Plus Sign Next to Widgets in Sidebar

First off, this is my favorite WordPress theme by far, and I’ve tried at least 50. The only issues I’m having (2 if we’re getting technical) are:

1. I’m getting a plus sign to the right of my widgets in the sidebar if they’re using a title (yes, even when logged out, incognito, etc). Is there any way around this besides not using one?

2. Listing the author. Is there any way to have this theme list the author in an unobtrusive way, such as right next to the post date like some of the other AlxMedia themes?

Thank you!