DuPage County briefs

Roselle's new fire chief:

Robert Tinucci was sworn in this week as the new chief of the Roselle Fire Department. Tinucci had been serving as interim chief since July 2009. He was given the interim position after former Chief Robert Gallas retired in June. Although Tinucci had expressed interest in only serving as an interim chief and the village conducted an intensive search for a new chief, officials said it became apparent Tinucci was the right person for the job. He retired as fire chief from the Darien-Woodridge Fire Protection District in 2007.

Roselle bans video gambling:

Roselle has become the latest DuPage County town to ban video gambling machines. The village board this week passed a law stating the legalization of video gambling would adversely affect village residents and be "inconsistent with the maintenance of a family friendly environment," officials said. In July, Gov. Pat Quinn approved a $31 billion capital improvement package that allowed video gambling. But towns such as Roselle can outlaw the machines. Other DuPage communities that have banned video gambling include Addison, Bloomingdale, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Naperville, West Chicago, Wheaton, Winfield and Villa Park.

Museum offers new pass:

Anyone looking to give a holiday gift of lasting value for families with kids might want to check DuPage Children's Museum's new DCM ValuePass. The pass sells for $50 and allows eight museum visits, a $68 value. The passes are for admissions only; they cannot be applied to special events, birthday parties, field trips or Explorer Store purchases. They expire March 31, 2010.

West Chicago wins award:

West Chicago has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch for its outstanding participating in this year's National Night Out. The event was created to promote crime, drug and violence prevention and strengthen neighborhood unity. West Chicago was chosen a National Award Winner, placing 16th out of 54 towns in its population category. The city hosted events throughout the weekend leading up to the big night.

New educational leader:

Kathleen Dugan has been named Assistant Superintendent for Learning in Bensenville Elementary District 2, effective July 1. She replaces Michael Heggerty, who is retiring. She will join the administrative team that will be led by James Stelter following Supt. William Jordan's retirement. Dugan, who was chosen after a search, is director of curriculum and professional development for Indian Springs School District 109 in Justice. Her expertise includes curriculum, local and state assessment and proven instructional practices.