Area dentist is a supporter of Operation Gratitude Halloween GIVE-Back Program. Eric G. Jackson’s office, 2033 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, will accept donated candy during business hours through Nov. 7th.

STATE

Firms graduate from tollway program

The Illinois Tollway graduated 11 firms from its Technical Assistance Program administered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association Scholarship & Education Foundation. 

The Technical Assistance Program trained business leaders to handle more complex projects both with the Illinois Tollway and with outside agencies and businesses. The program prepares established firms including disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned firms, as well as veteran-owned and small businesses, to participate as prime contractors and subcontractors on highway and vertical construction contracts, including the Tollway 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program. 

The graduating firms include 11 Chicago-area firms from various industries, including general construction management, excavation and demolition, electrical, waterproofing, landscaping and trucking.

COUNTY

Agency will award grants for water projects

DuPage County Stormwater Management is accepting grant proposals for projects aimed at improving the quality of the county’s streams and rivers.

In its 19th year, the Water Quality Improvement Program grant awards funding for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit, including restoration and green infrastructure projects.

Under the program, organizations and individuals may apply for reimbursement of up to 25 percent of construction and maintenance costs for portions of projects that improve water quality. DuPage County has awarded more than 50 grants in the past to projects such as permeable paver parking lots, green roofs and native vegetation.

Municipalities, non-profits, businesses and homeowners’ associations are among entities eligible to apply. The application deadline is Jan. 12, 2018. To download the application guide, visit dupageco.org/EDP/Stormwater_Management/Water_Quality/1312.

WHEATON

Auxiliary collecting coats; cleaners will clean them for free

The Wheaton chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago is collecting gently-used children’s, women’s and men’s coats for its 7th annual coat drive for patients of the Infant Welfare Society’s Angel Harvey Community Health Center. And, CD One Price Cleaners has volunteered to clean and press the coats at no charge, and get them ready for distribution.

Nearby CD One Price Cleaners locations are at 386 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, and 340 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville.  Other locations can be found at cdonepricecleaners.com. Donations may be brought to these locations through Nov. 12.

The Wheaton chapter is also collecting new children’s coats (sizes infant through men’s medium and women’s small), as well as new hats, mittens, gloves and scarves.  New items can be dropped off at the home of Wheaton member Pat Danly at 25 Citation Circle. For more information, email pdanlyauxiws@comcast.net.  

LISLE

Murder charges filed in previous cold case

A Peoria man will appear in court Nov. 6, to be arraigned on murder charges in a 1994 case that had gone cold. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Lisle Chief of Police Dave Anderson announced that first-degree murder charges were filed in the 1994 murder of Illa Venard, 71, of Lisle.

Bond was set at $3 million for Thomas Spear, 43, of 1216 Melbourne Ave., Peoria. In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Spear is also charged with four counts of forgery and four counts of issuing or delivering a forged document.

An investigation into the death was begun but eventually went cold. The Lisle Police Department, with assistance from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, re-investigated the case earlier this year resulting in the new charges.

Police allege that on July 31, 1994, Spear entered Venard’s apartment through a sliding glass door. It is alleged that once inside the apartment, Spear was confronted by Venard at which time he grabbed the victim by the neck and forcibly pushed her down. The apartment was then burglarized and property of Venard’s including her checkbook and personal identification were taken. Police alleged that on several occasions, Spear disguised himself as an elderly woman, forged Venard’s signature and cashed four checks from her account. He was taken into custody in Peoria on Sept. 28, and charged with the forgery offenses.

If found guilty, Spear faces a potential sentence of natural life without the possibility of parole.

DOWNERS GROVE

Candy donations wanted for Operation Gratitude

Area residents are invited to bring Halloween candy and handwritten letters of gratitude to Eric G. Jackson, DDS, MAGD, of Oral Health Care Professionals, LLC.  The goodies will be shipped to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in care packages to U.S. service members deployed overseas and to first responders serving in this country.

Jackson is participating in the Operation Gratitude Halloween GIVE-Back Program to reduce excess sugar consumption, prevent dental decay and teach children the importance of saying “Thank You” to all who serve.

Candy and handwritten letters or drawings to service members will be collected at Jackson’s office, 2033 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, during business hours through Nov. 7th.   His office will provide paper and writing utensils for anyone who would like to write a letter.

Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on 600 million pounds of Halloween candy each year. In 2016 alone, 533,891 pounds of that candy was sent to Operation Gratitude for distribution through its Care Package Programs.

–DuPage County News Briefs–