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.

Alton man faces charges after allegedly strangling 2-year-old boy over mess

26-year-old Alton man charged after he strangled 2-year-old son over juice box mess

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

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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

This Old-Fashioned Illinois River Ferry Still Carries Cars Across Two Rivers In Minutes

Eight minutes. That’s about how long it takes to drive your car onto a boat, float across a river, and roll off in another state. Better yet, nobody makes you stay buckled in. Once the boat pushes off, you can step out of your vehicle and stand on deck with the water sliding past.

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

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

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...

Byway Discovery Center Grand Opening

Granite City Man Detained After Alleged Battery Involving Shovel

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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.

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...

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...

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

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Instant Reaction: Auburn’s Gardner Reflects on Trojans Season and Loss to West Frankfort

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The Rock invites Edwardsville family to ‘Jumanji’ premiere

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SIUE women’s basketball rallies past Milwaukee

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Wine & Whiskey for the Watershed returns Nov. 12

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

Laine Curry, Mitton, Albertyn All Qualify In Two Events Each, Tigers Get All Three Relays To State Meet

EDWARDSVILLE – Laine Curry and Morgan Mitton qualified for two individual events each for Edwardsville, while freshman Alexi Albertyn qualified for two events for O’Fallon, as the Tigers won their 13th consecutive IHSA girls swimming sectional meet Saturday afternoon at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center. Edwardsville won the...

O’Fallon Freshman Alexi Albertyn Wins Two Sectional Swimming Titles

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