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15® Q THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER FFI 15 "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKE S REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 97 NUMBER 92 • FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1973 20 PAGES Tax Refunds Mrs. Walgenbach on the voucher portion: "After many attempts, spanning a great number of years, the abolition of personal property tax on individuals has been achieved This check is a full refund to named payee of the 1971 per­ sonal property tax paid to McHenry county. It includes any^penalty interest paid by the taxpayer, and it also includes, after deduction for costs of refunding, any interest earned while funds were in escrow." Any ^taxpayer who fails to receive an expected refund check should contact the County Treasurer's office. Only 1971 taxes are refundable, since prior years' taxes were not affected by the referendum,, Undeliverable checks will be held for claiming by taxpayers. Mrs. Walgenbach urges refund recipients to cash their checks promptly because banks are reluctant to honor stale checks. Other taxpayers expecting refund checks may have been disqualified by the court order which grouped partnerships, joint ventures, professional associations, estates and trusts with corporations as taxpayers not entitled to refunds nor relieved of personal property tax liability in the future. If in doubt, they may inquire of the Treasurer's office. Set Fall Date For School Referendum Mail 4,000 P.P. * Personal property taxes for individual McHenry county taxpayers came to a happy, historic close this week with the mailing of more than 4,000 refunds of 1971 personal property taxes, Mrs. Audrey H. Walgenbach, McHenry County Treasurer, announced. Mrs. Walgenbach made a ceremonial return of the first check to a taxpayer in her office early this week and then released the entire mailing of the refund checks to the Woodstock postoffice for delivery to taxpayers. "It's the end of an era, and we're reversing the usual flow. The tax collector's mailing refunds by the thousands, and I'm pleased for all the individual taxpayers in the county who will pay no personal property taxes in the future," Mrs. Walgenbach said. A. U.S. Supreme court decision in February upheld the November, 1970, referendum in Illinois which abolished per­ sonal property taxes for in­ dividuals but not for cor­ porations. After some ad­ ditional court procedure ap­ proved the refund plan, Mrs. Walgenbach^ was authorized to mail out the refunds she has been holding in escrow ac­ counts since collection of the taxes last year. Each taxpayer's check bears the following message from City Honors Ttoo As Parade Marshals Against a background of another Marine Festival parade, George P. Freund, left, and Ray McGee look ahead to plans for the 1973 summer attraction, for which they will serve as parade marshals. Both men are being recognized for their many years of service to their home community. ^ STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD A word of appreciation is certainly in order for several McHenry teachers retiring after long service. And the gratitude of the public extends also to others who may have left the local school systems in previous years. For the most part, there has been little fanfare for departing teachers. And this may very well be the way they want it. But teaching is a very special kind of work that exacts a tremendous amount of love, attention and loyalty, along with the hard work and devotion to duty that ac­ companies all jobs. In the past several years, McHenry has lost to retirement dedicated teachers who have given twenty, thirty, and sometimes forty years to their profession-some of them en­ tirely in the local schools. In a period of twenty years, it is very possible that one teacher has helped to mold the lives of probably 600 youngsters at the least, and as many as 2,000 where one subject is taught to several classes each day. Compare this to the parent whose influence is greater but who reaches only his own children. In few careers is there a greater opportunity for a good influence among young people. As we look back on some local teachers who have recently retired, and on those who are leaving this year, we cannot help but be impressed by the effect of their years of teaching on the community. This note of appreciation is belated in some cases. Nevertheless, it is sincere and we are sure represents the feeling of many Moms and Dads who will be forever in their debt. Wouldn't it be interesting to know how many galoshes have been tugged at, nosp wiped and tears kissed away by a retiring grade school teacher of 20 years? Or how many broken, 16-year-old hearts have been consoled or deflated egos lifted through a little special at­ tention by a high school in­ structor? We have known such teachers. And so for all those retirees who will read the above and remember, each of us who benefitted extends sincere appreciation for happy memories. K.A.F. The Marine Festival com­ mittee, comprised of fourteen members representing the McHenry Chamber of Com­ merce, recently selected two of the city's most respected men to serve as parade marshals for the July 15 festival parade. They are George P. Freund and Ray McGee. Announcement was made last Saturday. Mr. Freund served with distinction, first as alderman from 1935 to 1949, and later, as Mayor, until 1961. He also is president emeritus of McHenry hospital. Mr. Freund holds a mem­ bership in the Catholic Order of Foresters, which he formerly served as financial secretary. He is a life member of the Kiwanis club of McHenry. For fifty years he served as secretary of the