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O5 15C Q THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER M 15 c |̂T "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 98 NUMBER 63 FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1974 18 PAGES FIFTEEN CENTS City Council Opposes RTA Proposal 4-3 Select Speaker For MCC March Ground Breaking Aldermen Edward Datz, LaVerne Hromec, Jerome Rogers, William J. Bolger, Jack Pepping, Donald Howard. George Harker and James Wegener ponder merits of RTA proposal before vote taken at Monday night's City Council meeting. Although persuasive arguments were presented by Ron Stroupe of Huntley, who seeks the Democratic party nomination as candidate for State Representative from the 33rd Legislative district, the Council later passed a resolution by a vote of 4 to 3, opposing the proposed Regional Transit Authority program to be voted March 19. STAFF PHOTOS-WAYNE GAYLORD The McHenry County college groundbreaking committee has a n n o u n c e d t h a t D r . L B . "Burnie" Horton, executive secretary of the Illinois Community College Trustees' association will be the featured speaker at the March 10 ground breaking. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. "Dr. Horton is a great friend of the College," said Mrs. Barbara Pautz, chairman of the board of trustees at the college. "He was extremely helpful in aiding the trustees fight for this new campus on the state level." i "The committee is extremely excited about Dr. Horton's appearance at our ground breaking and we hope that the citizens of McHenry county will turn out in large numbers to greet him and to celebrate this joyous occasion," she added. Dr. Horton has been in education for many years, serving at Western Illinois university as dean of the student activities program before coming to the ICCTA. He has also served on the ad­ ministrative staffs of Washington State university and Kansas State college at Hayes. He received his Ed.D. degree from Indiana university, an M.A. at Kansas State college and two bachelor's degrees from Cincinnati university. Dr. Horton currently resides in Springfield. (Continued on page 15) By a narrow margin, the City Council went on record Monday night to officially oppose the RTA proposal which is to be voted on March 19. On a roll call vote, Mayor Jos. Stanek, Aldermen Edward Datz, George Harker, Jack Pepping and James Wegener voted yes to a resolution opposing the RTA. Aldermen William Bolger, LaVerne Hromec and Jerome Rogers voted no and Alderman Donald Howard passed. Ronald Stroupe of Huntley, a Democratic candidate for state representative of the 33rd District, appeared before the Council as a proponent of the RTA bill. After tys short presentation followed by a question and answer period, Alderman Datz read a resolution to oppose the RTA bill as presented. The resolution pointed out that enabling legislation "provides grossly insufficient guarantees that the money raised through taxes will be spent to improve tran­ sportation in areas outside of those served by the CTA; does not provide adequate representation for the area outside of that served by the CTA; gives the appointed RTA governing board unlimited taxing power on the privilege of parking and a 5 percent tax on all motor fuel; allows the ap­ pointed board to issue bonds without a referendum at private sale, uncompetitively, up to one half billion dollars". The resolution also noted that "a disproportionate share of the revenue raised will come from the area not served by the CTA while nearly 80 percent of the revenue spent will be spent by the CTA." Also, "ten percent of the tax money raised will be used for reduced CTA fares but there, is no provision for reducing the Chicago and Northwestern railroad fares which are the highest in the region." The resolution states that "nearly 80 percent of the tax money raised will go for ad­ ministration and operating deficits making this a subsidy program rather than a program to improve tran­ sportation; the funding provided for in the enabling legislation i* totally inadequate in that it creates a planned deficit on nearly one billion dollars which will create either fantastic tax increases in the six-county area or bankrupt the system; the proposition does nothing more than take the present situation of a state- subsidized transportation system in the City of Chicago and fund it by taxes from the outlying areas with little or no improved service in those The resolution concludes by stating, "Be it resolved that the City of McHenry finds this RTA proposition unacceptable and go on record as opposed to the proposition as presented - and be it further resojved that this Council inform the local media of its opposition and encourage the voters of Illinois to vote 'no' on the creation of an RTA on March 19, 1974". Alderman Rogers com­ mented, "I strongly object to the resolution because it un­ fairly singles out Chicago and the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)." Alderman Bolger said he agreed with what former Governor Richard Ogilvie said, "We must put an end to the historic split between Chicago and the rest of Illinois." Bolger also mentioned that he did not think the City Council meeting was the proper place to bring up this RTA matter. "I simply don't think we should spend too much time discussing it," Bolger em­ phasized. Alderman Pepping, on the other hand, felt that the people want to know where the Council stands on the RTA proposal. In his opinion, "the RTA is regional