City Administrator Laura Newman responds to “fictional” mean (and nice) tweets from social media.
And, introducing River, the Batavia Police Department Comfort Dog.
City Administrator Laura Newman introduces the project's main goal: improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists by converting four narrow lanes into two bi-directional lanes with a center turn lane.
City Engineer Rahat Bari outlines the implementation process, which involves repainting lane markings, and estimates completion by the end of October.
The project, primarily funded by a $1 million Illinois Transportation Efficiency Program grant, will run from Fabyan Parkway to Mooseheart Road, excluding a section of downtown.
While no official detours are planned, travelers should expect some delays.
Sergeant Langston from the Batavia Police Department educates viewers on properly using the new center turn lane and emphasizes the need for patience as everyone adjusts to the changes.
Officials stress that this project addresses long-standing community requests and recent safety incidents, aiming to create a safer Route 31 for all users.
"Batavia Street Stories with the Mayor" is a video series featuring Mayor Jeff Schielke exploring Batavia, Illinois' history. He discusses significant streets and landmarks, including Bellevue Place, Donovan Bridge, and streets named after notable figures like Johnny Ozier and Craig Sager. The series combines historical insights with personal anecdotes, showcasing Batavia's rich heritage.
Standing on the front lawn of Bellevue Place at 333 South Jefferson Street, it's important to recall its deep ties to the American Civil War; originally intended as a college, it became a sanatorium where women, including Mary Todd Lincoln in 1875, were treated for mental health issues following the war’s tragedies.
The Monsignor William J. Donovan Bridge in Batavia, rebuilt in 2006-2007 with significant federal funding secured by Congressman Dennis Hastert, stands as a symbol of the city's connection to Fermilab and a gift to its citizens.
Monsignor Donovan, a strong advocate for ecumenicalism, played a key role in establishing "Thursday school," a program allowing Batavia public school students to receive religious instruction at their chosen church during school hours.
Monsignor William J. Donovan, pastor of Holy Cross Church for 37 years, continued to reside in Batavia after retirement and became known for his daily walks through the town, tracing a cross-shaped route on the streets.
Monsignor Donovan's daily walks through Batavia served as an informal communication network, allowing him to discuss history with like-minded clergy and gather community news.
At the intersection of Sager Way and Stubble Road, we remember Sager's iconic moment in baseball history when he rushed onto the field to interview Hank Aaron after his record-breaking home run, forever capturing one of the sport's most celebrated events.
Ozier Street, named after Johnny Ozier, a former slave who escaped, joined the Union Army, and became a beloved handyman in Batavia known for his kindness and willingness to help others, stands as a tribute to his remarkable life and impact on the community.
In the late 1970s, as president of the Batavia Historical Society, Mayor Schielke proposed that new streets in Batavia be named after significant people, businesses, and clubs from the town's history, a suggestion enthusiastically supported and adopted by Alderman Bill Hamilton, leading to the tradition we follow today.
Alboroski Street in Batavia honors the late Police Chief John D. Alboroski, who was admired for keeping the town safe but tragically lost his life in 1940 while pursuing a speeder, making his name a fitting tribute despite its difficulty to spell or pronounce.
On December 7th, 1941, Francis Alboroski, who had joined the U.S. Navy after his father’s tragic death, was aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he perished alongside 1,176 sailors; his and his father's sacrifices make naming a Batavia street in their honor deeply fitting.
An old Batavia farmer recalled how Police Chief John D. Alboroski, who loved the area and often visited local farms, once predicted it would become one of the prettiest spots in Kane County, making it fitting to name a street in his honor.
The street named after Steve Lusted honors the long-serving and beloved Assistant Fire Chief of Batavia, who was dedicated to the community, managed the city's street numbering, and was always present in times of need, making it fitting that this street intersects with another named after a local hero.
These videos were captured and produced by Batavia High School & College Interns along with their mentor, Gary Ricke from Orbis Marketing.
They specialize in producing cost-effective, on-deadline, short, engaging vertical videos.
See more of their work at BataviaIL.co