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

. . . ' i \ . ' " • , -V Fire Seriously Injures McHenry Couple Mr. and Mrs. Van A. Ken­ nedy of 2306 W. Fairview, McHenry, were reported somewhat improved Tuesday morning in the Evanston hospital burn center. The couple suffered second and third degree burns and severe lacerations in an explosion and fire in their home early Monday morning, Dec. 8. The Kennedys were sleeping in a back bedroom of the one- story structure when they were awakened by an explosion. They were injured when it became necessary to run through the fire area to leave the house. The couple was taken by the 'nhnsburg Rescue squad to McHenry hospital and then removed to the burn center, where both were reported in critical condition Monday morning. Fire Chief Glenn Peterson said it had not yet been determined what caused ̂ the blaze that resulted in an estimated $35,000 damage. Fire companies I and II responded to the call. Firemen of the three McHenry companies were called to Eastwood Manor at 10 o'clock the evening of Dec. 4 when a barn fire was reported. However, upon arrival they discovered the fire was in the pump house for the water supply in that subdivision Peterson indicated van­ dalism might have been responsible for the blaze, which resulted in about $1,000 damage to electrical equipment and the building itself. County authorities are in­ vestigating. VOLUME 100 NUMBER 37 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1975 1 SUPP. 2 SEC. 34 PAGES 15« * IN THIS * @91 THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CMAIN-OlAKES REGION S INCE 1875 First Come-First Served At College There are fringe benefits in being an editor. All kinds of items reach our desk, not the least of which at this time of year are letters to Santa Claus. Some come adorned in kindergarten scrawl; others in neat manuscript that suggests mother's help. Some carry original drawings and others demonstrate an enthusiastic lack of artistic talent. The kind we like best have suckers attached, like the first arrival this year. Inside was a modern card and a crayola drawing of a flag designated on the back as Great Britain. We intercepted the letter enroute to the North Pole, and since postage is on the rise, we kept the large suckers. Attached to the outside of the envelope with tape was something that resembled cork, and inside was a straw through which a yellow sub­ stance had been pushed in one end. No explantion. The letter? We couldn't read it, but we're sure it will be no great chore for the likes of Santa Claus. And speaking of Christmas and gift giving, we haven't heard any squeals of delight from McHenry senior citizens since the announcement from Chairman Milton Pikarsky that the RTA plans to implement a half fare program for this age group and the transportation- handicapped on the bus lines in the six-county RTA region. The seniors' first question might well be, "What bus line?" But this is the season to be jolly, and, we thought this rainbow must have a small silver lining somewhere so we read on. We learned that for lifetime identification, there needs to be proof of being 65 or older and a recent 1>2 by 14 inch photo. In addition, the senior citizens need to fill out a form requesting name, age, address, social security number, sex and marital status. Some silver lining for people who may use the card once a year! But if you think senior citizens in McHenry county will gain little by this little holiday gift to be given Dec. 15, con­ sider the transportation- handicapped person anywhere. Excluded are such persons who are fat, impaired because of alcohol, pregnant, have controlled epilepsy, contagious diseases or other mental or physical conditions that would constitute a hazard to the card holder or to other riders. (Continued On Page 19) CINDY LANDIN AKS CHOICE - Cindy Landin. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Landin, 1213 N. Eastwood. McHenry. has been selected to receive the American Field Service scholarship for I!I7«. She is anxiously awaiting word from AFS headquarters in New York as to the country she will visit. Students swarm into the registration office at McHenry County college, hoping the classes they want are not yet filled. General registration for Spring semester credit classes got under way last week and will continue on a first come, first served basis through the first week of classes, which begin Monday, Jan. 12. Spring schedules have been mailed to each home in the college district. Anyone who has not received one should call the college. Bring No Indictments In Saufen Und Spiel Incident Brother Of Local Woman Murdered McHenry friends of Mrs. Stanley (Ruth) Vycital were shocked to learn of the murder of her brother, Walter T. Schaeffer, 60, in Tacoma, Wash., Monday, Dec. 1. Mr. Schaeffer and his wife, Betty, were in the North End Tacoma jewelry store they have operated