• Dense Fog Advisory - Click for Details
    ...DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST THURSDAY...
    Expires: December 25, 2025 @ 6:00am
    WHAT
    Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.
    WHERE
    Portions of northwest and west central Illinois, east central, northeast, and southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri.
    WHEN
    Until 6 AM CST Thursday.
    IMPACTS
    Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.
    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
    If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.

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Wake Up Tri-Counties William Ornelas Talks History and Gives Tour of Holiday Yard Display

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William Ornelas has transformed his yard, located at 918 East Prospect, into a dazzling holiday spectacle featuring over 100,000 lights, handmade displays, and a towering 30-foot inflatable. What began as a family tradition inspired by his mother has grown over a decade, now drawing crowds eager to snap pictures with the homemade cutouts and enjoy the festive treats handed out once a year during the park’s lighting night—including cookies, popcorn, and candy canes. Ornelas repurposes old materials for many of his decorations and continues to expand each season. He encourages neighbors to join in on the decorating spirit, hoping to see even more lights brighten every holiday.

What began as a few twinkling bulbs for his children has evolved into a neighborhood spectacle, with an archway boasting more than 32,000 lights and a towering 30-foot blow-up Clark Griswold. Hand-painted cutouts, a mega tree adorned with nearly 30,000 lights, and cherished family keepsakes fill the display. Clever organization and labeling mean it now takes just four to five weekends to set up. With careful organization and creative repurposing, William plans to keep shining for years to come.

Enjoy the pictures below, taken by Jennifer Russell, William Ornelas, and Bird’s Eye View Aerial Services.

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