Batavia getting cash to make sidewalks safer
Batavia is in line to get a $250,000 federal grant for sidewalk construction and repairs.
Illinois schools will get $8.3 million for the national "Safe Routes to School" program, the governor's office announced last week. States and towns do not need to match the funds.
Other towns plan to use the money to fix sidewalks and curbs, construct walking and biking paths, improving traffic signals and crossing guard training.
The program is designed to encourage safety and healthy lifestyles for students.
Run Batavia: If cabin fever is setting in, at least now you can sign up for several outdoor events this spring.
Registration is open for Batavia's Fox Trot 5K run/walk.
The Batavia Mothers Club sponsors the run, which will be along the Fox River bicycle trail on April 27.
In addition to the adult runs, there will be several youth runs and jogs. Entry costs $20 for adults and $8 for children before April 20. After that, it's $25 for adults and $10 for children.
The entry fee includes a T-shirt. There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers.
Runners and walkers can register online at signmeup.com/58938.
The run will benefit Batavia schools and educational opportunities for local families.
Outdoor family day: Later the same day in Batavia, Fermilab will hold a Family Outdoor Activity Fair.
Families can see a display of birds of prey, a demonstration of how to look for life in a log and catch bugs.
They will also get a chance to see Fermilab's buffalo herd.
The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the lab's Lederman Science Center.
The event is free, but space is limited. To register, contact Nancy Lanning at (630) 840-5588 or send an e-mail to edreg@fnal.gov.
Easter egg hunt: The Batavia Park District and Batavia Lions Club will have an Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 to 8 on Saturday.
Children should be at Prairie Path Park, 813 Mark Twain Trail, at 9:45 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for pictures and to hand out treats.
There is no cost, but families are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry.
Parking spaces are limited, but parking will also be available at Rotolo Middle School.
Park award: The Batavia Park District was named a "Distinguished Agency" by two state park groups at a convention last month.
The honor puts the park district in the top 10 percent of recreation groups in the state.
The park district was rated on general management, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services and legal.
The district also received a "Best in Show" award for its marketing efforts.