7V ^ T iKV ' 1. 4,. NVUNC,^ / THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 97 NUMBER 45 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1973 20 PAGES & ONE SUPPLEMENT 15<f Sv'wj l l l l l f OPERATION IDENTIFICATION - Diane Valentine, secretary to McHenry Police Chief Kenneth Espey, shows the simple procedure of using engraving pen on a radio in the city's new Operation Identification program. By marking all valuable items in the home, the program discourages thefts, machine* ate available ftifaloan basis to interested persons. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD ' * Motorists Injured In New Year Week Crashes There are more than a few folks to whom we're grateful for favors over the past year. This seems like an appropriate time to extend season's greetings and acknowledge their cooperation. Among them are those un sung heroines behind the desk at city hall. We refer to the ladies who answer police calls in McHenry and at the Sheriff's office. While we make regular trips to both places for news, there are frequent calls for press time tips on local hap penings. They are courteous, friendly and a lway s wi 1 ling to spare a few moments to be helpful. We are equally indebted to the jState Police who staff phone service with utmost efficiency. Then there are the busy gals at the hospital who sandwich us in between other calls on a constantly lighted switchboard. They brighten our day. There are others, too, but these are the day-to-day calls that make pur job of serving the public a little easier. Every organization that maintains public relations with the community through the news media must have at least one key person as its link. Certainly one of these is Clyde Blackwell, a World War I veteran. His holiday card is most welcome, containing a large candle and his own message, "This candle is symbolic of the light you people spread". Very nice, we think. And there is also a pleasant start for the new year in the note from Mr. and Mrs. Leon Shermach pf Chicago asthey renewed their subscription "to the friendly newspaper we have enjoyed throughout the year". Like all other businesses, newspapers make mistakes. The difference is that ours become known to the entire community. Newspapers also say unpleasant things at times, not with the intention of hurting others but in carrying out the role for which they are in tended. The difference, again, is that these words reach the masses. In messages like those above, we feel the pleasant services of the newspaper are appreciated more than we think. KAF Robert J. Vanek of 7510 S. Redwood, Crystal Lake, sustained a broken leg and arm, chest and head injuries in a two-car crash that occurred on Rt. 31, a mile north of Mc- Cullom Lake road, at 1:40 a.m. Monday morning. Vanek was later ticketed by state police for driving in the wrong lane. The other driver involved was Rory S. Marshall of 2111 W. Fairview, McHenry. State police said Marshall was north-bound and Vanek was travelling south when the latter suddenly crossed over the middle line and the autos collided. Vanek was taken to McHenry hospital by the local Rescue squad. There was $900 estimated damage to the Marshall car and $800 to the Vanek.vehicle. Two Round Lake youths were seriously injured in an accident Friday morning on Route 120, one-half mile east of the in tersection of 120 and Green wood road. Daniel N. Huber of 1607 Grove, Round Lake Beach, and his brother, Joseph, were taken to Memorial hospital by the Woodstock Rescue squad, as was the driver of the other auto, Frank Russell of 7514 Barnard Mill road, Ringwood. Russell was treated and released. Joseph Huber was admitted to Memorial hospital and his brother, Daniel, was tran sferred to Sherman hospital, Elgin. Daniel.Huber told officers he was eas£bound on the highway Smoke Causes „ Extensive Damage At Ziebel House A fire in the garage at the Glen Ziebel home, 3205 Still Hill drive, McHenry Shores, caused extensive damage to both garage and house early Monday morning . Fire Chief Glenn Peterson said he believes the flames started from a spark in the fireplace clean-out which apparently caught a mattress and bed stored in the garage. Peterson said there was little fire damage to either the house or attached garage, but there was considerable loss because of the heavy smoke. Thwart Burglaries Police Take Part In Operation Identification Seven City Offices To Be Voted April 17 Following are important dates concerning the April 17 election for Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer , and one Alderman in each of the four wards in the City of McHenry. Jan. 8 is the first day absent electors in service or depen dents may make application for an official ballot. It's also the first day to file certificates of nomination or nomination papers. The next deadline is Feb. 12, the last day for filing cer tificates of nomination or papers: The seventeenth is the last day for filing withdrawal. March 19 is the first day for " posting or publishing notices of election. It's also the first day