Uka, an old man living alone, goes out to the front yard and meets an alien in “Alone,” a short animated film that helps to open the 2016 Naperville Film Fest, at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Hollywood Palms Cinema, WestRidge Court, 352 IL-59, Naperville. 

DuPAGE COUNTY

County reports more cases of West Nile virus

The DuPage County Health Department has announced that the second and third human case of West Nile virus have been recently reported in DuPage County. The second and third cases are females from Naperville and Warrenville, respectively, and both are in their 40s.

These two cases bring the number to three West Nile virus cases in less than a week in the county.

While the risk of contracting the Zika virus is in the forefront of the national news, West Nile virus is more common in Illinois and, therefore, is the immediate public health threat.

As such, the health department has increased the Personal Protection Index (PPI) to No. 3, which indicates that the risk is high. The PPI widget is found on the health department’s website at www.dupagehealth.org/PPI and provides the most up-to-date information on WNV activity.

The health department recommends that residents continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites through the 4 Ds of Defense:

Drain items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business.

•  Defend by using an insect repellent that contains DEET when going outdoors.
•  Dawn to Dusk. Wear repellent during the prime time of Dawn to Dusk for mosquitos
•  Dress with long sleeves and pants to cover your skin.

Approximately 1-in-5 people who are infected with the West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). WNV activity generally decreases in the fall once cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season.

For more information, visit www.dupagehealth.org.

LOMBARD

Fire department to observe 9/11

The Lombard Fire Department invites residents to attend a brief ceremony, observe a moment of silence and enjoy an open house Sept. 11. The ceremony will begin at 8:45 a.m., around the flagpole at Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard, to remember the 9/11 tragedy.

The Fire Department staff will lead a moment of silence and a bell ringing ceremony, and then will share some brief comments.

Light refreshments will be served in the fire station. Residents, including children, are invited to visit the fire house, to get up close to the fire trucks and to learn about being a firefighter. For more information, call Fire Station 45 at (630) 620-5736. The event will end at noon.

NAPERVILLE

Annual film festival adds second week to schedule

The 9th annual Naperville Independent Film Festival is adding a second week to its schedule. In addition to a schedule of movies to be shown at the Hollywood Palms Cinema, Sept. 10-17, a second week of films is slated Sept. 18-Sept. 23 at North Central College.

The films range from animated shorts and music videos to documentaries and full-length features from around the world.

The festival opens at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 with the showing of two shorts and a film at the Hollywood Palms Cinema, WestRidge Court, 352 Route 59, Naperville. They are: “Alone,” nominee for Best Animation, about an old man and an alien; “The Old Man & the Cat,” nominee for Best Short, a dream-like story about an old man at the end of his life and an imaginary cat; “Dating Daisy,” nominee for Best Feature, Actor, Actress and Director, about two passionate twenty-somethings in an on-again, off-again relationship. All these films can be seen for $9.

These and others are up for awards, which will be announced at the Gala Awards Show Sept. 17. For information about the gala and a complete schedule and information about each film, go to http://www.naperfilmfest.org.

ELMHURST 

Craft beer fest to benefit charity

The second annual craft brew celebration and fundraiser will benefit Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and Rotary Club of Elmhurst. This festive fall afternoon, 1-5 p.m. Sept, 17, will feature more than 50 craft beer selections from Chicago area craft and microbreweries including Two Brothers, Lagunitas, Church Street, Argus, Lakefront, Schlafly, Goose Island and more. Ticket price includes souvenir tasting glass, 18 beer tasting tickets, light snacks, door prizes, live music and more under a tent on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst.

Fest-goers must be 21 and older to participate. The event will be held rain or shine. Tickets are $40 early bird until Sept. 10; $50 from Sept. 11-Sept. 18 and at gate. Limited VIP tickets cost $55 and designated driver tickets cost $20.

Order tickets online and get more information at www.elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com. The telephone number is (630) 833-1457.

WHEATON

Petitions available for candidates of 2017 municipal elections

Petitions for candidacy for the 2017 Wheaton municipal election are available in the Office of the City Clerk at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton. The election will be held Feb. 28, 2017.

One four-year position for each of the city’s four districts (North, South, East, and West) is up for election.

Candidates need to be registered to vote in Wheaton and have to file nonpartisan primary petitions for nomination signed by at least 25 registered Wheaton voters, a statement of candidacy, loyalty oath (optional), and a receipt indicating the candidate has filed a Statement of Economic Interest with the DuPage County Clerk.

Petitions for nomination have to be filed between 8 a.m. Nov. 21 to 5 p.m. Nov. 28, excluding weekends and holidays, with the Wheaton City Clerk, City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.

A consolidated primary election will be held Feb. 28, 2017, if more than four candidates file for each district position (North, South, East and West). The consolidated election will be held April 4, 2017.

For more information, contact the Wheaton City Clerk’s office at (630) 260-2012.