Briefs: Funniest college students
Two area students who attend Illinois State University are in the running for the title of "Country's Funniest College Student." Jeff Papendorf, 21, a senior geology major from Lombard, and Adam Bauer, 22, an English major from Bartlett, were among eight winners last week in ISU's round of the Rooftop Comedy's first National College Comedy Competition. They next compete Monday in a regional semifinal against the University of Illinois. The regional semifinal winners move onto an online contest where voters can choose the best four in standup and short film categories. It all culminates May 30-31 with a live webcast to select the final titleholders. For details, see RooftopComedy.com/college.
Judge: Bond will stand
DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell refused Tuesday to lower an Addison woman's $50,000 bond on charges she threatened to blow up the Wheaton court facility after being called for jury duty. Toby Owhoka, 48, has pleaded innocent to felony disorderly conduct charges for the March 4 incident. Deputies searched the courthouse, but no explosives were found. Owhoka asked the judge to reduce her bond to $15,000 so she can be released from jail. The judge refused, saying the original $50,000 bond is appropriate given the serious nature of the allegations. Owhoka needs to post 10 percent to be set free.
Aurora talks teen drinking
The city of Aurora and several local agencies are sponsoring a town hall meeting to address underage drinking at 7 p.m. today at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. The purpose of the meeting is to increase community awareness, identify how underage drinking affects the city and discuss ways to prevent youths from choosing alcohol.
Bowl for PADS
Supporters of DuPage PADS will help raise money for services to the homeless during a bowling outing on April 19. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Fox Bowl in Wheaton. It is the sixth year DuPage PADS has organized the event. Teams last year raised more than $30,000 to help people in crisis in DuPage communities. This year, DuPage PADS hopes to find 30 bowling teams and raise $35,000 to help end homelessness in the county. Teams consist of one captain and four bowlers. Each bowler commits to raising $140 in donations, or at least $700 per team. DuPage PADS will provide three games, all-you-can-eat-pizza, ice cream, T-shirts, prizes for high donations, high score and a raffle. Sponsorships are available and raffle donations are needed. Call Kathleen Johnson at (630) 682-3846, ext. 222, for details.
Easter Seals plans benefit
Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region will sponsor its 30th annual benefit, "Gala in the Garden," at 6 p.m. April 12 in the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The evening will include dining, dancing to Orchestra 33 and unique auction items. Shannon Kelly, Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley region 2008 youth ambassador, will share her story of being a childhood cancer survivor and how Easter Seals has helped her become an independent 13-year-old. Proceeds support the Sponsor-A-Child program, which provides therapy to children and families who could not otherwise afford it. For details, visit www.eastersealsdfvr.org.