Batchtown News

By Editor | July 6, 2026 |

Irene Wallendorf celebrated her birthday Tuesday, June 23 and was happy to see many members of her family, and friends at her home in Batchtown. All came to wish her a happy birthday, and to share a piece of birthday cake and ice cream with her. Irene’s 11 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, watched, and played ball at the Franke Ball park that evening. All had a good time at grandmother’s house. Many there attended both events. Irene, have a wonderful year.
The Fill Inn Station had a Father’s Day breakfast brunch last Sunday morning, June 21. There were many families who came in with their families for the delicious food on the buffet. There were too many to mention without leaving someone out. Everyone agreed it would be a good idea to do it again next year.
Birthday greetings to Eldon Johnes who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, July 1st. with his wife Christine, and their family. Have a wonderful year!
Gene and Paula Howell’s son Chase graduated from Jerseyville High School with high honors and is attending SIU Edwardsville, Il. Chase is going into the ROTC Marine Corp after college. You are on your way in a career in the fields of work that you are interested in. We wish you a successful journey.
Our condolences are extended to the family of Amy Kress. She is survived by her husband Adam Kress, and children, Olivia, and Logan, and stepchildren, Haylee, and Alyssa. The funeral was Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Gress, Kallal, Schaaf Funeral Home, with burial at St. Barbara’s Cemetery. Amy will be missed and not forgotten by all who knew her.
Linda Russell, Judy Lamer, and Marcy Klockenkemper went to a Concert at Liberty Village Monday, June 22nd to hear the Ignite Choir, a group of teenagers that sing at numerous places, and events in the Alton and surrounding area. The music is spiritual, and uplifting. Linda Russell’s granddaughters, Zoe and Sadie sing in the Choir. They are going to sing at the Jersey County Fair. Look for the day and time of the performance of the Ignite Choir at the Fair.
Megan Heffington played basketball with the Pittsfield Ladies League the Saukees They won the game. Good work ladies! She is the daughter of Mark and Rachel Heffington. They are both teachers in the Pittsfield School Dist.
Jim and Theresa Johnes of Batchtown attended the annual reunion of Valentine and Evelyn Klunk family. It was held Saturday at the Senior Citizen Center in Bethalto. The day was spent visiting, taking pictures, and enjoying a variety of delicious food that everyone brought.
The Brussels July 3 Celebration is being held at the Brussels Heritage Park. It is the 150th year Celebration with a parade, featuring the Magic of Joshua the Musician, face painting and caricature artists. Food will be available for purchase. The Band Highway 67 will play music. A card draw, and the 50-50 draw will be held before the fireworks that begins at dusk, after 9 p.m. Come and enjoy the July 3 events celebrating the 4 of July.
The Calhoun picnic season begins at St. Barbara’s Church the last Sat. and Sun, July 25 and 26. the following week on Sat. and Sun. Aug. 1 and 2 at St. Joseph Church in Meppen, followed by the Brussels picnic on Aug. 8 and 9. All have a great chicken dinner with all the trimmings. More details of the picnics will follow as the time draws near.
The Batchtown Cornerstone Church Sunday Service is at 10:45 a.m. The Bible Class is every Wed. at 9 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
The Batchtown Cornerstone Church is having a free Swim Day at the Calhoun Pool on July 24. Swimmers can swim from 12-5 p.m., and at 3 p.m. a Free Bag of School Supplies will be given to each student swimmer in school by the Batchtown Cornerstone Church members. Rev. Phil Grable is the pastor. It’s a generous gift for all the students.
The Calhoun Entertainment Company Jamboree will be July 19 at 2 p.m. at St. Anselm’s Hall in Kempsville.
The price of admission is $15. A good time will be provided by the Cryptkickers Band, the singers, the familiar songs, and the humor skits. Come and join in on the fun! Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Dr Jacob Maag is the Veterinarian at the Batchtown Clinic at the American Legion Building. His office hours every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Dr. Maag can also be located at his Grafton Veterinarian site at 618-7864883, text grafton [email protected]. Everyone is welcome.
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A friend
Every person needs a friend,
One who will always be there
In times of joy and times of woe
With a touch of tender care.
A friend to walk along besides us
A friend who always dries our tears,
A friend who faithfully will guide us.
A friend who calms our stress and fears.
We are often weak and weary,
Heavy burdens come our way,
And Jesus is the perfect friend,
He s our refuge every day.
Our Master and our blessed Savior –
He listens to our earnest prayer.
O, what a friend we have in Jesus
Our perfect friend is always there.
– Edna Massimilla