Briefs: Villa Park in full bloom

Villa Park is blooming with color, thanks to several area residents' efforts. To show appreciation for plantings the groups have tended around town, the village recently gave the green thumbs 2008 Garden of Character certificates of recognition. The honorees included the Ardmore School Garden Club, St. Alexander Girl Scouts, Villa Park Junior Women's Club, Cub Scout Pack 33, resident Sandy Adamec and the recreation department's early childhood program. "It's a great way to be a part of the community," said Carrie Karl, superintendent of recreation. "And, of course, your efforts are noticed throughout the entire planting season."

Burglary suspect indicted

A Sugar Grove man is facing felony burglary charges on suspicion he tried March 5 to break into Bad Boyz Toys on Route 59 in Naperville. A DuPage County grand jury earlier this week indicted Ryan J. Newcomer, whose last known address was 4S036 Hazelcrest.

Foundation names director

Meghan Moreno of Shorewood has been named executive director of the Edward Foundation, the development and fundraising arm of Edward Hospital & Health Services. The former executive director of the Philadelphia Children First Fund, Moreno is an experienced fundraiser and marketing professional who director a citywide program to strengthen awareness and philanthropic support for the Philadelphia public schools. She previously worked as staff advance coordinator for the White House during the Clinton administration and was the Chicago-area marketing and promotion and production coordinator for a Los Angeles marketing and advertising firm.

Man prompts school scare

Authorities placed Wheaton Academy on lockdown for about two hours Thursday while West Chicago police searched for a suicidal man with a knife in a nearby subdivision. Police said the man's relatives called 911 about 10:30 a.m. to report he left his home in the Forest Trails subdivision. No classes were in session, but some students at the school for athletic and other activities were asked to stay inside the building while police conducted their search. Parents were allowed to pick up their children. Police said they apprehended the man about noon near Hawthorne Lane and Wild Ginger Trail. He was taken to a nearby hospital. No one was injured.