Briefs: Lane, sidewalk closed in Naperville

The sidewalk on the north side of Van Buren Avenue, between Main Street and the Van Buren parking deck, in Naperville will be closed to pedestrian access from today through March 12. In addition, the northbound lane of Main will be closed directly north of Van Buren. Both closures are required for storm sewer construction associated with the Van Buren parking deck addition. Detour signs will be posted to safely reroute pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The parking deck addition is the first of three new parking decks to be constructed in downtown Naperville over the next several years. The structures will provide more than 1,000 additional parking spaces in the downtown area.

Money for AP excellence

Several local students, teachers and schools have won recognition from the Siemens Foundation based on their academic achievements and contributions to education. Gregory Gauthier of Wheaton North High School is the winner of the college scholarship for the state. He received a $2,000 college scholarship for his grades in five advanced placement courses. Jay Walgren a teacher at Vernon Hills High School won the teachers award. He received $1,000 for exemplary teaching and enthusiastic dedication to students in the advanced placement program. While Glenbrook North High School won the high school award in recognition of its commitment to students and leadership in advanced placement participation and performance. The school received $1,000 to support math and science education.

Lombard to aid in fire plans

Jim Plunket, the Lombard Fire Department's public education coordinator, is among a group of Illinois fire officials who were asked to participate in a strategic planning program to develop a national plan to coordinate fire prevention efforts. Funding for the program is being provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Twelve states are represented in the development of the fire prevention program.

50 students receive honors

The students at Manor Hill Elementary School in Lombard love BUGs since the Kiwanis Club of Lombard started a new program at the school called Bring Up Grades. On March 3, more than 50 students in kindergarten through fifth grade were recognized for increasing one grade while maintaining grades in all the other subject areas. The BUG recipients receive an award certificate, BUG pencil, a BUG pin and a BUG bumper sticker for their parents' car.