Briefs: Von Maur evacuated
The Von Maur department store at Lombard's Yorktown Center was evacuated for nearly an hour Wednesday afternoon. Lombard Deputy Chief Pat Rollins wouldn't divulge what type of threat was phoned into the store at 1:35 p.m. but said a search by police and fire officials didn't locate any "person or object." Store employees began the evacuation on their own. The threat didn't mention what occurred last week at a Von Maur store in Omaha, Neb., where eight people were killed by a gunman who also killed himself, Rollins said. The rest of the mall remained open during the evacuation, Yorktown Center officials said. The store was reopened at 2:25 p.m., Rollins said. The incident remains under investigation.
Chicago Sky coach at Y
Area basketball coaches can get tips from Bo Overton of Women's National Basketball Association's Chicago Sky at 7 p.m. today at the Field House Family YMCA, 31W290 Schoger Drive, Naperville. Topics include teaching offensive and defensive skills, organizing a practice and game strategies. The program is free for YMCA coaches and $5 for community participants. To register, contact Scott Taylor at (630) 585-5100 or staylor@heritageymca.org.
Miller running for chairman
Naperville City Councilman Kenn Miller has thrown his hat in the ring to become chairman of the Wheatland Township Republican Organization. He is currently its vice chair. Precinct committeemen will vote for a leader following the Feb. 5 primary election. Miller, who has served on the city council since 2005, also has served as a trustee of Wheatland Township and Naperville's plan commission. Current Wheatland Chairman Todd Morse said he plans to run for re-election.
Drunken drivers arrested
Roselle police conducted roadside safety patrols from the Thanksgiving holiday through Dec. 2. Thirteen people were charged with drunken driving, 10 for driving while license suspended or revoked, one for drug possession, 45 for seat belt violations and another 180 citations were issued for other traffic violations. The next enforcement period take place from Friday through Jan. 1. The department received a $17,300 state grant to pay for overtime for police officers during this period.
Finance group formed
Naperville Unit District 203 has selected eight residents with financial backgrounds to be part of its new Finance Advisors Committee. The district formed the group to give it a fresh perspective and expertise in business matters. Committee members include George Andrews III, Abiola Bankole-Hameed, Jonathan Bobb, Robert Heap, Hsiu-lang Chen, Sue Llende, Ross Pillari and Michael White. School board members Terry Fielden and Dean Reschke are also part of the committee. It will be facilitated by Superintendent Alan Leis and Associate Superintendent for Finance Dave Zager.
Kids group gets arts grant
The Illinois Arts Council is giving Fair Lady Productions in Naperville a grant to help support its children's theater program, Kidz Kabaret. The grant of $2,780 will go toward children's theater education and productions staged by the no-audition theater company. The group stages about 10 productions a year and recently opened its own rehearsal space in Naperville.
Habitat to dedicate home
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Naperville contributed $10,000 toward a home that Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate at 2 p.m. Sunday at 119 N. Sumner Ave., Aurora. After the keys are turned over to the Ramiro and Dora Ortega family of Aurora, an open house will follow. The Ortegas, who have three children -- Joanna, 9, Ramiro, 5, and Jose, 3, -- will buy the home with a no-interest loan from Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity and have put 500 hours of sweat equity in volunteer work on their home and other Habitat homes. The $142,500 house was built in partnership with Thrivent Financial and area Lutheran churches.
Making holidays happier
More than 450 Aurora kids will have a happier Christmas, thanks to Fox Valley United Way and Ginger Creek Community Church. The two Aurora-based organizations worked together on the fourth annual Adopt-a-Child program. About 250 local families and individuals bought gifts, spending up to $50 on each child. The program takes place in five Aurora schools, Eastwood Housing Authority, Lifespring Center for battered women and their children, and Hesed House, which serves the poor and homeless. A related gift celebration for Eastwood Housing Authority residents will be held Sunday at Cowherd Middle School in Aurora. Family and Faith Christian Church, Main Baptist Church and Warehouse Church also will participate in the event.