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J SENIOR \i AUK On Gravel Mining The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals heard testimony recently regarding the conditional use permit tor gravel mining requested by' Donald Roberts and his mother Frances Roberts. The hearing, which had been postponed once before, deals with property located in Nunda township near Holiday Hills, and is currently owned by Roberts and mined by his firm, Reliable Sand & Gravel. The conditional. use permit was requested because the current permit authorizing mining on the property expires May 14. The conditional use would allow the washing, loading, processing and screening of sand and gravel. John W. Comerio, regional land manager of the Illinois Department of Conservation, explained to the Hoard the department would not object to the granting of the permit if three conditions with respect to Moraine Hills State park were met by the petitioner. Comerio asked that if the gravel mining operation was the cause for the lowering of the water table at the park, the petitioner would help to correct the problem; if a visible barrier would be needed between the gravel pit and the park, the petitioner would construct it; and that a site rehabilitation plan for the land be approved by the department. Roberts indicated that he would comply with the con­ ditions. James M. Rakow, McHenry County Highway Superin­ tendent, was present at the meeting and listed seven conditions that his department wanted attached to the petition. Among the conditions were the reconstruction of the existing entrance to the pit and the berms along River road, the providing of adequate drainage, and the removal of existing boulders at the pit entrance. • Rakow indicated that the Highway department had not evaluated the rehabilitation plan, but that if it was approved and all conditions were met, the department would not object to the permit. Roberts testified that the processor would be located 300 feet away from any building in the area and 100 feet away from any property lines. He said that he wanted the conditional use permit for twenty years, because it would take him that long to deplete the deposit in the area. Roberts indicated that half of the 76 six acres he owns is mineable, and that he also mines part of the adjoining Rylana property. He also said that the crusher would stay in the same place and not be relocated on the Ryland property. The Village of Holiday Hills, which had presented a resolution opposing the permit at the earlier postponed hearing, objected because Ryland would not enter into a contract with the village for the rehabilitation of his land. Board President June Girard explained that the Ryland property was not part of the petition and therefore ob­ jections to that property would not be valid. Patricia A. Hughes, a trustee from the village, explained that the village did not object to the operation of the Roberts gravel pit, only to the fact that Ryland would not enter into the rehabilitation contract. Roberts presented sketches and diagrams explaining his proposed rehabilitation plan for his property as required by law and indicated that he would use his own equipment and labor to rehabilitate the land. The village trustee said that the reclamation plan was very acceptable to the village. (Continued on page 17) * mum * fry R> THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER -- - -- . . . . . "SERVING THE CHAINO-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 102 NUMBER 80 FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1978 2 SECTIONS 26 PAGES 20' East Campus Birthday Party At Walk-In Center Mrs. Jennie Kellogg, 85, offers a piece of anniversary cake to Harry Wennstrom, host of the McHenry Senior Citixen Walk-In center. The center observed its first birthday May 2 with a large attendance. Mrs. Kellogg, who recently moved to this community from Conneaut, Ohio, is enthusiastic about the offerings of the center. Interviewed Tuesday, she commented, "Oh, it's wonderful! I've been coming here ever since I left the nursing home. I enjoy the company so much". Since noon lunches were inaugurated as part of the service last July, more than 10,000 have been served. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Architects To Begin New Life Safety Study The board of McHenry High School District 156 came one step closer to making a decision on whether or not to present another West campus building program referendum to the voters Tuesday night. At that time, representatives from the architectural firm of O'Don- nell, Wicklund & Pigozzi were in attendance to discuss the matla* of a possible life safety study at East campus. Purpose of the study would be to determine a detailed cost estimate for the necessary work to be done at East. Results of this survey, plus Musin9 And Meanderin9 Fox River Saga Of Struggle It was festive - it was im­ portant - the scene at the Moose lodge Tuesday noon, May 2. But more than that, it was heartwarming. We were happy to have been an invited guest at the first birthday party held at the McHenry Senior Citizens center, where a large group assembled to celebrate. And reason