Briefs: Oak Brook settles lawsuit
The village of Oak Brook settled a federal lawsuit for $700,000 with former police officer Donald Malec and current officer Martin Zelisko. The men filed suit against the village and the police department in late 2006, claiming they endured harassment, intimidation and retaliation for speaking with residents about their concerns with political activities in the village and police department. The village's insurance carrier, Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency, negotiated the settlement that will equally divide the $700,000 between Malec and Zelisko, plus court costs and attorney fees. The officers claimed former village officials tried to malign and discredit them by pursing false charges of sexual harassment against them, conducting wrongful disciplinary actions and making other false claims about their conduct.
Popp to fill new 204 post
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials named Neuqua Valley High School Principal Michael Popp as director of school improvement and planning. Popp will fill the newly created position starting July 1. In his new role, Popp will ensure the district is in compliance with No Child Left Behind regulations. He also will be responsible for providing comprehensive data analysis to expand research-based instructional opportunities for students performing below standards. Popp has served as an administrator at Neuqua Valley since the school opened in 1997. He worked as an associate principal before being named the school's principal in 2005. As associate principal, Popp was instrumental in opening the district's freshman campuses in 2003.
Court cleanup under way
Workers will return this morning to the DuPage County courthouse to continue cleaning water damage that occurred Sunday when a fourth-floor bathroom sprinkler erupted, possibly due to the cold weather. The Wheaton facility is closed today in observance of Lincoln's birthday. On Monday, administrators closed off a handful of criminal courtrooms on the south side of the fourth floor. Those calls were heard in other courtrooms. The majority of damage on the fourth floor occurred in four judges' chambers. The water also seeped to the third and second floors, where three more courtrooms sustained damage. "All of the courtrooms were open and things ran smoothly," said Charles Hoffman, court administrator. "For the most part, it was an inconvenience, but we managed to work around it." A damage estimate was not available.
Oak Brook schools meeting
To help educate Oak Brook residents about their school district and to communicate directly to residents, Butler School District 53 will sponsor its third annual meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Butler Junior High School, 2801 York Road, Oak Brook. The board of education, Superintendent Sandra Martin and District 53 administrators will present information on student achievement data, recent achievement awards, new curricular initiatives, facility improvements and finances. The event will include time for questions and answers. For details, call (630) 573-2887.
Citizens Police Academy
Applications are being accepted for the Addison Police Department's Citizen Police Academy, which runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays March 13 to May 22. This free program will provide an overview of various areas of law enforcement, including presentations by police officers, facility tours, and the use of police equipment. Graduates of the academy may continue on to the Alumni Citizen Police Academy (Citizens On Patrol) and partner with the police to help identify problems and possible solutions on issues that effect the quality of life for the residents. Applications can be downloaded at www.addisonadvanatage.org or picked up in the lobby of the Addison Police Department, 3 Friendship Plaza. For details, call Sgt. Steve Ruggiero at (630) 693-7912 or e-mail sruggiero@addison-il.org.
Addison traffic crackdown
Addison police will crack down on drivers who speed or pass illegally on Route 53 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and March 6. The department's special traffic enforcement will target drivers on Route 53 between Lake Street and Army Trail Road who use the shoulder to pass illegally. Officers also will be on the lookout for speeders on Route 53 between North Avenue and Army Trail. Police say several crashes have occurred along Route 53 in Addison due to drivers breaking speeding and passing laws, so the special enforcement will enhance safety. For details, call Sgt. Roger Saran at (630) 543-3080.