DuPage County briefs

Naperville removing snow

Naperville is planning large-scale snow-removal operations this weekend in downtown. Crews will truck accumulated snow from the central business district during the overnight hours tonight and Saturday. If needed, the push will continue overnight Sunday. Downtown roads, with the exception of Washington Street and Aurora Avenue, will be closed intermittently. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and use alternate routes.

Prosecution chief hired

DuPage State's Attorney Joseph Birkett announced Thursday he hired a Cook County prosecutor who was among those who lost his job in the political shake-up after Anita Alvarez took office. Assistant State's Attorney Bernard Murray will serve as a deputy chief in charge of Birkett's community affairs division. In his new role, Murray will handle civil prosecutions against gang members, criminal housing and lewd business cases. He'll also supervise victim/witness services, complaints, restitution, special projects and serve as liaison to the county board and Illinois General Assembly. The 25-year prosecutor had served as criminal prosecution's chief under former Cook State's Attorney Dick Devine.

No bond in stabbing death

Prosecutors are seeking a mental examination of a Westmont man accused of fatally stabbing his father during a Nov. 19 dispute in their driveway. Handcuffed and seated in a wheelchair, Rostyslav Demtsyo, 28, appeared in court Thursday on first-degree murder charges. Demtsyo is being held without bond, but is due back in court Tuesday when a judge will consider the prosecution's request. Authorities allege the son repeatedly stabbed his father, Oleg, 53, and then caused two motorists to crash while fleeing police. Demtsyo was nabbed after he crashed into a tree. He was released Wednesday from the hospital and taken into police custody.

Senior tax program open

The application period is open for DuPage County's Seniors Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 27. The program allows qualifying seniors ages 65 and older to defer their property taxes until the time they sell their home. To qualify, an applicant's household income cannot exceed $50,000 and the property must be used exclusively for residential purposes. The deferral is treated as a loan that accrues 6 percent simple interest until paid. For an application, call (630) 407-5900 or visit dupageco.org/treasurer/.