The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

School Traiisj^ortation Suggesf Solutions To Bus Problem Attain Eagle Rank The necessity for coming to some decision on facilities to meet school transportation needs was pointed out by President Henry Nell at a meeting of the District 15 Consolidated school board in session Tuesday night. Nell concluded that the best procedure would be to buy the land and then discuss with the High School District 156 board mutual usage of a storage location for buses. Pointing out that ,the subject has been under study for a long time with no decision, Nell said, "If we obligate ourselves to the purchase of land we will have to go through with it". He explained the necessity for action was due to continuing complaints received from residents of the James street area where buses are now stored. Member Dorothy Vick questioned where the district would find the money to pay for property, and there was no answer. M. David Cain suggested another procedure in which both school districts would work together and agree on a location. He suggested a new problem might arise if District 15 bought land and the high school district expressed displeasure with the location. Cain said if the two districts agreed, possibly District 15 could purchase the land and the high school district could rent its share or rent on a mileage basis. Member Lester Smith pointed out that it might be wise to postpone any action until the impact of the new Johnsburg district is realized. Concluding the discussion, Nell appointed Business Manager William Landis to a committee that will give fur­ ther study to the problem. No volunteer was forthcoming from the board as the second member. A report was made on the SEDOM board of directors tenth annual meeting held last month, attended by Jack Adams, administrative representative, and M. David Cain, board representative, from District 15. One of the meeting highlights was the decision to make the tuition and administrative assessment to each district based upon 80 per cent state reimbursement rather than a state estimate level of 95 per cent. The difference amounts to $1.06 more per day student for tuition and an annual .24 per student more in administrative assessment. Another decision was to retrieve $70,000 of outstanding indebtedness in 1975-76 and the balance of $50,000 in 1976-77. These monies were utilized to purchase a bus fleet for SEDOM.. The board's attention was called to a notation from James R. Albert, superintendent for SEDOM, pointing out that failure to have a uniform countv-wide school district calendar is costing the tax­ payers of this county $20,000. This is necessitated by the fact that SEDOM must close special education classes in ob­ servance of district calendars having half-day sessions which includes the opening and closing of school. Dr. Robert Boos, superin­ tendent. noted that he is at­ tempting to obtain a uniform calendar to correct this costly situation. Confirmation of dates for Summer School '76 and ap­ pointment of a director were other pieces of business before the board. The school will begin June 7 and conclude July 16, permitting the necessary twenty-nine days of classroom instruction. Don Toole was again ap­ pointed director at a com­ pensation to be determined later. ̂ A letter was acknowledged from the McHenry Country Art Fair, stating a willingness to use McHenry . Junior high school as the site of the 1976 Art Fair. This move from Parkland school is expected to alleviate rfcrowding experienced during the early weeks of Summer School. Two representatives of (Continued On Page 17) KEN STREET Two members of Wonder Lake Boy Scout Troop No. 145 will be presented with the MIKE BERLIN highest rank in scouting. This presentation will take place (Continued On Page 18) * 100 TEiftS * THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER ' O l A "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875" VOLUME 100 NUMBER 22 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1975 20 PAGES 1 SUPPLEMENT Subdivision-City Meet On Sewer Service // Approximately seventy ping station, forced mains, Dedicate New Church 1 : • y • ! * Postpone Hearing Deputies' Indefinitely An investigation which was to be conducted by the Sheriff's Merit commission Wednesday afternoon regarding the con­ duct of county police during a disturbance at Johnsburg recently was postponed just hours before the hearings were to begin. Alexander MacArthur, commission chairman, an­ nounced the investigation had been postponed until a future date. However, no reason was given for his decision. MacArthur was unavailable for comment Thursday mor­ ning, but he reportedly made a statement the previous day that this action followed a con­ sultation with State's Attorney Cowlin. With the Grand jury investigation incomplete, it was felt the hearings might be regarded as interference. The investigation by the Merit commission is being held to check into accusations that county deputies had overreacted and used undue force in restraining some (Continued On Page 17) Vandalism Problem Of Concern To County Board CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY X1ANCE CHURCH / -J With the closing of the Federal Surplus Property warehouse at Volo, concern has been expressed by tax districts, fire departments, schools and rescue squads in the county. It was disclosed this week that within the past five years, $138,049 in property has been purchased for a cost of $6,311, a substantial savings. The County board has requested that the district's Senator and Representatives obtain further information on the reason for the closing. Once upon a time -- old timers tell us it was in the 'twenties--there was plenty of gas and no highway congestion. It was an era that brought us the corner filling station to serve