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

\ Warm Spirit In Cold Park The thermometer showed temperatures in the 'twenties in the Pearl street park Saturday, but there was greath warmth in the hearts of the McHeary residents who attended the annual tree lighting ceremony. At left, Corp. Donald Cox of McHenry, stationed at the Marine Reserve base in Waukegan, warms his hands over a huge pot as he watches the contributions for the Marine program, Toys for Tots, grow larger. At right, parents and their children assemble around the beautifully decorated tree as Mayor Joseph Stanek pulls the switch that lights McHenry's tree. Earlier, the youngsters had helped to place on the tree ornaments they had brought. STAFF PHOTOS-WAYNE GAYLORD Santa Claus is coiriin' to town, and Saturday, Dec. 12 is the big day for McHenry's young set. Beginning at 11:45 a.m., Santa's parade takes off from the McHenry Market Place, and heads east to Crystal Lake road, then south on Crystal Lake road to run left on Main street. Santa and his reindeer will take Main street up to Green, where they will go north on Green and turn right on Elm. On Elm, he and his hearty crew will turn left onto Riverside drive; and will continue until they reach Pearl street, which they will follow to the park and to his cozy hut. At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will be visiting children and listening to their holiday wishes until 3 p.m., when he leaves for his workshop and the North Pole. He returns on Saturday, Dec. 19, and will be in his cottage from 1 to 3 p.m. that day also. The Pearl Street Dark will be the site of food and festivity both the twelfth and nineteenth with coffee, hot chocolate, doughnuts, and local caroling groups providing yule tide spirit as McHenry residents shop and prepare for the season while "home for the holidays". The U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots booth will be in full swing Saturday, Dec. 12, also from 1 to 3 p.m., with children who bring in toys in good condition receiving a coupon for a free treat at a local restaurant. Toys for Tots will not be in operation Dec. 19, as the distribution of toys to local children will be under way through various agencies in this community. In I960, McHenry residents donated over a thousand toys to make a merrier holiday for less fortunate children, and the Marines hope to see this figure topped in 1961. All toys donated in this area are distributed here, as well, and add another dimension of gift-giving for children lucky enough to share in their own holiday bounty. t fh Carolers in the park on Santa's arrival day, Dec. 12, will be the St. Mary's church adult choir, the choir of the First Baptist church of McHenry, and the children of Cooper Kiddie college. Amidst all the music, refreshments, and magic visits to that venerable old fellow in red, the day promises to make being "home for the holidays" more fun than pver. THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERM.W THE CHA1NO L.4KES REGIOK SISCE 1875" VOLUME 106 NUMBER 38 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER >, " 2 "SttTIOTftS 26 PAGES 25; Council Debates Ordinance by Anthony Oliver The half moon of winter was low in the sky, and excfept for a cold wind it Wtriild have attracted a good amount of comment. For those who have paid little attention, we remind that there is little to match the splendor of the winter sky on a crisp, clear night. But how quickly it gives way to the woes of the season. Winsome woes, to be sure, but woes nontheless. We left a McHenry restaurant Thursday ev- eving, and walking across a dark parking lot found a different, but equally beautiful sight in huge snowflakes falling slowly under a street light. If there is time for less weighty thoughts in this busy season, there is always the reminder that rarely is all right, or all wrong, in our lives. We had just received word of the death of Sister Andreella, the gracious and talented nun who was the Master of Music in McHenry for 40 years. She had brightened our life, as she had many others, and news of her unexpected death left a void. It was the low point in an otherwise pleasant work day. And we have noticed a less brilliantly lighted business community at Christmas time in McHenry. But this is only outside. Inside our stores we find an excellent array of gifts with prices to entice a shopping public affected by the economy of late 1961. Don't be fooled by the exterior. The spirit is warm, and sales people have been instructed to share that feeling. One of the big problems of mer­ chants, emphasized in the season of gift giving, is shoplifting. It accounts for a remarkably high loss, and some businesses, because of the nature of their merchandise, are hit harder than others. The old ten-cent stores are no longer with us. But their 1981 counterpart - those businesses that carry variety merchandise ~ are most often the target of thieves. We talked with one merchant in this type of business who admitted, "You can't let your defenses down". He hastily added that locally, away from (Continued on page 16) Transfer Blankenhorn Following a lengthy executive session Monday evening, the board of education approved a motion to transfer and reassign Bill Blankenhorn from his present duties to full-time duties as a physical education teacher and that he be relieved of all duties as an athletic director. The board action was by a 6-0 vote. The reasons approved by the board in support of the transfer and reassignment are contained in a confidential memorandum statement that has been made a part of Mr. Blankenhorn's con­ fidential personnel file. Dredging May Get State Aid Some room in the 1962 Illinois budget may have been found for the Boone creek dredging program, according to Sen. Jack Schaffer, R-Crystal Lake. The senator reported on the progress of the funding request at a special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Legislative committee last Friday at McHenry Country club. Sen. Schaffer said he may have "hung himself on his own spear" noting that he was very vocal in the legislature calling for fiscal responsibility, a "no- fat," line specific budget. He pointed out, however, that there was funding available in the Illinois Department of Conservation Boat Launch fund for waterway iirf- provements related to recreational boating. Schaffer noted that an application for funding was made to the Conservation department and has received approval from the Department of Tran­ sportation, Division of Water Resources. "We got the Department of Economic Development to genuflect on the project," Schaffer