Tri-Cities briefs

Aurora death a homicide

An Aurora man's shooting death was declared a homicide Wednesday by a Kane County coroner's jury. Donald C. Franklin, 38, was gunned down about 10:41 p.m. June 24 as he had a cookout with friends on the front porch of his home on the 200 block of North Kendall Street, police said. Franklin, who was shot in the abdomen, right leg and right arm, died at a hospital early the next day. Two other men also were shot but survived. At an inquest Wednesday, Aurora Police Det. Jeremiah Shufelt said the case does not appear to be gang- or drug-related, and it remains under investigation. He said "at least one gun was fired" and police "still have some leads we're working on."

Armchair tour tonight

The Geneva History Center's Historic Homes group is offering an armchair version of a tour of Batavia Avenue at 7 tonight at the center, 113 S. Third St. Cost is $3 for members and students and $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call (630) 232-4951 or visit genevahistorycenter.org.

Solheim traffic plan

In preparation for this week's Solheim Cup golf tournament, the Kane County Sheriff's Department has posted a traffic plan on its Web site, kanesheriff.com. Click on the "2009 Solheim Cup" tab on the home page. The tournament is at Rich Harvest Farms on Dugan Road in Sugar Grove. During the event there will be signage on the routes and the Illinois State Police will direct traffic.

Raffle for Marklund

Marklund is offering a raffle for a trip to Las Vegas, including round trip airfare for two and a two-night stay at Tuscany Suites and Casino. Tickets are $100 each, and only 100 will be sold. All proceeds benefit the lives of the individuals served by Marklund - infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. The drawing will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands, which is from 2 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29, at Marklund Mill Creek, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva. The winner need not be present to win. Call in a credit card order to (630) 593-5484. Visit marklund.org.

Charity car raffle

The Delnor Men's Foundation's "Drive for Cancer Wellness" raffle offers a 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 or $30,000. The drawing is Oct. 11 at Scarecrow Fest in St. Charles. Tickets are $100 apiece. Proceeds will benefit the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. To purchase a ticket, visit supportdelnor.org or call (630) 208-3352.