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Winners Over Diesel In Snail's Pace VOLUME 98 NUMBER 82 FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1974 20 PAGES FIFTEEN CENTS 1 15® 0 THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER * W "SERVING THE CH A IN - O-LAKE S REGION SINCE 1675: His friends call him David - his students refer to him as teacher - but for hundreds of Chicago commuters he is Super Man. He is David Ludtke of Lake Geneva, who Tuesday night bicycled his way to fame when he pedaled to Lake Geneva from McHenry, a distance of 21 miles, in one hour and 20 minutes. This was five minutes ahead of the north-bound Chicago & North Western commuter train. It was 6 p.m. when the first evening train was started by its engineer on the path northward at a speed of 15 miles per hour. Starting at the same time were eight men and (Hie young woman. Susan K. Johnson of Crystal Lake road, a student at the Art Institute, was the only McHenry racer. The challenge to the diesel-powered train was partially successful even for Miss Johnson, who was forced off the road at one point. The lone woman was successful in beating the commuter to the Wisconsin state line. , William H. Sills, Jr., a Wisconsin commuter who engineered the modern day version of the big train race, told the Plaindealer Wednesday morning that five of the starters went the whole distance. Of this number, four arrived in Lake Geneva ahead of the train and one tied. With a chuckle, he added that one of them made the distance wearing a suit and tie. A 12-year-old rider joined the racers at Genoa City and came out ahead of the train. No. 2 man in the race was Dr. Nicholas Veith of Lake Geneva, an oculist. Sills said some of the riders started their long journey amidst rain by taking off through Millstream subdivision, thus avoiding stop signs. They traveled north on Rt. 31 to Richmond, then north on Highway 12, through Genoa City and Pell Lake to Lake Geneva. A few others started in the same manner but turned off on McCullom Lake road, then north on Ringwood road through Ringwood and back to Rt. 31. As though to bait the iron monster, Ludtke waited for the train at Richmond, then took off again and still arrived in time to become partially rested before the commuter pulled into the Lake Geneva station. Some of the riders had personal reasons for becoming so deeply involved in making their point. One teacher was protesting the fact that school children in Lake Geneva would be denied their usual trip to the Chicago Science museum because the last morning train now leaves too early, at 6:11 a.m. Previously the hour was 7:14. The rather unusual competition brought curious looks among motorists unaware of the reason for so many 'cyclists hurrying along the highway. While the speed was considered good for a pedaler, it was a snail's pace for a diesel engine carrying hundreds of commuters. This was the reason for the race, sponsored by the Walworth County Mass Transportation Co., of which Sills is a member. He said deterioration of commuter service on this railroad line started in 1969. Several months ago a 15-mile- per-hour speed was ordered from a point north of Crystal Lake to the end of the line because of the condition of the tracks. Sills said 10 minutes had been lost in the past four months. The racers intend to point up the dramatic results of the Tuesday night race when they appear at an Illinois Commerce commission's hearing Friday morning at 160 N. La Salle street. They hope the results will impress the I.C.C. that the railroad is not providing adequate service to commuters. Sills said the railroad has told Wisconsin Congressman Aspin of Wisconsin's First district that the future service of the railroad in that area is uncertain. Distracted Drivers Involved In Crashes Michael R. Weingart of 4309 W. Ponca, McHenry, escaped injury early Sunday morning when he lost control of his car and hit an auto belonging to Janies B. Adams of 409 W. Lincoln road, McHenry, while it was parked at the residence. According to a report in the Sheriff's department, Weingart was east-bound on Lincoln when he lost control of his auto while reaching in his back pocket for his wallet. The auto left the roadway, traveled approximately 100 feet, struck a culvert at the driveway, traveled through the air for about 10 feet and landed partially on the Adams vehicle. The auto continued on for another 10 feet before coming to rest on the east side of the driveway on top of a mail box. A car driven by Egon A. Wrecke of 4814 Parkway, McHenry, narrowly missed going into the creek Monday morning on Meadow lane, just south of Prairie avenue, Lakeland Park, (Continued on page 8) Gel ready, get set --Go! It was all seriousness Tuesday night at 6 o'clock when these bicyclists started off on signal in a race with the diesel-powered commuter North Western train. Among the contestants was one young lady. Sue Johnson, left, of McHenry, who was forced out of the competition near the state line, at which point she was ahead of the train. The winner was David Ludtke of Lake Geneva, who arrived in that city five minutes ahead of the commuter. More photos appear on page 4. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD City Delays Decision On Water System The motion to purchase the I slwland Park Water system from Rotoino-Ladd was never presented at the Council meeting Monday night. Instead, aldermen agreed to wait "a reasonable length of time", probably until July 1, before making their decision. Alderman William Bolger, chairman of the Water and Sewer committee, read a letter from Ernest D. Schooley, president of the Lakeland Park Property Owners association, which requested "that the city of McHenry wait on the purchase of the Lakeland Park Water company until after the first pollution control heaHno". The Council Chamber was filled wittLproperty«wiMS8 who came to back up their association. When asked if the hearing was scheduled, Alderman LaVerne Hromec said June 11 was the tentative date. Bolger said he had no strong feelings on whether or not the city should purchase the system. However, he did assert that negotiations had taken place over a long period of time and he felt the city had reached a successful solution. "If they wish to wait for a period of time, I think we should honor that request," Bolger said. However, he mentioned that the committee had a commitment with Don Gerstad, who now handles the water system, to bring a recommendation to the Council's attention. Gerstad had been informed of recent developments and had agreed to wait for a short period of time. It was mentioned that if the PCB demands Ladd make immediate improvements and the people still want the city to purchase the system, it would cost more money. Mayor Joseph Stanek advised that he had talked to Gerstad and "he will hold the price for a reasonable length of time but that the agreed upon price is for the system as is". Alderman Hromec held up a jar of amber colored water given to her by a Lakeland Park resident who was at the meeting. Mrs. Hromec said she had never seen water like that before and now she knew why there were so many complaints. Alderman Jerome Rogers said he had seen many such samples and felt the best way to solve the problem was to have the city purchase the system. The Council agreed that June 11 seemed to be a reasonable date but if the hearing didn't take place then, "the city would have to proceed with it." "W&ther Schaedel of 1613 N. Pleasant avenue, told the Council that one of the aldermen had harassed the LPPOA board of directors and intimidated them. "We feel they are doing the best they can and I don't think it is right to have to take after them because they are responsible to us as far as our water," Schaedel stated. He felt an apology was due the board of directors. Alderman Hromec explained that in the heat of anger, one of the aldermen said he would sue (Continued on page 8) Unique Offerings Made In Tuition Free Summer School For the first time, MCHS is offering credit courses on a tuition-free basis in Summer School - 1974. That was the word from West Campus Associate Principal D. William Dodds when he addressed the educational meeting of the board of School District 156 last Tuesday evening. Among innovations Dodds described with enthusiasm are a new Outdoor Experience program, an expanded summer swim program and a new tennis instruction program. A variety of credit courses are among the offerings. Dates for summer school are June 10-28, first semester, and July 1-22, second semester. School officials hope that limited bus transportation on a fee basis may be made available for participants of the credit courses. Registration is taking place starting this week at both East and West campuses from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. State funding makes it possible to offer the courses free of tuition charges for residents of the district. Non­ residents will be required to pay. Eligible are incoming freshmen through next year's seniors. New and unique offerings include a course in Applied Math which will offer mathematic skills enabling Police Commission Officers Learn Of 18 Applications Earl Murray, center, was elected chairman of the McHenry Police commission board at a meeting held Tuesday aight. At left is James Blum, named secretary, and at right, Anthony Pintozzi, new board members. STAFF PHOTO Earl H. Murray was elected chairman of the Police commission board at its meeting Tuesday night and James Blum was chosen as secretary. They will serve for the coming year along with t board member Anthony Pintozzi. Blum was appointed to replace Jack Oakford, who resigned May 1 after serving as secretary of the board since its inception in 1968. Present at the meeting were local Combined ^County Police association officers, James Crawford, James Molitor, (Continued on page 8) students to develop self- sufficient abilities for every day needs. Another is an Art course specializing in ceramics, including the building of a kiln and a kick wheel. A third new offering will be a Home Economics seminar allowing students to choose contracts in the areas of food service, clothing, child care, and housing and home furnishings. In addition, the following standard courses will be available if there is a high enough enrollment in each: English I-IV, Math III, Algebra I, Advanced Algebra, Senior Math, Sociology, Anthropology, U.S. History, History, Typing I and II, Clerical Practice, Consumer Economics, Cooperative Work program, Architectural Drawing, Power Mechanics I and II, Girls and Boys Physical Education, and Basic Skills -- Summer Work program. In keeping with the board's 1973-74 action