since 1945 when the tragedy occurred. About 5:30 in the afternoon, shortly before closing time, a man entered and presented himself as a prospective buyer. However, when Schaeffer started into another part of the store to give further assistance, the "buyer" produced a pistol. Even though the proprietor gave no resistance, the intruder shot him three times, then tied UD his wife beside her husband's body. Two accomplices were then let in through a rear door and they took numerous items from the store and left. An Air Force veteran of World War II, Mr. Schaeffer moved to Tacoma from Springfield, Ohio, in 1945. He attended watchmakers' college in Elgin, 111., and was past president of the Washington State Jewelers association. This was the second robbery of his store. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, the one sister, Ruth Vycital, McHenry, and two grandchildren. "No probable cause" was found by the McHenry county Grand jury to indicate that any indictments should be brought against persons involved in the Saufen und Spiel incident at Johnsburg Sept. 14. This was the decision handed down by the Grand jury Friday after it had completed its in­ vestigation into the riot which took place at the close of the Johnsburg festival. However, the Grand jury did recommend that Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell refer Deputy John Bognar to the Sheriff's Merit commission to determine whether oSnot Bognar "used excessive Torce on Sept. 14." The Grand jury also suggested that sheriff's deputies should be given fur­ ther training in riot control in public relations situations. The foreman of the Grand jury submitted the above recommendations in a hand written statement. Included in that statement was a comment by Grand jury members which read, "We further believe that Peter Hellios acted in an im­ proper manner on Sept. 14". Hellios of 8710 Shady Lane, Wonder Lake, is supervisor of the Secretary of State's driver license examining station in Woodstock and is also vice- chairman Of the Democratic Central committee. Hellios was arrested along with five other men following a fight at the festival. He was charged with disorderly con­ duct, attempted escape, aggravated assault, battery, intimidation and four counts of resisting or obstructing a police officer. Hellios complained to Assistant State's Attorney Richard Kelly that excessive force had been used in his arrest. He alleged that he had been badly hurt by officers in the incident. However, Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell said there were no indications from any doc­ tor's report to substantiate Hellios' allegation. Meanwhile, Kelly in­ terviewed one witness to the incident and concluded that it would be "in the best interest of the Sheriff's department and for the credibility of law en­ forcement in this community" if the Sheriff's department would concur in a decision to drop the nine charges against Hellios in return for civil releases against Sheriff's deputies signed by Hellios. On Sept. 19, Kelly contacted Chief Deputy Henry Nulle, who was acting sheriff while Tyrrell was at the FBI academy in Quantico, Va., and suggested that charges be dropped against Hellibs. Nulle consulted with Tyrrell and told Kelly they concurred with his suggestion. However, when Tyrrell returned to the county about Oct. 1, he said that Kelly had informed him he was going to run for state's attorney on the Democratic ticket and asked for the sheriff's support. When it appeared to Tyrrell that politics might be involved, he announced that he would not tolerate any political in­ terference in his department and stated it was his opinion charges against Hellios should be reinstated. Tyrrell and Kelly agreed that the entire matter should be presented to Grand jury for their investigation. The grand jury studied the matter during a session Oct. 6 and after hearing testimony, decided to continue its investigation until Dec. 5. Eight deputies were sum­ moned to testify at the October hearing. They were Edgar Fair, Mel Schutlf, Les Kotke, John Bognar, Richard Vance, Anthony Olszewski, Michael Keane and Edward McFadden. When asked to testify at that hearing, it was reported all took the Fifth amendment. At the Dec. 5 hearing, four deputies, Hellios and other witnesses presented testimony. DWI Charges Filed Against McHenry Drivers Shirleann Krich of 1916 N. Flower street, McHenry, was arrested for driving while in­ toxicated, driving while license was revoked and improper lane usage after deputies observed her tar being driven in an erratic manner on Route 120, near Kent road east of McHenry, early Tuesday morning. Bond was set at $1,525. Sheriff's deputies arrested Robert Avery of 703 W. Fair street, McHenry, for driving while intoxicated and improper (Continued On Page 19) Christmas Promotion Forty-Five Businesses Meet Chamber Request Plan Return Of Macek For Trial The