Batchtown News

By Editor | December 29, 2025 |

The snow is still with us. The weekend is still snowy, but the warmer afternoons are melting the snow. The weather forecast indicates that snow flurries and light rain may be in the evening forecast, making for a possibly hazardous Sunday. All we can say is that it’s wintertime anything is possible.
The Batchtown Christmas lights are beautiful in the park and throughout Batchtown. We also enjoy the Christmas lights at the homes in Batchtown and throughout the Countryside. One of these homes is the home of the family of Jana Sievers. After leaving Batchtown watch and turn up Turner Hollow Road, also called Candy Cane Lane, follow the road and go past the beautifully decorated home of Jana Sievers and her family who have decorated again this year in celebration of Christmas. A Christmas project that the family enjoy, and one that has a special meaning this time of the year. They remember Tony Sievers and how he enjoyed decorating their home as they are again this year.
We remind everyone that Santa Claus is coming to Batchtown Sunday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. He will arrive at the Town Building on Main St. Be sure to tell everyone, especially the little boys and girls that Santa is coming to hear their requests, and to bring them something for Christmas.
The Batchtown Altar Society had their annual Christmas Party at the Fill Inn Station Sunday, Dec.7 at 5 p.m. There was a nice crowd. A delicious meal of roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, slaw, rolls, pie, and coffee, or tea were served and enjoyed. Special recognition was given to our parish priest, Father Roberts, Deacon Hagen, altar boys, and girls, lectors, organists, and readers. A lighthearted time to visit with each other and games of bingo were played and enjoyed by all. Donations of canned goods, and personal items were collected for the pantry.
The Batchtown Woman’s Club will make the Fruit Baskets with cookies for the shut-ins, and families who have lost a loved one this coming Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Fill Inn Station Restaurant at 9:30 a.m. followed by a breakfast brunch together. Members will then deliver them.
St. Ansem’s Church in Kampsville continues to collect mittens for the Mitten Tree. Help our neighbors by donating mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats to be placed on the Mitten Tree. Everyone is welcome to participate in this mission to keep everyone warm this winter
Linda Russell, and Marcy Klockenkemper went to Jerseyville on Thursday, and did some of our early Christmas shopping, and other household supplies.
David and Rachel Bick had a two-week visit from Rachel’s father, Scott Morgan, from Kenei, Alaska. He was a salmon fisherman, and is retired, and still enjoys fishing. While visiting, the family attended football games and watched the Calhoun Warriors play. Grandson Levi plays football at the Calhoun Junior High, and this season is over for the year. Granddaughter Claire’s grade school basketball team had a game with Brussels and her grandfather attended. The family enjoyed Grandfather’s visit.
Marcy Klockenkemper called Paula Zimmerman who celebrated her birthday on Dec. 3.at her home in Fayetteville, N.C. Sat. Paula and daughters enjoyed her birthday by going out to eat at Paula’s favorite place. Happy birthday Paula, have a wonderful year.
Dr. Jacob Maag’s Veterinarian Service is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the American Legion Building in Batchtown.
The 8 a.m. Sunday Catholic Mass Service is at St. Joseph’s in Meppen for the next six months. Daily mass at St. Barbara’s in Batchtown is Saturday morning at 8 p.m. The daily mass schedule in Meppen is Tuesday evening at 6 p.m.
St. Anselm’s Game night Saturday night had a good crowd. Some that were there are: Linda Russell, Bonnie Stepanek, Cindy Mezorus, Melissa Presley, Amanda Johnson, Martha Bick Barb Bick, and Janet Droege.
The Christmas Mass Schedule is as follows: Dec. 24, 4 p.m. St. Mary’s Brussels, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. at St. Anselm’s Kampsville, Dec.24, Midnight at St. Joseph’s Meppen, Dec. 25, 8 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Batchtown, Dec. 9:30 a.m. at St. Norbert’s Hardin. Everyone is welcome.
The Cornerstone Church in Batchtown Christmas Eve Eve Service is Dec. 23 at the church at 5 p.m. Refreshments will follow. Everyone is welcome.
The Cornerstone Church has Sunday services at 10:45 a.m., and Bible Class on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Gina Rose attended a vendor show in Carlinville, Saturday, Dec. 6. It attracted many vendors from the area and had a large crowd shopping for that perfect Christmas gift.
Calhoun Elementary Junior High won the Regionals at Greenfield and are going to play at Assumption, Ill to play in the Sectionals on Dec 10. Robin Hillen attended the Regional Game at Greenfield, Ill. Her granddaughters, Franci, Reese, and Jocie are on the Calhoun team. Good luck team!
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A Winter Night
Outside my window this wintry night
A vague moon yields its waning light
On rooftops laden with blankets of snow,
While out of the northeast, cold winds blow.
Dark trees are etched on the midnight sky,
With cloud ships slowly drifting by
That empty their cargoes into the air
And sail away to anywhere.
– Kenneth A Kem