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PAGE 14 - PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY. DECEMBER 31. UW2 > PLAINDEALER Editorial Opinion A Mild Winter? The National Weather service surprised millions of Americans in recent days when it issued its first official forecast for this winter's weather. Winter began officially Dec. 21, just before midnight. for mo6t Americans the winter will be warmer, it's said. Only those in the Rocky Mountain area will have a very cold winter. Thus, about nine out of 10 Americans should enjoy lesser heating bills, less snow cleanup and, hopefully, less colds and flu in the next three months. The weather in the east is expected to be wetter than usual, which may mean that in more northerly locations snow could be heavy again this fear. But in much of the area winter will produce more rain. Heavy Mississippi rains seem to<onfirm this forecast. Even though this is the most trustworthy of forecasts, the National Weather Service warns that even its predictions are only 60 to 65 percent accurate. It's a game of guesswork, mostly^ and mother nature often tools even the National Weather Service. But, in view of all the dire predictions that this winter would be extremely bitter, the NWS forecast is comforting, good cheer for the holiday season! Legal Drinking Age Two Cabinet secretaries recently told the president's commission studying Goblems and possible remedies for drunken driving they favored raising the zal drinking age from 18 or 19 to 21. The federal government lacks the authority to act for states in this area but ttye presidential commission's recommendations will have a major impact on the thinking of state legislatures, some of which have already raised the legal drinking age. One state which has done so, Michigan, has seen a 20 percent decrease in the number of drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 involved in alcohol-related, injury-producing crashes. Secretaries Drew Lewis (Transportation) and Richard Schweiker (Human Services) have endorsed the higher legal drinking age, noting that there are now about 10 million Americans with drinking problems, that alcohol-related .traffic accidents are taking a toll of 25,000 lives annually in the U.S.! That's about 500 killed a week in alcohol-related accidents. While accident death rates for other age groups have gone down in recent years, the death rate for those aged between 15 and 24 is higher than 20 years ago (about the ti#he states began lowering the legal drinking age, during the Vietnam war). And, Schweiker told the commission, alcohol abuse among teen agers is as much of a problem as drugs. About six percent of today's twelfth graders drink daily, Schweiker said. The nation faces few problems of more gravity, and potential danger, than this one and those states which haven't already acted obviously should consider ways to curb this awful carnage on our roads and highways. -- -- ~ ~ P L A I N D E A L E R " ^ Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (The Ploindeeler invito* the public to um rtili column at on oxprouion of their »iews on >ubject> of gonorol in- IwhI in our community. Our only requeit i» «hot the writers give signature, full addreti ond phono numbor. Wo m|, too. that on* individual not write on tho iam« tubjoct mora than onco a month. Wo rotorvo tho right to delete •by matorial which wo coniidor libolout or in objectionable tatto.) CHILD ABUSE "Dear Editor: "I am quite upset with a recent story in your paper about the Ket- chum child. I can't believe the charges these people are getting away with. Charges of 'cruelty to a child and reckless conduct' f^Uf " of the horrible things these] If anything, these light charges en­ courage present and future abusers. "It is my opinion that they should be punished in the same manner that they punished that helpless little child. But of course we couldn't do that. That would be inhumane! "Sincerely, "Dawn LaBuy "3203 Skyway Drive" DREDGE DANGER "Editor: , "As a member of the McCullom Lake Conservation club, I would like to advise persons using McCullom Lake for snowmobiling, skating, hockey, fishing, etc. to stay at least 100 feet from the dredge. iically, the dredge will be in " to aerate me water to minimize winter fish-kill; con­ sequently the ice will be much thinner in that area. "No-Trespassing, danger,"signs are in place. Trespassing or vandalism will not be tolerated. "No other notice will be given. The club will appreciate everyone's cooperations. "Harold Bow lin "McCullom Lake "Conservation Club" Computers Help Fight Fraud In Food Stamps After January 1, states must match reported income of food stamp ap­ plicants against other wage data to verify information on the food stamp application. y;On that date, all states will have a Wage matching system to. screen persons incorrectly reporting their income to receive food stamps. Incorrect reporting of wages, assets and resources is a significant area of abuse in the food stamp program, according to Mary C. Jarratt, USDA Assistant Secretary for Food and Consumer Set vices. Some people inaccurately report their incomes to qUalify for food stamp benefits, she iaid? ~,To counter this, USDA recently issued rules requiring all states to match the wages of applicants and participants with Social Security administration records and-or Unemployment compensation records. Many states already are involved in some form of wage matching. Some states match income information provided on food stamp applications