The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

\ MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "Serviig The ChaU-O-Lakes Region Since 1875* Volume 87 -- No. 28 -- 3 Sections McHENRY. ILLINOIS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 1961 20 Pages -- 10c Per dopy U&111 and Open New National Store It seems that stray animals have wandered from the north to the south part of the city. Readers may remember the problems which beset northsiders last summer when a family of skunks, including n^pher and nine little ones, -paid nightly calls at several homes. It took the most drastic means to convince them they weren't wanted on anyone's doorsteps, even though youngsters in the neighborhood described the "babies" as the cutest things they had ever seen. The incident was amusing ttan, and we were more than a^little disturbed when we learned that a small "army" of grown men were taking guns and other means to rid the area of the animals. The last we heard, at least a couple had been killed and the remainder of the family had taken the hint. They apparently realized their destiny had been decided for them as t|£y headed straight northward beyond the city limits to the quiet atmosphere of country living. Now a similar situation exists in our own community, and it will remain amusing until we are avoided by friends because of our close association with another, south McHenry skunk. gin the brightness of the street light late Saturday night, we saw a large mass of fur moving across a small road and into our yard. The white stripe convinced us our first guess was right, and we could only hope a basement window was closed as the creature moved slowly but steadily under some protective evergreens and toward the win- #w. The fact that bedrooms were directly above convinced us that caution was the better choice. Upon retiring;, we observed a "do not disturb" warning made evident by that white stripe. To date, no reason to look further into the incident. Meanwhile, just a few doors away, the Donald Howard tafnily wrestled with another Umilar problem which led to more difficulty. After two or three months in which they experienced strange noises in the house during the day, the culprit was found in a 40-pound raccoon, which apparently spent the days lodged in the fireplace and roamed at night. Learning the cause of the ffiturbance, it became necessary to smoke him out, after which police killed the animal. Some folks say we're becoming: a big city, but there are still a few like ourselves who don't mind the inconvenience of such happenings as the above just because they convince us there is still a St of country living in our tdst. TWO McHEHRY YOUTHS SHOW PRIZE ANIMUS FFA Members Are Entered In Livestock Show Kotalik Studio Photo It was a proud moment for Manager Jim Powers of the McHenry National Tea store and company officials when Maj or Donald P. Doherty officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the new and spacious store on Elm street Tuesday morning. Pictured in the process of watching the official act were Otto Geisler, district manager; Mr. Powers, Mr. Doherty, Roy Petersen, district superintendent; and Henry Nieman, Chicago branch manager. Friends will be happy to learn that Art Barbier, a senior at the John S. Creighton university school of medicine at Omaha, Nebr., has received an appointment from his school to serve as an exchange medical student at Georgetown university school of medicine Washington, D. C., in the spring of 1962. Art, a local high school graduate a few years back, is also one of his medical school class officers. The Red Devils drum and bugle corps of the V.F.W. -- that snappy looking marching group that has been winning praise wherever they have appeared in recent years -- is ®}aking advance plans to enter into competition for the first time during the next summer season. They would be veryhappy to have new members, and invite anyone interested, whether they are accomplished musicians or just men with a desire to learn, to become members. Robert L. Freund is com- «ander of the corps and would el come a call at this time. On Delinqw Cl, Suppo Efforts Taxes In y Bo A variety of business came before the board of supervisors in regular meeting Tuesday of this week. x Included was approval of an expenditure of $2,500 to cover the cost of the coming fiscal year audit, which will include installation of a double entry system for the clerk and treasurer office. It was agreed that County Clerk Kays and Assistant S t a t e ' s A t t o r n e y H e r r m a n n will coordinate efforts and issue execution orders to Sheriff Griebel for the seizure of property of delinquent taxpayers to satisfy judgments. At this time, 100 delinquent personal property bills have been filed in the court of Justice Ritter lor collection in addition to those in county court. The two collectors working out of the treasurer's office will continue their program for the present. Between now and the issuance of the next tax bills, a further evaluation of the programs will be made, and at that time a recommendation is expected on the best method for the complete collection of delinquent taxes. Collection of fees and fines for October in the various justice districts was announced as follows: Fees, 1, $311; 2. $439; 3, $463; 4, $455; fines. $816; 2, $918; 3, $529 ; 4, $830.10. Pay Tribute The board stood in silent prayer for Math N. Schmitt of McHenry, supervisor of this township from 1953 to 1959 and chairman in 1949. A resolution will be prepared and presented to the family of Mr. Schmitt in appreciation of his valued service to the board. It was voted to give justices a $50 raise per month for expenses, effective