C.O.F. bowling league. Besides his role as post­ master, which he held for Jtwenty-five years, Ray McGee has had major roles in both the March of Dimes and Cancer financial campaigns. His in­ terest in the March of Dimes started in 1934 and he later served as city and district chairman. He also served as city and township chairman of the Cancer drive, and at one time headed a four-township drive. Mr. McGee has served as president of the McHenry Rotary club, commander of the Legion post, past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and holds membership in the McHenry County Serra club, Holy Name society and World War I barracks. May 1 of this year he was honored by the McHenry County Bar association with the Liberty Bell plaque. This award recognizes, among other things, courage and respect for the law and courts. Mr. McGee serves on the McHenry County Jury com­ mission and as vice-chairman of the Sheriff's Merit com­ mission County Board Asks State To Set Equalization Factor Carrying out a recom­ mendation of the Finance and Salaries committee, the McHenry County board last Monday voted to request the State Department of Local Governmental Affairs to apply an equalization factor, town­ ship to township, within the county. State's Attorney Cowlin is being asked to draft the resolution. At the present time, the equalizer is set by the Super­ visor of Assessments and the Board of Review. However, because there is an overlapping of townships in some taxing districts, assessments vary as they apply to individual tax­ payers. George Watson Lowe, chairman of the Board of Review, expressed himself against any change at this time. Lowe declared, "If this goes to the state now there will be a Burglaries And Thefts In Area Investigated BKT Enterprises of McHenry reported that two of their locked homes under con­ struction at 2213 Lincoln road had been entered sometime Monday. Taken from the premises were a new outdoor unit for central air conditioning and a coil for an air con­ ditioning system. Both of the units were in their original cartons. It was not determined how entry had been gained as there was no evidence of for­ cible entry. Steven Stickels of 6297 Johnsburg road, Spring Grove, discovered last Thursday his home had been burglarized while the family was away from the house for a day. Entry was gained by forcing open a bedroom window. Taken from the home were a portable color television, 16 gauge pump shotgun, two guitars, record player, clock radio and a lady's gold wrist watch. Approximately $225 in cash (Continued on page 10) Marine Festival Queen Judging Open To Public BOMB SCARE At 2:50 Tuesday afternoon, the switchboard operator at the McHenry county courthouse received a call from an unidentified male who stated the courthouse would be blown up at 3 o'clock. Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell was notified and he ordered evacuation of the building. A day long to be remembered by nine McHenry area young ladies is set for Tuesday, June 19. It is the annual Marine Festival Queen contest. The public is invited to witness the judging, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at the V.F.W. clubhouse. In preparation for the big day, the young ladies have been taking part in a charm course, learning correct posture, poise, proper use of make-up and hair care. Annually the charm course is presented to the candidates by Sharon Nye, who has worked with the Ladies auxiliary to VFW Post 4600. Ila Hogan is chairman for the contest this year and has been assisted by Helen Spoolstra, Mary Kuemmel and Gerry Kuck. In charge of the decorations is Marge Moreth, who has designed a glittering background where the can­ didates will promenade. Each year a trip is planned for the queen and her mother, which is sponsored by the McHenry Chamber of Com­ merce. This year the trip is planned for Acapulco, Mexico. They will leave June 24 and will reside at the "Club de Pesca" while there. A yacht tour of Acapulco bay is planned for them as well as viewing famous pearl divers. \ delay, maybe two weeks, possibly a month". After the affirmative vote by the board, Edward Buss of McHenry, who heads the Finance and Salaries com­ mittee, commented: "We had to do it, otherwise we would have been sued." He was referring to disgruntled per­ sons who feel the different amounts they pay in the same taxing districts is an injustice. Buss noted that there are nine townships in the county which are about equal. The problem, he said, will be created in the remaining eight townships. Asked later what delay he anticipates in tax bills, Lowe said the Board of Review had hoped to have the bills out the latter part' of July. Now, he added, it will be nearer Sept. 1, with payment Oct. 1. In the matter of payment to employees, the board agreed to pay members of the Sheriff's department one and one-half times the regular hourly salary for hours spent in court unless on regularly scheduled day duty. The provision was made that the total budget of this department does not exceed the total budget authorized for the 1972-73 year. Buss, questioned by the board, said this action will probably cost between $20,000 and $30,000 a year. Representing the Deputy Sheriff's association, Lawrence Macheroux presented a request for a salary increase for deputies. He offered com­ parison figures between men in the county department and some of the larger city patrolmen and . between deputies and officers. Macheroux questioned why salary increases should not carry as much priority as landscaping of the courthouse. Chairman Walter Dean in­ formed him that work at the courthouse is governed by action of the Building com­ mission, not the County board. After some discussion, it was decided to direct the deputies' (Continued on page 10) Following a report by a committee of School District 15 board members, action was taken to set Oct. 6 as the date for a referendum to increase the Educational tax rate and the Operational, Maintenance and Building fund (not con­ struction) rate. The board will ask an increase from the present $1.38 to $1.68 for educational purposes and from $.25 to $.55 for operational use. It was noted that two in­ creases have been asked in the past fourteen years. The last one was in 1966, when the voters approved an increase of 33 , eents per $100 assessed valuation. The margin of victory at that time was a little more than 400 votes. Treat Driver For Injuries After Crash Paul Brushaber of 4910 W. Bonner, McHenry, was taken to McHenry hospital by the rescue squad after his vehicle collided head on with another driven by Richard J. Jablonski Of 1502 N. Court, McHenry. The accident occurred Friday af­ ternoon at 4410 W. Route 120, just east of Ramble road. Jablonski's auto was east- bound on the highway when the other vehicle entered his lane of traffic and they collided. Brushaber told officers he was west-bound on the roadway when he blacked out. He was ticketed for improper lane usage and driving unsafe motor vehicle. The previous request granted was in 1959. The board is anticipating an increased deficit of $200,000 next year, and $261,000 in 1974- 75. At present, there is $834,500 outstanding in anticipation warrants in District 15. In the matter of non-certified salaries, the board considered requests made by custodians. These were three in number: 1 - - A 10 per cent increase to be pooled or more evenly divided than just an across-the-board percentage raise; 2 ~ $5 per day reimbursement for unused sick leave or retirement at age 62 or after; 3 - the Friday before Memorial day be designated as a vacation day. Board Member Robert Thornton showed a report comparing custodial salaries in McHenry with other districts. He said it discloses that the local salaries average higher than the others. "These requests are too high", Thornton said. "A 4 per cent raise would be more realistic". After more discussion, the board voted in favor of an Administration recom­ mendation on two requests. These include a 6 per cent in­ crease and a maximum for sick leave days accumulation to be increased by five days to ninety-five, rather than the $5 per day reimbursement for unused sick leave. Members felt it was impossible to allow the Friday day to be vacation day possible to know in advance the number of "snow days" which will be needed. Teacher aides average $1.90 npOSslUlv VO dllvfW |j before Memoriaty^vTrp designated as a y since it is* inV_, " an hour under the present scale. Action was taken to raise them an average of .25 more per hour. Asked by a visitor if action might not be delayed until after the President's talk Wednesday night, the board felt this would not be wise. Members said if adjustments were necessary, they would be made. Approval was given for the employment of Valerie Carby to teach first grade at Hilltop and Patricia Guzzetta, fourth grade at Edgebrook. The resignation of Gail Anderson, Edgebrook fifth grade cher, was accepted. The bid of Lowery-McDonnell in the amount of $10.91 a 'square yard was accepted to furnish carpeting in sections of two schools. The low bid of $8.22 (Continued on page 10) High Ranking Graduates DEBRA HOWENSTINE TIMOTHY TONYAN DEBRA VIRGENS HICIIARD BARGER Blaze Destroys Area Home A one-story house at 704 W. Lily avenue, Lilymoor, was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Homeless were Harriet Taaffe and her daughter, Carol. Mrs. Taaffe told Fire Chief Glenn Peterson that she awakened about 1:45 a.m. and felt uneasy, sensing something was wrong. She walked into another part of the house, where she found her daughter. The girl's bedroom was ablaze in one corner. Both of them left the house, and Mrs. Taaffe then realized it would be impossible, to return to the phone because of the intense heat. They drove to the fire station, but no one was there. The mother and daughter then continued to a tavern in Lakemoor, from where the alarm was placed. Cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Chief Peterson said damage to the structure - four rooms and bath - and contents may run $8,000. Members of Companies I and HI spent two hours at the scene bringing the blaze under control. Two members of the Illinois Arson bureau came to Lilymoor Wednesday to in­ vestigate, along with county authorities. Outstanding graduates from seven area schools were recognized for ac­ complishments at graduation programs held during the past week. At the McHenry high school, Debra Howenstine and Timothy D. Tonyan had the distinction of being named co- valedictorians with a cumulative grade point average of 3.940 each. The two young people were informed of their rank two days prior to commencement and were extended an invitation to ad­ dress the graduates Friday night. Debra Virgens was honored as salutatorian with a 3.829 average. In this order were the next nine high ranking students in the graduating class: Richard D. Barger. Vicki Lee Peterson, Kenneth Eugene Blake, G«ri Ann Lockwood, Thomas Bruce Sweeney, Deborah Schabow, Steven J. McArdle, Rae Dee Beno and Deborah Marie Hamann. At McHenry Junior high, where exercises were held the previous night at 7 o'clock. Daniel Lee Bolton and Melanie Susan Massouda were honored as recipients of the American Legion awards.. Michael Rabbitt and Jean Marie Gatanzaro won the Kiwanis (Continued on page 10) VICKI PETERSON DEBORAH SCHABOW ,KENNETH RLAKE STEVEN McARDLE RAE DEE BENO DEBORAH HAMANN GERI LOCKWOOD THOMAS SWEENEY