Briefs: Fox jury still deliberating

A federal jury will return this morning to continue its third day of deliberations in the Kevin Fox civil rights trial. U.S. Northern District John Darrah recessed the 10-member panel at 4 p.m. Wednesday after 12 hours of deliberations over two days. Fox and his wife, Melissa, sued four Will County sheriff's detectives, the estate of a fifth and the county, alleging authorities tried to railroad him for the June 2004 murder of his 3-year-old daughter, Riley, in Wilmington. Kevin Fox spent eight months in jail before being freed through DNA. The defense argues detectives had probable cause to arrest Fox and acted properly. The Foxes are seeking a $44 million award.

Local artist places first

Dina Soker, an Israeli artist and graphic designer living in Naperville, took first place among Illinois artists in a competition titled "Midnight in Chicago." The competition was started by Canada native Elyse Bruce, whose son's autism inspired her to use the event as a fundraiser while promoting the work of lesser known North American artists. Using the Internet, people vote on their favorite artwork to determine winners in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Quebec and Ontario. Soker was one of 70 Illinois artists who registered their works in the event and among 10 finalists whose works were on display at LePeep Restaurant in Park Ridge.

Several grants awarded

The DuPage Community Foundation awarded more than $146,000 in grants to 20 DuPage County nonprofit organizations working in arts, education and environmental affairs during its fall disbursement cycle. Among the recipients were the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus and the Conservation Foundation. The grants, which ranged from $1,000 to $15,000, were distributed Dec. 13.

Winfield hospital honored

Central DuPage Hospital has received the American Stroke Association's silver performance achievement award for the Winfield facility's stroke care. To receive the recognition, Central DuPage needed to receive an 85 percent compliance rate for at least one year with the requirements of the program. Central DuPage is among 10 Illinois hospitals that received the recognition.

Museum to host art fair

The DuPage County Historical Museum Association is sponsoring an arts and crafts fair this weekend at the museum. Dozens of artists and crafters will be displaying their handmade wares during the two-day fair. The event begins at noon Friday and ends at 4 p.m. On Saturday, it runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured artists include Jyoti Candles and Laurie Pontarelli. The museum is at 102 E. Wesley St. in Wheaton. For details, call (630) 682-7343.