board of the McHenry Chamber of Commerce learned at last week's meeting that forty-five business firms had responded to the Christmas promotion. Through these contributions, $1,100 was realized by the C of C. Board members expressed pleasure at the fine response and said contributions may still be made at the Chamber office. For the second year, the C of C has contributed to the Needy Children fund, this year in the amount of $300. The money will be used to provide a happier Christmas for needy youngsters in, the McHenry area. Money given was from a Chamber-administered fund of collections in metropolitan areas made by residents of McHenry. It was announced that the profile book Resigned to give pertinent information about McHenry to persons and businesses new to the area is now in its first draft. Copies are expected to be off the press by March 1. Notices of annual dues have been sent to all present Chamber members. The board expressed a hope that they will comply with the request for payment in the near futuce. The next meeting of the board will be Jan. 13, when all members are invited to be present. Richard Otto Macek is being held in custody in San Ber- nadino, Calif., where he fled last month just before he was to stand trial for aggravated battery and attempted murder in McHenry county. Macek, who lived at 2017 Woodlawn Park drive, McHenry, failed to appear for his trial before Judge Charles Parker Nov. 17. McHenry county state's attorney's in­ vestigators _had been at­ tempting to find Macek since the middle of November. He was located in San Bernadino and is being held by authorities there on a warrant signed last Thursday. Judge James H. Cooney of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit court, Wood­ stock, issued the warrant and set Macek's bond at $500,000. Macek was arrested on at­ tempted murder and aggravated battery charges in connection with the beating of a Woodstock girl, Sharon Kulisek, July 26. The attack took place in a laundromat on Route 47 in Woodstock about 2 o'clock in the morning. Macek was taken into custody later that same day. His bond was set at $200,000. Mrs. Juanita Macek entered her $40,000 McHenry home as a real estate surety bond on Sept. 26 to meet the $20,000 bond required to release her son from jail. Since Macek failed to appear for his trial, county authorities are making arrangements to sell the home in order to collect the $20,000 since he forfeited his bond. State's Attorney William Cowlin said that Macek will be returned to McHenry county to stand trial. Head Start Center To Hold Open House Dec. 11 McHenry's Head Start center will hold an open house for the public Thursday, Dec. 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Methodist church, 3717 W. Main street. Head Start is a federally funded pre school program for the children of low income families. It offers educational enrichment as well as medical, nutritional and social services to the children and their families. In McHenry county this program is operated under the auspices of the Community Action agency, which also sponsors a day care center for migrant children during the summer months. According to CAA Executive Director *Lyle Johnson, the open house will give parents- and interested people in the community an opportunity to see what is being done in the program. Staff members will be on hand to answer questions and explain daily activities. Coffee and cookies will be served. Parkland Musicians To Give Concerts Parkland school will present its annual Christmas concert Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. The cadet band and concert band will each perform several holiday selections. The sixth grade chorus, girls' chorus, and mixed chorus will all be in­ volved in a performance of "On Christmas Night", a rock folk cantata, and a humorous holiday song, "Fruitcake." (Continued On Page 19) ICC Suspends Proposed Raise In Water Rates A proposed increase in rates for water service by Lakeland Park Water company has been suspended by the Illinois Commerce commission pen­ ding hearings to determine their propriety. The water company has about 725 customers in Lakeland Park and Lakeland Shores sub­ divisions in McHenry. - (Continued On Page 19) Johnsburg Plans Ahead For Mini-Course Program Two weeks prior to Easter vacation, March 29-April 9, the staff of the Johnsburg Junior high school will offer ap­ proximately 160 mini-courses to the student body. At that time the students will drop their regular schedule and take six mini-courses. Each student will spend nine school days taking six short courses in accord with the mini- title. This will give students time to explore a variety of subjects that are not taught in the regular school schedule. Plans for the program are in the process of being finalized. Tentative plans call for the publishing of a course catalog and parent orientation night to take place