Police peg kids as possible cause of fire

While many students slept in their beds early Sunday morning, a fire was burning in the basement of the Delta Chi Fraternity house at 1111 S. First St.

According to a City of Champaign press release, the fire was reported at 3:39 a.m. by a witness who noticed flames coming from a basement window of the house.

The cause of the fire was still considered “suspicious” on Tuesday, according to a press release from the city of Champaign. Dena Schumacher, public information officer, said the investigator collected samples at the house.

“It was not an electrical, and no one was living there at the time. That is why (the investigator) is continuing his investigation,” Schumacher said.

Ray Mathews, Delta Chi housing corporation president, said there was a report around 2 a.m. that some kids climbed the security fence and lit fireworks near the window well where the fire occurred.

“This appears to be the cause at this time,” Mathews said. “It was some kids having some fun and causing trouble.”

Mathews said some of the smoldering remnants of the fireworks might have landed in the house and started the fire.

The house was empty because of renovations and only two rooms in the basement were damaged.

Mathews said the original house was built in 1928 and an addition was put on in 1966. The fire occurred in the newer part of the house.

Sean O’Connor, former Delta Chi president, said renovations started last fall semester. He said the renovations, which include installing a full sprinkler system, are scheduled to be finished before fall semester 2005. Renovations had not begun in the damaged rooms and should not stop members from moving in next fall.

“(The fire) won’t affect renovations one bit,” O’Connor said. “Based on what we saw, the damage was minimal … We are still waiting on reports (to determine the cost of the damage), but it doesn’t look like it will cost very much.”

Mathews said the only possible costs could come from structural damage caused by heat. Engineers are scheduled to inspect the house on Friday to assess possible damages, but Mathews does not believe there will be any structural damages.

– Mary Johnson

City council approves deal with water company

The Champaign City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to permit the Illinois-American Water Co. to use its right-of-way for water mains Tuesday.

Champaign will receive $124,000 annually for the company’s use of the right-of-way. The agreement lasts for two years and could be renewed.

Councilman Tom Bruno said he appreciates the long relationship with the company – which started in 1884 – and its continued involvement in the city’s economic development.

The city also approved the final plans of two subdivisions: the Boulder Ridge Subdivision and the Seventh Addition to the H.O.W. Business Park Subdivision.

The Boulder Ridge Subdivision would be located near the intersection of Staley Road and Bradley Avenue and would consist of about 300 homes, according to Mayor Jerry Schweighart. He said the H.O.W. Business Park Subdivision would be more industrial and is to be located south of Interstate 72 and east of Duncan Road.

Persons Assuming Control of Their Environment (PACE) also awarded the PACE Home Ownership Coalition for People with Disabilities Certificate to the city in recognition of the city’s partnership with the organization.

The city also granted a special use permit to C-U Taxi Illini Limousine, 1410 N. Neil St. The company’s recent move to its current location required the permit because it is located in a MF3, multi-family limited business zoning district.

A vote on the license agreement between the city and NCS Pearson Inc. was moved to a later meeting. The agreement would allow the use of a part of an alley right-of-way for the construction of a concrete pad and generator adjacent to 125 W. Church St.

– Caroline Kim

UI Grad Student Dies

University graduate student Matthew Cvijanovich died in his hometown of Fargo, N.D., of complications from gallstones shortly after the new year.

Cvijanovich, who was 23, was in the first year of a five-year post-graduate fellowship with an emphasis on Medieval Intellectual History, according to an obituary in the Fargo newspaper The Forum. He graduated in 2004 from Iowa State University with degrees in history, philosophy and classical studies.

A scholar and a thinker, Cvijanovich dreamed of becoming a professor after leaving the University. He was active in quiz bowl with both the University and Iowa State, participating and placing in tournaments throughout the country.

In high school, Cvijanovich was a National Merit Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar.

According to Charles Cilek, his uncle, Cvijanovich was diagnosed with the gallstones after feeling pain while taking a shower. Cvijanovich spent several days at an intensive care unit until his death on Jan. 2. Results of an autopsy were not yet available, Cilek said.

Visitation hours were held Jan. 5, and Cvijanovich was buried the next day at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.

– Eric Chima