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/ r Delay RTA Tax Fails The last hope to stop collection Dec. 1 of the 5 per­ cent gas tax by the Regional Transportation Authority (ETA) was destroyed Tuesday when Judge Roland Herrmann, in Circuit court, dismissed a suit, or complaint, filed by Rep. Cal Skinner, Jr. to delay the procedure. Judge Herrmann agreed with the contention of James Munson, attorney retained by the RTA, that there was no actionable wrong against Skinner upon which to base his complaint. The judge noted that there was no way to overcome the fact Skinner would not suffer "irreparable harm" if the tax went into effect. If the tax should be declared invalid by the courts at some future time. Skinner could recover the amounts he spent by purchasing his gasoline by credit card and keeping a record, according to the judge. Attorney Munson argued that if the court did order the RTA to refrain from collecting the gas tax the RTA would be sub­ stantially damaged. They expected to collect $150,000 per day from the tax, and each day they were enjoined from collecting this tax the RTA would lose forever $150,000. If the court granted the in­ junction, he, on behalf of the RTA, would have to ask Skinner to post a substantial bond to protect the RTA against this loss. Attorney Munson originally told Judge Herrmann that he would present no testimony on his motion to dismiss the suit, then dominated the hearing with his arguments and testimony. Skinner, who was presenting his complaint "pro se" (by himself) without an attorney was permitted to speak briefly near the close of the hearing. Both Attorney Munson and the judge, as attorneys, were critical of the form and sub­ stance of the complaint presented, noting such deficiencies as no actionable cause, not naming all the mem­ bers of the RTA board, not naming the RTA as a corporate entity, and whether injunction relief was properly a matter for this court. Munson suggested that Skinner's complaint might well cloud the issue--that properly Skinner should have sought an injunction from the Supreme court who is presently con­ sidering the issues presented by Anthony Robert Martin- Trigona versus Patrick O'Malley and the RTA, since this is one of the factors on which Skinner was basing his complaint. In his suit, Skinner con­ tended, "If the gasoline tax is collected Dec. 1, 1977, plaintiff and others similarly situated will suffer immediate direct and irreparable harm for which there is no adequate remedy at law." Skinner, in his statements in cdurt, argued that if the RTA is permitted to collect the tax before the court rules on the issues, the RTA probably won't return it if the RTA is in such bad shape that it needs it. and he noted later that refunding the tax, if declared invalid would be an administrative nightmare. THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING, CM A IN-O-LAKE S REGION SINCE 187S In a happier, mere optimistic mood, Rep. Cal Skinner, Jr., puts signature on papers designed to enjoin the RTA (rem collecting a S percent gas tax until the Illinois 8upreme court hands down a decision on a previous suit challenging the tax. It was a last ditch attempt earlier this week to delay the/Unpopular tax in McHenry county, which expressed strong disapproval of the proposal when it became law in a six-county vote. The tax went into effect Dec. 1. Musin9 And Meanderin VOLUME 102 NUMBER 36 Police: •9- FRIDAY. DECEMBER 2, 1977 2 SECTIONS 26 PAGES 2# Crime Wave Christmas is in the air,. Every day calls come to our desk, or letters arrive with the mail, indicating the season of good cheer is at hand. xThe clincher came the day after Thanksgiving when picked up the phone to Clyde Blackwell on the end of the line. This young year-old was fashioning sonal holiday cards and w some advice. Even over the phone we captured the enthusiasm he possesses in abundance and shares generously with others. Long ago we became convinced that this enthusiasm and sharing were what added up to a very youthful octogenarian. All of us would do well to emulate this busy man who has po intention of spending idle days as Christmas approaches. And on our desk was another Sleasant reminder of the oldiay. In fact, the letter we received recently provided recollections that go back to our own childhood and a quieter time in McHenry. From South Carolina, the writer was Mary (Erickson) Robinson of the Erickson family that for many years contributed to the local business community. Probably forty years have passed since they left McHenry, but a familiar name gleaned from a publisher's directory prompted the letter and desire for a Christmas subscription. For perhaps twenty years- maybe more-the large toffel) building at the nor­ theast corner of Rt. 