DuPage County briefs

City adds red-light cameras:

Two red-light cameras will begin operating Thursday, Oct. 1, at intersections in Naperville. Signs are posted at Ogden and Aurora avenues and Route 59 and Diehl Road to alert motorists to the cameras. A 30-day warning period begins Oct. 1; once that period expires citations will be issued to drivers who enter the intersections on red. Officials say they believe the cameras will increase safety and reduce the number of accidents.

Cemetery statue vandalized:

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of vandals who damaged a 3-foot-tall St. Bernadette statue in Naperville's Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery at 911 North Ave. Police said someone smashed the statue between 9 p.m. Sept. 25 and 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Anyone with information is asked to call (630) 420-6006.

Grant to help DNA backlog:

Illinois State Police have been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce the current DNA backlog. The funding will provide overtime compensation to employees directly engaged in the handling, screening and analysis of DNA forensic evidence, and to purchase supplies for the state police forensic science laboratory system.

Julie Andrews returns:

Actress and author Julie Andrews will return to Downers Grove Oct. 13 for a special appearance at the Tivoli Theatre sponsored by Anderson's Bookshop. Andrews will sign her new anthology, "Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies," as well as answer questions, followed by a screening of "Mary Poppins." Tickets are required and may be purchased at Anderson's in Downers Grove or Naperville for $5 along with the purchase of Andrews' book. For details, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com.

Naper Homestead hearing set:

The Naperville Heritage Society and the city will sponsor an open house to view preliminary concept plans for the Joseph Naper Homestead from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St. The property at the southeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mill Street is the original location of the home and trading post of Naperville's founder. The city plans to develop the site into a commemorative park. For details, visit www.naperville.il.us.

Asian fest makes return:

Organizers of the Asian Heritage Festival will take another shot at it Oct. 4 in Naperville after bad weather cut activities short in mid-August. The fest, which showcases the cultural traditions of many of the area's ethnic groups, will run from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Community Concert Center in Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave. The fest is free. For details, call the Xilin Association at (630) 355-4322.