Whitney Young finishes 3rd in U.S. Academic Decathlon

Whitney Young High School took third place Saturday in the UnitedStates Academic Decathlon finals in St. George, Utah. "Thecompetition is even more intense at the national level, and our teamproved that Illinois is an established powerhouse in this academicchallenge. All of Illinois should be proud," said Frances Holliday,executive director of the Illinois Academic Decathlon. In March, theschool, 211 S. Laflin, swept the state competition for the 12thstraight year. Team members, coached by Brian Tennison, includedEdward Bailey, Emmett Hogan, Katherine Megquire, Julienne Au, LongTruong, Maryanne Au, Bryan Pitchowski, Robert Jefferson and RobertIu. First and second place in the nationals went to schools in Texasand California, respectively. Students were tested in math, science,social studies, language, literature, economics and fine arts.Banker named to postGov. Edgar has nominated a female Chicago bank executive to theIllinois State Tollway Authority Board. Paula S. Fasseas would bethe first woman the governor has appointed to such a post. Fasseas,41, is senior vice president of planning and development for theMetropolitan Bank Group, Edgar said in a statement. Fasseas'nomination must be confirmed by the state Senate. She would take thespot of Thomas Hanley, whom Edgar appointed to the board and whocontinued to serve for several months after his term had expired.Cop shot; man chargedA 26-year-old South Side man has been charged with the shooting ofan Englewood District police officer, authorities said Saturday.Rufus Grandberry of the 6600 block of South Sealey Avenue was chargedwith attempted murder, a spokeswoman for the Cook County state'sattorney's office said. The unidentified officer is in seriouscondition with a chest wound at Christ Hospital and Medical Center inOak Lawn. The officer, who was not in uniform, was shot at 9:18 p.m.Thursday at 2000 W. 67th St. Grandberry is being held on a $600,000bond in the Cook County Jail.Woman found deadPolice checking on the well-being of a woman found her dead in herElgin home, authorities said Saturday. The woman was identified asBeth Allison, Elgin police Sgt. Tom Shergold said. The Kane Countycoroner's office will determine the cause of death. Shergold saidAllison was found in her two-story home about 2 p.m. Friday. Policewere alerted when an employee where the woman works reported she hadnot shown up for work. Police declined further comment.Speeding fines climbLake County officials have authorized doubling of speeding fines inconstruction zones during the upcoming roadwork season. Officialschose to implement a new state law that allows for the increasedpenalties to help promote worker safety. Motorists who do not slowdown in construction areas face a minimum fine of $150.