Briefs: Metea work to begin today
Project manager Todd DePaul said earth movement at the site of Indian Prairie Unit District 204's new Metea Valley High School should begin as early as 7 a.m. today. Crews were set to begin Wednesday, but morning rains hampered working conditions. On Tuesday, Aurora aldermen unanimously approved the annexation agreement allowing the site into Aurora's boundaries.
Criminal sex abuse alleged
A 21-year-old Hanover Park man was charged Monday with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in a case that has been open for more than a year, police said. Jonel Taveras of the 800 block of Lexington Circle, was arrested on Monday at the Hanover Park police station after he arrived at the station for questioning, Deputy Chief David Webb said. Authorities released few additional details, other than that the victim of the abuse was a juvenile and police began investigating the incident more than a year ago. Taveras is scheduled to appear in court again on May 30 in Rolling Meadows, Webb said.
Officer of the Year
Seven Aurora police officers have been nominated by the Exchange Club of Aurora for Police Officer of the Year, an award handed out annually since 1961. The Officer of the Year will be named at an 11:30 a.m. Tuesday luncheon at Long Island Sound Banquets. The event, which is open to the public, will coincide with local activities during National Police Week, May 11-17. For details or to purchase tickets, call (630) 801-6500.
Operation Prom Night
All students at Willowbrook High School who plan to attend prom must participate in Operation Prom Night with a parent or guardian at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the school, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park. Featured speakers include representatives from the DuPage County state's attorney's office, Villa Park Fire Department, Villa Park Police Department and the DuPage County coroner's office. Other events include a mock multivehicle fatal crash and a mock sobriety test and DUI arrest. This event is designed to create awareness and stimulate dialogue with students and their parents about making positive decisions, especially with events such as prom on June 6 and graduation on June 8.
Dist. 45 hires administrator
Lisa Vito is the new assistant principal at Jackson Middle School in Villa Park. School board members approved hiring the longtime district employee for the administrative job. She currently works as the student assistance coordinator at the school. Vito joined the district in 1993, working at Jackson, and helped start the English as a Second Language/bilingual program.
Farmers market next week
The Lombard Farmers Market is set to open for the season on Tuesday at the corner of St. Charles Road and Elizabeth Street in downtown Lombard. Market hours will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 14. Fresh produce, plants, flowers and gourmet foods will be available. For details, call Lombard Town Centre at (630) 620-8063 or visit www.downtownlombard.org.
Metzger adds to resume
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board President Mark Metzger was elected to fill a term for the central region of the National School Board Association Board of Directors. Metzger will be eligible for re-election to the national post when his National School Board term expires in 2009. In addition to serving as head of District 204's board of education, Metzger was elected in November to serve as president of the Illinois Association of School Boards.