against their own state and federal employee records as well as welfare and revenue records. Other states ijiatch with workman's compensation, bank accounts, hospital or state For Your Information^ Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) Washington - Here's how area members of Congress were recorded on major roll call votes Dec. 9-15. Pay Hike--By a tie vote of 208-208, the House defeated an amendment to keep salaries of members of Congress at the present $60,662 annual level. The effect of the vote was to oermit a raise of 15 percent to $69,800. the amendment was offered to a fiscal 1983 funding measure (HJ Res 631) that later was sent to the Senate. Some 30,000 high-level executive branch officials also would get pay raises as a result of this vote. Supporter Harold Volkmer, D-Mo., said "I remind my colleagues that our country is in a very serious depression, only surpassed by the Great Depression." Opponent Richard Boiling, D-Mo., said members deserve a raise, and he asked: "If we have not the courage to deal with our own pay, what makes anybody think we have the courage to deal with the great issues of the world?" Members voting no favored a 15 percent pay hike for members of Congress. Voting yes: Reps. Philip Crane, R-12, and Lynn Martin, R-16. Voting no: Rep. Robert McClory, R-13. .Protectionism--The House passed, 215 for and 188 against, a bill to require that foreign auto makers selling more than 10,000 units annually in the U.S. include high levels of "domestic cofttent" in their product. American parts, labor and services such as advertising would qualify as domestic content. Largely authored by the United Autoworkers, the bill (HR 5133) was aimed at Japan. It was sent to the Senate. Supporter jfehn Seiberling, D-Ohio, said the key issue was America's survival as an industrial leader. "It is inconceivable to me that we can be a major industrial or military power if we allow our automobile industry to go down the drain." Opponent Bill Frenzel, R-Minn., called it "a mean-spirited protectionist bill" that would cause retaliation against farmers and other major exporters and, in the long run, cost more jobs than it would create. Members voting yes wanted to protect U.S. automakers. Voting yes: Rep. Martin. Voting no: Reps. Crane and McClory. 1 Auio Bill--The House adopted, 195 for and 194 against, an amendment that softened the domestic content bill (HR 5133; see preceding vote) by stipulating that nothing in it could undo existing trade agreements between the U.S. and countries such as Japan. The Administration, which opposed the domestic content measure, supported this amendment. Supporter Sam Gibbons, D-Fla., said "we should not be known as 'Uncle Welsher' in the world," and he added that the overall bill was "narrow, selfish legislation" that deserved defeat. Opponent Richard Ottinger, D-N.Y.. said it was time for the U.S. to loin countries such as England and Italy that limit imports of Japanese autos. "Really, we are Uncle Sucker," he added. Members voting yes wanted to take some of the starch out of the domestic content legislation. Voting yes: Reps. Crane and McClory. Voting no: Rep. Martin. SENATE Outside-Income---The Senate voted, 54 for and 38 against, to permit senators to earn unlimited outside income from activities such as speechmaking to private groups. The resolution (S Res 512) adopted by this vote repeals a rule limiting outside "earned income" to 15 percent of a senator's salary. House concurrence was not required and the measure took effect immediately. Supporter Jake Garn, R-Utah, said "this is not taxpayers' money. In fact, taxes are paid. I would assume that most of it, or 50 percent of what we earn (on the outside) is returned to the general fund of the Treasury." No senator spoke against the repeal. Senators voting yes favored unlimited outside income for senators. Sens. Alan Dixon, D, and Charles Percy, R, voted yes. Buy American--By a vote of 51 for and 47 against, the Senate tabled and thus killed an amendment requiring that all federally-financed highway and bridge construction be done with American steel, cement and workers. The measure was proposed to HR 6211, a bill raising the federal gasoline tax by a nickel per gallon to finance road improvements and create jobs. HR 6211 was headed for final passage and conference with the House. Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., a supporter of killing the amendment, said steelworkers receive $23 to $26 per hour and insist on supplying all U.S. highway projects. "Listen to those hogs moving up to the trough - slurp, slurp, slurp," he said. Sen. Howard Metzenbaum, D-Ohio, countered that Chafee should visit Cleveland and Youngstown to "see the real plight of the unemployed steelworkers.... Senators voting no supported the "Buy American" requirement. Percy voted yes. Dixon voted no. , Jobless Pay--By a vote of 47 for and 50 against, the SonBUt failed to table and thus kill an amendment providing an additional two-to-five weeks of unemployment benefits. Depending on the state, the jobless now are entitled to a maximum of from 32 to 49 weeks worth of unemployment checks. The extra weeks provided by this measure would cost $980 million, according to the Labor Department. The vote came during debate on HR 6211 (see preceding vote). Sen Robert Dole, R-Kas., who wanted to table the amendment, said "there are fiscal restraints on any good program..." ; Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., who voted against tabling, said people in