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N . . / • t / I - . . v ' ' ' " r " . Ask Improvement Of Tax Assessment Practices Richard J. Kissel, special assistant to Director Robert J. Lehnhausen, Department of Local Government Affairs, has recommended that the department take steps immediately to improve tax assessment practices in McHenry county. In a letter to Lehnhausen, Kissel cited major inequities in the valuation of vacant land, assessment levels between townships, individual assessments where units of government cross county boundaries and assessment levels between counties. Kissel recommended that the department exercise its power to insure that land developers in McHenry are no longer given unfair tax breaks. "This should be done by prohibiting the current practice by the Supervisor of Assessments of classifying undeveloped subdivided lots," he said. He further recommended that the assessed value of farm land be determined by its productivity. "To do otherwise, he ex­ plained, would cause great hardship and chaos in the farm community." Kissel noted also that assessment levels between townships in McHenry differ by as much as 12 percent. According to him, the Supervisor of Assessments and Board of Review should act within the next two months to complete a sales ratio study of similar property in each township and prepare a plan for equalizing these assessment levels. This plan should be submitted to the department for review and approval and oncp approved, it should be implemented immediately by the Board of Review. The study of assessment practices in McHenry from which these recommendations were produced was conducted by Kissel's staff between Aug. 10 and Dec. 11, 1972. Unlike the recent report on assessment practices in Cook county, the McHenry study was based almost entirely on testimony taken at public hearings. This testimony also revealed that where units of government, such as school districts, crossed county boundaries, the assessment levels for similar properties differed by as much as 65 percent. To correct this, Kissel recommended to Lehnhausen that these units be identified and that a sales ratio study be completed to determine where different levels exist. Once the levels are found, they should be brought into alignment with each other, he said. To further open the assessment process to public scrutiny. Kissel recommended that the department publish rules and regulations governing the selection of property included in sales ratio studies which the State uses to establish equalized fair cash value of property. In addition, he recommended that all county assessing of­ ficials must submit abstracts of locally assessed properties and that they seek tentative multipliers from the department. Once received, these officials should be required to give sufficient notice of and conduct public hearings to consider the validity of the tentative multiplier. "Only by doing this, will the public become more involved and thus, public confidence be restored in the assessment process," he concluded. •NO THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 97 NUMBER 47 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1973 20 PAGES - FIFTEEN CENTS Building Valuation For City Set At $4,410,983 Health Plan Agency Opens Hospital \Relojcation Review New Theatre For McHenry West Campus Drama class rehearses for reader's theatre presentation of "John Brown's Body". Annette Hamaker, In foreground, follows the script as Jayne Freund, left, Joe Amato and Debby Howenstine prepare for the first such theatre ever presented at West campus. The production will be given Jan. 12,13 and 14 at 8 o'clock in the school auditorium on Crystal Lake road. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Exception To Policy School Board Allows Use Of Pool For Rescue Course There is an old five-letter game which continues to gain in popularity. It was made legal in some cases recently after much controversy. However, Uncle Sam's nephew, the Federal Communications commission, still frowns on its mention in print or over the air. This is because Uncle Sam has little use for any form of lot­ tery, which it is. So popular has the game become that prior to one summer holiday, an Illinois Department of Revenue em­ ployee exclaimed, "I think everybody in the state is going to play --". became legal in Illinois last October, and at the end of the first year of operation on June 30, more than 900 not-for- profTF organizations had received regular --- licenses. An additional 104 such organizations have held limited licenses. A regular license costs $200 and permits the organization holding it to play -- one day a week for one year. It also en­ titles the group to two special occasions which can last from one to seven days. On these occasions, -- games can be played at some place other than their headquarters. That's where the summer holiday entered the picture. As the state employee explained, "It seems like every group that has a picnic planned has been calling here asking for a special occasion permit". „ ** An organization can play only twenty-five games, even on a special occasioij, and this seems to be what upsets members. "We get calls from groups wanting to make an 'all- nighter' of it", the employee added, "but this isn't allowed under the law". But like all laws, there are legal loopholes. Even the state has pointed out that a group could stretch out the limit. For instance, if a men's group has an auxiliary unit, each can have a license and schedule twenty-five games. After one group plays, they can take up the cards, ^change operators, resell the cards and the next (Continued on page 17) The board of High SchoqJ District 156 last week voted approval to allow the West campus swimming pool to be used for an advanced class for training men in rescue and search scuba diving. That action was a reversal of