Briefs: Accident in Bensenville
A semitrailer truck containing tobacco tipped over around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Bensenville, causing a major traffic jam. The truck's load appeared to have shifted as it turned from Green Street onto York Road and it flipped on its side, authorities said. No other vehicles were involved. The driver was taken to Elmhurst Memorial Hospital for evaluation.
Women injured in car crash
Four women were taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village on Tuesday after they were involved in a car accident at the corner of Devon Avenue and Arlington Heights Road. Itasca firefighters were called to the scene at 12:02 p.m., where they found a two-car accident with two women in one car and two in another car. Two of the women had what appeared to be life-threatening injuries, while the other two had less severe injuries, Itasca Assistant Chief Greg McDonald said. The status of their conditions is unknown, he said.
Driscoll teacher honored
David Wampach, an English teacher at Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction this month by The National Society of High School Scholars. Student members of the society can nominate a teacher who has made the most significant contribution to their academic careers. Wampach was nominated by student Olivia Scott.
New DuPage judge tapped
The former president of the Wheaton Park District board recently was named a DuPage County associate judge. Paul M. Fullerton, a 17-year Wheaton attorney in private practice, will fill the vacancy created when former Judge Nicholas Galasso opted earlier this summer against seeking another term. The 18th Judicial District's circuit judges selected Fullerton during a recent vote.
Elk Grove man arraigned
A 40-year-old Elk Grove Village man pleaded innocent Tuesday to new counts of obstructing justice in the March 15 murder of Rebecca Klein in Villa Park. Prosecutors charged Robert L. Edwards, 40, of 949 Wilshire, with obstructing justice shortly after the murder. They allege he lied to police to hinder the investigation. Last week, a DuPage grand jury indicted him on additional counts of obstructing justice after prosecutors accused him of also lying about his whereabouts the night of the murder. Edwards is not charged with killing Klein. Her roommate, Nicole Abusharif, 26, is facing first-degree murder charges. Abusharif and Edwards previously worked together.
Bank employees to serve
National City will close the lobbies of its 68 area branches at 1 p.m. Sept. 19 so more than 450 employees can perform community service. Drive-through teller windows and ATMs will remain open to serve the needs of customers. Locations in which National City employees will service include Family Shelter Service in Wheaton and NCO Youth and Family Services in Lisle. National City sponsored the service day as part of Community Appreciation Week, Sept. 17-21.
New park district leader
Fox Valley Park District trustees elected a new board president this week. Rose Smilgys, who previously served as vice president, will take over the new role. Former president Linda Cole is stepping down after two years at the helm. Cole said she believes it's important for the district to change board presidents every few years. John McGary will be the new vice president. Trustees this week also voted to change their regular board meeting time to 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month, instead of 7 p.m., effective immediately.
Bedell gets chief's post
Naperville police Cmdr. James Bedell has been tapped to be downstate Edwardsville's new police chief. Bedell has been on the force since 1984, serving as an officer for several years and eventually a sergeant before being named commander in 2004. His last day will be Sept. 17, city officials said. Bedell is one of seven former police department employees to become chiefs at other departments. Among the awards Bedell earned during his time in Naperville are the department's Distinguished Service Medal, the Citizens Appreciate Public Safety Award and the Lauren Elizabeth Wilson Award for Railroad Safety in the Public Sector.