for absent voter to apply for ballot. April 2 is the last day for posting or publishing notices of election, the twelfth is the last day for absent voter to file application for ballot by mail, and the fourteenth is the last day for absent voter to apply for ballot in person. • T Conservation Progress With the start of the new year, the McHenry Police department has engaged in Operation Identification, a program designed to thwart the sale of stolen property. . The local police entered into the program through en couragement of the Sheriff's department and has twent machines to offer on a loan basis, geared to foil thieves. They were obtained at no cost to the city, furnished by the Illinois Law Enforcement commission, through the Sheriff's office. ^ The program eneoufages the etching of drivers' license numbers on valuable property, making it possible to establish identification if the article is stolen and the thief arrested. I It is suggested that only one number be^sed for the entire family and that all removable parts of an item be engraved All items/of value should be marked with the special pen, including the following articles regarded as "choice'/ „by burglars: fishing and. golf equipment, televisions, tap<r~* sterpfls, radios, cameras, typewriters---^ projectors, bicycles, guns, musical instruments, lawn mowers, snow blowers, ex pensive tools, jewelry and furs. The latter can be marked using an indelible pen on the felt beneath the lining. All McHenry county law enforcem^r^gencies endorse the program, pointing out that one of the major difficulties in getting convictions in burglary and theft cases is positive identification of the stolen property. McHenry police depart ments, and the McHenry County Sheriff's department, have on hand a number of electric engraving pens that will write on metal, glass, wood, plastic, etc.,'and will be loaned free to the public on a 72- hour basis. A sheet of instructions will also be given to each person borrowing the pen. They can then use the pen to write their drivers' license number on any portable item of value in their homes or cars. When they return the pen they will receive decals which can be placed on (Continued on page 20) Theme Of Jan. 20 Meet New Year's RartY Fracas Spreads To Village Streets when his car began fish-tailing on the slippery surface.. He thought he had regained control when the collision occurred. Russell stated he was west bound on the highway. As he passed the natural gas works, he saw Huber's auto ap proaching. The rear tires of the other auto left the roadway and it appeared the vehicle was out of control. Russell attempted to avoid a collision by steering to the right but was unable to do so. A witness said he was several car lengths behind the Huber auto when he saw its right rear tire leave the roadway. It looked as though the vehicle was out of control as it crossed the center line and struck Russell's auto. The witness also stated that Huber had passed several vehicles and was driving in an unsafe manner prior to the accident. Officers noted the road was covered with water and slush from melting snow at the time of the collision. A ticket for improper left turn was issued to Leona M. Beltz of 5505 Summerville drive, Wonder Lake, following a two-car accident Monday evening about 7:30 at the in tersection of Wonder Lake road yand Center street, Wonder Lake. Ms. Beltz said she did not wish to make a statement to officers. Driver of the other auto, Dorrence E. Tranel of 5006 E. Wonder Lake road, Wonder Lake, stated he was (Continued on page 20) Man Escapes As Snowmobile Falls In Lake Thursday morning about 1:30, sheriff's deputies and the Wonder Lake Fire department were called to inveatigafcetthe report of a snowmobile ac cident on Wonder Lake. Richard D. Madden of 7405 Chippewa, Wonder Lake, reported that while operating his snowmobile on the lake, he had come to an area of open water and fallen into the lake. The water was shallow and he succeeded in getting out by himself". (Continued on page 20) Two new directors will be elected and reports on significant progress in con servation projects will occupy the spotlight when the twenty- sixth annual meeting of the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation district is held at Woodstock Saturday night, Jan. 20. In addition, several groups and individuals who have earned recognition for their efforts for a better environment will be honored. Russell Kelahan, president, said he wanted to get the date before the public so people can write it on their calendars. ' We also want to let people know where tickets may be obtained so no one will be disappointed," said Kelahan. "Sometimes attendance ex ceeds dining capacity. This year we'll meet at the Wood stock VFW, starting at 7 p.m." Directors whose terms expire include Kenneth Fiske, Woodstock, and Robert Fleck, Crystal Lake. David Cash, Harvard, heads the nominating committee. Others with tickets include Charles Budreck, Jr., McHenry; Russell Kelahan, Woodstock; Farm Adviser Louis Engelbrecht