Briefs: Addison fest resumes today
Severe storms and high winds Thursday forced organizers to cancel the first day of Chicago's West Suburban Festa Italiana in Addison. Ron Onesti, whose company organizes the fest, said events are scheduled to continue today through Sunday if the weather cooperates. Onesti also is rescheduling a performance by Italian singer Patrizio Buanne for tonight. The fest runs from 5 to 11 p.m. today at Centennial Park, 1776 W. Centennial Place. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for ages 12 and younger. For details, visit www.oshows.com.
Candidate growth spurt
Naperville City Councilman Darlene Senger is ready for a wider audience. Senger, who was re-elected in April, announced Thursday that after some "soul searching" she will run for the 96th District Illinois House spot held by retiring state Rep. Joe Dunn. Serving on the city council since 2002 has proven to be "a very good way to learn what government is about," Senger said, adding she considers the state's funding crunch a crucial issue. The race already is getting crowded with four others eyeing or committed to a run including former legislative aide Michael Bowler, businessman John Prichett, Will County Board member Michael F. Wisniewski and political newcomer Jennifer Brower.
District 204 hires principals
Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has selected two new principals. Lena Guerrieri will be at the helm of Kendall Elementary School. Guerrieri has served as Kendall's student services coordinator for the past six years. Cecelia Tobin will be the new principal at Indian Plains alternative high school in Aurora. Since 1999, Tobin has served as the school's instructional coordinator.
Soldier takes first steps
Army Sgt. Zach Arnold, a 2004 Neuqua graduate who was injured in Iraq, recently took his first steps with a prosthetic leg, according to his mother, Andrea. She said physical therapists called him one of the best first-time walkers they'd ever seen. Arnold lost part of his leg May 31 when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. He has been under the care of Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He now goes to physical therapy at the adjacent Center for the Intrepid. A video of his first steps is online at http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=15840967.
Manager gets new deal
Carol Stream trustees this week approved a new four-year contract for Village Manager Joseph Breinig. His annual salary will increase from $160,426 to $167,244. The new contract expires in April 2011, which coincides with the 4-year term of Village President Frank Saverino.
W. Chicago state bill signed
A stroke of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pen this week gave West Chicago officials power to revitalize the city's main corridor for years to come. The governor approved an extension of the city's Main Street tax increment financing district, which stretches from its downtown to Route 59. The TIF district now will expire in 2025 instead of 2013. While the TIF district is in place, West Chicago retains the power to borrow money to acquire land within the district. It also gives the city the ability to bundle properties for redevelopment.
Church hosts festival
Bloomingdale Church is hosting a free "Party in the Park" from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Camera Park along Fullerton Avenue, near Bloomingdale Road, in Glendale Heights. Church officials promise food, games, and prizes for all ages. Entertainment will be provided by the clown "Wacky Chad." For details, call (630)894-0090 or visit www.bloomingdalechurch.org.