Briefs: Procure drops NIU lawsuit
After winning approval to build the state's second proton treatment cancer facility last week in Warrenville, Procure dropped its lawsuit against the builders of the state's first facility. Procure had filed a petition of discovery against the Northern Illinois University Proton Treatment and Research Center following the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board's approval. The same state agency had planned to initially deny ProCure's facility, which is partnered with Winfield's Central DuPage Hospital. NIU officials said ProCure's legal action was "without merit" and were pleased Procure ended the litigation process.
Feds investigate threats
Federal authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest regarding threatening letters containing a white powdery substance that were mailed earlier this month to the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville and Westmont and Willowbrook police departments, according to a news release. The substance was not dangerous, officials said. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.
District 13 board opening
Bloomingdale School District 13 is accepting applications for a seat on the school board to begin in late October. Board member Patricia Bach this week resigned the seat she's held since 1997. Qualified candidates must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, a registered voter and a district resident for at least one year. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to the secretary of the board in care of Kathy Ogden, 164 S. Euclid Ave., Bloomingdale, IL, 60108. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14. For details, call the district at (630) 893-9590.
Record freshmen enrollment
Benedictine University in Lisle has enrolled a record number of freshmen for the fourth consecutive year. For the fall semester, 427 freshmen are taking classes, compared to 403 who started the fall term last year. Fifty-three percent of the freshmen are female; 46 percent are minorities; and 75 percent are from the suburbs of Chicago. Benedictine also welcomed a record number of students who transferred from community colleges and other four-year institutions. Three hundred and five students began their postsecondary education elsewhere, compared to the previous record of 262 in 2007.
Senior fair in Lombard
Lombard will hold its annual Senior Fair today, Sept. 24, at the Park District Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road. The event, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature vendors, speakers, the Secretary of State, flu shots, blood pressure screenings, massages, refreshments, voter registration and information on senior programs. For details, call (630) 620-5718.
Salt pricing questioned
Lombard officials are asking the Illinois Attorney General's office to look into the recent bids for road salt. Village trustees voted unanimously to ask the state's top attorney to investigate what they believe is price manipulation and anti-competitive activities by the salt companies. Research into recent bids reveals that the average prices were $49.85 per ton in Wisconsin and $45.26 per ton in Michigan. But some Illinois communities are paying as much as $232 per ton, according to Lombard's figures.
Parking lot construction
Construction started this week on the parking lots at Lombard's municipal complex. The project will focus on the police department lots, village hall's east parking lot and Holloman Drive from Wilson Avenue south to the detention pond. Construction is expected to be completed by November. Restrictions will be posted.