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The State Journal-Register

partner publisher · 14.3K followers
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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.

Carlinville, IL · 3d

mchenrycountyblog.com

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Pritzker DCFS in Trouble Again

The State Department that is in continual trouble faces another Contempt of Court decision:. DCFS Found in Contempt of Court Amid Continued Questions Over Agency Oversight. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is facing renewed scrutiny after a Sangamon County judge found the agency in contempt of court for failing to comply with an order requiring the release of public records related to the death of a young woman in foster care.

Illinois · 1d
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capitolcitynow.com

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Springfield could have a place for you to rehab

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – You don’t need to be in the hospital anymore, but you are not ready to go home. That is where the Rehabilitation Institute of Springfield would come in, if it’s built on the city’s west side. “They are seeking (state)...

Springfield, IL · 3d
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POLITICO

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Can Springfield get to the end zone?

Good Tuesday morning, Illinois. The election is over. The politics, not so much. TOP TALKER BEARS BEAT : The Chicago Bears are heading back to the negotiating table in Springfield, and lawmakers say they want to get a stadium deal done before the end of the year — even as the battle to replace House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch begins to take shape. Agenda item: The Bears legislation is expected to be a major focus when lawmakers return to Springfield for veto session next week. The challenge will be finding a compromise that keeps the team in Illinois without putting taxpayers on the hook, while navigating competing interests between Chicago and the suburbs. State Sen. Bill Cunningham , the Democrat who has been central to the stadium negotiations, said discussions during the legislative break have increasingly centered on a stadium-authority model that would allow a municipality to build a privately financed, publicly owned stadium. “There seems to be a settling on this , trying to move forward with the stadium authority model,” Cunningham said during a legislative briefing with your Playbook host, and presented by Lincoln Forum and the Union League Club of Chicago State and Local Government Subcommittee. Some

Chicago, IL · 1d

capitolcitynow.com

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Woo Hoo! ‘Simpsons’ writers to talk Saturday in Springfield — yes, THIS Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – “Is Springfield America?” The answer could be found this Saturday, in this Springfield, thanks to three of the writers of “The Simpsons” — one of whom is a presidential candidate. Writers Bill Odenkirk, Josh Weinstein, and Dan Greaney...

Springfield, IL · 19h

The State Journal-Register

partner publisher · 14.3K followers

Springfield restaurants offer free Veterans Day meals

SPRINGFIELD, IL – To thank veterans for their service, local and national chains are giving veterans and active-duty persons a chance to score free meals and deals this Veterans Day. Veterans Day ties back to World War I. To commemorate Armistice Day between Germany and the Allies on Nov. 11, 1918, soldiers who fought overseas coming home weren’t recognized for their service through a national holiday until decades later. In 1938 Armistice Day became a federal holiday, before shifting names to better encompass all veterans in 1954. Over a century since the first war ended, veterans who served or served in conflicts in Korea to the Middle East, and anywhere in between can be recognized and treated in Springfield at these chain locations Nov. 11. More: UIS set to honor veterans with ceremony, open house Veterans Day meal deals Applebee’s Where: 2554 Sunrise Drive, Springfield Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Promotions: Applebee's is offering veterans, active-duty military, reservists and National Guard members a free full-size entrée from a special menu on Nov. 11, according to a news release emailed to USA TODAY. The offer is dine-in only, and proof of military service is required. Buffalo Wild Wings Where: 2808

Springfield, IL · 1d

taylorvilledailynews.com

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Bob Ridings Pana to Host Veterans Day Cookout Saturday

Bob Ridings Pana is inviting local veterans and their families to its annual Veterans Day cookout. The free event is set for this Saturday on the dealership’s grounds at 8 North Locust Street. It’s expected to begin at 10 a.m. and last well into the afternoon, but the food is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. General Manager Bryan Booth is leading the charge in organizing the event. Speaking on the WTIM Morning Show, he says there are also giveaways geared towards those who have served.

Taylorville, IL · 20h

Yahoo!

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Memorial Health looks to expand Springfield presence with new rehab facility

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Springfield may see some healthcare changes with a proposed rehab center. It would be located in a current farm field at the corner of Milby Lane and Alex Boulevard. The 60-bed rehab center would treat patients recovering from brain injuries, fractures and other medical issues. It will cost just over $66 million to build.

Springfield, IL · 1d

edglentoday.com

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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.

Illinois · 1d

timestribunenews.com

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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...

