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2004 Top Stories of the Year.

Article Excerpt
To many of us, 2004 may have whizzed by while we were making dinner or playing in the park. Yet all around us, things were changing - from controversial leadership to long-held beliefs about the future.

This year saw the Naperville Park District turned on its ear and, quite possibly, righted again. Indian Prairie Unit District 204 warmed to the previously taboo idea of building a third high school.

Often opposed Lisle officials collaborated to bring a sports complex to Benedictine University. And we honored our World War II veterans with a trip to Washington, D.C., to see the dedication of a memorial in their honor.

Here's a look at the changes, the new beginnings and the endings that have shaped our year and a peek at what may lie ahead.

Park district upheaval

It all seemed to unravel so quickly for Ken Brissa and Naperville Park District.

In January, authorities announced police - and later the DuPage State's Attorney's office - were investigating "questionable administrative practices" in the district.

By May, Brissa had been cleared of any criminal wrong-doing, but a series of revelations of mismanagement and inappropriate spending had ripped through the district and left leaders humiliated and shaken.

"I know that this board has lost the trust and faith of the Naperville community," President Pam Swafford said.

The board eventually agreed to pay Brissa $100,000 to step down at the end of May. It went through two interim directors before finally hiring new director Barbara Heller from Elk Grove Park District this fall.

Heller arrived with a no-nonsense attitude, and Naperville leaders appear to be breathing easier.

What's next: Heller and the district plan to rebuild bridges with the community and the district's image both inside and outside the community.

Never say 'never'

They swore years ago they would never build a third high school. Yet, this fall, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 officials found themselves revisiting the idea they rejected so many years ago.

Parent Teacher Associations nominated parents to serve on a committee that would decide whether a tax increase is needed to solve the school system's upcoming middle school and high school space crunch.

Yes, the committee said, a tax increase referendum is needed, and the request should include enough money to build a third high school.

"What (the committee has) in front of us at this point is a reasonable and legitimate solution, and probably the best one, considering some of the issues that have been articulated," Superintendent Howard Crouse said.

What's next: The committee will make its final recommendation to the school board in January. If board members approve the proposal, they will ask voters April 5 for the power to borrow more money.

Build it; they'll come

Lisle leaders managed to put aside their political agendas to lend support to the building of an $8.8 million sports complex at Benedictine University.

Despite some people's early reluctance and skepticism, a 3,000- seat lighted football and soccer stadium opened in October, and work...

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