Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How could the Thompson Farm plan reshape Batavia’s southeast side?

Coming up on the Batavia Patch calendar: Our 14th Annual Sing Along Messiah - Fox Valley Orchestra & Chorus

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Saturday December 20th Patch AM
Saturday December 20th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Batavia! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How could the Thompson Farm plan reshape Batavia’s southeast side?
  • What will Fermilab’s new director mean for Batavia’s future?
  • How did Batavia’s 46-0 win help shape a future Illini?

Also on today's calendar: Our 14th Annual Sing Along Messiah - Fox Valley Orchestra & Chorus and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Bataviafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Clearing and breezy, with a high of 41 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, temps: high: 33, low: 22.
  • Monday: Cloudy, with a high of 44 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• City of Batavia Plan Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals met December 17 (kanecountyreporter.com) — Batavia’s Plan Commission and Zoning Board just reviewed the large Thompson Farm planned development at Wenmoth Road and Fabyan Parkway, including major changes to the Comprehensive Plan and zoning map. The agenda covered new residential density ranges, public hearings on zoning amendments, and design review, all of which could significantly shape future housing and land use on the city’s southeast side.
   

• Norbert Holtkamp chosen as new Fermilab director (nctv17.org) — Fermilab in Batavia has named Norbert Holtkamp as its new director, starting January 12, 2026, bringing extensive particle-physics and big-project management experience. He plans to keep the lab a global neutrino leader and guide key upgrades like LBNF-DUNE, decisions that influence Batavia’s scientific profile, jobs, and long-term economic presence.
   

• ‘I want to bring the juice': Brother Rice's King Liggins signs with Illinois (shawlocal.com) — Batavia football gets a notable shoutout here as the team that shut out Brother Rice 46-0 in the playoffs during standout lineman King Liggins’ sophomore season. The story follows Liggins’ growth into a leader, his role in Brother Rice’s Class 7A state title run, and his early graduation to join the University of Illinois program.
   

📸 Around Batavia

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Batavia

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Batavia Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Batavia PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The weekend is here, and it’s time for some winter adventure ❄️
    Whether you're relaxing at home or exploring new places, let’s make the most of these next few days! (Nextdoor )
  • The Brave Truth About Grief That Stays For Years
    The brave truth is, if your grief has lasted for years, this is for you. Maybe the house looks “normal” again. Maybe other people stopped asking how… (Nextdoor Highlands)
  • Illinois Staffing posted a job opening for Shift Lead in Batavia. Apply here.
  • Chilli's posted a job opening for Food Runner - Batavia Chili's in Batavia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Batavia here.

🗞 Nearby News

Geneva

  • Christmas Tree Pickup Scheduled In Geneva: See When (patch.com)

St. Charles

  • St. Charles affirms compliance with Illinois TRUST Act amid community concerns over federal immigration actions (kanecountyreporter.com)
  • Here is the 2025 Kane County Chronicle boys soccer All-Area team (shawlocal.com)
  • Donnie Wahlberg Says His Bond with His Sons Helped Evolve His Boston Blue Role: 'It's the Most Wonderful Feeling' (Exclusive) (people.com)

Aurora

Ok Batavia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Batavia