Dec. 1. A resolution was made, commending the Viscounts of McHenry on winning national honors last fall. The rabies report listed a busy month for the enforcing officer. Edward Jelinek. WONDER LAKE MAN INJURED IN FALL AT WORK Paul Jadwick of Highland Shores, Wonder Lake, maintenance man at the McHenry County court house annex, has been recuperating this week at his home following injuries sustained in a fall last Thursday while preparing signs for the streets. While working in the annex basement, he fell backward, and apparently struck his head on the concrete. He was found unconscious on the floor. Five stitches were required to close the cut on his head. JUNIOR THE PLAY The beautiful new home of Ihe National Tea store at 3705 W. Elm street in McHenry opened its doors to the public last Tuesday morning, Nov. 14, marking the completion of several months of construction. Hundreds of persons called during the day to see the many features of the store, which is 125 x 155 feet and covers 16,000 square feet. These include fine dairy and frozen food departments and an ultra modern meat market. A new bakery section features freshly baked goods delivered daily. A hi fi sound system has been installed for the pleasure of customers in the entirely air conditioned store. A new service is the courtesy check cashing booth. There are six modern check-out counters as well, for the convenience of busy shoppers. It is no surprise that a change to the new building has required the personnel of the store to be doubled. One of the big attractions is the huge parking area which surrounds the front of tne building, leading to the highway. James Powers is store manager, and Ed. Harms is market manager. Two McHenry youths will attend the International Livestock Show in Chicago next week and both boys will be showing prize beef animals, including their F.F.A. projects. Ron Gelvin will work with his father, Odell Gelvin, showing the Farm's many champions. They plan to take ten outstanding Hereford bulls and about seven top heifers. I They will be unable to take \ last year's International cham-1 pion Hereford bull because of his age. However, the group • going include this year's champion bull at the Bluegrass ! Show in Kentucky, the cham-' pion and reserve champion; Hereford bull at the Iowa! state fair, and the champion, Hereford bull at the Illinois State fair. Enter Shorthorns Harold Dee Woody of the Westward Way farm has his two Shorthorn steers all groomed up for the show. His father, Harold N. Woody, is taking several superior bulls and heifers. Included in his load will be reserve grand champion at the Iowa State fair, and the grand champion heifer at the Iowa state fair. The McHenry F.F.A. chapter is sponsoring a Saturday trip to the stockyards to see the many animals and exhibits, along with the horse show. These International Livestock Show days should be exciting for all these rural youths. BULLETIN LeRoy Smith of McHenry was informed at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 15, that he had been appointed as acting postmaster of the McHenry office and would be installed by Inspector Black on Friday, the seventeenth. S m i t h ' s a p p l i c a t i o n f o r the position was made abou* six weeks ago. He will replace James Hettermann who has held the office for almost two years as a temporary appointment. The fact that this had not been made a permanent appointment before President Eisenhower left at the end of his second term, made certain that the change to a Democratic administration would mean the eventual naming of a Democrat to the office of local postmaster. S m i t h , n o w s u p e r v i s o r from McHenry town s h i p, will be required to resign in the near future, and a successor will be named by the board of appointment, which includes the board of auditors, town clerk and supervisor. _ ARTICLES WORTH $50 STOLEN AT JOHNSBURG HOME School District 15 Tax Rate Below Most Reporting h Su ey Parents Take Over Students' Program There will be open house at the McHenry Junior high school tonight, Nov. 16, between the hours of 7:45 and 9 p.m., and all parents are urged to attend. The program will consist of guests being shown the entire schedule the children take part in during the regular school day. Teachers will be available for conferences with any of the parents who desire them. Refreshments will be served A burglar who favored articles of the lady of the house entered the Bjarne Skjorestad home on Fox river, at Johnsburg, one evening this past week and escaped with items valued at about $50. Mr. and Mrs. Skjorestad had gone out for dinner that evening and left one light burning in the kitchen. Upon their return, they found a plant knocked over near a window and other items in disarray. Further investigation revealed that the intruders had made a hole above the lock, removed the storm window and gained entrance in that way. Neighbors found the storm window floating down the river the next day. No money in the house was taken, but the burglar expressed a fondness for jewelry ;ind other items belonging to Mrs. Skjorestad, taken from her dresser. Members of the sheriff's office took fingerprints and are investigating the break-in. Charge B@ys With Car Theft Thefts of three cars in the McHenry area during the past week have kept local police busy with investigations. Two young boys are scheduled to come before Judge James Cooney in family court on a charge of taking an auto owned by Mrs. June Diedrich, parked in a lot near McHenry Recreation, east of the river, Friday night. Mrs. Diedrich was unaware that her car was missing until she received a call from city police that they had apprehended two young teen-agers, and