commented. Schaffer said that he and Rep. Richard C. Klemm, R-Crystal Lake, (Continued on page 16) After considerable discussion Monday night, the McHenry City Council voted to grant a request from Ed Thennes to provide water to his place of business on Front street. The discission was centered around an interpretation of an ordinance dating to the late 1950's regarding whether the city was responsible to bring a water service line to the property line, or whether it was the property owner's responsibility. Thennes, a former council member, said it was the intent of the council at that time to provide a service line to the property line at no cost to the property owner. He said that there was little or no development on the west side of Front street at the time the main was in­ stalled. Thennes noted further that the council at the time made the decision to put the main on the west side of the street, rather than stubbing the line to about 15 properties on the east side. Mayor Stanek reported to the council that in a conversation with former Supt. Fred Meyer, Meyer said the city never paid to extend a service line to the lot line. Alderman Jack Pepping commented that the city should not be in a position to say water is not available to property owners who live across the street from the main. Alderman George Harker supported the mayor's position but offered a compromise. "He did not hook on (to the water system) because the wells were working satisfactorily, and now they're not," Harker said. "If there was some cost sharing, I'd go along with it, but I can't see the city bringing in the line." Harker noted that the state probably would not allow a cut in the highway to install the service line, which leaves a single alternative of boring under the roadbed. Alderman Ray Smith opposed the mayor's position on this issue and noted that in 1961, the council interpreted the ordinance as Thennes had said - the city would bring the service line to the lot line. "I don't think today we can change our minds," Alderman Smith said. "In my own mind, the ordinance does say it goes to the property line. I'd feel it is a contract with the resident of the city." Mayor Stanek countered, saying the city has been consistent in saying the public will not subsidize development. Alderman Michael Wieser com­ mented that former Supt. of Public by Angela Burden SHAW MEDIA NEWS SERVICE Monday was the first date for can­ didates seeking nomination for county positions in the March primary election to file their petitions. Thirty-one people filed on Republican tickets and one filed as a Democrat in the county clerk's office Monday morning. The only Democrat filing the first day was Ray "Buzz" Bujak, of McHenry, for a District 2 seat on the McHenry County board. Works Fred Meyer may have been mistaken in his statement that the city did not pay to bring service to the property line. "In 1970, I built a house on West avenue and paid the normal service fee," Wieser said. "The city brought the line (under the roadway) to my (Continued on page 16) Rosemary Azzaro, of Woodstock, filed.for McHenry County clerk She is the incumbent. Three filed for the nomination as county treasurer - Rose Lillegard, of McHenry; Alfred "Al" Collins, of Wonder Lake; and Gary W Verdung, of Cary. The incumbent treasurer, Audrey Walgenbach, of Woodstock, is not seeking reelection. Henry "Hank" Nulle, of Woodstock, filed for reelection as county sheriff. Frank J. Sexton, of Harvard, also filed H (Continued on page 16) Seek Hearing Continuation On Station Agent Kv Anthnnv fllivor byAnthon^Miver Word was received at Monday night's City Council meeting that the ICC hearing was continued to Dec. 22. McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Fran Olsen was unable to say whether this would be enough time to complete discussions with the rail service, or, whether a further continance would be necessary. The Legislative committee of the Chamber of Commerce voted at a special meeting last Friday to seek a continuation of the Dec. 14 Illinois Commerce Commission hearing concerning the ticket agent at the McHenry railroad station. Members of the committee voiced their concerns over the situation and asked for advice and assistance from Rep. Richard Klemm, R-Crystal Lake, and Sen. Jack Schaffer, R-Crystal Lake. Darlene Degenhart, an aide to Rep. Thomas Hanahan, D-McHenry, was also present. Neida Rechisky, vice-president of the Chamber, commented that if the figures provided by the Chicago and North Western (CNW) were accurate, "then we have a problem." The CNW has said the move to eliminate the ticket agent at the McHenry station was a cost-cutting venture that would save about $26,000 yearly. Rep. Klemm said the rail company assured him that the move was not the first step in closing the station. "The 'Year 2000' plan shows a station in McHenry," he noted. "Do you really believe that?" Ms. Rechisky added. "I don't trust the RTA, but what can I say...that is what they've told me. I don't think we should just sit back," Klemm replied. McHenry Mayor Joseph Stanek noted that the City Council had authorized funds to permit City Attorney Bernard Narusis to represent the city at the upcoming hearing. Stanek also commented that the city had attempted to get the CNW to im­ prove the parking area at the station, but the efforts were in vain. "Our prime concern is some guarantee that service is not cut short," Stanek said. Sitting quietly through the beginning of the meeting, Sen. Schaffer said, "I had heard some people say that the train to Richmond and Solon Mills would never stop, and that fares would Chamber member Dan Curran (far left) makes a point to McHenry Mayor Joseph Stanek, Sen. Jack Schaffer, Rep. Richard Klemm and Darlene Degenhart, at a special meeting of the Chamber of Friday. never go up - and they were sincere at the time." The state senator said he was con­ vinced the planning staff of the RTA was seeking to close the stations at McHenry, Woodstock and Harvard. One of the facts that led him to this conclusion, he said, was that the rail company was unwilling to put money into parking lot and station improvements. "Why put money in for a train that 7.J* „ Commerce Legislative committee last STAFF PHOTO-ANTHONY OLIVER won't be thefe?" he asked He added that the only reason tne station has remained open this long was the "legislative victory" a few years ago which required tax money to be (Continued on page 16) No Gift Pets At Christmas Time Section 2 - Page I Stresses Of Holiday Time For The Blues Section 2 - Page 1 Early Rush For Fil ing Map Cancer Crusade Dec. 15 Volunteers Invited Page 18