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Road Project Progresses At McHenry Shores Page 5 New Look The Plaindeoler's front page presents a new look this week. The modern six-coiumn format should provide easier reading for those who follow local news through its 7,800 issues published twice weekly. , , Christmas Entertainment At Opera House Section 2, Page 7 Voters Turn Down District 15 Referendum VOLUME 105 NUMBER 32 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1980 2 SECTIONS 26 PAGES 25' Consider Tax-Free Bonds • ' i i -- -- -- , a.i in m ,i ii i Spur Commercial Growth rate due to problems which he un­ derstands. "They (seniors) are responsible and voted, even though their thinking is entirely contrary to mine," he con­ tinued. Dr. Farmer said many younger members of the district, particularly young parents, failed to vote and he feels that it is to them that the appeal must be directed. He noted that in 1977 the county record of registered voters in District 15 totalled 15,000. The 2,500 votes cast that year represented only a small percentage of those eligible, he pointed out. In his observations on the outcome, Dr. Farmer said that regardless of the opinion expressed at the polls, voting is a good mark of citizenship, and for this reason, "I can't feel harshly. I ap­ preciate living in a democracy too much to feel that way." Dr. Farmer noted that there is a trend "back to basics," which he said had been done last year. "We're down to the bare bones now," he continued. "There is only one ad­ ministrator for each building and we can't cut further." In assessing future action, he said, "We'll have to dismantle the district further. The community hasn't realized the depravation already heaped upon the children." In making that statement he was referring to the 51 staff positions and five programs already cut last year. In response to criticism that the school had not checked to determine whether or not voters were actually residents of District 15, school leaders said the responsibility is with individual voters, who are signing an affidavit prior to voting. The county list of registered voters is by political precinct and does not in­ clude the name of the school district in which the voter resides There is an overlapping of townships, counties and other taxing districts, which complicates checking accurately on each voter, one spokesman said. The situation is expected to be resolved when the new consolidation of elections law goes into effect next month. New cards will be sent to each voter, reflecting the various districts in which each lives. In answer to a call to the State Board of Elections in Springfield Monday, the school * district was informed that another referendum vote would be possible next Feb. 24 under the new law. Install McHenry Man As Circuit Judge Dec. 1 Youngsters (at right) find their own amusement while resigning themselves to a long citizens and brought out one of the highest votes ever recorded for such an election. In wait for parents voting in the Elementary School District 15 referendum in East all, there were 2,830 votes cast, with 1,245 supporting the proposed increase In the campus cafeteria Saturday. Voters represented both young parents and senior educational rate and 1,585 opposed. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER An installation ceremony is planned for the recently elected Circuit judge, Leonard Brody of McHenry, who will fill the vacancy of James H. Cooney. Judge Brody has served as an associate judge of the Circuit court since January, 1971. The ceremony will take place at the McHenry county courthouse, Court Room No. 305, Monday, Dec. 1, at about 11 a.m. Performing the oath of office will be Circuit Judge Henry L Cowlin. Other county officers commencing terms after the election will be Theodore J. Floro, state's attorney; Albert M. Jourdan, county auditor; Vernon W. Kays, Jr., Circuit court clerk; Henry A "Hank" Nulle, county sheriff; Alvin J. Querhammer, county coroner; and W.H. "Bill" Russel, recorder of deeds. SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 Christmas Comes To Park sophisticated, often separating the essential from the non-essential needs. In looking to the future, Dr. Farmer stated that school leaders must look at the vote and respond accordingly. "We must pinch so much that it becomes obvious to everyone that it must be done (the vote passed)." In commenting on the vote of senior citizens of the community, the ad­ ministrator said he was aware many of them were opposed to the increased The McHenry City Council is con­ sidering the issuance of tax-free commercial revenue bonds in order to spur the development of a commercial site at Route 120 and Ringwood road in the western part of the City. The request was made at Monday night's Council meeting by a Mr. Faigus, representing the Jack Jacobs company, which is developing the site. According to Faigus, negotiations for long-term tenancy on the site are nearly complete with the nationally- known K-Mart chain and Jewel-Osco. The total development cost of the site is On our desk - the source unknown - was a column in which the author took to task those who ask why his metropolitan newspaper doesn't report on the good things that are happening in the country. On a smaller scale, it it the question asked these days in all communities, and McHenry is no exception. On the spur of the moment it isn't always easy to relate the many times we have done just that. We don't always recall the number of weddings, an­ niversaries, "Remembering When" tributes and countless other stories that have made people happy. Instead, we have to agree that much of any front page is devoted to news that is unpleasant. No amount of ex­ plaining can convince some folks that we don't especially enjoy it. The writer felt compelled, as we have done on several occasions, to explain that news, by its very nature, is often negative. His excellent example was Mount St. Helen, which in repose is normal, and when it doesn't erupt you won't find pictures of it on Page 1. When it erupts, it is news because it's an abrupt change that has a negative effect on the lives of a lot of people. The columnist reminds that we never have to read about an airplane crash in Russian newspapers. This Soviet airline is run by the government, which doesn't believe in undermining con­ fidence in the government. And Russians, he reminds, didn't have to worry about wheat production falling 20 percent below predictions in the Soviet Union this year, either. (Continued on page 16) Farmland Preservation Weingart Named To Agricultural Group Bringing out (me of the largest votes in the history of McHenry school elections, residents of McHenry Elementary School District 15 last Saturday defeated by more than 300 votes a proposed tax rate increase for educational purposes. The board had asked for a 45-cent increase. Of the total vote of 2,830,1,245 voters approved the request and 1,585 were opposed. The turnout in voters exceeded the number in the last referendum held in October of 1977, when 40 • cents was asked to increase the educational rate and 10 cents for the building rate. At that time, 2,523 went to the polls and defeated the issue by a voted of 1,508 to 1,021. In commenting on the defeat,, the District 15 superintendent, Dr. Richard Farmer, said he had no bitterness. He said he was aware that the mood of the country is conservative, with a desire to cut the size of government, and he recognizes the school as a govern­ mental unit. However, his hope was in the knowledge that the suburban vote is estimated at $7 to $7.5 million. A recent change in bonding law allows municipalities to be, in effect, the issuing agency of the bonds, which being "municipal" bonds are tax free. . Both Faigus and City Attorney Bernard Narusis said that this type of financing is particularly significant considering the state of the real estate market. Narusis pointed out that issuing the bonds will not affect the City's bonded indebtedness, nor will the City be liable for default if the bonds are not paid. Faigus stressed the "no obligation to the City" in his presentation and noted that the use of the City's name was "merely a conduit" to get tax-free status. This form of financing allows the developer to get money at substantially lower interest rates and he noted that any profit accruing from the low- interest money was not taxable because of the municipal status. Alderman Michael Wieser expressed concern over the liability question and was told that the bonds would be paid by the rents from the property. "I'm not against the idea," Wieser Five farmers, among them Charles Weingart of McHenry, have been ap­ pointed to form the Agriculture Areas committee required to help administer the Agriculture Areas Conservation and Protection act. County Board Chairman Richard Klemm, Extension Adviser David Plocher and Charles Budreck, Jr., of McHenry, chairman of the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation district (the committee responsible to establish the five-member group), made the appointments last week The appointments will be acted on at the McHenry County board meeting on Nov 25 Others named to the committee with Weingart are James Schaefges, Har- (Continued on page 16) Holiday Deadlines In the week preceding Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27, early deadlines will be established for both issues of the Plaindealer. The deadlines for display advertising and news will be Friday at noon for the first issue and Tuesday at noon for the second issue. Classified deadlines are 4 p.m. both days. Correspondents for the first issue must have their columns in the office by Thursday, Nov. 20, at noon A luncheon meeting between McHenry Chamber of Commerce members and a group of interested citizens, which included Alderman Elizabeth Nolan, Norb Wolter of High School District 156 and Police Chief George Pasenelli, was held last Friday to gather comments and suggestions for the upcoming "Country Christmas" activities sponsored by the Chamber. At the meeting, plans were revealed for a Christmas dance to be held at the American Legion clubhouse on Dec. 13. The band selected for the night will lean heavily on country-western music, but (Continued on page 16) Red Roses For Woman Of Year There were tears - and there were red roses - for McHenry's -1980 Woman of the Year. Miss Maurie Taylor, popular teacher In the local high school for many years, is shown moments after announcement of the honor accorded her was made by Dorothy Haddick at the Business A Professional Women's club dinner meeting Monday evening. Miss Taylor, facing camera, receives her bouquet of roses from Mae Stinespring, last year's title holder. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD "I was utterly stunned. You know I worked from dawn to dark at that school and I was going to do something for the community when I had time." That was the comment of McHenry's 1980 Woman of the Year, Maurie Taylor, as she reflected on the honor bestowed upon her by the McHenry Business & Professional Women's club Monday night at Raymond's restaurant, Johnsburg. It was evident by the popularity of Miss Taylor as the choice of the club that her legion of friends feel she has contributed highly to the community she has called home since 1935. Even so, the lady of honor could only comment, "Receiving this honor for doing something you love and enjoy is "having it made." (Continued on page 16) said. "I just want to avoid any cost or liability to the City." No final decision was made but the Council voted unanimously on a position in favor of the idea. After the meeting, Narusis predicted that the Council could probably expect to hear more requests for this type of financing. Alderman Ernest Schooley asked about the status of the flood insurance program being promoted by the federal government. Saying that the standards used by the (Continued on page 16) An old-fashioned Country Christmas will be the theme of this year's season In McHenry as presented by the local Chamber of Commerce. When Santa arrives this year he will be greeted by a newly planted permanent tree, the gift of Mrs. Wm. Pankonen. The tree, a beautiful Blue Spruce, will be decorated by members of the community and officially lighted by Mayor Joseph Stanek as caroling groups herald the season. Shown in the photo are Mrs. Pankonen. right, and Alderman Liz Nolan, chairman of the Parks committee, looking on as the new tree takes Its place In Pearl street park.