goals, Supt. Richard Swantz discussed a (Continued on page 8) Make Arrest In Check Theft Monday morning, the McHenry County Sheriff's department was notified by the Columbia, Mo., Police department that Stanley Adams of that city was wanted for theft of government checks. They determined Adams might be enroute to the home of relatives in the McHenry area and that he might be accompanied by a female juvenile wanted as a runaway from Freeport, 111. A description of the vehicle was obtained and it was later observed at 5305 Fountain lane, McCullom Lake. Adams and the juvenile girl were both found alone in the house and taken into custody for authorities. Observe Poppy Day Saturday Making their first sale of the bright red flower to be sold on the streets of McHenry Poppy day this weekend are members of the sponsoring organizations, Midge Scharf, left, president of the American Legion auxiliary, and Lucille Garifi, junior vice- president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars auxiliary and Poppy day chairman for that organization. Buying the first poppy is Mayor Joseph Stanek. Members of the veterans' posts and auxiliary units will be on the streets of the city Saturday, May 11, selling to the public. Proceeds will benefit disabled veterans who made the poppies and their families as well as for use in rehabilitation. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Superintendent Is IDEA Fellow Supt. Richard A. Swantz has been selected as an IDEA Fellow and a participant in the Fellows' institute which is an inservice program for administrators, to be held July 21 - 27 at Stephens college, Columbia, Mo. The IDEA (Institute for Development of Educational Activities) Fellows program was initiated by the Charles F. Kettering foundation in 1966 and is now the oldest continuing inservice program for school administrators. During the 1974 program. Fellows working in small groups under rotating leadership will analyze the reform rtTo^ment in the nation's high schools. The emphasis of these sessions will be on alternative educational programs, action learning, work-study, service learning, citizen participation in schools and ' increased student responsibility. Individuals selected at 1974 Fellows will study the advance (Continued on page 8) SSI Alert Project To Aid Low Income Families The SSI Alert project will hold a training session for volunteers Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist church, 3717 W. Main street, McHenry. Lillian Bolger, Martha Dignan and Mary Brannock are serving as co-chairmen of SSI in the McHenry area. Bertha Tammeus is county project director of SSI, which stands for Supplementary Security Income. Congress has appropriated funds for low income families throughout the nation who may qualify for the SSI payments. The job of SSI volunteers is to help find the families or individuals in their own area who might qualify for benefits. Persons qualifying for SSI are the aged, at least 65 years old; the disabled and handicapped, either mentally or physically, any age; and the blind, ai^y age. Anyone who wishes to ask questions about the program or who wishes to serve as a volunteer from now through June 30 is invited to ^ttend the meeting Monday, which should last only one hour. A training session will be held in the M c H e n r y c o u r t h o u s e , Woodstock, Tuesday, May 21, probably at 10:30 a.m., so anyone unable to attend the McHenry training meeting may come there. The time can be verified by phoning the SSI Alert office at 338-3060 in the new McHenry county courthouse. Room 111. NO SOLICITATION PERMIT When McHenry police checked on a young man Saturday afternoon who was soliciting without a permit, „they found he was driving while his license was suspended or revoked. Wilbert Lynn Pritchett of 14800 Ashland avenue, Harvey, was arrested for the offense and when he was unable to post bond, was taken to the McHenry county jail. j. "Twice T0id Tales" rovides a bit of nostalgia for Plaindealer readers as evidenced by the following note received this past week: "Please do not discontinue Twice Told Tales. I look forward to this column first thing. I used to live here and went to the school on the 'hill' wfen I was a child of 10.1 only Uved here six years but see the names of kids I went to school with. It brings back fond memories of the old mill pond we fished in and skated on and Unti's ice house in back of Green street, so please continue to print your article." The note was signed by Mrs. Nicholas J. Hoeh, to whom we say very definitely that we have no intention of discontinuing Twice Told Tales. We, too, recall happy memories through this column. >'Occasionally space doesn't •permit a particular column to tappear, but it will always be : iftcUided with additional items •in an extended Twice Told Tales the next issue. We had a call from a ' concerned mother who wonders if local druggists are aware of . the new law making it . mandatory to have safety caps on all medicine bottles. She named two drug stores in McHenry where she had received old style caps since the law recently went into effect. It occurs to us that either type cap is a problem. The old ones are a safety factor; the new ones present an impossible task to remove - sometimes even for adults. This is "Be Kind to Animals" week. Friends of Animals, a (Continued on page 8)