News
City of Batavia Names Eric Blowers New Chief of Police
City Honors Retiring Chief Shawn Mazza after 26 years of service with BPDArmy Veteran Gary La Barbera Promoted to New Deputy Chief of OperationsBATAVIA, Ill. (Jan. 3, 2025) – City of Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke has appointed Deputy Chief of Operations Eric Blowers as the next Batavia Chief of Police. Schielke will administer the oath of office to Blowers at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, during the Batavia City Council meeting.Blowers’ appointment takes effect on January 14 following the retirement of Chief
Children, Gardening and Nature
Incorporating nature photography into homeschooling by April Duda Please join us for the first meeting of 2025, on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:45 p.m. at the Batavia Public Library. Local Batavia photographer, April Duda, will speak about the importance of incorporating nature photography into the homeschooling curriculum.April Duda is herself a homeschooling mom of three boys. She is also a photographer, and gardener with a deep appreciation for nature. April incorporates gardening and nature into her
Batavia Park District Awarded Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Batavia Park District has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2023.The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.According to
Robert “Bob” Hubbard Named 2024 Batavia Citizen of the Year
Batavia MainStreet is this year’s Spirit of Batavia honoree with a Batavia Community Impact Award also going to the Peace Bridge Initiative.BATAVIA, ILL – December 18, 2024 – A life-long Batavian with a “long and distinguished” career as a community volunteer and community leader was named the 2024 Batavia Citizen of the Year (COTY) today. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will honor Robert “Bob” Hubbard on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Chamber’s Inspire 2025: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us! annual
Boss Moves: How Adobe Acrobat Helps Women Entrepreneurs Get It Done
Being an entrepreneur is all about juggling, innovating, and growing—but what if you had a secret weapon to make it easier? Enter Adobe Acrobat, a powerful ally that streamlines your day-to-day, helping you work smarter while leaving more room for what truly drives your business forward. This Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the ways Adobe Acrobat is empowering women entrepreneurs to elevate their hustle, simplify workflows, and realize bigger dreams. Acrobat AI Assistant: Check out
Batavia Police Chief Announces Retirement
BATAVIA, IL. (JUNE 18, 2024) – Batavia Police Chief Shawn Mazza, who began his law enforcement career in Batavia as a patrol officer in January 1999 and worked his way up to Police Chief in 2022, has announced his retirement effective January 14, 2025. Mazza oversees a police department with 43 full-time sworn officers and 12 civilian employees. During his tenure, he helped spearhead several community-focused initiatives, including Coffee with a Cop, Cones with Cops, the expansion of the bicycling