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* IN TEUS * 'fry THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CHAIN-OLAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 100 NUMBER 3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1975 15' TWO SECTIONS 28 PA 1 SUPPLEMENT Unit School District Vote Saturday End Of A Service Era Top photo shows the last evening commuter train pulling into the McHenry station Monday evening at6:45. The eleven-car train was making its last trip beyond the state line with a destination of Lake Geneva. In the future, commuter service will extend only as far as Richmond. In bottom picture, G.D. Mclntyre, McHenry, station agent, stands near notice of discontinuance of service. The Interstate Commerce commission refused to review the railroad's request to end the run last Friday. STAFF PHOTOS-WAYNE GAYLORD V. .... Two Levy Ordinances Approved By >Council No big effort is really com­ plete without some kind of celebration. That was the concensus at the Plaindealer office after the presses had turned out their final centennial issue last week. Food, the universal No. 1 popular choice of celebrators, was the answer. And so on Friday noon, fourteen of us made our way to the luncheon table and an hour and a half of conversation on -- of all topics ~ the history of McHenry. The day was made very special by co-workers who greeted us with a beautiful corsage. Now fading and dry, the flowers will remain fresh in our memory as we pacft them away carefully with other treasured mementos of this undertaking. As we dined, good friends in our business office, Mary Miller, Mildred Jeschke and Dolores McMillan, made the supreme sacrifice of giving up their own lunch hour in the interest of serving customers. Thoughtful readers have responded to the centennial issue in person and via telephone. Other messages came by mail, which we share, in part: "We just finished reading the centennial edition of the Plaindealer. Congratulations to you and your staff for an ex­ cellent job of reflecting the interesting history of a really fine community. "We were particularly im­ pressed with the education section, but the entire paper will provide .the community, particularly our students, with a better understanding of their heritage. "Sincerely, "Richard A. Swantz "Superintendent "District 156" "We can't tell you how much we are enjoying the really wonderful 1875-1975 McHenry Plaindealer. It is beautifully done, and we congratulate you and your staff for the tremendous job it must have been. "Sincerely good wishes, "Margaret and Earl Dowell "Lafayette, Ind." "We certainly want to congratulate you and every member of the Plaindealer staff who must have collaborated so very well in getting out that magnificent centennial issue. It was so completely and thoroughly well done that you all have reason to be very proud, and to know that your untiring efforts were not in vain, as that edition has given so much pleasure and - satisfaction to so many people, and will for years to come. Our sincere gratitude. "Harold (Pat) Owen" "I wish to take this op­ portunity to extend my congratulations to the staff and management of the Plaindealer on your 100th anniversary. Your edition of the paper covering this most eventful occasion was done magnificently. "Best wishes to you for many, many more years of success! "Yours very truly, "Verona J. Kent" "Just a little note to let you know that all the effort and work you put into your newspaper today was well appreciated. The issue is great. We'll be reading it for weeks and weeks and weeks. "Graycie and Gene Dobyns" "Congratulations on the beautiful centennial issue of the Plaindealer. We did so enjoy the pictures. "Lorean and Roy Redwanz" "Allow us to congratulate you on your 100th birthday. May you continue to have many more. „ "F A. Gilbert "Wonder Lake Realty Trust" "Everyone at McGee's would like to congratulate everyone at the Plaindealer on your 100th_ anniversary. We have enjoyed (.Continued on page 16) During the City Council meeting last week, approval was given a Public Benefit \ fund levy or­ dinance for $15l|000 along with an appropriation levy or­ dinance for the fiscal year May 1,1975, through April 30,1976, in the amount of $3,169,115. This was an increase in the com­ bined levies of $344,500 which represents an increase over the prior year of approximately $1.28 per thousand. This relates to real estate tax, North said. North pointed out that each year an estimated evaluation must be made. "We have no idea what your valuation is going to be next year and that is what determines your actual rate. Based on our historical increase in valuation and the amount we are levying as compared with the prior levy of (Continued on page 16) The Johnsburg Vote (an editorial) On Saturday, Aug. 16, voters in School District 12, Johnsburg, will go to the polls to express themselves on two issues. One pertains to a proposition to form a separate unit district within the present confines of Johnsburg School District 12. The other asks permission to sell bonds to build a high school. Both must pass for the unit district to be formed and for a high school to be constructed. Pros and cons have been expressed on what is decidedly an emotional issue.' The opportunity for self- determination of the school and tax dollars is an appealing argument for a favorable vote. However, we feel it is important to view facts that are available, as well as projections that seem reasonable in view of past experience. The intelligent vote will be that which (l)-takes into consideration the future education of students in both districts; and (2)-considers the financial factor as it concerns taxpayers. Educationally, we are unable to visualize an