Briefs: Democrat steps down
DuPage County Democratic Organization leader Gayl Ferraro will step down today, several months earlier than her anticipated retirement. That decision speeds up the battle for the chairman's job brewing between Democratic Organization Vice-Chair Rob Bisceglie and Bob Peickert, president of Turn DuPage Blue, a rival Democrat group. Party rules require a special election be held not less than 30 days and within 60 days of the resignation. Ferraro had said earlier she would depart after the Feb. 5 primary.
Police investigate arson
Glendale Heights police are investigating a possible arson that occurred Saturday morning, officials said Thursday. Police responded about 4 a.m. to a call about a car on fire in an apartment complex parking lot at 200 Gladstone Drive. Officials discovered a 1999 Volkswagen Passat that was "engulfed in flames," Cmdr. Steve Ewoldt said. Officials said there are car fires every once in a while, but because the fire appeared to be suspicious in nature, police are investigating the incident as an arson. No arrests have been made. Police ask residents with any information about the incident to call (630) 260-6070.
5k run/walk at Danada
The Spartan Athletic Association will host a 5K run/walk at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton this weekend. Proceeds benefit St. Francis High School in Wheaton. The event begins with a mile-long youth run for children 12 and younger at 8:50 a.m. on Sunday. The adult run/walk begins at 9 a.m. Registration is open through the morning of the race either on site or at www.sfhsnet.org. The top overall male and female winners, top achievers by age group and top race teams will receive awards. For details, call (630) 668-5800, ext. 112.
Judge runs for election:
A 10-year DuPage County associate judge announced Thursday he is running in the 2008 GOP primary for circuit judge. Judge John Demling, who presides in a domestic-relations courtroom, is a former Glen Ellyn village president and trustee. Most recently, the DuPage County Bar Association named him its 2007 Lawyer of the Year. There are two open circuit seats in the upcoming election. Besides Demling, other interested candidates include Associate Judges Blanche Hill Fawell, Dorothy French and John Kinsella.