a garage fire in the 1900 block of Shooting Park Road on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Peru. La Salle, Peru, Utica, Oglesby and Spring Valley fire departments were dispatched around 12:15p.m. to the fire. Two occupants were evacuated safely.

For the first time since the 1990's, Donkey Basketball returned to Seneca. The Seneca FFA hosted the event on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 at the (old Seneca High School) West Campus in Seneca. Check out photos from the event by MaKade Rios.

L-P defeated Princeton 43-26 on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in Sellett Gymnasium at L-P High School. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

Illinois Valley residents shared their predictions for Super Bowl Sunday. Who ya got, the Seahawks or the Patriots?

Girls bowling teams from Dixon, L-P, Mendota, Ottawa, Rochelle, Sterling, St. Bede and Hall competed during the IHSA girls bowling Regional meet on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 at the Illinois Valley Super Bowl in Peru.