Briefs: Free rides start Monday

The Free Rides for Seniors program will begin in northeast Illinois Monday. Seniors 65 or older are eligible for free rides on Metra as well as Pace fixed and feeder bus routes. In January, the state approved a transit-funding bill to provide free transit rides to seniors. Residents who have a reduced-fare card sponsored by the Regional Transportation Authority are already registered for the program. Naperville residents who need to register for the RTA's senior reduced-fare card can do so at the Naperville Township senior-services office, 139 Water St., Naperville, or the Lisle Township senior-services office, 4711 Indiana Ave., Lisle. A photo ID must be presented at the time of registration. Processing may take three to four weeks. For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/freeridesforseniors.aspx. Literature on the program is available at local senior assisted-living centers as well as the Rubin Riverwalk Center, city hall and all Naperville public libraries.

Police, fire raise $100,000

The Naperville Police and Fire departments recently raised about $100,000 in their March 7 St. Baldrick's fundraiser. At the event, 157 people had their heads shaved to help raise money to fund pediatric-cancer research. In the four years the public-safety departments have been holding the event, they have now raised more than $400,000. For information on more St. Baldrick's events in the area or how to donate, visit www.stbaldricks.org.

Priest trial opens in DuPage

Lawyers will make their opening statements today in the DuPage County civil trial of a priest who authorities are trying to have civilly committed as a sexually violent person even though he served his prison sentence for molesting three Hinsdale altar boys. Rev. Fred Lenczycki, 63, formerly of Glen Ellyn, is the first member of the clergy in the state to face possible incarceration under an Illinois law that allows for the commitment of those soon-to-be-paroled inmates who are deemed too dangerous to be set free. Lenczycki, a Joliet Diocese priest, was sentenced to five years in prison a few years ago after he pleaded guilty to molesting the boys in 1983. One month before the end of his prison term, in April 2006, prosecutors sought his continued confinement. A jury selection concluded Thursday. The trial opens this morning before DuPage Circuit Judge Bonnie Wheaton.