there was to commemorate this special day, for here is an undertaking that did not just happen. Like everything worthwhile, there was detailed planning and work, and the usual mistakes that sometimes make the most ardent backer wonder if the pieces will fall in place. But fall in place they did, and the result is a program for Seniors in which the entire community should share pride. On an average, forty gather daily to enjoy a noon lunch and engage in some of the many activities that strike the in­ dividual fancy. To that lunch, for just this special occasion, was added small glasses of wine to contribute to the festive spirit. But important as fellowship is to the center, it probably ranks second to an ingredent called WORK. MarilynnHamilton, activities coordinator for the County Senior Citizens program, calls Wednesday "fun day", but fun to these Seniors means ac­ complishment. For instance, one section of the large meeting room is devoted to painting classes. In another, beautiful footstools are being fashioned for Valley Hi and other county nursing homes. Ladies whose talent is with the needle are busy dressing dolls and making sweaters, hats and other items with the intention of making the next Christmas holiday a bit brighter for needy children and adults. For those who choose to just relax, there are card games. Recreation also means car pool trips to local points of interest such as Moraine State park or the Volo Bog area. Thursday is guest speaker day, bringing members in contact with a variety of subjects of interest. Twenty-seven have been certified in Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and this is an enviable record. Some of them may well have an op­ portunity to save a life because of the training they have received. So you thought being a Senior is being old? Not on your life! Age was never so much a state of mind as it is this year ot 1978, and Seniors in McHenry are proving in many ways that their minds are as young as their spirits are high and their hearts are generous. KAF A McHenry man was arrested following an incident at the Snug Harbor Boat club, 801 River road, early Monday morning. Michael Dean, 19, 502 Dowell road, was taken into custody by Sheriff s police who were summoned to the club by neigh­ bors who were awakened at 3 a.m. by the disturbance. Henry Barnas, 805 N. River road, told police that his family was awakened by the noise of a struggle in the parking lot at Snug Harbor, and they ob­ served a man struggle with a girl and throw her off a pier into the river. Barnas told police the man would not let the female out of the water, so he took a baseball bat outside to help her. He struck Dean with the bat and a fight ensued between Barnas and Dean, with Dean succeeding in taking the bat from Barnas and striking him with it and pushing him into the water. During the struggle between the two men, the female got out of the water and drove away. She was later identified as Karen Calhoun of Wauconda. When police arrived, Barnas had a bleeding wound on his head from the strike of the bat, and Dean was taken into custody. He was charged with aggravated battery and disorderly conduct and is scheduled to appear in court May 9. While on routine patrol Monday night, Sheriff's deputies noticed a car with no license plates displayed, parked at the Highland Shores beach in Wonder Lake. Investigation revealed that the two occupants in the car had a quantity of cannabis in their possession and they were arrested. Glenn Gondeck, 8619 Sunset. Wonder Lake, and Robert Lacy, Woodstock, were taken to county jail on charges of possession of cannabis. Bond was set at $1,000 for each man with a preliminary court hearing scheduled for May 9. those of a citizen survey recently conducted, probably will be the deciding factors in"0 the board's decision on a second referendum. Answering questions of the board were Architects Len Peterson, Ray Green and Art Wallace. Green was introduced as having considerable cx perience and knowledge with school life safety work, while Wallace has expertise in the mechanical area. Responding to Board President James Althoff's question as to life safety cost, Peterson said it depends on how the board wants to proceed. One procedure, he said, is known as the "band aid" ap- proach in which immediate problems are taken care of. He observed that there is a 14 percent increase in repiair costs each year. This type program would meet minimum life safety requirements. The second approach con­ sidered would be to meet all federal and state laws, with renovation designed to cover a twenty-five year period. Peterson then urged the board to doeM* what type educational program is preferred-two two-year schools, two four-year schools or possibly an all year 'round school. "We like to get information as to what you want", the ar­ chitect 'noted, adding that different programs would result in different costs. When Member Edward Neumann brought up the subject of Physical Education facilities, Peterson said federal law requires equal op­ portunities for all students. To do this, it was suggested a large room might have to be used for P.E. classes as well as the gymnasiums. Wallace