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Boys charged with felonies after Prophetstown fire

PROPHETSTOWN — Two boys are facing a series of felony charges after authorities say they set a fire that destroyed a swath of historic downtown Prophetstown.

The 12- and 16-year-old brothers are charged with arson and criminal damage in Whiteside County juvenile court. Monday’s fire destroyed eight buildings and damaged two others in the small northwestern Illinois community.

The two are visiting their father for the summer.

Investigators say they believe the boys set fire to a recycling bin behind a restaurant, which sparked the blaze. Many of the buildings that were destroyed were about 150 years old.

The younger boy was released to his family while the older boy is being held at a juvenile detention center in Galesburg.

Whiteside County State’s Attorney Trish Joyce says more charges could be filed.

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