Briefs: Dugan back in court

Brian J. Dugan is due back in court Tuesday morning as prosecutors seek to videotape his interview with noted psychiatrist James Cavanaugh. The defense team hired Cavanaugh to do a mental evaluation for mitigation purposes. DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett wants it videotaped to preserve the interview as evidence. Such evaluations are routine in murder cases, but the defense's choice of Cavanaugh is particularly strategic since he was who Birkett used in his prosecution of Marilyn Lemak, imprisoned for killing her three children in 1999 in Naperville. Dugan, 51, formerly of Aurora, is accused of killing Jeanine Nicarico, 10, in February 1983 in Naperville. A Jan. 20 trial date is set. He is serving two life prison terms for two later slayings.

Park board opening:

There is an opening on the West Chicago Park District board. The appointed term is from Sept. 9 to April 2009. Applicants must be residents of the district. Candidates must submit a letter listing their qualifications and a statement of intent to the West Chicago Park District, Attn: Gary Major, 157 W. Washington St., West Chicago, IL 60185. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 22. The position opened when Commissioner Donna McCormack resigned because she is moving. For details, call (630) 231-9474.

Warrenville library signup:

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and Warrenville Public Library District is encouraging parents to make sure their children have cards for the coming school year. The library offers access to free homework help, CDs, DVDs, computers and research materials. Adults and children who register for a library card during September will receive a small gift. For details, visit the library at 28W751 Stafford Place, go to www.warrenville.com or call (630) 393-1171.

Students win scholarships:

Eight area scholars were selected as 2008-09 General Assembly Scholarship winners. Nearly 60 area residents joined State Rep. Sandra Pihos last week to honor their achievements. Scholarships pay for one full year of tuition and are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need and participation in civic and community activities to graduate or undergraduate students at Illinois state universities. Winners are: Brian Baranyi, Wheaton, University of Illinois; Sarah Beese, Glen Ellyn, U of I; Christina Gaynor, Lombard, Northern Illinois University; Zachary Frazier, Downers Grove, U of I Chicago College of Dentistry; Suzanna Freerksen, Glen Ellyn, U of I Chicago College of Medicine; Mohammad Faraz Kamran, Lombard, U of I; Kimberly Loconsole, Glen Ellyn, U of I; Mary Beth Versaci, Lombard, U of I. Students who live in House District 42 are encouraged to call Pihos' district office for next year's application after Jan. 1 at (630) 858-8857.

Calling all canines:

Dogs can cool off from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Oakbrook Terrace Park District's splash pad, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., at the Heritage Center. The pad will open exclusively to dogs and their owners; all dogs must be leashed and wearing a collar with tags. The day will include dog activities like intro to agility, musical chairs, biscuit bobbing and more. For details, call (630) 627-6100 or visit www.obtpd.org.

Roselle helps veterans:

Forty volunteers from Roselle's Ladies Auxiliary Post Unit 1084 will sponsor the seventh annual picnic and bingo on Sunday at the North Chicago Veterans Facility. The volunteers will play host to about 100 veterans at the picnic and pack gift bags for the servicemen and women from donations they've collected throughout the year. Before the picnic, volunteers will visit veterans who reside at the facility who are unable to attend, giving them fleece blankets and other comfort items. For details, visit www.post1084.com.