DuPage County briefs

Coyotes sighted in Lombard

Several coyote sightings have been reported in Lombard neighborhoods and some residents are expressing concern for the safety of children and pets. Illinois Department of Resources records indicate only 16 coyote attacks on humans have occurred in the past 30 years and most happened when people tried to hand feed the typically timid animals. The Willowbrook Wildlife Center and the DuPage County Forest Preserve District both advise residents to act cautiously should they see a coyote and to follow these guidelines: Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially at night; keep cats indoors; keep small pets on leashes and stay with them while outside; do not feed wild animals. Questions regarding coyotes may be directed to Willowbrook Wildlife Center at (630) 942-6200.

Man goes to prison for porn

A former Westmont man was sentenced Tuesday to 28 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. Timothy J. Slagh, 55, whose most recent address was listed in Holland, Mich., also must register as a sex offender, forfeit his computers, pay a $1,000 fine and submit to a DNA test. Police arrested him after a May 7 search warrant of his former home in Westmont netted thousands of pornographic images of children. Authorities began investigating Slagh after they said he used his credit card to buy membership to a child pornographic Web site. DuPage Circuit Judge Perry Thompson meted out the punishment.

Fire causes $8,000 damage

A small bathroom fire caused roughly $8,000 damage Monday night to a multifamily residence on the 300 block of north Columbine in Lombard, authorities said Tuesday. Fire officials said the blaze was caused by combustibles placed near a space heater, but credited a resident for using a fire extinguisher to contain spreading flames.

Mardi Gras in Villa Park

Villa Park's community Mardi Gras celebration will be from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa Ave. The family oriented event features a Cajun cooking demonstration, kids craft session, a concert by a four-piece Cajun band, a movie about Cajun life, a Mardi Gras costume parade and mini-float contests. For details, call (630) 834-8970.