educational system equal to the present one in either District 156 or a new Unit District 12 should the referendum be favorable. Constantly increasing costs have caused school boards everywhere to take a sharp look at figures in attempting the difficult job of balancing a budget. To maintain two separate districts, with the necessary high costs of pools, athletic fields, gymnasiums, etc., on the same scale would seem an impossibility without putting a bigger strain on the taxing public. A projected cost of $8 additional taxes per year on an average size home in the new unitdistrict has been made. Many factors enter into such a projection. The most serious problem with this figure is that it is based on continuous funding of State Capitol Development funds. The financial situation in Illinois, indicated most recently by the Governor's cutback of funding for education, must make one wary of relying on promises. We have studied several important factors that must be considered in making such an important decision as the splitting of school districts. Cognizant as we are of the sincerity of those who believe it will work, we cannot in good conscious recommend a favorable vote in the formation of a Johnsburg unit school district. Too many questions beyond the control of local districts or individuals cannot be answered at this time. The education of too many young people, and the financial disruption of too many taxpayers are at stake. Two propositions concerning education will bring voters to the polls in School District 12 Saturday. Aug. 16 Polls will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the James C. Bush Elementary school, 2117, W. Church street. (hie of the proposals will be to vote for or against establishing a community unit school district comprising all the territory of Johnsburg Con­ solidated School District 12. The second proposition asks whether the board of education of this community unit school district, when organized, should issue the bonds in the amount of $3,033,600 for the purpose of purchasing and improving a school site and building and equipping a senior high school building in the district. The election is being held following a petition filed with Richard L. Tazewell, superintendent of the educational service region, Dec (i. 1974. and an order calling for this election bv him on July 28. This order states that the tax rates for educational and operations, building and maintenance purposes, respectively, for this unit school district will be 2.58 per cent for educational pur­ poses. and .55 per cent operations, building and. maintenance purposes, and the purchase and improvements of school grounds. 1 Commuter service between Chicago and Lake Geneva, with two morning and two evening stops at McHenry, ended Monday. With itended an era in railroad history that had its start in 1871 when the North Western railway opened its line into Lake Geneva. G.D. Mclntyre, freight and passenger agent for the railroad in charge of the McHenry, Ringwood and Richmond stations, was informed Monday morning of the action by the Passenger Service. However, since July 9 a notice had been posted on the depot door, giving-irrformation to those who cared to make objections to the imoendingVdiscontinuance /rof service with the Interstate Commerce commission, Washington, D C. First came\he 6 o'clock train, and forty-five minutes later the eleven-car 6:45 o'clock No. 639 pulled into the McHenry station for its last long run. In the future, Richmond will be the end of the line. Lack of riders and high losses on the line by the railroad were cited as reasons for stopping service this side of the Wisconsin state line. It is also a fact that the RTA has no obligation to extend service except in Illinois. Last Friday afternoon the Interstate Commerce commission refused to review the railroad's request to end the*, run Congressman Les Aspin (D, Wis.) the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and other transportation agencies had sought the review. Railroad officials said ridership on the run dropped from seventy-six persons a day in 1961 to twenty-two a day this year. They claim an operational loss of $132,000 last year. Jury Rules Suffocation In Becker Death A county coroner's jury ruled last Thursday that the death of Michele Becker, 18, of 1807 N. Woodlawn Park, McHenry, July 4 was due to suffocation due to drowning and in­ toxication. The jury recom­ mended continued in­ vestigation into her death by the state's attorney's office since there were questions about her death that remained unanswered. The partially nude body of the 1975 MCHS graduate was found face down in about a foot of water by two men canoeing on the Nippersink creek, east of Rt 12, near Richmond, on the holiday. Her body was discovered a day and a half after she was reported missing by her family. The body was found seven miles north of a cornfield where her car was parked, the ignition on A girl friend reportedly saw her last at 12:30 a.m. July 4, and a boy friend saw her an hour later. No narcotics or barbiturates were found in her body, ac­ cording to an Illinois Depart­ ment of Public Health toxicology report released by Coroner Theron Ehorn at the inquest. Set Deadline For Homestead Applications The Board of Review of McHenry county will not accept new applications for Homestead Exemptions for the year of 1975, as required by Section 19.23 of the Revenue Act of 1939, as amended, after Sept. 1, 1975. These new ap­ plications are not to be con­ fused with the 1975 renewals of (Continued on page 16) Applications Available For Alternative School The McHenry Alternative high school program is now accepting applications for the 1975-76 school year from per­ sons 15'2 to 20 years