Batchtown News

By Editor | December 2, 2025 |

The Calhoun Warriors played Brown County at Calhoun High School. Sat. 11-22-25. Calhoun played a good game and was defeated with a score of 14-13. We are all proud of the Calhoun Warriors. Good job team! It was a wonderful season!
Thanksgiving Day is this Thursday, Nov. 27. It’s our Thanksgiving tradition. Many of us will be with our families. It’s a time to be thankful for the blessings of our families, our good fortune, and all that God gives us. We also have a feeling of gratitude for what we have received and a desire to help our neighbors by giving them food, and a good dinner for Thanksgiving Day.
It’s currently hunting season for deer. They are plentiful in the rolling hills, and wooded pastures. The ducks and wild game are also a part of the county which is nestled between two rivers, the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The Fill Inn Station Restaurant, the Batchtown Tavern, and Friedels Store that sells garden items and orchard produce (available in the growing and harvesting times of the year) are some of the local businesses in our community.
Hunters are busy, and sight seers are still looking at the Fall foliage still visible on the trees but now fading as time gets closer to winter. Many of our Calhoun residents are hunters, gardeners, farmers and orchard growers. The Farmer’s Market is a meeting place where the growers and the shoppers meet. Several roadside markets are available throughout Calhoun County.
An Appreciation Supper for the volunteers of the St. Vincent DePaul Society was held Monday evening, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hardin. A delicious meal of fried chicken beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, slaw, corn, green beans, and roll, and choice of delicious dessert was on the menu. Everyone enjoyed the meal. It was followed by the introduction of the new officers of St. Vincent DePaul. Brad Vacca former President introduced Bernie Wallendorf as the new president, and Kenny Friedel as the Second Vice President, and the new Treasurer, ElaineTitus. Kathy Rogers will continue as Secretary, and Cindy Klocke, as First Vice President. Everyone welcomed the new officers, and the continuing officers, Robin Hillen, Terry Vacca, Clothing Manager. All enjoyed the evening.
The Batchtown Woman’s Club met for their monthly meeting at the Batchtown Fill Inn Station Wednesday, Nov.19, at 6:30 p.m. The members present were Jean Tepen, Karen Friedel, Robin Hillen, Marilyn Klockenkemper, Barb Margherio, Sharon Friedel, Elaine Titus, and Marcy Klockenkemper. The ladies discussed and agreed to go to the Town Park for the lighting of the Christmas Scene, and the Town lights on Friday evening, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving. The Christmas Fruit basket with cookies for the shut-ins will be made at the Fill Inn Station on Sat. Dec.13. After making the Fruit Baskets, the members will enjoy a Christmas brunch together and then deliver the baskets to the homes.
The monthly meeting of the St. Vincent DePaul Society was held Thursday, Nov. 20, at the facility. President Bernie Wallendorf conducted the meeting. The St. Vincent DePaul fund raiser on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, and the Appreciation Meeting for Volunteers were reviewed. Everyone felt that all was going well and thanked everyone for the success of the event. They continue to thank everyone in the community for their generous donations, and all the volunteers for assisting the St. Vincent DePaul Society. They look forward to helping our neighbors in the Calhoun Community with all their needs.
. Thanksgiving Weather Folklore. From the Farmer’s Almanac: Turkeys perched on trees and refusing to descend indicates snow. If the first snow sticks to the trees, it foretells a bountiful harvest in the coming year. If sheep feed facing downhill, watch for a snowstorm Thunder in November indicates a fertile year to come. If there is ice in November that will bear a duck, there will be nothing thereafter but sleet and muck. It is November 21st, so it’s winter. When winter is early, it will not be late.
Aiden Eilerman celebrated his 10th birthdays, Nov. 16, at home with Mom and Dad, Greg and Lauren Eilerman, and siblings, Abbott, and Asher, and Addi. Happy birthday Aiden!
Connor Lumpkin celebrated his 8th birthday at home with Mom, Dad, Bryant and Lisa Pumpkin, and siblings, Madison, and Carter. They had a delicious meal, and birthday cake. Happy birthday Connor! Have a happy year.
Paige Pohlman celebrated her 19 birthdays with her parents, David and Elaine Pohlman, and brother Treavor on Sunday, Nov. 16. with chicken and fish supper at Kinder’s Restaurant. Paige has a lot of artistic talent. She is studying Art at Calhoun High School, and has had several pictures on display at school, and at the Art in The Park Show in the last two years. She showed me one of her latest charcoal drawings that she had with her. Keep up the good work Paige. Happy birthday and have a fun year.
Hellen Sievers enjoyed the play “Arsenic and Old Lace” Friday evening. that was produced by the Calhoun Entertainment Co. Friday evening.
David and Janet Droege enjoyed the musical, Sat. evening. It had high reviews! They said it was a delight, and very funny.
Alexis Klocke, daughter of Brad and Cindy Klocke of Batchtown, and A.J. Hillen, son of John and Sue Hillen, were married on Saturday, Nov. 19, at the McCully Heritage Project in Kampsville, with a wedding reception and dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hardin. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs.A.J. Hillen.
Roy and Hellen Sievers arrived home after a visit to Phil and Kelly Sievers in Florida. They had a wonderful visit with grandchildren, Eli and Allie and their new great grandchildren, twins, Gwen, and Casey. They had a wonderful visit and hope to see them often!
The Cornerstone Church has Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m., and Bible Class every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
The DIY Tree Wreath Workshop is being held Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Rastello Room at 1 p.m. You will leave with a beautiful wreath. All materials will be provided. Come and have a fun and joyful time making your wreath. Bring your own drinks. Light snacks will be provided. Only 50 tickets are available. Each ticket is $10.00. Make your reservations now to make your wreath.
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Thanksgiving Poem
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway_
Thanksgiving comes again!
– Author Unknown