his state who have run out of benefits "are selling their blood in record numbers in order to put food on the table." Senators voting no favored more weeks of jobless pay in all states. Dixon and Percy voted no. Acquire Device For Deaf Last Census Shows More .5 i • v • • Illinois Young Farmers Increased numbers of small and large farms, young farmers, and operators who own part and rent part of their land are apparent in Illinois agricultural statistics, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau. The Census of Agriculture for Illinois indicates that between 1969 and 1978: ... Farmers under 35 gained about 17 percent, climbing from 17,516 to 20,475. ... Farmers in all other age categories sustained a loss in num­ bers during the period. ... Farmers from 35 to 45 dropped 21 percent, from 59,191 to 47,043. ... Farm operators aged 55 to 64 dropped 12 percent, from 30,744 to 27,035. ... Farmers 65 and over decreased 5 percent^ from 16,114 to 15,371. ones showed increases during the nine years, with numbers of those under 50 acres rising from 18,597 to 22,792. Farms of more than 1,000 acres in­ creased 128 percent, from 1,423 to 3,239. The medium size farms showed loss of numbers. Places of 50 to 219 acres dropped 23 percent, from 50,999 to 39.163 and those from 220 to 999 acres fell 15 percent, from 52,546 to 44,730. Part owners-farm operators who both own and rent land-were up 5 percent, from 36,416 to 38,247, but both those who fully own their land, and tenants showed drops in numbers. The full owners were off 14 percent, from 56.164 to 48,064 and the tenants decreased 24 percent, from 30,965 to 23 613 Census data show that the total number of Illinois farms dropped about 11 percent between 1969 and Th«» flvArngp ag«> for all farmers 1978, from 123,565 to 109,924. However the farm count figures are not directly comparable due to improved data collection methods in 1978 and a change in the definition of a farm. Census data users will look forward to the 1982 results, which may show whether Illinois farmers have weathered the economic situation of the past several years. in 1978 was 49 years, down from 49.7 in 1969 and below the U.S. average of 50.1 years. The Illinois farm operator's status is reflected in a comparison of data from the Censuses of Agriculture for 1969 through 1978. The review offers a perspective in farmer characteristics, products and sales. The statistics will be updated by the twenty-second Census of Agriculture, with forms mailed in late December to collect data for 1982. Farmers in Illinois and around the nation are requested to aid the census by returning their report forms at the earliest possible date, with the deadline set for Feb. 15. The census provides the only uniform set of agricultural data at the county, state, and national level, publishing in­ formation ranging from acreage, livestock, crops and interest payments to costs of fertilizer and value of machinery. For statistical purposes, a farm is defined as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were sold or normally would have been sold during the census year. From an acreage standpoint, both small Illinois farmers and very large ROSH HASHANA It is not definitely known when the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashana, which falls on the first day of the month of Tishri, became the first day of the New Year. The Bible refers to Rosh Hashana as the festival which is to take place on the first day of the seventh month, taking Misan, in the spring, as the first month, but it is not indicated that it is to mark the beginning of the year. In the Agada, (Haggadah), Rosh Hashana marks the anniversary of the creation of the first human couple, their sin and their repentance. It marks the first of the ten days of penitence. . The Rosh Hashana Mustaf prayers state, "This day marks the beginning of Thy work, a memorial of the first day of creation." Other Cultures Initial studies show that a multi-ethnic reading program not only improves children's reading skills, but also im­ proves their attitudes about other ethnic groups. New curricula can be easily adapt­ ed which will help American Indians, blacks and hispanics to read and at the same time instill a greater sense of em­ pathy for minorities by white sfudqits. qyr * A university information to verify in­ formation on food stamp and other public assistance applications. Wage matching has been used successfully in several states. In one North Carolina county, a com­ puterized match of wages reported on food stamp applications against employer wage records showed that 574 food stamp recipients received more benefits than they were entitled to. State officials estimate that the recipients - 10 percent of the county caseload - got about $300,000 in overpayments during a two-year period. In New Hampshire, a wage match of 800 food stamp recipients found 160 households receiving overpayments totaling $68,000. Forty-four cases were referred to -the state's special in­ vestigative unit for possible fraud charges. The Department of Human Rights has acquired a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) to make it easier for deaf, hearing and speech impaired persons wishing to file discrimination charges to com­ municate by telephone with the department. Calls made to a TDD must be made from a TDD so the caller must have access to a TDD unit in order to reach the department. The number for the TDD, located in the department's Springfield office, is 217-785-5119. Persons wishing more