the school's policy which prohibits the rental of the pool to any group or organization. The board's reason for making an exception in this case was that the course is conducted by a division of county government. The request was made by John Shay, director of the McHenry county office of Civil Defense. Final approval hinges on information as to the legality of liability when the pool is used and school-employed lifeguards are not on duty. This will be a six week, three- hour weekly course, with the $180 cost to be paid by students. Fifteen have indicated an in­ terest in the course. The class can accommodate forty. Two school nurses, Mrs. Georgina Andelfinger of East campus and Mrs. Emma Chaberski of West campus, were present to explain their duties at this informative meeting. They explained that each day they see between seventy-five and 100 students in their offices. Cards are kept on all, con taining information on hearing, sight and immunization. These records also carry parents' permission to hospitalize a child in case of an emergency. Once a week the nurses meet with administrators ind the school phsychologist con­ cerning special problems in the health area. Mrs. Kathryn Alvary questioned whether the rights of the students concerning privacy are protected. She was assured that they are to the extent possible. After arn executive session, the board expelled two East campus students for violation of the drug abuse policy. One Killed, Others Injured In Accidents A twenty-vear-old Genoa man was killed Saturday af­ ternoon about 4:30 on Burrows road, southwest of Marengo. Dale C. Griswold of Route 1, Derby Line road, Genoa, was a passenger in an auto driven by Roger L. Bunnell of 519 W. Second street, Genoa, when the accident occurred. No statement from the driver was available from the sheriff's report. Evidence indicated the auto had been found upside down in a cornfield on the east side of the roadway. The 1972 vehicle was totaled in the crash. Griswold was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Anthony's hospital, Rockford, where he had been taken by the Marengo Rescue squad. Jerome Steinbach of 3804 W. Oak, McHenry, is confined to Alexian Brothers Medical unit, Elk Grove Village, as the result of a one-car accident last Thursday morning. Mr. Steinbach was driving on Rt. 72 when the light company car in which he was traveling struck a patch of ice and overturned. He is recovering nicely from a pelvic injury but will be confined to the hospital for about a week. Iwo women were seriously injured in a three-car accident which occurred Friday mor­ ning about 6:45 at the in­ tersection of Route 120 and Draper road, west of McHenry. Taken by McHenry Rescue squad to McHenry hospital were Margaret Karstens of 4314 W. Prairie, McHenry, and Margie C. Dixon of 1019 W. Route 120, McHenry. Mrs. Karstens was a passenger in a car driven by Marie Karstens of the same address. According to the report in the sheriff's department, the Dixon auto was west-bound on the highway. As the* driver ap­ proached the intersection, an auto driven by Orval J. Abney of 500 W. Park View, McHenry, pulled out into her lane of traffic. Abney stated he had stopped at the sign but his view was obstructed by the hood on his coat. Ms. Karstens was stopped on Ringwood road waiting for traffic to clear when the collision occurred. Following the impact, the Abney car collided head-on with her auto. Fred J. Lawrence of 2905 Maryville, McHenry, was cited for driving while intoxicated after his vehicle struck the rear of a McHenrv squad car driven Hold Rites For Couple Killed In Thailand Accident McHenry friends of Henry F. Banach, III, 20, and his 20-year- old wife, Nancy, last Monday attended funeral services for them in Lake Forest. The young couple died in an auto accident which occurred Dec. 26 in Thailand. Mr. Banach was employed by a travel agency. The couple's address was listed as 1015 Windsor drive, Pistakee Highlands. He was the son of Henry and Dorothy Banach of McHenry. Besides his parents, Mr. Banach leaves a brother, Robert, and two sisters, Jean and Laura. Mrs. Banach is survived by her parents, Norman and Joyce Kerr of Lake Forest; three brothers, Norman, Jr., Mark and Ronald; and two sisters, Lynn and Cindy:- " by John A. Gibson of 3703 Claremont, McHenry. The mishap occurred Friday af­ ternoon about 2:15 at the in­ tersection of Elm and Front streets. Lawrence was east-bound on Elm when the car in front of him stopped for a traffic signal. He applied his brakes but was unable to stop before colliding. The Comprehensive He* Planning Agency for McHejjry County will initiate its and comment" proc regarding the relocat McHenry hospital wit next two weeks. Announ? was made by Rev. Marx Jones of Crystal Lake, chairman of the Health Services and Facilities Task Force of CHPA. "Several preliminary steps need to be taken," said Fr. Jones, "before a thorough review of the project can be accomplished. Of primary concern at the present time, is the constitution of a representative task force that can objectively analyze the needs for health services and the merits of the McHenry re­ location project in meeting those needs." Under federal legislation, the CHPA for McHenry county has the authority to review health facilities and services proposals which will^inVOlve the use of federal funds, either IRS Office, Open Extra Hours In Filing Period Roger C. Beck, district director of Internal Revenue Service for the twenty-six Northern counties of Illinois, has announced that all Internal Revenue Service offices in the Chicago district will be open one night each week and one- half day on Saturday throughout the entire filing period for taxpayer assistance. The Woodstock office located at 1072 Lake street, Woodstock, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. The Woodstock office will also be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Telephone assistance .will also be available during these hours. The telephone number for taxpayer assistance is 338-0943. Ask Zoning Changes For Business Use McHenry's city hall will be the setting for a zoning petition hearing Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 3 p.m. Forrest L. and Diane M. Stauffer are requesting a conditional use permit for a dwelling currently zoned residential. It is located in Wonder Lake at the northwest corner of Oak road and East Wonder Lake road. The change is asked to use the premises for real estate as a business and professional office of a real estate agency. for construction or substantial changes in services. Since, at the present time, no federal funds are involved, McHenry hospital is voluntarily cooperating in the review and comment process. Four recommendations are possible: (1) favorable r e c o m m e n d a t i o n ; ( 2 ) favorable comment if certain changes are made; (3) un­ favorable comment; and (4) no comment. "Of course,, before any recommendation can be made, "said Fr. Jones, "the criteria for making a decision need to be established. This activity will occupy the task force during the weeks before formal application is made by McHenry hospital." Once these criteria are established, the task force will examine the health needs of the area, both locally and regionally, and the events leading to the McHenry proposal. "We will be soliciting com­ ments from all interested parties and groups", stated Fr. Jones. "Since we are concerned here with better health care services for the whole county, anyone interested will be given the opportunity to be heard." Hold Adult Registration Registration for classes under the adult education program offered by High School District 156 began Monday, Jan. 8. It will continue throughout the week, through Thursday, Jan. 11, from 7 to 9 o'clock. The first week of classes will run from Jan. 22 through Jan. 25. Both registration and classes will be conducted at West campus high school, 4724 W. Crystal Lake road, Classes will meet weekly on the day listed at registration. Non-credit courses will meet for ten weeks; courses for high school credit for fifteen weeks. Education This Week Classified generally, courses are being offered in Creative Leisure, Foreign Languages, Driver Education, Home and Family, Business Skills, Vocational and Technical, and Sports for Fun and Fitness. There is also a class offered in General Educational Development. This fifteen- week course is divided into three areas, each studied for five weeks, focusing on English, Mathematics and the Constitution. It is designed to improve knowledge in these areas in preparation for the General Education Develop­ ment test. Early this week, Supt. of Public Works Fred Meyer presented to the aldermen a yearly summary of building permits issued in 1972. Meyer said growth, as in­ dicated by these permits, was about the same as the previous year. Total value of the building ran $4,410,983. The largest single item was $2,160,125 for ninety-eight new single family dwellings. Second in importance was a high $1,939,996 for eleven apartment buildings with 118 units. There were also twenty single family additions and remodeling for which building permits were required. The valuation of this work was set at $40,737. Eighteen new garages totaled $33,705. During the year^ ̂ permits were issued for /live \new swimming pools at $27,050U>he church addition at $60,000; one new commercial building at $80,000; nine commercial buildings (additions ahd alterations), $51,600 and seventeen new advertising signs, $17,770. Eighty-six new water hookups and eighty-eight new sewer hookups were recorded in 1972. REVENUESHARING Congressman Robert Mc- Clory has announced from Washington the official allocations of federal revenue sharing funds made by the Treasury department. Within his district, he has listed $2,007 for the village of Lakemoor and $20,949 for Nunda township for the period Jan. 1 through June 30, 1972. u Select Essay- Contest Winner "Voice of Democracy" essay contest winner, Andrea Broman, center, is shown with leaders of sponsoring organization, VFW Post 4600 Commander Ray Kuemmel and the Ladies Auxiliary President Ila Hogan. HURT IN ACCIDENT Robert E. Cook, Jr., of 8914 Tryon Grove road, Ringwood, was injured in an accident at Crown Industries, Hebron, last Thursday ejyening. Cook had been working at a packaging machine when his left forearm became entangled in the machine. A co-worker freed him and the Hebron Rescue squad was summoned to transport the injured man to Memorial hospital for treat­ ment. The VFW. post lit 4i£ and. auxiliary unit *have announced Andrea Broman as ̂ winner of the recent "Voice of Democracy" essay contest. Andrea, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Broman was named the winner at a short program preceding the post meeting at the VFW hall Wednesday evening, Jan. 3. In winning the local contest, Andrea won the opportunity to compete in the northern section of the 5th district contest which is being judged locally. She also won a $50 government bond and a gold medal. Second place winner was Barbara Blake, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Blake. Barbara received a $25 government bond and a silver medal. Third place went to Pat Arient, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Arient. Pat's prize was cash and a bronze medal. Other entries in the contest were Kathy Barry, Julie L u n k e n h e i m e r , R u s t y Hueckstaedt, Lynn Gleeson, Cindy Anderson and Debbie Beaman. Judging for^the contest was held at the post Sunday, Dec. 17. Judges for the event were Mrs. Patricia Seaton, Robert Kellen, Walter Dean and Miss . Beverly Aweve. The top three winners are all students at West campus high school and are also students in Mrs. Patricia Barton's journalism class. \