old. Preference will be given to applications from people who (Continued on page 16J Several Motorists Hurt In Weekend Highway Crashes Two McHenry youths were injured in a one-car accident Sunday morning about 3 o'clock at 2717 W. Lincoln road, near the Woodlawn Park entrance. Taken to McHenry hospital by the Rescue squad were Michael S. Dalton of 3911 W. Maple and James B. Adams of 4()9 W. Lincoln road. Adams was treated and released and Dalton was admitted to the hospital, where he was reported in satisfactory con­ dition Monday afternoon. Deputies reported Dalton was east-bound on Lincoln road and as he entered a curve in the road, he lost control of his car. It ran off the north shoulder, re- crossed the roadway and hit a large tree on the south side of the road. Dalton was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident or too fast for conditions. A motorcycle-car accident at the corner of Front and Waukegan Sunday morning resulted in injuries to Phillip L. Schottber of 1316 S. Darrell road, McHenry. He was treated and released from McHenry hospital, where he was taken by the McHenry Rescue squad Schottler was riding a motorcycle north-bound on Front street when he hit a car which had pulled in front of him from Waukegan road. The car was driven by Craig F Ver- dung of (>15 Hilltop boulevard, McHenry. He was ticketed for failure to yield. Debra A. Bachechi of 524 Bay view Court, McHenry, was listed in good condition at McHenry hospital Monday morning following a one-car accident at 4:i()t> Route 31 about midnight Friday. Ms. Bachechi was south­ bound on Route 31 when she lost control of the car she was driving and ran off the road. Officers noted it appeared the left rear tire of the car blew out because several large pieces of the tire were found about 200 feet north of where the auto came to rest Tickets for no valid registration, no valid driver's license and failure to give in­ formation after striking an unattended vehicle or other property were issued to Gordon F. Ramberg of 8601 Ramble road. Wonder Lake, following an incident on Nelson road, north of Woodstock, last Wednesday morning about 3:15. Ramberg refused to make a statement but it appeared the auto ran off the road as it rounded a curve in the road­ way. Damaged in the accident was a utility pole and tran­ sformer, a display sign, eight bushes, two evergreens and a post light. Stanley J Gerretsen of 4512 Garden Quarter, McHenry, was cited by county police for violation of classification after the dump truck he was driving landed on its side in a ditch on Lincoln road near Hillside lane east of McHenry. According to the report, Gerretsen was west-bound on Lindoln road at 1 45 last Friday morning when an approaching auto crossed the center line and forced him to drive onto the shoulder of the roadway It slid down an incline, spun around and landed on its side. Christopher Stiller of 614 Regner road, McHenry, was taken to McHenry hospital by the rescue squad after he lost control of his motorcycle at 2727 N. Regner road Sunday afternoon He refused treat­ ment at the hospital. Annjoy Rayner of 116 Greenwood, Spring Grove, was treated and released from McHenry hospital, where she was taken by her mother following a one-vehicle ac­ cident Saturday morning about 2:15. According to deputies, Ms. Rayner was north-bound on Wilmot road just north of (Continued on page 16) Legislator's View RTA Service long Way Off Meaningful mass transit service looks like it 's a long way off for McHenfy county, reports State Rep. Cal Skinner. Jr. , (R-Crystal Lake) after a recent afternoon's meeting of the RTA Legislative Advisory committee with the Regional Transportation Au- thprity board in Chicago. "RTA's consultant reported that unserved areas having a population density of 5,000 people per square mile will have first priority," Skinner said. "If I remember correctly, McHenry county's density as of 1970 was 182 people per square mile," he con­ tinued. Skinner does have a prediction that should be good news to his car driving constituency, however. He is "pretty sure' ' that any tax the RTA board decides to impose will be something other than a tax on gasoline. "Recently I heard Mayor Daley say on radio that he didn't favor the imposition of a gas tax to support RTA at least not at this time. With Democrats in the national political arena trying to blame President Ford for raising the price of gasoline, I don't think Daley will want Chicago area Democrats to have to take responsibility for RTA's raising the price of driving a car still fyrther." Skinner ex­ plained. (Continued on page 16) Blaze Destroys Home * Damage estimated at $8,000 gutted the Wanda Smith home, 3606 Stubby avenue, Johnsburg, early Monday morning. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD A fire that swept through the home of Wand& Smith at 3606 Stubby avenue, Johnsburg. in the early hours of Monday morning , resulted in an estimated $8,000 damage. Company II was called to the residence at 1:37 a.m. when a neighbor noticed fire in the home. Firemen arrived to find the entire structure engulfed in flames. They remained on the scene two hours before bringing it under control. Family members were visiting in Fox Lake when the fire broke out in the single story, five-room home. County arson investigators were called to the scene, but Fire Chief Glenn Peterson said he believed the blaze was caused by an overload of the electrical system. A car belonging to Joe Moulis of Johnsburg was damaged by fire to the extent of an estimated $2,500 early Sunday morning It was being driven at the intersection of Wilmot and Dennis at 5:25 a.m. when the auto left the road The fire broke out « short time later. Members ot Company II extinguished the blase.