Kane County
Fire that killed man was accidental, officials say
A South Elgin lung cancer patient who ignited an explosive fire while smoking in January died accidentally, Kane County authorities said Wednesday.
The coroner’s jury concluded that Edwin Kudsk, 73, of the 600 block of Kenilworth Drive set fire to his recliner while sleeping, then was asphyxiated by carbon monoxide Jan. 11. His wife tried to save him but was forced to flee by smoke and flames that engulfed their duplex, according to testimony.
When firefighters arrived at the burning home, they heard explosions from inside, where medical oxygen tanks were stored. Kudsk’s badly burned body was found a few feet from the front door, said Coroner Charles West.
— William Presecky
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Batavia
City Hall shows designs of sculpture for bridge
Residents can take a sneak peek in City Hall at proposed designs for the first sculpture to be displayed on the new Donovan Bridge.
Sixteen sculptors have submitted proposals. The sculpture will be one of four commissioned to decorate the four scenic outlooks on the bridge, which crosses the Fox River at Wilson Street. The Community Development Committee will narrow the field to two or three proposals with the help of local professional artists and ask those sculptors to make models of their designs. The City Council will choose the winning design in the spring, said City Administrator Bill McGrath.
The city has budgeted $30,000 for each sculpture.
“Since the bridge will be a destination in itself, the City Council decided to install pieces of public art that will symbolize our values for generations of Batavians,” McGrath said.
— Denise Linke
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Western suburbs
Police to target traffic on 75th Street corridor
With an eye toward improving safety on the heavily traveled 75th Street corridor, authorities next week will crack down on speeders and seat belt violators, said Naperville Police Sgt. Lee Martin.
On Tuesday, police in municipalities traversed by the road — including Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove and Darien — as well as DuPage County sheriff’s officers, will participate in the initiative using educational and enforcement tactics. Although the effort will focus on alerting motorists to slow down and properly use seat belts, it also will call attention to other safety violations.
Each jurisdiction will implement its own enforcement action based on each community’s needs.
— Tribune staff
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Glen Ellyn
U.S. Bank set to add on to downtown building
Trustees this week approved plans for a 2,000-square-foot addition to a bank in downtown Glen Ellyn.
The Village Board on Monday night gave the go-ahead for U.S. Bank to build the addition to the south and east sides of its 2,348-square-foot building, at 560 Duane St. The bank will fill the expanded space with offices, a conference room, a vault and bathrooms, village officials said.
After the addition is completed, U.S. Bank intends to close its other location in downtown Glen Ellyn, at 466 N. Main St.
— Bob Goldsborough