explained life safety laws, noting that federal regulations involve the subject of energy. He said East campus would be required to care for both handicapped students and handicapped parents. (Continued on page 17) Opposition To Fence Regulation Despite strong objections raised by Fourth Ward Alderman Jerome Rogers, the City Council voted Monday night to establish a new or­ dinance regarding the placement of fences on corner lots. Rogers, who called the or­ dinance "discriminatory and unfair to corner lot owners," voted against the ordinance as did the other alderman from the fourth ward, Ernest Schooley. The ordinance passed by a vote of six to two. Prior to voting on the or­ dinance, Emil Braem had asked the Council for a variation of its existing or­ dinance regarding fencing. He explained that con­ tractors had begun building a fence in his yard before he obtained a permit. According to the city's or­ dinance, Braem could not construct the fence on his side yard. Braem, who lives on a corner lot at Home and North avenue, said that the posts were in cement and he needed the fence to keep stray dogs, snowmobilers and motor­ cyclists off of his property. "The ordinance states that he cannot fence his side yard because it is the front yard," said Rogers, "and he can't fence his front yard because it is the side. That sounds silly." The zoning ordinace defines the shorter side of a corner lot as the front yard and Braem's (Continued on page 17) Ask Estate Zoning For Bull Valley Land A petition has been filed for hearing before the McHenry County Zoning Board of Ap­ peals by John Evans, Otto and Dolores Hertel for an amend­ ment to the McHenry county zoning ordinance from "F" Farming district to "E-l" Estate district. An alternative Johnsburg Resident Chosen Outstanding Young Chicagoan STEPHEN R. BALLIS Stephen R. Ballis, 32, has been honored as one of the Chicago Jaycees ten Out­ standing Young Citizens of Chicago for 1978. The group was chosen from fifty-four nominees. Ballis maintains a home on Spring Grove road, Johnsburg, as well as Chicago. Friends, relatives, members of the Chicago Jaycees and the press were present to honor the nominees, as well as the Ten Outstanding Young Chicagoans at the Palmer House. Each of the winners was awarded a silver bowl inscribed with his name. Each year ten young adults are selected who show an in­ terest in the goals of the organization, which is dedicated to community ser­ vice with the handicapped, disadvantaged, young and elderly. Ballis, a partner in Ballis and Ballis, inc., was cited for his work to improve education for children, which includes his role as vice-chairman of the - City-Wide Advisory Council on Desegregation. Mr. and Mrs. Ballis, their two children, Stacey, 7, and Deborah, 5, share their John­ sburg home with his mother, Mrs. Dayton Ballis, and his sister and brother-in-law, John and Susan Kuhn. In commenting on their reason for coming to the rural area, Mrs. Ballis commented, "After the many hours spent working for the children in Chicago's public schools we 'escape' to Johnsburg to relax, ' listen to the birds and enjoy the e country" asks a variation of the frontage requirement under the "E-l", Estate district or required lot size under the "F" Farming district. The property contains ap­ proximately 9 acres and is located approximately three* fourths mile south of the in­ tersection of Valley Hill and Ridge roads in McHenry township. The hearing on this petition wiH be held May 10 at 2 p.m. in the McHenry county cour­ thouse, Woodstock, at which time all interested persons may appear and be heard. Stop Riverside Drive Traffic Monday Morning Riverside drive will be closed to traffic Monday between Pearl street and Rt. 120 while gas mains are installed under • the road. Police Chief George Pasenelli said that the street will be closed from Pearl street south halfway down the road from 7 a.m. to noon. From noon to 5 p.m. the other half of the drive to Rt. 120 will be closed, according to the Chief. The entire stretch of Riverside drive is scheduled to be completely open again on Tuesday. Honored With Acting Awards Two happy young thespians are shown with a piece of the sophisticated lighting equipment responsible for the excellent effects that enhance West campus drama and musical offerings. Tim Cornwell and Laura Higgins share honors as winners of the third annual West Wiags awards for best actor and actress of the high school theatre season. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Tim Cornwell and Laura Higgins, MCHS seniors, shared honors as winners of the third annual West Wings awards for best actor and actress of the McHenry high school theatre season. Tim won honors for his portrayal of Fagin in the spring musical, "Oliver", and Laura won the best actress award for her part in the spring musical as Nancy. Best Supporting Actress award went to Lori Fossum for her appearance as Mrs. Corney in the musical and Peter Bender won the Best Sup­ porting Actor award for his part as the, Artful Dodger. Special recognition was given to Erich Gaza, a student at school; Parkland Junior high school for his performance as (Continued on page 17)