Briefs: Third man charged in death
A third man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the beating death of a Villa Park man at his home in May. Semaj Walker, 22, of Chicago, was given a $3 million bond at a hearing today in DuPage County. Authorities had been looking for Walker since charging his alleged accomplices, Joshua J. Gordon, 20, and Dwayne D. Head, 19, also of Chicago. All three remain jailed in Wheaton. The three are accused of attacking 46-year-old James Keniski at his home in Villa Park and robbing him and his wife. Prosecutors said Keniski was thrown over a banister and repeatedly kicked by his attackers. He was hospitalized for days before succumbing to his injuries. Prosecutors believe at least one of Keniski's attackers knew him through a window-washing company he operated. A juvenile also has been arrested, but information about his charges has not been made available.
Aurora fundraiser
The Knights of Columbus in Aurora will be hosting a charity poker fundraiser Friday evening at the Carlisle banquet halls, 435 E. Butterfield Road in Lombard. The tournaments begin at 2 p.m. For more information, contact Chicago Charitable Games at (888) 715- 4837.
Event to help ill children
Celebrate Valentine's Day a little early on Feb. 9 during a Miracles from Mia benefit event at Villa Nova Banquets, 237 West St. Charles Road, Villa Park. The event, called Cupid's Kisses, will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. and raise money to assist chronically ill children and their families. Festivities include an open bar, appetizers, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased in advance by calling Jeannette at (630) 479-5362 or Judy at (847) 721-1141. Tickets also will be available at the door. For details, visit www.miraclesfrommia.org.
204 against rail sale
Indian Prairie School District 204 officials have filed a letter with the Surface Transportation Board stating its opposition to the Canadian National Railway's acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad by Canadian National Railway. The rails run north and south through the district. District officials believe the purchase will divert railroad traffic from existing lines along the western boundary of Chicago to the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad line. Parents who are interested in voicing their concern to the Surface Transportation Board may do so by sending comments by Feb. 1 by leaving comments at http://www.stb.dot.gov/stb/Other_Submissions.nsf/wCorrespondence?OpenForm, or mailing comments to: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, DC 20423 ATTN: Phillis Johnson-Ball, Environmental Filing STB Finance Docket No. 35087.
Good business in Lombard
Lombard is seeking nominations for its annual Business Recognition Program. Businesses can be nominated for the Business Pride Award, the Property Improvement Award, the Property Stewardship Award, the Major Milestone Award, the "Jim Bell" Distinguished Developer Award and the Customer Services Award. Businesses can only be nominated for one award. Winners and nominees will be honored during an April 16 award luncheon. The deadline for submitting nominations is Feb. 25. Nomination forms are available online at www.villageoflombard.org. Questions may be directed to Janet Downer at (630) 620-5746.