Shots fired, charges filed

Two Des Plaines men are charged with felony reckless discharge of a firearm, police said. Michael Louis, 25, and David Delavan, 54, both of 1243 Brown St., shot a .22-caliber pistol at the Dumpster in their Des Plaines apartment building about 6 p.m. Saturday, police Cmdr. Rich Rozkuszka said. They are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Robotics team feted

Lincoln Middle School students heading to an international LEGO robotics contest this week in Atlanta got an official send-off Monday from state leaders. The Cobalt Blue team, which won the state competition, appeared in the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago for the news conference and send-off. "I salute all the members of the Colbalt Blue robotics team of Mount Prospect for their teamwork and dedication in winning the Illinois title and wish them well at the international competition," said Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn. The nine seventh-graders beat 63 teams in the state with their robot that performed tasks and a business plan that gave robotic "extreme makeover" of nearby Busse Car Wash with the use of solar panels, radiant heat and eco-friendly light bulbs. They will compete against 84 international teams Thursday.

Arlington thanks towns

Arlington Park will host Community Appreciation Weekends this coming season for residents and businesses in nine local communities. Each three-day event will be highlighted on Saturday with an Official Community Appreciation Day. A race will be named for the community honored with that day's trophy presentation following the race made by the mayor of that community. Residents and businesses will get free admission when they reserve tickets at www.arlingtonpark.com. The dates are: May 2-4, Arlington Heights; May 16-18, Palatine; May 30-June 1, Rolling Meadows; June 6-8 Barrington; June 20-22, Wheeling and Prospect Heights; July 18-20, Buffalo Grove; July 25-27 Hoffman Estates; Aug. 15-17, Schaumburg; Sept. 12-14, Arlington Heights again.

Grand jury indicts doctor

A doctor who worked at a Buffalo Grove medical practice was indicted Friday on charges he helped a 17-year-old girl acquire illegal and prescription drugs in exchange for sex acts. Robert Hughes, 49, of 715 Ridge Road in Wilmette, faces two counts of criminal sexual assault, six counts of child pornography, two counts of distributing a controlled substance and possession of cannabis. Hughes also passed a drug test, which a Skokie judge ordered after he tested positive for marijuana last month. The failed drug test resulted in Hughes' bond being raised to $600,000 from $500,000. He will be arraigned April 21.

New District 15 president

Freshman board member Gerald Chapman was elected last week to a 1-year term as president of the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board of education. Chapman was the longtime superintendent of Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211. He replaces Tim Millar, who was elected to the board in 2005 and has served as president for the past school year. Millar remains on the board. Kelly Keenan was made the new vice president, while June Becker retained her position as board of education secretary. All offices carry 1-year terms.