information should contact Susan Little, Handicap Coordinator, 623 Stratton Building, Springfield, 62706, 217-785-5100. Charges alleging physical or mental handicap discrimination are among . those investigated by the department in the areas of employment, housing, financial credit and public ac­ commodations. mtntm GAS PUMP Beit Slippage Slipping belts don't always squeal to let you know they're slipping. To check the alternator fan belt for slippage, hook up a timing light as you would to check ig­ nition timing. Turn on lights to put a load on the alternator. Aim tim­ ing light at the fan blades, if the blades don't appear to be standing still, the belt is slipping. Use the same procedure to check other belts. from HISTORY'S SCRAPBOOK DATES ADD EVENTS FROM YESTERYEARS December 30, 1940--Los Angeles' first freeway, the Arroyo-Seco Parkway, dedicated. December 31,1955--General Motors becomes first corp­ oration to make $ 1,000,000,000 profit in a year. January 1, 1840--First indoor bowling match held at Knickerbocker Alleys, New York City. January 2,1882--John D. Rockefeller organizes Stand­ ard Oil, first gigantic trust company. January 3,1955--Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy conducts his last hearing as chairman of Senate Permanent Sub­ committee on Investigations. January 4, 1964--Paul VI became first pope to fly in plane. Dear friend*, A widow's efforts to seek companionship are often misunderstood and too often the com­ ments relating to it have a cruelty that com­ pounds her difficult situation. The widow's at­ tempt at wholesome ad|ustmept to her loss is thereby frustrated by the very persons who should provide healthful support ed com­ passionate understandlna. PETER M.JUSTEN 4 SON FUNERAL HOME MiHtNftV HUNUlS .lib 0063 ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone Hew? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area!! 1 CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 365-5475 T mm WHCIMI menu***! mtmss cm °BLig No ,A„ "" urn *hm* mini'" - ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Areof-Royal Welcome Does It Best J JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE & BOWS Fir*, Auto, Farm. IK* Ripnnntlm RELIABLE COMPANIES S0IS W. Elm St., McHenry DENNIS CONWAY AUTO, LIFf, FIRE State Fans Ins. Co. 3319 W.Ilm Street McHenry, III. JAMES MLMclNTEE, LAWYER AVAIIARIE TO PRACTICE IN: FHMMl Injury/Trioii Business Corporations Wills/Probate Divorce-Real Estate Workmen's Compensation MM W. Elm Street, McHenry, II. t phono: 3SS-3440 Farm Equipment George P. Freand, • Inc. 4193 W. Crystal Lake Id. Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES. SERVICE S RENTALS Mon.-Sot. 1-5:10 Friday til 9:00 H Grant St., Crystal Lake Phone: 459-1224 DR. LEONARD BOTTARI 1303 Richmond Rd. McHenry Eyes Examlned-Coatact lenses Classes FHted Men.. Toes., Thurs., Frl. 4-4j»m Tues., Ttmrs., Frl. 7-9 pm Sat. 9:30-3 pm Phone: 3S5-4151 or 305-2242 McHENRY DENTAL CENTER DR. C.J. LUDFORD DR. KEVIN WEGRZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL 8:30 P.M.I SAT. 385-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME JflJECA^JTOCOWAtDS I I R E L L I RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rfo. 120 815-385-0700 SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 385-4300 FAMILY SERVICE * MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302-G West Crystal Lake Rd., r. ii. TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 815-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT^ REGULATIONS HOTLINE mi 8fZr5M-»u FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8440 Hours: 7:90 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to callf And than bean given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: B00-972-M04 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-4244213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses o> trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission.) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phone tOO-634-2644 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-237* CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION * 800-438-2644 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquires about or reporting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523-2929 P.O. Box 1607, Rockville, Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 . Chlcogo, III. ' BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hours Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BURE AU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St., McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone: 217-522-5^14 Answer to questions on gover- ment regulations. * MENTAL HEALTH 1-800-892-8900 Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff wil answer your call. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Office Box 17400 Washington, D.C., 20041 Phono (703) 471-0404 McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 444 Russel Ct. Woodstock.il. 40098 (815)338-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone: 344-1230 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (815) 455-3311 McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 800-892-3272 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. KRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES. INC. 800-942-3940 Free legal representation in civil cases to low income parsons. Landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Public Aid, Food Stamps, Teneral Assistance t Unem­ ployment insurance