Two teenage boys were transported to the hospital after they were rescued by friends and bystanders from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion Monday evening.

The Beach Park Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:15 p.m. Monday to Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Drive in unincorporated Zion, for a report of a water rescue.

911 callers reported two people in Lake Michigan struggling approximately 100 yards from shore.

Beach Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Thomas Hopkins said crews arrived and learned two teenage males had been in distress in the water.

They were rescued by friends and bystanders and were on shore when emergency crews arrived.

A significant response was initially dispatched but was downgraded after it was determined that no one was still in need of rescue, Hopkins said.

The incident happened at the main beach while the victims were swimming with their friends.

Hopkins said paramedics provided medical care to both of the victims and transported them to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.

One of the victims, who was doing worse than the other, seemed to improve by the time the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Hopkins said.

Both were awake and talking. Their exact conditions were not known but they were both expected to survive.

Hopkins said visitors at the state park should be cautious and aware. The state provides life preservers at the beach for patrons to use.

Hopkins also said that the state has made safety improvements but Lake Michigan still can be “very dangerous.”

The Zion Fire/Rescue Department assisted the Beach Park Fire Department during the incident.

Editor’s note: This article discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence or an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or visit www.thehotline.org. Callers can remain anonymous.

Two teenagers have been taken into custody following a shooting spree targeting a family in southern Illinois that left five people dead and two others wounded, authorities said.

The 15- and 16-year-old suspects were arrested on July 12 at Frank Holten State Park, a recreation area near the city of East St. Louis, according to the Illinois State Police. The suspects were apprehended after state police officers executed a precision immobilization technique, or PIT, maneuver on a vehicle that one of the suspects was driving.

During a brief news conference, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said the shootings unfolded at three locations within a few miles of one another and targeted members of the same family.

“At least seven members of the targeted family were shot at multiple locations in the East St. Louis area, and as of right now, five victims have been confirmed deceased,” Kelly said, adding that the two other victims were seriously injured.

At least one of the suspects is related to the victims, according to Kelly. State police declined to provide further details on the suspects and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Kelly noted that state police are working with the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and will seek charges against the suspects. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

East St. Louis is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, and has a population of nearly 18,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city is located across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis.

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Victims slain in shooting spree identified

State police identified the five people killed as Cherie L. May, 49; Devin D. May, 24; Patricia A. May, 74; Quentin L. Thompson, 21; and Shania W. Thompson, 25.

One victim was killed near North 39th Street and Summit Avenue, three were killed at the Samuel Gompers Homes, and another died at Jones Park, according to Kelly.

The two other victims were wounded at Jones Park and survived, Kelly said. They sustained serious injuries and were being treated at a hospital in St. Louis.

“These alleged acts of horrific violence, taking this number of lives, here in this community it’s terrible. It’s evil, but it will not keep this city down,” Kelly said.

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Latest domestic-related shooting

The incident in East St. Louis is the latest domestic-related shooting to occur in the United States in recent months.

A man killed four people, including his parents, brother, and his brother’s girlfriend, in a shooting at the family’s home in suburban Detroit before surrendering to police on June 9, authorities said. At the time, police said the suspect had a “contentious relationship” with his parents.

Illinois is full of small towns where the downtown square still serves as the heart of the community. Many are centered on a historic courthouse and ringed by brick buildings, local shops, and cafes. Festivals and farmers’ markets still fill these gathering spaces through the year. The squares feel personal and walkable, keeping an unhurried rhythm that makes them easy to explore. Each one has its own personality shaped by history and local culture.

Galena

This town is one of the best-known towns in Illinois, known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown and dramatic hillside setting. With a population of just a few thousand, the entire town feels like a historic postcard, especially along Main Street, where brick buildings, antique shops, and locally owned boutiques line the steep, walkable streets. The architecture is remarkable and among the best preserved in the Midwest, giving the town a timeless, almost cinematic atmosphere.

Visitors can spend hours exploring the downtown shops, tasting local food, and learning about history at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Site. Scenic overlooks above the town offer wide views of the river valley, and seasonal events like holiday walks and fall festivals make the square feel even more alive. Galena is especially popular for weekend trips because it combines history, scenery, and a strong small-town identity that makes individuals feel at home.

Woodstock

This town is a classic courthouse-square place with strong Victorian-era character and a lively downtown centered around its historic square. The centerpiece is the Woodstock Opera House and the surrounding courthouse square, which has remained visually consistent for over a century. The town is also famous as the filming location for the movie “Groundhog Day,” which adds a unique cultural layer to the experience.

Things to do in Woodstock include walking the squares’ boutique shops and cafes, visiting the Opera House for unique and entertaining performances, and exploring the filming locations scattered around downtown. The town also hosts farmers’ markets, festivals, and seasonal events that keep the square active year-round. It feels both historic and lively, making it one of the most balanced small-town downtowns in Illinois.

Petersburg

This town is small and quiet, located in central Illinois, with a population of just a few thousand people. Its courthouse square is simple but handsome, surrounded by small shops, cafes, and antique stores that reflect its deeply local character. The pace here stays unhurried, and the town feels more like a preserved community hub than a tourist destination.

Visitors can explore the square, enjoy local diners, and browse antique shops, but the biggest draw is its connection to Abraham Lincoln’s history. Nearby New Salem State Historic Site lets visitors step into a recreated pioneer village where Lincoln once lived. The mix of calm downtown life and major historical significance gives Petersburg a unique and intriguing identity among Illinois towns.

Mount Carroll

This town is one of the most architecturally impressive towns in Illinois, with a downtown that feels like a preserved 1800s historic district. The entire square is surrounded by ornate brick buildings, giving it a rich, old-world environment. With a population of around 1,500, it is quiet, walkable, and deeply rooted in history.

Things to do include exploring antique shops, visiting local cafes, and walking the surrounding residential streets filled with historic homes. Unlike more commercialized towns, Mount Carroll feels peaceful and authentic, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy architecture, photography, and quiet exploration.

Princeton

This town offers a lively but still small courthouse square surrounded by antique stores, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. With a population of under 10,000, it serves as a hub for the surrounding farming communities, giving it a steady flow of local activity without losing its character. The downtown area is especially known for its welcoming, community-focused feel.

Visitors can shop in antique malls, dine in cozy and relaxing cafes, and attend seasonal festivals that often take over the square. Nearby attractions like the Red Covered Bridge add a scenic countryside element to the experience, making Princeton a mix of historic downtown appeal and rural Illinois beauty.

Clinton

This town has a traditional Midwestern courthouse square that feels clean, simple, and welcoming. Its center is a foundation surrounded by small businesses that serve both locals and visitors passing through central Illinois. With a population of 7,000, it maintains a close-knit community environment.

Things to do include walking around the square, visiting local shops and cafes, and exploring the DeWitt County Museum for a deeper look at the town’s history. Clinton is not heavily tourist-driven, which gives it an authentic everyday feel that reflects small-town Illinois life.

Dixon

This beautiful town has a scenic stretch of the Rock River and a downtown that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The square and surrounding streets include murals, shops, and cafes, while the riverfront adds a peaceful, open atmosphere. With a population of around 15,000, it is larger than some of the other towns but still retains a strong small-town identity.

Visitors can explore the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, walk along the riverfront parks, and browse downtown shops and restaurants. The combination of presidential history and river scenery makes Dixon stand out as both educational and visually appealing.

Edwardsville

This town has one of the most active and developed town squares on this list, while still maintaining a historic courthouse-centered layout. Located near the St. Louis metro area, it has a population of around 26,000 residents and serves as a regional hub with restaurants, cafes, and shops surrounding the square. Despite its growth, it still holds onto its small-town character through community events and preserved architecture.

Visitors can enjoy dining downtown, attending farmers’ markets, and walking through the courthouse square during festivals and concerts. The town also offers nearby trails and parks, making it a great mix of outdoor recreation and downtown appeal. Edwardsville shows how a town square can stay relevant while adapting to modern growth.

Where The Square Still Matters

Overall, these Illinois towns show just how diverse and meaningful small-town squares can be. Some feel frozen in time with preserved architecture and quiet streets, while others are active hubs of local life filled with entertaining events and commerce. What they all share is a strong sense of place, where the town square is not just a location, but the identity of the community itself.