Briefs: Motorist charged in crash
A 25-year-old Aurora man charged with reckless homicide in connection to a fatal weekend crash surrendered to police about noon Tuesday. Julian Rivas-Esparza of the 1100 block of Pleasant Place also is facing four counts of aggravated driving under the influence and charges of having no valid license and driving too fast for conditions. Aurora police say Rivas-Esparza was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu south on Lincoln Avenue about 10:30 p.m. Saturday when he apparently lost control and hit a utility pole near Liberty Street. Jose Esparza, 35, of the 300 block of Marion Avenue in Aurora, was seriously injured while sitting in the back seat of the Malibu. Esparza was taken to Provena Mercy Center Hospital where he was pronounced dead about 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Shortly after being booked Tuesday, Rivas-Esparza posted $5,000 bail. He is awaiting a Feb. 7 court date.
Waubonsie choir wins big
Waubonsie Valley High School's mixed show choir, WV Sound Check, was named grand champion at Saturday's 26th annual Mt. Zion High School show choir invitational. The event featured 21 groups from as far away as Ohio and Alabama. In addition to being named grand champion, the choir received awards for best vocal sound and best choreography. Senior Ta-Tynisa was recognized as the best female soloist in a show. WV Sound Check is comprised of 50 singer-dancers and a combo of 12 instrumentalists, all music students at Waubonsie Valley.
West Chicago gets award
The West Chicago Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant recently was honored by the Naperville-based Conservation Foundation and the DuPage River Coalition with a Clean Water Award. The award, which has been presented since 1997, recognizes municipal wastewater treatment plant facilities that perform above and beyond their permit standards and show ongoing commitment to keeping the DuPage River clean and healthy. This is the second Clean Water Award presented to the West Chicago facility.
Teen police academy
The Carol Stream Police Department is accepting applications for the winter session of its Citizen Police Academy. The 11-week program, which gives residents an inside look at the operations of the police department, will be conducted on Thursday evenings beginning this week at village hall. Class members will be able to participate in a variety of demonstrations. A police employee will lead each week's sessions. Students must be at least 18 years of age and either work or live in Carol Stream. There is no cost to participate. For details or to request an application, call Sgt. Bryan Pece at (630) 871-6208.