in name only." Alderman Hromec indicated she could not vote for the resolution because "there is too much in that resolution that I Set Festival Dates Chamber Endorses City Gas Program, Opposes RTA Vote The Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted to endorse the voluntary even-odd gasoline purchasing program that was presented to the City Council at its March 4 meeting. The program is one that is strictly voluntary by both the service stations in the area and the motoring public. However, the Chamber board feels that if the motoring public with license plates ending in even numbers would purchase their gas on even numbered days and those with a license plate number ending in an odd number on an odd date, the lines in front of the service stations would be drastically reduced and quite possibly eliminated. In other action at the Chamber meeting, board members present voted to oppose the RTA referendum. It was the feeling of the members that McHenry county, and specifically the city of McHenry, would derive little if any benefit from the RTA proposal as the law is presently written. To fill a vacancy that (Continued on page 15) RONALD STROUPE feel is misleading and false." Alderman Harker noted, "I do not see anything in this bill that would benefit McHenry to the extent of the taxes it would incur." Even though Mayor Stanek's vote was not needed to break a tie, he stated that he wanted to go on record as being opposed to the RTA bill as presented. (Continued on page 15) Delinquency Charge Filed In City Incident Robert W. Mueller of 4500 Parkway, McHenry, was charged with theft under $10 and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor child following an incident last Monday afternoon in back of the Beard and Stovell store, 1214 N. Green street, McHenry. About 1 o'clock Monday afternoon, McHenry police were notified that youths were syphoning gas from cars in the (Continued on page 15) Third Meeting On New Health Ordinance Set The third public meeting on the proposed public health ordinance for McHenry county will be held Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the county board room of the courthouse. At the previous meetings, Articles I- XIII were debated. Next week's discussion will focus on provisions of the remaining ordinances. Articles to be explained are Mobile Home Parks, Recreational Areas and Youth Camps, Mass Gatherings, Animal Control, Long Term Care Facilities in McHenry County, Solid Waste Management, Institutions, Occupational and En­ vironmental Health and Safety, and Home Health Services. Persons involved to some degree with one or more of the areas to be discussed are urged to attend and voice their views before the ordinance is acted upon. Limousine Service For City Starts March 18 With spring in the not too distant future, the idea of the county setting up a bicycle- pedestrian safety project sounds good. It won't be long before thousands of two-wheelers will be taking to the road, not only to circumvent trie gas shor­ tage but just as a normal event of warm weather. Youngsters of all ages, tired of the con­ finement of winter, will take to the streets, sidewalks, lawns, and who-knows-where-else in their pursuit of fun in the outdoors. The pursuit is great, as long as it doesn't enter a collision course with a sure winner, a few thousand pounds of metal cailed a car. It was difficult to believe the scope of bicycle traffic last year, but Sgt. George Meyers, safety officer for the McHenry County Sheriff's department, reported 40,000 vehicles sold in this county alone. No records are available on existing bicycles before the start of 1973. Application has been made for a grant to institute the new safety project, which includes an identification program. This would lessen an invitation to thievery and aid in tracing stolen bikes. (Continued on page 15) Effective Monday, March 18, McHenry will be serviced by the O'Hare Wisconsin Limousine on a daily basis. McHenry is one of three cities in the county to be included on the route. The two buses traveling to Chicago are scheduled to arrive in McHenry at 9:25 a.m. and 3:55 p.m., with arrivals at O'Hare field at 10:20 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. A bus will leave O'Hare at 11:30 a.m. and arrive in McHenry at 12:25 p.m. Another leaves O'Hare at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in the city at 6:25. The route follows Interstate 90 to Illinois Rt. 31 and north to West Dundee. Other stops will be Algonquin and Richmond. From May to October, there will be another round trip about noon or early afternoon. The schedule will be announced later. Approval for the bus through McHenry was made by the Illinois Commerce commission following a hearing Dec. 18. William Dumalski of McHenry represented the city in making a request for service and proved to the satisfaction of the ICC that the need exists. The bus stop will be at the Chain O'Lakes Travel Service, 3405 W. Elm street, where further information is available. Open Competition For Festival Queen Soon INVESTIGATE CAR FIRE Deputies investigated a fire at the home of Steven Kidd, 5425 W. Highland, McHenry, last Thursday night about 9:30. When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered that the front seat of Kidd's auto had been soaked with gasoline and a flare had been used to ignite the fire. The flare was then put into the gas tank of the car. The McHenry Fire department was summoned to extinguish the fire. After the blaze was ex­ tinguished, the vehicle