Batchtown News

By Editor | May 13, 2026 |

Happy Mother’s Day. Many of us are thinking about our mothers, and many of us are mothers, and grandmothers Thank God for Mothers!
The month of May began with heavy rains, and the Illinois, and Mississippi Rivers nearing flood stage. The river is high but not over the road at Hardin. The farmers, and orchard growers are busy planting their crops, gardens, and getting the orchards ready. Butch Friedel has several varieties, and colors of flowering plants in Batchtown for sale.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 Hunter Thornton of Bethalto married Holly Baalman of Hardin at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Hardin with Father Don Roberts officiating. The reception and dance followed at the K.C. Hall in Hardin. Hunter’s parents are: T.J., and Jamie Thornton, and Holly’s parents are Gary and Carrie Baalman. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Thornton.
The local artists are getting ready for the Music In The Park event that is being held Friday, June 5th.at the Brussels Heritage Park.
Arabella Pohlman, infant daughter of Damian and Courtney Pohlman was baptized at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church on Sunday morning, May 3, 2026. By Father Don Roberts. The Grandparents are Brett and Sue Pohlman, and Marty and Tammy Holland. After the Baptism the family gathered together at the Il. Riverdock Restaurant for dinner together and to visit on this special day. Congratulations to baby Arabella Rose, and to her family.
Lindy and Martha Bick visited Lindy’s sister Shirleen and her daughters Dana, and Anna at their home in Lebanon, Ill. They took some Turtle Soup from the recent Turtle Soup Supper at St. Barbara’s Church. They all enjoyed the visit. Shirleen was glad to get the soup.
Tara Baalman and Ryan Grainer were married at the Hartland Lodge in Nebo. Tara was a waitress at the Hardin Drive Inn, a few years ago. That’s how Tara and Bette met and worked together. Ryan is a Driver’s Ed. Teacher at Calhoun High School. Bette and son Nick attended the reception. The happy couple plan to live in Carrollton, Il. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Grainer..
Kenny and Bette Eilerman have been picking Asparagus and taking it to sell to a buyer in Alton. Butch Friedel and family are planting tomatoes and other crops. They have some beautiful flowers for sale at the Friedel Store in Batchtown.
Bernie and Robin Hillen had company from California visiting this week. They visited the family and saw the sights in Calhoun County.
The members of St. Joseph’s are getting ready for their annual picnic. They are going to be cooking chickens on May 16, beginning at 6:30 a.m.
The Cornerstone Church has their Sunday Service at 10:45 a.m., Bible Service is every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
Irene Wallendorf celebrated Mother’s Day at her home with all of her family on Mother’s Day. A wonderful dinner and visit followed, and pretty flowers made the day complete. Linda Russell heard from her kids on Mother’s Day. They all came up during the week and helped their Mom with yard work, and flowers
Dr. Jacob Maag has Veterinarian Services from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the American Legion Hall in Batchtown. Everyone is welcome.
Beginning June 1, through August a Grief Support Group will be offered by Angie Goode at St. Norbert’s School at 401 Vineyard St., Hardin, Il. Contact Angie Goode through Facebook Messenger at 615-535-4435 for more details.
As advertised the St. Mary’s School Golf Tournament in Brussels is being held at the Rolling Hills Golf Tournament on May 31. The location is Rolling Hills Golf Course 5801 Cierce Ln., Godfrey, Ill. 18 Holes, 4-person Scramble, Registration begins at 12:00 p.m. with the sound of a shot gun at 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st., 2nd, and 3rd., place finishers. The number of entries will determine the amount of prize money awarded. $300.00 per team includes green fees, food, cart, drink, and chance to win additional prizes. All proceeds go to Benefit St. Mary’s School, 105 E. Main St, Brussels, Il. 62013.Make check payable to St. Mary’s School. For more information or to register a team call or text Bryan Bonner at 618-946-0060.,or Sarah Bonner at 618-946-9601.
The 2026 Graduations will be here before you know it! The Calhoun High School Graduation is Friday, May 22, and the Brussels Graduation is Saturday, May 23.
St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry, and Clothing Store is open every Wed. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except the fifth Wed. of the month. All are welcome.
St. Vincent DePaul Society Helps with Rent, Utilities, Mortgage, GED, and Help with other Agencies. Call the volunteer hot line at 1-618-310-1141 for assistance.
Because A Small Bird Sang
Today I heard a small bird sing …
He had no thought of gain;
He sang though all the world was gray
And wet with falling rain.
He little cared how dark the sky…
Hissong went forth to cheer;
He only knew he loved to sing
In spite of day or year…
And so his caroling flowed on;
The fields and forests rang
With cadences of joy and peace…
Because one small bird sang,
– Eleanor Fiock