31 and Main street has been devoted to apartment living. We remember it in another way. When we were very young, Louis and Lottie Erickson operated a general mer­ chandise store in the large structure. In the eyes of a child, they carried almost anything one could wish for, especially at Christmas time. One year, in particular, we recall being given a sum of money to buy gifts for Mother. For hours we strolled slowly through the wonders that were ours if their value was in ac­ cord with the coins in our pocket. Doilies for the arms of a favorite chair (they were- "in" items in those days) and numerous other gift ideas caught our fancy. How much they were used we don't recall, but the joy of buying and giving was something we will never forget. Paper money went a good deal farther in those days, but since there was less to work with, the problem of ac­ commodating our desires to the amount on hand was probably not so different than it is today. All of these memories were kindled with the letter from Mary Robinson, who explained her reason for writing so very well: "Somehow the ties that bind one to childhood scenes are seldom entirely severed". How right you are, Mary! KAF "It would appear that we have had a juvenile crime wave," conceded Detective Gary Wigman of the McHenry Police department as he reported on the progress of several investigations of thefts and vandalism within the city. He noted that six juveniles had been apprehended or had been connected with the incidents and are being petitioned into the family court for ap- nronriate action. Wigman noted that sometime last month the investigation into burglaries at the Edgebrook grade school and the McHenry Junior high, school was completed with the apprehension of two boys ages 14 and 15. The first break-in at the schools was reported March 7, 1977, and other break-ins or burglaries were discovered March 28 and in September and October. The principal result of the burglaries was damage to the buildings, Wigman noted. Stolen were some keys and small amounts of coins from several vending machines. Fire and police offiefcala suspected arson following a fire discovered Oct. 13, at a house ' construction at Shore N. Sherman drive in the ittany Park subdivision, (igman added. The damage lting to the building was Imated at $400. Arrested in connection with the setting of the fire were two boys, ages 12 and 13. • Wigman said the in­ vestigation indicated the fire was not premeditated, but apparently resulted from the children playing in the new house. Matchheads and a cigarette lighter were ap­ parently used to start the celotex wall board burning. This investigation was also cleared in November. The department is looking into the possibility that other youths might be involved, and con­ nections with other incidents of' vandalism in the area. Burglary and vandalism was reported of a home under construction at 4613 Front Royal drive, where the structure, a project of the High School District 156 building trades program, received $500 in damages. The vandals had broken windows and screens, made holes in the interior walls and splashed paint on the inside walls. Also some lumber had been stolen, Wigman indicated. Of assistance in the in­ vestigation were foot im­ pressions in freshly poured concrete along with inscribed nicknames which led to the miscreants. Two juveniles, ages 12 and 13, who lived in the area, are being petitioned into family court for this offense, Wigman said. And the investigation is continuing into the possibility that the offenders might be involved in other acts in the neighborhood. Wigman noted that McHenry has a parental responsibility ordinance involving damages inflicted by minors. The law hasn't been used or tested locally as yet, he said, but in some cases parents, when convinced of their children's part in such offenses have voluntarily made restitution to property owners. To McHenry Girl JOY VYDUNA A 19-year-old McHenry girl who made an electric educational game dteplfcy to emphasise the dangers to health from cigaret smoking, has been named one of seven national winners in the 4*H Health program. a Joy Vyduna, of WM W. Oakleaf avenue, McHenry, received an $800 scholarship at the fifty-sixth National 4-H Congress in Chicago, Nov. 27- Dec. 1. Her award was donated by Eli Lilly and company, sponsor of the 4-H Health program. The seven winners were selected by the Cooperative Extension service. Miss Vyduna, daughter of Mr. "and Mrs. Calvin R. Vyduna, 1*18 W. Oakleaf, MoHeory, is a sophomore at the University of unnois at Champaign and is considering a career in some areai of * the communications field. She is a ten-year 4-H-er. The McHenry county girl's game display involved the use of true-false and fill-in-the