upon investigation found that the car belonged to her. Because of the fact that they were juveniles, the boys' names were not made known. The two also were questioned concerning the theft of another car on Thursday night, belonging to Leonard Blake, parked near Pearl and Riverside Drive. Police were also informed that a third car was stolen for about an hour from near St. Mary's church on Richmond road last Wednesday night, during a special evening of prayer. Young boys were said to have enjoyed a ride in the car, owner unknown, after which it was returned. Authorities in McHenry say in all cases there was a violation of the law regarding unattended motor vehicles. Either the key had been left in the ignition or the key was removed but the ignition was unlocked. Set Annual Fair Meeting Next Week McHenry county will soon have a new home adviser. She is Mrs. Katherine Neumann, who recently requested assignment to this county and will begin her work around the middle of December. Working with her will be the (Continued on Page 8) The annual meeting of the McHenry County Fair association will be held at the McHenry County Farm Bureau building in Woodstock on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. The meeting is called for the purpose of electing directors, receiving and acting upon reports of officers and for the transaction of other business. Cast Of Ten In i Last Rehearsals i For Fine Mystery j Saturday night, Nov. 18, at I 8:15 o'clock, members of the | junior class of the high j school will present their an- j nual play, this year a comedy j mystery, "Who Dunit?" The , three-act presentation concerns | a mystery writer who comes back from the dead to find his murderer. The cast includes Roger Jurack as Alexander Arlington; j Nancy West as Muriel; Sue! Prawl as Annie: Ed. Parks as ; Harry; Marcy Christensen as' Miss Jenkins; Richard John- : son as Andrew; Gayle Reid j as Vivian Odell; Jim Marshall j as George Brewster; Camille Lopez as Flo; and Bert Kiss- j ling as Michael. | Direct Presentation The play will be directed by Miss Marilyn Muntz, as- j sisted by Debbie Block, Pat' Rielly and Sue Gregory as student directors. Others working on the play include John Reese, lighting; Carol Beck, sets; Bill Niemiec, props; Bonnie Segermark. > make-up; Sandy Spohr, cos- • tumes; and Nancy Lockwood. i publicity. Tickets are now on sale, and are being reserved at the j school office. CERNY TO APPEAR FOR HEARING ON LARCENY CHARGE Alan J. Cerny, 17, of Burton's Bridge, who was recentlj implicated in a series of burglaries in the Crystal Lake- Burton's Bridge area, is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing this week Friday, Nov. 17. The hearing was continued last Friday after Cerny had been named in an information charging burglary and larceny, filed in circuit court by State's Attorney Richard Cross. Cerny was the oldest of four boys accused of breaking into a number of houses at Crystal Lake and boats on the river north of Burton's Bridge in recent weeks. Loot recovered from the homes of the hoys amounted to $3,000 and covered a variety of items ranging from jewelry to sleeping bags taken from the boats. Attend church Thanksgiving. Anticipating an all-time high mailing record in a fast growing community this 1961 holiday season. Postmaster J. W. Hettermann announced this week that he is starting his annual "Mail Early for Christmas" campaign. His first mention of overseas packages, which should go into the mail at once if by regular mail. Air parcels should be mailed prior to Dec. 10 for overseas destinations. He reminds of the wisdom of placing the new return addresses on all Christmas card envelopes and mailing early. Putting the addresses on the outside of the envelope is a good way of informing those friends who may not be among regular correspondents. Mr. Hettermann suggests checking card lists carefully to make sure each address is complete with full name, street and number, city, zone and state. Second, for gift packages, stock up now on heavy wrapping paper, sturdy corrugated cartons, strong cord and paper adhesive tape. Third, remember that you may in- (Continued on Pago 8) COUNTY POLITICAL ACTIVITY SHOWS RISING INTEREST I High school report cards will i be sent. home on Friday. j Because several of the Sis- I ters at St. Mary's parochial |s c h o o l w e r e s t r i c k e n w i t h t h e ; j flu, classes were cancelled! | Tuesday and Wednesday this j week. Set Newspaper Deadlines Ahead Thanksgiving Week Because of the Thanksgiving holiday falling next week Thursday, Nov. 23, the Plaindealer will be printed one day early. To assure the paper reaching city and rural subscribers by Wednesday, deadlines are being set ahead one day. Display advertising will be accepted until noon on Monday and classified advertising until 10 o'clock Tuesday morning. General news must be in our office by 5 o'clock Monday, and contributors are urged to send in items as early as „ possible. The Plaindealer office will be open until midafternoon on Saturday, Nov. 18, for the convenience of the public. Interest in the future political activity of McHenry county increased by the day, with announcement of candidates from this area for office. ' Most recent of the announcements came on Monday with a statement from Audrey R. W a l g e n b a c h , a r e s i d e n t o f Hart land township, who announced her candidacy for the officc of county treasurer on the Republican ticket. She has been employed in the treasurer's office for many years and has in recent years been chief deputy. A contest is evident, since only a few days previous Harry F. Peteit announced his candidacy for the same office on the G.O.P. ticket in the primary to be held on April 10. He is a former McHenry county treasurer. The present treasurer, Harry C. Herendeen, has announced that he will be a candidate for state representative, also on the Republican ticket, in the 32nd representative district. consisting of McHenry, Boone, DeKalb and Ogle counties. A Crystal Lake resident, he formerly served as sheriff from 1954 to 1958. The first announcement of candidacy came from Edward Dowd earlier last week. The Crystal Lake man. now chief deputy sheriff, made it official on Tuesday that he would be vying for the post of sheriff. There has been speculation concerning other announcements, but on Wednesday morning of th'is week, the above were the first of the candidates for the spring primary. Bears Star To Speak In City With the close of McHenry's most successful football season and the winning of the conference championship, local interest continues to build as members of the McHenry Kiwanis club progress with their plans for the fourteenth annual football banquet. This year's event will be held at the high school cafeteria on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. This event promises to be one of the most successful of all of the football banquets, due to the enthusiasm of the town after the team's winning of the championship. Tickets for this event may be purchased at the high school or from any Kiwanis member. The toastmaster this year is Rev. Robert Hooker of Woodstock. The speaker will be from the Chicago Bears team and will be announced next week. While the pocketbook will hardly suffer less because of it, the results of a recent survey by the Illinois Education association on comparative tax rates -may give less reason for complaint in our own community. At the Monday night meeting of the board of education of Consolidated District 15, members learned that the district ranked 110th out of 123 schools that took part in the survey, which meant that only thirteen had lower tax rates. The survey was made among elementary districts with 1,000 or more average daily attendance and an overlying high school district. Also of interest is the fact that a number of neighboring districts were included in the survey, including Palatine, Barrington, Crystal Lake and Zion. Supt. Carl Buckner reported to the board that the final tax distribution -- about 35 per cent of the total -- was due to be made about Nov. 20. Administrators Meet Administrators and board members are making plans to attend the annual county administrators' and board members' dinner meeting in the n e w C a r y - G r o v e s c h o o l o n Thursday evening, Nov. 16. The guest speaker will talk on "Civil Defense." Some will also attend the annual Illinois state meeting of the same group, which will be held in Chicago on Nov. 20. Board members discussed the recent open house at Valley View school, and were gratified with the numerous compliments paid on the new structure and the facilities available. The open house was attended by more than 1,000 interested persons. A teaching contract was approved Monday night for Daniel Suffoletto of Rhode Island, to teach in the Junior high school. CLASHES IN AREA CAUSE HMH. INJURY Twenty-Third Traffic Death Of Year Recorded FORMER COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN SCHMITT DIES Math N. Schmitt, supervisor for McHenry township for twenty years and at one time chairman of the board, died Friday evening, Nov. 10, at the Villa rest home, where he had been a patient for fourteen months. He was 79 years of age. Mr. Schmitt was one of the area's best known residents during the years when he served his township on the board. Through long service and untiring efforts in behalf of the thousands he served in this capacity, he made countless friends who mourned his death this week. He was also well known as a local insurance agent and operated his own agency for many years. Organization affiliations included the Knights of Columbus and Modem Woodmen of America. Mr. Schmitt was born Nov. 29, 1881, in Johnsburg, son of Jacob and Mary Freuna Schmitt. For twenty years he resided on north Court street in McHenry. Sumvivors include three daughters, Mrs. Isabelle Johnson of Washington state, Mrs. Alvina Hendrickson of California and Mrs. Agatha Brefeld of (Continued on Page 8) i An unusual situation brought I about a highway accident last Thursday night which resulted i in the twenty-fifth traffic I death of the year in McHenry i county. The victim was Mauritz Johnson, 69. of Delavan, Wis., who lost his life when he attempted to avoid hitting bales of hay on Rt. 23, north of Marengo, and swung his auto into the other lane and into the path of Raymond Kelly of Marengo. Johnson was pronounced dead at Memorial hospital, Woodstock. Kelly suffered only minor injuries. At the time of the fatal ! accident, state police were ' rushing to the scene after I receiving an alarm that the ! hay was strewn on the highway. . , Other Crashes Rt. 12, two miles north of j Volo, was the scene of an accident at 11:47 a.m. Tuesday | of this week, involving autos driven by Lenore Freund of McHenry and Charles Kooher ! of Pistakee Highlands. There ! were no injuries. The Freund auto was northbound on the highway when i the driver attempted to pass i another car. She failed to see i that at the same time the j Kooher car was starting to I pass her. The Freund car went back into its own lane, but »the Kooher vehicle travelled into the south lane and then off the pavement to strike two mail boxes. State police investigated. Another crash occurred Saturday morning about 6 o'clock on Rt. 176, west of highway 14. A car driven by Richard Marshall, travelling west on Rt. (Continued on Page 8-)