Briefs: County joins railroad fray
The DuPage County Board voted Tuesday to join a consortium of municipal bodies fighting Canadian National's proposed purchase of the EJ&E Railway line that essentially serves as the county's western border. The board also committed $10,000 toward hiring a lobbyist who will act as the group's voice with federal legislators on the issue. Canadian National hopes to use the rail line to circumvent busy lines through the Chicago area. Company officials have said the line could see quadruple the amount of traffic that currently runs on it. Municipal agencies are opposing the transaction because of the perceived impact on traffic and safety. County board members also suggest the purchase would doom the proposed suburb-to-suburb commuter line that is slated to run on the same set of tracks.
County amends budget
DuPage County employees could soon see a bump in their paychecks after the county board passed an $8.5 million budget amendment Tuesday. Nearly $1.5 million will go toward employee raises that will average 3.5 percent beginning in June. Another $4 million will go toward departmental increases. The board voted to set aside $1.4 million for transportation initiatives, as well as $1 million that will be set aside in a rainy day fund. The county convalescent center received an additional $600,000.
Museum future to be vetted
Wheaton Park District commissioners tonight will see one of the first public presentations detailing a proposed takeover of the DuPage County Historical Museum. The plan involves the park district moving its main offices into the museum while still maintaining some of the museum exhibits. County staff will recommend the plan to county board members on April 15. Park commissioners will get to weigh in on the plan first. It'll also be the first time the public has a chance to make a comment on the proposal. DuPage County Historical Museum Association members are opposed to the plan and are expected to speak at the meeting. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Arrowhead Golf Course clubhouse, 26W151 Butterfield Road.
Workshop for parents:
A program called "Seeing Your Child Through the Gates of Success" will be at 7 p.m. today at Willowbrook High School's White Auditorium, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park. Andy Isaacson, world languages faculty member and Villa Park resident, will discuss overcoming obstacles and helping students reach their potential. The next Parent Resource Night is at 6:30 p.m. April 15. Charla Waxman, director of business development at Linden Oaks at Edward Hospital, will speak to parents about opportunities for students following graduation. The presentation will highlight the transitions to post-secondary education and entering the workplace. For details, call (630) 530-3400.
Fire department gets grant
The Bensenville Fire Department has been awarded a grant for roughly $11,100 for the purchase of three Scott Airpaks face masks. The masks, attached to air cylinders, are worn by firefighters and emergency personnel to protect them from breathing toxic fumes when fighting structural fires or during rescue operations. The grant has been awarded by Roanoke Trade Services Inc. and Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. The grants are a part of a nationwide program called Fireman's Fund Heritage funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.
Fundraiser for special rec
A pork chop and chicken barbecue and basket raffle fundraiser for the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Tickets are $8 and include two pork chops, one-half chicken or a combo meal. For details, call (630) 330-6468 or (630) 330-6471.