Madison County, IL · 1d

newschannel20.com

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New greenhouse opens at Enos Part Neighborhood Gardens

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) - After three years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the greenhouse at Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens is open. The community held a grand opening for the new 240-square-foot greenhouse Tuesday morning. Funding for the greenhouse came through grants and donations, including grants from Aetna, Brandt Foundation, Community...

Springfield, IL · 22h

Breeze-Courier

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Pana Electoral Board sustains objection to Katie McKenna’s candidacy

PANA — The City of Pana Official’s Electoral Board held a meeting on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. to hear and pass upon the case of Chad Coleman v. Katie McKenna. Chad Coleman, Butch Hocq, and Katie McKenna all filed the necessary paperwork to run for Ward 1 Alderman in the upcoming spring municipal election. Chad Coleman filed an objection to Katie McKenna's nomination papers. Under 65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-5 of the Illinois Municipal Code, the statute sets forth statutory qualifications and disqualifications for holding elected municipal office. The statute states a person cannot hold or take the oath of office if, at the time, they have been convicted of a felony.

Pana, IL · 2d

My Journal Courier

partner publisher · 8.4K followers

Franklin Elementary student competition raises money for military care packages

Franklin Elementary students are collecting change and candy to help send military care packages overseas for Veterans Day.

Franklin, IL · 1d

taylorvilledailynews.com

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Mayor Bruce Barry Discusses Various Projects Throughout Community

Outdoor dining could be coming to downtown Taylorville if the City Council can create a program for the new business to take advantage of. Mayor Barry told the Hart Media Group that there is a downtown business interested in leasing two parking spots for outdoor dining, and he hopes to see the Council establish a leasing program.

Taylorville, IL · 2d

Breeze-Courier

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Council honors Chief Bland, moves projects forward, and questions scoring system

PANA — The Pana City Council held its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Nathan Pastor called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., with all aldermen present except Alderman Tim Eddy. Before getting to topics listed on the agenda, Pastor recognized the large audience in attendance to honor Pana Fire Chief Rod Bland. Chief Bland recently received the 2026 Responder of the Year Award from the Taylorville Optimist Club, in partnership with the 1st United Methodist Church of Taylorville.

Pana, IL · 1d

WCIA

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IL Secretary of State’s Office hosts Veterans Day celebration

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office honored veterans a little early this year by bringing a variety of services to them. The Secretary of State’ Office hosted a Veteran’s Day celebration in Springfield on Monday. The office provided multiple services, including DMV services, to support military families and give them the resources they need.

Springfield, IL · 1d

taylorvilledailynews.com

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Taylorville School Board To Discuss Campus Maintenance And Staffing

Campus maintenance will be the highlight of tonight’s Taylorville Board of Education meeting. The Board will take up the approval of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City to being construction on new tennis courts at Taylorville High School. The Hart Media Group spoke with Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry about this last week. https://www.taylorvilledailynews.com/mayor-bruce-barry-discusses-various-projects-throughout-community/

Taylorville, IL · 1d

Breeze-Courier

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LLCC honors veterans at 31st annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will honor veterans at its 31st annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, and a reception will follow. The public is invited to attend. The...

Springfield, IL · 1d

taylorvilledailynews.com

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Taylorville School Board Presented Plans For New Tennis Courts

Plans for new tennis courts at Taylorville High School were presented during a lengthy Taylorville Board of Education Meeting on Monday night. Dr. Terry Cunnington provided board members with copies of the plans by Benton Engineering and stated that they are working to secure the grant from the US Tennis Association and have passed the technical review.

Taylorville, IL · 1d

The State Journal-Register

partner publisher · 14.3K followers

City blames technological error for speaker snafu at meeting

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- The city of Springfield acknowledged Nov. 5 that a computer error kept two persons, including a community activist and advocate, off the speaker list at the Nov. 4 city council meeting. The organization headed by Tiara Standage wasn't buying the city's explanation, releasing its own statement Nov. 6. Standage said while she received an error message from the city clerk's office about it sending a confirmation email after attempting to sign up almost a week in advance of the meeting, she contacted the office by phone and said she received a verbal confirmation that she was on the speaker's list. More: Chaotic scene after activist isn't allowed to speak at city council All of the members of The PURPLE (People United to Reform Power, Liberty and Equity) Coalition who signed up to speak online received the same error message as Standage. They also called into the clerk's office and got individual confirmations. Standage was the only member of the coalition not allowed to speak. Standage, who has her own history SPD administration, insisted after the meeting she was being singled out because she was going to publicly call for the resignation of Springfield Police Department Lt. Charles

Springfield, IL · 2d