Annual squirrel bloodbath in Carlinville needs to stop | Opinion

Chicago has squirrels on the brain. Lincoln Park residents worry about a billionaire feeding luxury nuts to squirrels , but instead making for fat rats, while the intended recipients (so called rats with fluffy tails) gorge on macadamia nuts. Downstate squirrels have it much worse. Every winter Carlinville hosts a wildlife killing contest called “Squirrel Bowl.” But as of October, Carlinville has a new claim to fame as Hallmark has named it America’s “Merriest Christmas Town .” Hallmark celebrities descended on Carlinville for the surprise announcement. In addition to bragging rights, a Hallmark holiday movie will be filmed there in 2027. This will bring economic benefits to the region. However, it’s unlikely that Hallmark knew about the "Squirrel Bowl" when choosing Carlinville as “merriest.” More: Carlinville named Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town Carlinville’s annual wildlife killing contest occurs before Super Bowl. It began in 2016, growing significantly with hundreds of hunters entering. Competitors hunt in teams. Youth and adult hunters participate. Squirrel Bowl awards prizes in categories based on criteria including dead squirrel weight. Prize categories include “Big Fox Squirrel winner” and “Big Gray Squirrel winner” for youth and adult hunters. The event raises money for charity. Squirrel Bowl isn’t unique.

I-270 Mississippi River Bridge Completed

MADISON COUNTY — The Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation were joined by local leaders and industry partners today to cut the ribbon on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks twin bridges crossing the Mississippi River, the centerpiece of a combined $531.6 million investment to improve safety and mobility while creating jobs and economic opportunity along a critical freight and travel corridor. The bridges are the latest achievement made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is delivering billions of dollars in major projects across the state this fall.

Alton man faces multiple retail theft charges after October, November incidents

38-year-old Alton man charged in thefts from Walgreens, Farm and Home Supply, Kohl’s

Man charged in 2 cases after 5-hour East Alton standoff

After SWAT response in East Alton, man faces charges in two separate cases

Edison’s Entertainment Complex, The Outlet sold to new owners

“Being able to be a part of delivering joy and enjoyment” has been one of the most satisfying parts of owning Edison’s, founder Matt McSparin said.

Mizzou vs. SIU-Edwardsville basketball betting line, over/under and point spread

Mizzou basketball opens as more than a 25-point favorite vs. SIUE

The Unassuming Bar In Illinois That People Will Happily Drive Hours To Reach

There’s a yellow brick building on a corner in Alton, Illinois that doesn’t care about your expectations, and that’s precisely why Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is worth every mile of the drive. The outside tells you everything you need to know before you even touch the...

The Telegraph's Alton area headlines for Nov. 9 over past 100 years of history

Nov. 9 headlines include towboat pilots launch SOS for captain’s liver transplant in 1991

Semitrailer Overturns On Interstate 55 In Madison County

MADISON COUNTY – A truck-tractor semitrailer overturned along the right side of northbound Interstate 55 in Madison County on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, prompting a right-lane closure that ended about three hours later, according to preliminary information from Illinois State Police. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a...

Sealed bids sought by Dec. 4 for Madison County properties, mobile homes

By Tribune Staff • Madison County, as trustee, has completed its tax deed proceedings on real estate properties that were delinquent for 2022 and for mobile homes that were delinquent for 2023 and prior real estate taxes. The county, as trustee, will now offer for sale the real estate...

Bethalto Council Approves Additional Class F Liquor License and Riverbend Enterprise Zone Changes

Granite City Man Detained After Alleged Battery Involving Shovel

GRANITE CITY – A local man has been charged with allegedly using a shovel as a weapon in his third felony case of battery this year in Madison County. Brandon L. Williams, 30, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 30, 2026 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. Williams allegedly knowingly struck another individual on the head with a shovel without legal justification on Sept. 3, 2026.

Alton Committee of the Whole: Data Center Concerns, Tax Levy and Pebble Creek Bridge Funding

Alton residents raised concerns during public comment about a proposed data center at the former steel mill site, citing questions about environmental impacts, noise, electricity demand and the lack of long-term studies. Speakers urged officials to take more time and called for independent review. Council members discussed postponing a related item until the first meeting in December; the discussion does not establish that the data center was approved.

Haine announces 35-year sentence for woman convicted of murder in killing of associate

• Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Nov. 3 that a St. Louis woman has been convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a man in Granite City. Brittany D. Howard, 39, received the sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to first-degree murder...

Potters throw everything at Knights in second round

Only eight teams remain in each of the IHSA State Final football brackets and the Triad Knights are no longer one of them. Their matchup with the Morton Potters on Saturday, Nov. 7 proved to be too tall a task, as they were thrown into the kiln of a lopsided game.

Doc’s Smokehouse earns ‘Best of the Best’ barbecue honor

Doc’s Smokehouse and Catering earns its ninth “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” honor from Barbecue News in the past 10 years.

District 7 reviews 2027-28 calendar with earlier semester end, full spring break

“Our goal is for all of the students of District 7 to be performing at grade level,” Superintendent Allen Duncan said as the district reported plans to focus more heavily on math proficiency.

This Illinois City Park Becomes A Dazzling Christmas Wonderland With Millions Of Lights

Four million lights. That’s the number, and a group of retired volunteers called the Grandpa Gang puts them up by hand every single year. They start in September, long before most of us think about holiday decorations. By the day after Thanksgiving, a quiet city park in Illinois glows like a giant snow globe.

Wine & Whiskey for the Watershed returns Nov. 12

Proceeds support conservation, habitat restoration and environmental education at the Watershed Nature Center.