at the Ex tension office; and Mrs. Mabel Aavang at the Soil Con servation district office in Woodstock on East Calhoun street. Mrs. Aavang will accept phone orders and will mail tickets so people will be assured of reservations. Robert Nichols, Hebron, will Two Youths Charged With Theft Over $ 150 During a routine in vestigation at a home on Pauline street, Crystal Lake, Dec. 20, deputies found a color television at the scene. In checking the serial number of the set, a computer inquiry revealed that it was part of some loot taken in the Nov. 18 burglary of the Norton and Hines Magnavox Home En tertainment center in Crystal Lake Plaza. Investigation revealed the set had been obtained from Dennis Butcher of 2515 Scheid lane, McHenry, and Arthur Panknin of Route 2, Dundee. Both youths were arrested for theft over $150. Bond was set at $5,000 each with court appearance scheduled for Jan. 4. be honored as the outstanding conservation farmer in McHenry county for 1972. Don Barrett, Harvard, will be recognized as the outstanding conservation teacher for 1972. Kelahan and Lyle Paulsen, national winner as a con servation farmer, have been attending a workshop and enjoying some of the vacation aspects of a trip to Marcos Island near Florida. As part of the annual meeting program, they'll report on some aspects of their work-and-play trip, including results of studies on using discarded materials and wqys to conserve water. Gary S. Blomseth, 24, of 453 Eugene court, Crystal Lake, was arrested for battery and resisting or obstructing a police officer early Monday morning. The arrest resulted from a dispute which spread from a house party on Hilltop drive, McHenry Shores, into the streets and vacant lots of the newly formed village. Sheriff's police were called to assist the McHenry Shores police in quelling the fight at 1:34 in the morning. Authorities arrived to find several people fighting. They succeeded in breaking up a fracas between Blomseth and an unidentified man. However, in attempting to part two others who were fighting, Blomseth returned and approached Deputy Charles ^-Terrell, striking him on the side of the head with hi§ fist and breaking the bow of his glasses. Blomseth was taken into custody. After being led to the squad car, assistance was summoned while an attempt was made to subdue him when he resisted efforts to control him. He succeeded in breaking free and joined the others. A second effort to repress Blomseth was successful in spite of efforts of David P. Stuart of 3904 Maple, McHenry, who came to his aid to assist. Blomseth's bond was set at $2,000 and he was ^ordered to appear in court Jan. 15. Stuart was arrested for disorderly conduct. His bond was established at $25 and he, too, wiU appear in court Jan. 15. VETERANS TO MEET McHenry Barracks, No. 1315, Veterans of World War I, will meet Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Legion home, Ringwood road, at 2 in the afternoon. TREE PICK-UP The city of McHenry trucks will pick up Christmas trees Jan. 4, 5 and 8. All trees must be placed on the tree bank no later than Sunday, Jan. 7, if they are to be removed by the city. Behind Cameras At NBC TV Studios ) (The following account of their VIP tour of NBC television studios-a first for students anywhere-is written by Keith Besserud, editor of the Johnsburg Journal, a publication of the Johnsburg Junior high school). "Three editors of the student newspaper at Johnsburg Junior high school watched a live presentation of the NBC five o'clock news report from behind the cameras at the WMAQ television studios in Chicago last wesk. "An NBC news executive remarked that this was the first time students were permitted to see a live NBC news broadcast in the studio where it originates. "Lance Toepper, news editor of the Johnsburg Journal, Dean Andreas, sports editor, and I arrived at the NBC studios at 4:30 p.m. The television studios are on the nineteenth floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. "The news broadcast didn't stari .^ntil five o'clock, so Mr. ^Three editors at Johnsburg Junior high school, Dean Andreas, Lance Toepper and ^ith Besserud, were the first students ever permitted to watch a live NBC news |dcast from behind the cameras at WMAQ studio in Chicago recently. Iliey "la VIP tour of NBC facilities and talked with several newscasters. f Following the NBC evening news, the three Johnsburg students were invited into the office of John Palmer, where they had an opportunity to interview him and his colleague, Jorie Lueloff. From left, are Dean Andreas, Keith Besserud, John |>|lmer, Lance Toepper and Ms. Lueloff. Don Marion, manager oi Ad vertising and Promotion, took us on a half hour tour of the NBC facilities. "First, we took a quick tour of the WMAQ radio station. As we walked by, Clark V^pber, NBC's radio disc jockey, was finishing up his radio program. As he turned off his mike, we could still hear his voice over the radio because his voice isn't heard over the radios until six seconds after he speaks. This (Continued on page 20) v s