Briefs: DUI charges upgraded

A Lombard man who was once convicted of reckless homicide after killing two men in a crash while driving drunk had a DUI charge from last summer upgraded to the more serious charge of aggravated driving under the influence. The amended charge against 32-year-old Steven J. Sutch is a felony punishable by probation or up to three years in prison. DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett announced the amended charge Thursday. He spent nearly three years in prison for a 1998 Wheaton crash that killed two men. Sutch's poor driving record leading up to the fatal crash was profiled in a Daily Herald examination that led to state law changes regarding court supervision for habitual traffic offenders.

Flower power in Wheaton

Wheaton is using the power of flowers to strengthen its connection to its sister city -- Wheaton Aston in England. The city's Sister City Commission planted fritillary meleagris flowers in Adams Park this past fall during Make a Difference Day. The flowers, also known as the snakeshead fritillary, are the occasion for an annual spring festival in Wheaton Aston. Wheaton's version of the flowers are blooming at the Wheaton Public Library just south of the west entrance along the flowerbed edge. The plantings were a test to see if the flowers can survive in northern Illinois. The city will now plant even more of the flowers.

Decorate with purpose

Area residents looking to do some interior decorating during May can help Little Friends Inc. by shopping at Roseland Draperies & Interiors, 204 S. Washington St., Naperville. The shop has designated May as Little Friends month to benefit the Naperville-based organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. A portion of every sale will be donated to the organization. For details, call (630) 355-1565.

Car totaled in West Chicago

An accident involving a truck, school bus and car at Joliet Street and Roosevelt Road blocked morning traffic Thursday, West Chicago fire officials said. There were no injuries, but the car was totaled, officials said. There also was minor damage to the truck and the bus. The call came in about 8:15 a.m. All three drivers refused to go to the hospital, fire officials said.