blank statements. If questions were answered properly those playing the game would "truly see the light" as the display lights came on. The display was used by the coed at the 1977 State and McHenry County fairs. Miss Vyduna said that she vowed she would never smoke about ten years ago when her father, then a heavy smoker, suffered a heart attack. \ The coed also assembled a mechanical smoker to show how tars and nicotine are deposited in a smoker's lungs. She used this device in numerous demonstrstions, including a local elementary school, where she also passed outanti-smoking buttons. Some of the youngsters gave the buttons to their parents, who were smokers, she said. Miss Vyduna also took a special interest in cardio­ pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and carried the message of how important it is to learn this life-saving technique to members of her community. She passed out wallet cards published by the American Heart association at demonstrations on CPR. The4-H'er has also worked as a candy striper at McHenry hospital, where she learned about physical and mental health needs while working with patients. Her cJier 4-H projects have included clothing, food- nutrition, indoor gardening, babysitting, aerospace and communications. I Weather Information | more frequently if conditions change. These weather phones provide motorists with ac­ curate information about high­ way conditions, and at the same time, keep regular police telephone lines open for emergency calls. j The telephone number for this area is 312 742-7642. Highway condition in­ formation is available to the public from special weather phones located in state police d i s t r i c t h e a d q u a r t e r s throughout Illinois. The service is offered from now through April 5, of each year. The prerecorded report is updated four times daily, and Madrigal Singers Will Celebrate Holiday 1477 Numerous Accidents SANTA LETTERS Letters to Santa written by McHenry area children will be printed in the Plaindealer from now until Christmas. Only letters signed and with addresses included will be printed. Second Burglary Solved In Break-In Investigation The annual renaissance Christmas dinner with all of the music of five centuries ago will be celebrated Dec. 10-11 in the West campus cafeteria. The costumed singers, recorder consort, brass musicians, monk, and jester will open their doors to the public at 6;30 p.m. each night to feast on a dinner of Cornish hen, Yorkshire pudding, Wassail bowl, cherries jubilee, and all the trimmings. Members of the West campus music department have tickets available, and persons who would like to enjoy this traditional Christmas may purchase tickets from the performers, or call the school office for a reservation. This dinner is guaranteed to brighten the Christmas season. A boar's head will be there to heighten the festivities. The public guests are invited by reservation only. Motorists Harassed By Snow-Covered Highways Christmas Stamps Available Herald Holiday Season Yuletide mailers can choose this year between two at­ tractive Christmas stamps when applying appropriate postage to holiday greetings and parcels being sent through the mail. A colorful design of a rural mailbox, crammed with letters and packages, will adda cherry touch to holiday mail and customers interested in history may choose the design of General George Washington kneeling in prayer during the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge. Both stamps are on sale currently at the main post office and all branches. The Washington stamp pays tribute to the Continental Army which spent Christmas, marred by severe'hardships and semi- starvation, at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. , After an unsuccessful effort against the British at Ger­ man town, General Washington and his troops retreated to Valley/Forge. Two days before Christmas, Washington wrote: "We have this day no less than, 2,873 men in camp unfit for ditty because they are bare-footed or otherwise naked..." This design, by artist Stevan Dohanos, is baaed upon a painting by J.C. Leyendecker which appeared as a Saturday Evening Post cover in 1885. Dohanos also is noted for his painting which appeared on more than 100 other covers of the Post. A snowy winter setting provides the perfect background for the rural mailbox depicted on the other Christmas issue, the designer is Dolli Tingle, of Westport, Conn., who also created the stamp of 1973 Now a familiar sight, the rural mailbox was brand new in 1086 represented an im­ portant link with the outside (Continued on page 18) Snow covered streets con­ tinued to contribute to hazardous driving conditions with motorists becoming in­ volved in numerous accidents when they found their vehicles out of control in the McHenry area. J , ,\ A three-car mixup wis reported at 1:39 p.m. Monday on Crystal Lake road in front of West campus, McHenry police advised. Steven G. Kiuley, 402 N. Front street, McHenry said his brakes locked and his car slid \ on the ice on Crystal Lake road, into the rear of another vehicle driven by John D. Honning, 401 Mineral Springs, McHenry, which was stopped for school buses leaving the parking lot. Kiuley's car then struck another vehicle driven by BUI R. Pinkonsly, 3111 W. Kinley, McHenry, who told police he ' was trying to avoid a collision. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle damage listed was Kiuley $300, Pinkonsly 8200 and Honning $550. A driver was hurt in a rear end collision at 1:34 p.m. Nov. 28 on Elm street, east of Front street. Susan T. English, 111 N. Broadway. McHenry, was transported by the MpHenry Rescue unit to McHenry hospital for possible injuries following the mishap, along with two passengers, Micbell M. 11, and Jody L. Hancock, 9, 4014 Riverview drive, McHenry. police issued a ticket to ( Jeffrey R. Paulsen, 2608 Knob Hill road, McHenry, for failing to reduce speed to svoid an accident. Police reported that Paulsen was following the English vehicle and noted it braking and then releasing, and when Mrs. English finally did stop, he slid into the rear of her car. Damage to each vehicle was estimated at $150. Another three-car accident was reported at Crystal Lake road and Route 180 intersection at 5 p.m. Nov. 25, police said. It involved cars driven by Christopher P. Useman, 2408 Country lane, David L. Bauspies, 4320 Orestwood, and Frances H. Matchen, 4126 W. Crystal Lake road, all of McHenry. Useman said he was west­ bound on Route 120 and saw Bauspies braking for a left turn nto Crystal Lake road, [seman said he tried braking, slid into Bauspies vehicle then hit the Matchen car vWiich was also starting to make a left torn. Damage to each vehicle was estimated as less than $108. In a collision at 4:28 p.m. Sunday, a pickup truck slid into a car driven by Lane L. Brda, 3105 N. Crescent avenue, McHenry, and inflicted 8800 in damage, peliee said. The im­ pact occurred at the in­ tersection of Green street and John street, where the truck, driven by Joseph J. Sullivan, 1817 W. North avenue. McHenry, slid into the in­ tersection after being braked to (Continued on page 16) Investigation of a home burglary east of McHenry turned into more than a routine procedure for sheriff's police last weekend. As the result of information received, two youths were arrested and referred to juvenile authorities for the break-in and also an earlier burglary in the area. Deputies reported in­ vestigating a burglary at the home of Ben Segermark, 114 Lily Lake road, McHenry, Saturday. It was discovered at 8:20 p.m. when the owner returned after being gone during the afternoon. Entry was through an unlocked door. The loss was listed as a lantern, a flashlight and about $30 in change. During the investigation information was received from a patrol unit about two boys walking in the area carrying flashlights fitting the description in the burglary. Deputies said the youths tried to hide the lights under a car, but officers found them and then arrested the boys. The suspects were said to have a quantity of change in their pockets. Police said the boys also had material with them identified as property stolen in an earlier burglary in the area. Both of the lads were referred to the juvenile authorities. A burglary was reported al 9:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at 2106 Or­ chard Beach drive, McHenry, in the home of James Brown. Missing was a new color TV set removed from its stand. Deputies said the owner found the front door had been forced open when he returned home. On Nov. 25, a theft was reported at Abe's Arco, 7517 Hancock drive, Wonder Lake. It was found when opening the (dace for work that the soft drink machine had been forced open. About $10 in change was (Continusd on page 16) W:' •Hp--... • / 1 .k fig MCFv 4 , Wf • r > c , ii Is this snowmobile partially on the reader is he Just laches off the Whatever the answer. It Is a dangerous seeas captured by the Plaindealer _ _ ' _ photographer last Friday daring hasardous driving conditions. Taken from Ope T **•*»% l~cw*/*!/•/*»• / driver's position with a metorlsed camera, «the photographer caught the MjCtU/ nreanerr snowmobuer--one of three speeding south en Chapd Hill read, passing auto** • closely on the right that jwttocheTlparaied the snow machines from the cars. The three proceeded west on LJneoln road and then reversed their route. The three proceeded 'I ' 4 • on Lincoln road and then reversed their route. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD