A Westmont man is in critical condition Thursday after police say he stabbed his father to death, led police on a high-speed chase and injured four people in a chain-reaction car crash, before finally ramming into a tree.

The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 School Board spent Monday night focusing on whether or not to issue bonds for a potential library project at Hinsdale South High School while also voting on a tentative property tax levy.

After a few changes — including pay raises of as much as 16 percent for some sheriff’s deputies — DuPage County’s 2009 budget took its first step toward approval Thursday.

Most DuPage County residents can expect to see an increase of less than $10 on the Forest Preserve District’s portion of next year’s tax bill under a new tax levy unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

State lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday that could play a role in the possible murder trial against Drew Peterson.

To prepare for the winter season, Community Consolidated School District 181 will conduct a test of its emergency notification system on Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving.

The Hinsdale Police will join law enforcement agencies nationwide during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period in a crackdown on drunken drivers and unbelted passengers.

A man lost control of his car at shortly after 11:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, and struck an electrical pole on the west side of the 8500 block of Lemont Road, Darien.

The DuPage County sheriff’s office recently cited three businesses in unincorporated areas for selling tobacco to minors.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures turn colder, the DuPage County Division of Transporation is preparing to handle the winter weather.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett is urging the County Board to give prosecutors in his office an 11 percent pay raise next year to make their salaries competitive with colleagues in neighboring counties and across the country.

The Hinsdale Humane Society is excited to kick off the 2008 Annual Holiday Cards Fundraiser. The popular animal themed greeting cards are now available at the shelter, 22 N. Elm St., and at participating area veterinary offices and animal hospitals.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Kline Creek Farm during their hard candy making demonstrations at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29.

Parents, students and community members packed the black and gold room at Hinsdale South High School Monday night, ready to discuss the district's needs — especially with regards to artificial turf and large capital projects.

The U.S. Small Business Administration disaster center at the DuPage County administration building will cease operations at 6 p.m. Thursday due to a steady decrease of activity.