Batchtown News 2/6/25

By Editor | February 5, 2025 |

By Marcy Klockenkemper
618-396-2468

Spring thaw might be here. At least many of us are experiencing the ice and snow leaving with higher temperatures remaining in the forecast. A real plus for us with an icy walk to the car, or a lane to drive through to get to the main road. The days are getting longer too. The groundhog saw his shadow on Sunday, Feb. 2, so we are heading for Spring.

The Fill Inn Station will have a Steak special on Valentine’s Day Friday, Feb. 14. It will begin at 4 p.m.

Ernie and Robin Hillen travelled to the Cathedral in Springfield on Saturday to the Communion and Confirmation of grandchildren. They were Helen Hillen, daughter of Justin and Traci Hillen, her siblings attending were Abner, Franci, and Sylvie, The second grandchild was Roman, son of Luke, and Rochelle Hillen, His siblings are: Reese, Lennox, Leland, and Reign.

Sylvie Hillen celebrated with her parents Justin and Traci, and siblings: Abner, Franci Abner, Franci, and Helen. They enjoyed dinner and a birthday cake and enjoyed the day.

Andy and Jackie Baalman, and siblings: Mary and Lucy attended the First Communion and Conformation of their daughter Edie. Her siblings Mary and Lucy also attended. Lindy and Martha Bick, Katie, and Bob also attended.

Greg and Lauren Eilerman and son Aiden attended Aiden’s First Communion and Confirmation at the Cathedral in Springfield. Grandmother, Bette Eilerman, and Uncle Nick Eilerman also attended.

Jeremy and Andrea Pohlman, parents of Lauren Pohlman attended her First Communion and Confirmation at the Cathedral in Springfield Saturday. Grandmother, Joyce Simon attended, and was her sponsor.

Eden Hillen celebrated her 15th birthday, Sunday, Feb. 2 . She is the daughter of Travis and Alison Hillen, and the sister of Mia, Ava, and Bennett Hillen.

The grandparents are Bernie and Robin Hillen. They enjoyed visiting, good food, and birthday cake together. Happy birthday Eden, have a wonderful year.

Michael Siemer celebrated his 50th birthday Saturday evening at the Fill Inn Station Restaurant. The family attending was Santina Siemer, Kaylee Siemer, Mikey Siemer, Bella, Nick Siemer, Larry Siemer, Louise Siemer, John and Amber Mager, and kids. We wish you a happy birthday, Michael, and a wonderful year.

Braxton Giberson, and Skylar King attended a Believe National Talent Competition in Collinsville Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1 and 2. Parents Collin and Lauren King, and grandmother, Sarah Heffington attended the event.

The Scholastic Bowl was held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Brussels. The match was between Pittsfield High School and Brussels High School. The Junior Varsity score was Pittsfield 170 to Brussels 40. The Varsity score was Pittsfield 290 to Brussels 100. Andrew Heffington is the captain of the Varsity Team at Pittsfield High, where he is a student.

The Calhoun County Koinonia Weekend Retreat is March 7-9, at St. Joseph Hall, Meppen, Ill. If you would like to attend the retreat, or have questions contact Eric Klaas at 618-946-4330. [email protected] Sarah Sable 618-5356373, [email protected].

The St. Mary’s School Annual Benefit is Feb. 15-16.

The St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry and Clothing Store is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. except for the fifth Wednesday of the month.

The St. Vincent DePaul helps with Rent, Utilities, Mortgage, GED and help with other agencies. Call the volunteer hot-line at 1-618-310-1141 for assistance.

Give Us Daily Awareness

On life’s busy thoroughfares

We meet with angels unaware.

So, Father, make us kind and wise

So, we may always

The blessings that are ours to make.

The friendships that are ours to make

If we but open our heart’s door wide

To let the sunshine of love inside.

Helen Steiner Rice

Posted in Correspondence