Briefs: Dad denies killing sons
Kaushik Patel, 34, pleaded innocent Monday while arraigned on charges he murdered his two sons Nov. 18 after setting them on fire in their Glendale Heights home. The father pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated battery. His sons, Vishv, 7, and 4-year-old Om, died months after the fire after suffering severe burns when doused in gasoline and set ablaze. Kaushik Patel maintains he accidentally set the boys on fire when trying to kill himself amid marital problems he said were caused by his live-in mother-in-law. Patel remains in the DuPage County jail. He is due in court again May 13.
Police hunt armed robber
Bolingbrook police are looking for a gunman who robbed a Subway restaurant about 10 a.m. Sunday at 481 N. Bolingbrook Drive, authorities said Monday. The clerk told police a man entered the store wearing a dark-colored ski mask, displayed a handgun and demanded money. After removing cash from the register, the gunman fled on foot heading north. The suspect is described as about 6 feet tall, weighing 200 pounds and wearing dark-colored pants and a dark-colored flannel shirt with a plaid pattern. Anyone with information may call Crime Stoppers of Bolingbrook at (630) 378-4772 or the police department at (630) 226-8600.
Garden plots available
Gardeners can register now for plots available through Naperville Park District on West Street, south of Martin Avenue. For the first time, a limited number of organic plots will be available. The 2008 gardening season begins April 13 and runs through Oct. 17. Registration is in progress for returning gardeners and new gardeners may register in person by visiting the park district's administrative office at 350 W. Jackson Ave. or the South Maintenance Facility at 3415 Book Road. The cost is $26 for residents and $39 for nonresident; seniors are offered a reduced price of $21 for residents and $31 for nonresidents. The park district also is offering a free seminar on organic gardening on March 25 and April 29 and free workshops for new and returning gardeners on April 1 and 15. Workshops are from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sportsman's Community Clubhouse on West Street, north of the garden plots. For details, (630) 848-5000 or www.napervilleparks.org.