Briefs: Jagla petitions challenged

There may be only one Democratic challenger for U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam's 6th Congressional District seat. A hearing on Monday will begin an examination of Stan Jagla's nominating petitions after an objection was filed earlier this week. Jagla is one of two Democrats vying for his party's nomination in the Feb. 5 primary election. Robert Flynn of Lombard filed the objection, but referred all questions to his attorney, Matt Flamm. Flamm did not immediately return an interview request Thursday. If enough of Jagla's petitions are ultimately ruled invalid, there will be no Democratic primary. Veteran Army Reserve Col. Jill Morgenthaler would be Roskam's opponent in the November election. Morgenthaler is resigning her position as Gov. Rod Blagojevich's deputy chief of staff for public safety and homeland security adviser to run for the office.

Central wins Pacemaker

For the ninth time in its 18-year history, The Central Times, Naperville Central High School's student newspaper, has been awarded a National Pacemaker as one of the top 25 high school newspapers in the United States. The honor is often called the Pulitzer Prize of high school journalism. The National Pacemaker awards are based upon the 2006-07 issues of the paper. The editor-in-chief was Lauren Sieben, now a freshman at the University of Iowa, while the managing editor was Alex Ruppenthal, now a freshman at the University of Missouri Columbia. Linda Kane serves as Central Times faculty adviser.

Teen sees his day

Joey Keehn, an 18-year-old from Bensenville, figured out how it feels to have a day named in one's honor. Bensenville Park District passed a resolution this week that officially designated last Monday as Joey Keehn Day to recognize the teen for his volunteer work. Keehn, a senior at Fenton High School in Bensenville and a member of Boy Scout Troop 47, raised money to place a Peace Pole at Breiter-Palm Park on Church Road in Bensenville. It was the project he chose to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in Scouting. The pole celebrates peace on earth in six different languages.

Golfers to pay more

Bensenville Park District approved new rates for its White Pines Golf Course this week. Beginning April 30, resident season passes will increase by $25 to $50, depending on which pass is purchased. Some examples include $325 for an individual adult pass, $500 for a family pass and $30 for a senior pass. The park district also approved a $3 increase on rates for nonresidents who use the 18-hole golf course during the weekend. Green fees will go up to $40. The district estimates the increases will generate roughly $13,500 in additional revenue annually.

Villa Park to honor teen:

A permanent memorial to honor Kristen Bowen will be dedicated at 10 a.m. Saturday at North Terrace Park, 300 N. Westmore Ave., Villa Park. Bowen, a Villa Park teen, was killed by a train in 2006 when she tried to cross railroad tracks near North Terrace Park. The memorial, partially funded by a VFW car wash spearheaded by Bowen's friend, Tiffany Davis, will include a 14,000-pound boulder with a bronze plaque and an oak tree surrounded by tulips. Officials from Villa Park, Metra and the Union Pacific railroad will be on hand to pay tribute to those who have died on the railroad tracks and to discuss safety efforts. For details, visit www.kristenslaw.org.

Outdoor sirens for Roselle

Roselle residents have lobbied for them for some time. By next summer, they will finally get their wish. The village board this week unanimously approved the purchase of two outdoor storm sirens. Possible locations for the sirens include the Metra train station, Manary Park, Lake Park High School West campus, Clauss Recreation Center or the public works facility at Congress Circle and Central Avenue.

Pay bills online

Warrenville officials announced this week that residents can now pay utility bills online with a MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. The city is offering the service through the state of Illinois' E-pay system. To pay a bill online, residents can visit the city's Web site, www.warrenville.il.us, and click on the E-pay logo. There is a fee involved, which is based on the amount of the bill paid: For example, a resident would pay a $2.50 fee on an $80 bill. The money collected from fees goes only to the state. As before, people who live in Warrenville can still put a check in the drop box at city hall, 28W701 Stafford Place, or walk in the building to pay by cash, check, debit or credit card. For details, call (630) 393-9427.

Last day to donate coats

Today's the final day to donate coats for English language students at Glenbard West High School, many of whom are immigrants from hot-weather countries. Sarah's Closet will accept new and gently used jackets, coats, scarves, hats, mittens, boots, sweaters, shirts and pants in all sizes. Items should be delivered to Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn. For details, contact Sarah Hoisington at (630) 469-8600, ext. 2421.

Girl wins talent contest

Jessica Cachola, 14, of Carol Stream, was the winner of the recent Western DuPage Special Recreation Association's Got Talent! contest. Jessica, who taught herself to sing and dance, performed an original dance routine before a live audience at Comcast studios in Mount Prospect. The association's Got Talent! will air on local Comcast channels in December. Other winners were: Michelle Kruse of Wheaton, second; Michael Chen of Naperville, third; Jackie Brown of Glen Ellyn and Heather Poling of Glen Ellyn, honorable mention.