was removed from the scene while further investigation is made. For the first time in the long history of the Marine Festival queen competition, Legion Post 491 and its auxiliary unit will be sponsoring the 1974 event, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. Sharon Nye, who has con­ ducted the charm course in recent years, announced her committee of auxiliary members includes Midge Scharf, Eleanore Reid, Margaret Datz and Betty Lou Smith. The field of candidates will probably be limited to fifteen. Each girl must be between the ages , of 16 and 21, never married and a resident of the McHenry high school district. The eight-week charm course will start in April, according to Mrs. Nye. Further information and entry blanks will appear soon in the Plaindealer. Mrs. Nye was enthused as she announced that she will be assisted in plans for the judging by the 1972 queen, Nancy Stetter. Last vear's queen was Nancy Staley. Harrison To Host District Music Contest Richard Mikus, supervisor of music at Harrison school, Wonder Lake, has announced that again this year Harrison will be a host school for a district solo and ensemble contest. The contest will in­ volve seventeen schools from northern Illinois with ap­ proximately 1,000 students. Many students from Harrison are rehearsing their solos and ensembles for this contest and are hopeful of a high rating. Johnsburg Junior high and McHenry Junior high, in ad­ dition to Harrison, will be sending contestants. Girl Scouts Will Observe Special Sunday The Girl Scouts of McHenry will be attending the church of their choice on Girl Scout Sunday, March 10. The local churches have set aside one of their services for Girl Scout recognition. Joining the girls will be the many dedicated adults who work with the girls throughout the year. Mrs. John Johnson, Neigh­ borhood chairman of the Scouts, urges the girls to attend the following services: Mt. Hope United Methodist, 11 A.M.; St. Patrick's Catholic, (Continued on page 15) Charged In Manslaughter Seek More School Funds For Bicultural Program Continuing its effort to provide a bilingual-bicultural program, the board of School District 15 Tuesday night ap­ proved a motion requesting funding of the project. Because of the large number of local families in which Spanish rather than English is the first language spoken in the home, the program* is aimed at providing help for these children. In recent weeks the school district has received funds for materials needed. The most recent motion is sought for instructors and an aide, as well as other expenditures. - In explaining results of an enrollment projection and building use study, Dr. Robert Boos, superintendent, revealed that there will be no need for the white house on Waukegan street which has been used for kindergarten classes for many years. Discussion of the future of that building will take place at a later meeting. Dr. Boos explained that examination of his study has assured him that student enrollment growth over the next several years will be minimal. This has convinced him that additional rooms and (Continued on page 15) MCHENRY Donald G. Harris, 27, McHenry, charged with voluntary man­ slaughter in the death of Ronald E. Spohrer of fiarrington, is led from McHenry hospital by Sgt. Dan Kinnerk and City Chief of Police Kenneth Espey, at right. Sgt. Kinnerk was on guard at the Donald G. Harris, 27, of 4016 W. Kane avenue, McHenry, was charged with voluntary manslaughter by Chief Ken­ neth Espey after an apparent homicide and attempted suicide at the home of Mrs. Paulette L. Harris, 1712 N. Highview drive, McHenry, Tuesday night about midnight. Killed was Ronald E. Spohrer, 32, of 134 Glendale avenue, Barrington. He died of stab wounds apparently in­ flicted by Harris, husband of Paulette Harris. The > McHenry police department was called to the residence at approximately 11:50 Tuesday night after they were notified that an alleged stabbing had taken place. The rescue squad was summoned to take Spohrer to McHenry hospital, where he died at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. Donald Harris was also taken to the hospital after he at­ tempted to take his own life. He was admitted to the hospital with a stab wound in the chest. Harris was put under police guard and transferred to the county jail Wednesday af­ ternoon. His bond was set at $50,000 and he is to appear in court March 21. * According to authorities the Harrises had separated recently and Harris was living at the Kane avenue address. He is employed as a butcher. Sheriff Arthur Tyrrell reported that the stabbing took place in the bedroom of the home. A long thin bladed knife was allegedly used to stab Spohrer in the left side of his chest. It was reported that Spohrer's wife died several months ago in an automobile accident. Authorities reported that Mrs. Harris' young son by a previous marriage was in the house at the time of the stab­ bing but was not awakened by the incident. Participating 'in the in­ vestigation were Sgt. Gregory Burg, Sgt. Gregory Bliznick, Officer Daniel Davis, Sgt Robert Mickelsen, Lt. )Rober» Kranz and Chief Kenneth Espey of the McHenry Police" department as well as Capt. Robert Madsen, Lt. George Hendle and Detective Elof Borgenson of the McHenry County Sheriff's depart­ ment. hospital from the time of the incident near midnight Tuesday until Harris was taken to McHenry county jail early Wednesday af­ ternoon. He suffered a stab wound in the chest. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD