Briefs: Board wants river land
The DuPage County Forest Preserve board has authorized staff to begin negotiating the purchase of 10 parcels along Salt Creek totaling more than 33 acres. The forest preserve is seeking the land to preserve wetlands in the area and will only buy the land from willing sellers, officials said. The board authorized the land pursuit at Tuesday's board meeting. The largest parcel is 23 acres and the smallest is a half acre. Most of the parcels are zoned residential, officials said.
Construction cuts phones
An undetermined number of customers were without telephone service Tuesday after cables were damaged by construction crews working on I-88, near Naperville Road. "AT&T technicians were immediately dispatched and will work around the clock to restore service," AT&T spokesman Meghan Roskopf said. Customers were expected to regain service as early as 8 p.m. Tuesday. While Roskopf said she did not know how many customers were affected, AT&T had received less than 200 calls about the service disruption.
Aurora probes GPS thefts
Aurora police say 73 GPS systems were stolen from vehicles in the city between Jan. 1 to April 7. In many cases, the owners must assume at least some blame. Almost all the vehicles were burglarized because the units were left sitting on dashboards or in plain view, police said Tuesday. Thirty of the thefts occurred in shopping center parking lots. Police say motorists should be reminded to either take valuables with them when they park or place them in the trunk.
Benard winners selected
Patricia Poskocil and Jeanette Erb are this year's recipients of the Kathy Benard Friend of Education Award in Lombard Elementary District 44. Poskocil is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lombard, serves on the scholarship committee, presents history programs at the Peck House, is member of the Lombard Garden Club and works with the district's garden club. Jeanette Erb has worked at the Learning Resource Center at Westlake Middle School for more than seven years, was a member of Westlake's School Improvement Council. The award recognizes individuals or groups who contribute significantly to advancing the district's educational program.
Craft fair set for Saturday
The Itasca Gymnastics Team is holding a craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Itasca Park District, 350 E. Irving Park Road. Admission is $2 and will include a free raffle ticket. There will be more than 25 booths featuring handbags, jewelry, house wares, skincare products, candles and clothing. There also will be a bake sale and a concession stand. A child's craft area for $5 will feature a craft and face painting. Babysitting also will be available for parents who want to shop.
Discuss state budget
A town hall state budget meeting will be hosted by State Reps. Sandra Pihos, Patti Bellock, Dennis Reboletti, Franco Coladipietro, at 7 p.m. April 23 at the Wheaton Community Center Auditorium 1777 S. Blanchard St., Wheaton. The representatives will provide information regarding the economic status of Illinois and issues related to the budget before listening to feedback and answering questions. Residents with questions or concerns about any line item in the state budget is encouraged to attend. Testimony submitted in writing is preferred, and presentations should be limited to 3 to 4 minutes. For details or to be placed on the agenda for testimony, contact Rep. Pihos' office at (630) 858-8855.