Briefs: Murder charges in stabbing

Cortez Branch, 21, of Bolingbrook, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Michael Fairbanks, 18, of Naperville, according to the Will County state's attorney's office. Authorities say Branch and Fairbanks were involved in an altercation near Keats Avenue and Falkner Drive in Naperville on Nov. 26 during which Branch stabbed Fairbanks in the chest. Fairbanks died at Edward Hospital on Sunday, Nov. 30. Branch initially was charged with aggravated battery and armed violence. He remains in Will County jail on $1 million bond.

Villa Park arson arrest

Amr Daoud, 17, of 2317 Westwood Drive, Hillside, was arrested by Villa Park police and charged with one count of arson after an investigation found that curtains were set on fire in a wooden shed near Leslie Lane and Ardmore Avenue, authorities said. Initially, the fire was reported as a possible fireworks complaint after midnight Nov. 27. But fireworks weren't a factor in the blaze, which was quickly extinguished, police said.

Wheaton hires director

Wheaton hired a public works director to replace longtime leader Joseph Knippen, who is retiring after 38 years with the city. Vincent Laoang will serve in the role starting Dec. 15. He's worked for Matteson for 10 years as public works director, village engineer and director of regulatory services. In his years with Wheaton, Knippen oversaw a budget that increased from $1 million to $12 million.

Survey results available

To get feedback about the possibility of moving some of the Naperville garden plots on West Street to another location, Naperville Park District conducted a survey this fall of its garden plot users and sponsored three community meetings. An executive summary highlighting the survey data and comments is now available for viewing at napervilleparks.org under the "Upcoming Community Meetings and Significant Projects" section on the home page.

Dist. 94 scholarship raffle

The Education Foundation of Community High School District 94 in West Chicago is holding a $10,000 scholarship raffle through Dec. 15. The foundation is partnering with student clubs to help fund activities, with a portion of each $25 ticket going to the club represented by the student selling the ticket. Tickets are being sold at home football and basketball games and through the district's Web site at d94.org, by clicking "Webstore." For details and raffle rules, call (630) 876-6242.