the growing number who preferred motor cars to horses &nd buggies. It was a process that con­ tinued until a few years ago we could enter a service station with confidence of en­ countering smiling faces, people eager to serve and please. Windshields were washed without a word being said; floors were often brushed clean; oil and water were automatically checked. Often there was a game, stamps or some other prize. Above all, there was a cheerful "thapk you, come back to see us" as we drove away. In smaller towns the filling stations became personal refuges, and in rural areas the owner or attendant would fix flats, repair the engine, or bring in a stalled vehicle. Rapidly, the good old days are disappearing. Travelers have observed that the trend is toward self-service. Oil com­ panies are buying up old style stations and replacing them with self-service super­ markets. No extra service, just gasoline, and mostly self- service gasoline at that. The trend began with the Arab oil embargo, and there is little likelihood prices will come down sharply in the near future. (Continued On Page 18) The Christian and MisSiOnar Alliance church invites public to share in the celebration and dedication of McHenry's newest church structure. Located at 3815 W. Bull Valley road, the service will be held Sunday. Oct. 19, at 3 p.m. After sixteen years in the little church on John street, the long anticipated building program became a reality with ground breaking Nov. 3, 1974. Much labor and sacrifice from the congregation precedes this beautiful new edifice being dedicated to the Lord, and presented to the community. Costing approximately $125,000, and seating 212, the church has implemented several distinctive features. One favorite is a casual lounge area, complete with shag carpeting and fireplace for youth emphasis; another is the guided learning and research center, patterned after modern teaching techniques. Utilizing film strips, tapes, records, and other audio-visual equipment to aid in understanding the Scriptures and Bible-related subjects, the center is available for both individual and classroom instruction. Each Sunday School class, from nursery through adult, will encounter one month of every three in the learning lab. Much thought and prayer has preceded the planning of the church in order to "adequately meet the needs of the whole person- body, soul, and spirit." According to the pastor, the Rev. Gerald L. Robertson, an open house and light buffet will follow the service of praise and worship until 6 p.m. Questions concerning the unique ministeries of the Alliance church will gladly be answered at that time. At Tuesday's meeting of the McHenry County board, a report by J R. Rakow, county superintendent of highways, concerning traffic signs and sign vandalism was approved. It is the policy of the Highway department to replace stop signs as soon as possible twenty-four hours a day. All other signs are replaced as soon as possible during regular department working hours. The biggest reason for sign replacement was cited as vandalism. The most frequent abuses are bending sign faces; shooting at sign faces; painting over the signs; plastering them with decals; deliberately knocking over posts; sawing oft and removing posts. It has been illegal'to willfully damage highway signs for many years. However, since Jan. 1,1973, the Illinois Vehicle code makes mere possession of highway signs by an unauthorized person an offense with a fine not to exceed $1,000. The cost of highway signs varies, but the typical 36-inch stop sign runs $35, not including erection. The County highway department is responsible for about 2,000 signs on the county highway system. The Rakow report indicated that various schemes have been tried to reduce this problem, including offering rewards, but none have realized any degree of success. Particular care must be given, according to Rakow, in the design of a sign support, which may thwart vandals only to present a serious roadside hazard to the innocent errant driver. The board approved the petition of John D. Francesco for reclassification of property from "F" farming district to "B-2" business district. The property contains 2.4 acres of land situated on the east side of Rt. 31. Plans call for construction of a small shopping center with a restaurant serving alcoholic beverages. There had been some question as to whether there was enough parking area. Horace Wagner of the Zoning Board of Appeals stated the land was originally rezoned for a veterinary clinic. After much discussion, this same board was of the opinion that a "B-l" classification be granted for the use of a restaurant with a variation for "B-2" for the sale of alcoholic beverages at the table only, and finally that if the structure is not constructed (Continued On Page 17) Approximately seventy property owners from Country Club Estates subdivision met with the Sewer and Water committee at city hall Monday night to discuss the proper procedure for obtaining sewer service for that area should a majority of the property owners want it. On hand to answer questions regarding the project were City Attorney Bernard Narusis and Dr. Hal Sundin of Baxter and Woodman, city engineers, along with Sewer and Water committee members,Aldermen William Bolger, Ray Smith and George Harker. Those in attendance were informed that before the city would become involved in the expense of having detailed plans and specifications drawn up on a sewer project, over 50 percent of the property owners in the subdivision would have to sign a legal petition requesting sewer service. "The city is not going to get involved in that kind of ex­ penditure of money unless it first determines there is a reasonable chance for success for this kind of program," Narusis said. Dr. Sundin reported he made a preliminary survey of the area at the request of the city. This survey took into con­ sideration the number of units to be served, grades or direction of drainage to determine the best layout for the sewers, depth of sewers, forced main and a pumping station location. On the basis of his preliminary survey, Dr. Sundin determined that the cost of the project would be in the range of $145,000. This would include sewers in the streets, a pum­ ping station, forced mains, connection to the city sewerage system and service connection from the sewer in the streets up to the property line for each home Extension of the sewer into the home would be each home owner's responsibility and was not included in the price estimate, Sundin stated. The $145,000 figure was predicated on general obligation or cash financing, "some means whereby the contractor is paid in current funds," Dr. Sundin pointed out. Under the special assessment route, contractors are not paid in cash but in bonds or vouchers. They then have to market the bonds and find a buyer for them in order to get their money, Dr. Sundin ex­ plained. "You usually find that by the time you pay the cost* associated with specif assessment, the costs run 20 tfr 30 percent more than through other methods of financing," he said. This would bring the costs of the project up to $175,000 or $185,000. To determine each home owners cost, Dr. Sundin felt "a unit of benefit basis where each property is considered a separate unit of benefit" would be a more realistic approach rather than on a front footage basis. i There are approximately 7T parcels involved in the sufc- division. Taking this into consideration, the cost would run about $2,500 per home. This' would put the sewer up to the property line. Additional cost from there in is a highly variable factor Dr. Sundin said. It depends on the sewer depth, (Continued On Page 16) Debaters In Competition Business Firms Targets Of Burglars Over Weekend Early Monday morning, two business places located at 1113 E. Route 120, McHenry, reported that their buildings had been burglarized sometime Sunday night. McHenry Sand and Gravel listed two buildings at the gravel pit entered. A portable battery charger, two radios and assorted hand tools and chains were taken. Liberty Asphalt notified county officials its office building at the same location had also been entered Sunday night, as well as an equipment trailer. Missing from the premises were a digital clock, a fire extinquisher, two hard hats, an operating manual and Restricted Use For Seaplane Base Granted Walter Dean, chairman of the McHenry County board, was informed Tuesday that a permit had been approved for the restricted operation of a seaplane base on the Fox river at Crescent Bay Landing, just south of the Johnsburg bridge. The Division of Aeronautics of the Illinois Department of Transportation ruled that operations at the seaplane base would be limited to the per­ manent basing of not more than two planes. The area for takeoffs and landings was restricted to an area ap­ proximately 200 feet wide, 4,000 feet in length northeast of the bridge and 3,500 feet in length southwest of the bridge. A restriction against giving student instruction was waived allowing for student training at the base. However, at the ad­ ministrative hearing held in the county in August, it was pointed out that the only persons who receive instructions are ex­ perienced pilots who wish to earn a floatplane or seaplane rating. (Continued On Page 18) many tools including electric drills, socket wrenches, gauges, etc. Investigation into the burglaries is being conducted by detectives of the Sheriff's department. A Yellow Suzuki trail bike and a tool box were taken from the garage of Herbert Tannert of 1507 W. Hickory, McHenry, last weekend. Entry was made through a window. Sometime last Friday, a refrigerator, an electric stove, three lamps, a cart and several rods and reels were taken from the home of Harold Zickafoose at 625 Amanda, McHenry. Lincoln Zimmanck of 2205 Manor lane, McHenry, told county deputies that sometime early Monday morning, someone stole a battery from his pickup truck parked in his driveway. Gasoline had also been syphoned from the tank. John Schultz of 7807 Oak- wood, Wonder Lake, reported that his 1968 Camaro, which had been parked in front of his residence last week, was stolen. The theft occurred during the night of Oct. 7. Members of McHenry high school debate team now preparing for tournament competition are shown above. In front, from left, are David Wright, Bryan Flanagan, Maureen O'Connor, Mike Tripp, Judy Vyduna, Peter Bender and Mrs. Burke, coach; center (sitting) Keith Rosinski, Nancy Schmitt and Bryan O'Neill; (standing) Mike Gende, Jill Freund, Sue Vankanegan, Danielle Rename Learning Center In Memory Of Teacher The learning center at school's tirst librarian and Johnsburg Junior high school learning center director, at the will be didicated in memory of Parent-Teacher organization Miss Marv Sigworth. the (Continued On Page 16) Byron, Joe Kocher, Max James; (sitting) Pam Dorsey, Scott Crittenden and Mary Gattone; top row, Mike Tollifson, Debbie Krier, Mike Berlin, Laura Higgins, Carolyn Smith, Scott Anderson and Ann Snvder. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GARYLORD McHenry's debate team is preparing lor tournament competition to begin early in November. Besides the two returning debate teams. McHenry has eleven novice teams this year Tournament activity begins with a workshop Saturday, Oct. ia. at Crystal Lake high school. Several novice teams will be participating in a tournament at Dundee high Nov. 15, and the entire squad will be involved in a two-day tourney at NIU, DeKalb. Nov 21 and 22. the debate topic concerns the allocation and development of scarce world resources. . (Continued On Page 17)