in March. The Junior high is attempting to round out its mini-course faculties so that many course (Continued On Page 19) Bicycle-Truck Collide In Saturday Morning Incident Twelve-year-old David F. Gilbert of 7605 Center drive, Wonder Lake, was reported in satisfactory condition in McHenry hospital Monday after he was hit by a truck while riding a bicycle Saturday morning on Wonder Lake ro^d, just south of Hancock drive. Driver of the truck, Donna M. Beard of 7705 Deep Springs road, Wonder Lake, told sheriff's police she was south­ bound on Wonder Lake road at about 5-10 miles per hour and saw the boy on a bicycle. When she heard a thud, she realized she had hit the boy. He was ' taken to the hospital by the Wonder Lake Rescue squad. No statement was taken from the injured boy at the scene,. Two tickets were issued to Richard A. Fuller of 3411 W. Elm street, McHenry, Sunday morning about 4 o'clock after his car ran off the road and rolled over several times. The ,accident occurred on River road, about one-half mile south of the McHenry State Dam Park road. He was charged with driving while license was revoked or suspended and using unsafe tires. Fuller reported he was north­ bound on River road and as he entered a curve, he failed to negotiate it and his car slid sideways off the east shoulder. In regaining the roadway, the auto rolled over about three times, Fuller said. He escaped serious injury, but his car was demolished in the accident. Rex M. Mankunas of 21315 W. Dunham road. Harvard, was treated and released from McHenry hospital after the car he was driving hit a parked vehicle on the side of Route 120, one-half mile west of Martin road, west of McHenry. Sheriff's police reported that Mankunas was east-bound on the highway Friday evening when his car swerved and hit a car owned by Ronald Lada of 317 Franklin, River Forest. Lada told officers he had run out of gas and parked his car off the highway. He began walking east and turned in time to see Mankunas hit his auto. Mankunas reported had been having steering problems with his auto and as he neared the parked car, his vehicle swerved and a collision oc­ curred. Dion E. Rathbone of 1605 Boiling avenue, McHenry, was taken to McHenry hospital by the Johnsburg Rescue squad following a one-car accident last Wednesday evening in the 1700 block of Boiling avenue. Rathbone was east-bound on the roadway and told officers he had just come out of a curve and when he accelerated, his auto began to slide. He lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. Walter J. Price of 7810 Wooded Shore drive, Wonder Lake, was ticketed by county police for failure to give in­ formation after striking unattended property and failure to report accident to police authorities. The tickets were issued last week after Price apparently fell asleep while driving south on Chapel Hill road, near Howell road, Tuesday evening, Dec. 2. The auto ran off the roadway onto Chapel Hill golf course, where it damaged shrubbery and the greens. A ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident was issued to Sharon A. Meath of 3718 W. Waukegan road, McHenry, following a collision last Wednesday evening about 8:05 at the corner of Ringwood road and Route 120. Ms. Meath told deputies she was attempting to make a left turn north onto Ringwood road when she realized she was driving too fast. She applied her brakes and slid into an auto (Continued On Page 19) Drama Club Presentation Count Mountjoy, Pete Bender, left, lectures about the affairs of the Duchy of Grand Fenwick when "The Mouse That Roared" is presented to the public in West campus auditorium Thursday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. His lecture reaches the ears of Duchess Gloriana, Laura Higgins, left, page, Lori Fossum; and the politician, Ms. Benther, Kathy Ahern. This will be a presentation of the East campus Drama club. KEVIN SHAY PHOTO The East campus Drama club has been busy every night in recent weeks putting, the final touches on its production, "The Mouse That Roared". The play will be performed this Thursday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Both performances will be given in the West campus auditosium, Crystal Lake road. The "mouse" of the title of the play refers to a strange variety of field mouse from the small European country of Grand Fenwick. This same little country, with a total population of only 6,000, decides to declare war on the United States, so it can lose and collect a lot of money. (After all - the people of Grand Fenwick are tired of stomping on grapes so they make wine.) Gloriana the 12th, the head of Grand^Fenwick, is played by Laura Higgins. Pete Bender % and Kathy Ahern play the leaders of the two political parties ot Fenwick. Tim Cort- well is Tully Bascom, who is sent by Gloriana to head tH>e invasion army to the United States. Other citizens of Grand (Continued On Pfege i9)