Briefs: Son won't face death
DuPage County prosecutors announced in court Friday they do not intend to seek the death penalty against a Carol Stream man accused of killing his mother March 14 in their condominium. Robert R. Lyons, 35, has pleaded innocent to stabbing his mother, Linda R. Bolek, 61, nine times in the back, then pouring chemicals over her body, on the 200 block of Klein Creek Court in Carol Stream. Police arrested Lyons later that evening after tracking him to a restaurant in Schaumburg. Lyons is being held in the DuPage County jail on a $2 million bond. DuPage Circuit Judge Kathryn Creswell has ordered a psychiatric evaluation.
Consultant picked
The Naperville Park District board has approved spending up to $11,500 on a consultant to help members improve their communications and problem-solving skills. Commissioners Ron Ory and Andrew Schaffner voted against it. Ory wants to wait until the board finds a replacement for Commissioner Charlie Brown, who resigned earlier this summer, while Schaffner said he believes the board can find a consultant that won't cost as much.
Lightning strikes house
Two people were able to safely evacuate a two-story West Chicago house struck by lightning Thursday night, officials said Friday. Firefighters arrived at the home at 534 E. Washington St. shortly after 10:30 p.m., Deputy Fire Chief Robert Hodge said. The fire was contained to the roof and was doused in about 10 minutes, Hodge said. Damage estimates weren't immediately available.
Residents still fighting
Several Naperville residents asked the park district board this week to reopen negotiations to purchase land in the Hobson West neighborhood. The board had considered buying the land between two ponds it already owns to create a 15-acre park. But in June, commissioners said a deal could not be reached and they would no longer negotiate. President Suzanne Hart said the board has not discussed reopening the issue.
Police arrest four
A two-year police investigation has concluded with the arrest of four people on drug charges related to distribution of crack cocaine. The FBI said Martel Jackson, 27, and Crystal Jackson, 24, 120 Testa Drive, Naperville; Jacque Buckley, 33, of 110 Galena Blvd., Aurora; and Robert Joyner, 43, of 917 Park St., Batavia were charged with conspiracy and/or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which is a felony. Charges are pending against another four people who already are in custody, police said.
Local Illinois lottery finalists
Judith Yap of Glen Ellyn and James Tousey of Barrington, recent second-chance weekly Illinois Lottery winners, will have another opportunity to strike it rich at 5 p.m. today. During the "Replay for Riches" qualifying event at Navy Pier, three finalists will be invited to spin a prize wheel with cash amounts varying from $25,000 to $150,000. Each contestant can either walk away with a prize check for the amount on the wheel or move on to the finale by placing the amount won on one of the six positions on the "Replay for Riches" leader board. At the finale, one winner will go home with $1 million, and five remaining finalists will walk away with $100,000.