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Pedestrian Among Victims In Rash Of Accidents Snowy roads and miserable driving conditions were the c£ of a rash of accidents over the weekend, including one in whi^j pedestrian walking on the roadway was struck by a car. At 9:15 p.m. Sunday, County police were notified of a car- pedestrian accident that had occurred on McCullom Lake road, just east of Ringwood road. Ujion investigation, it was learned that an eastbound car, driven by Thomas R. Kranz, 5112 Patton drive. Wonder Lake, had suddenly come ucon a pedestrian in the eastbound lane of traffic. Kranz attempted to avoid a collision with Walter J. Gordon, 2121 Beachside, McHenry, but could not. Gordon wa^ transported by the McHenry Rescue squad to McHenro hospital for treatment of his injuries. He remained hospitalized Monday** According to the Police report, Kranz stated he was approximately 10 feet from the pedestrian when he observed him. Kranz also stated he did not know where the pedestrian came fromf . , There were no traffic citations issued in the accident, which is still under investigation by sheriff 's police. Three people were taken to McHenry hospital by the McHenry Rescue squad for treatment of injuries sustained in a one-car accident Friday evening on Orchard Beach drive. Daniel T. Liss, 2612 Shorewood drive. McHenry. and two friends living at the same address, Mary J. Brand and Jeffrey H. Brand, were all injured when the L,iss car slid on the icy pavement and spun out of control Liss stated he was northbound on Orchard Beach drive at approximately 22 mph. when, as he rounded *a curve, his car Started sliding due to the icy.pavement and struck a utility pole. Fifteen feet of cyclone fence belonging to L. Nalefski. 2412 Orchard Beach road, McHenry. was also damaged? * No tickets were issued. The Liss car was demolished. Marion L. Draffkorn, 7404 E. Oakwood drive. Wonder Lake, was ticketed for failure to yield turning left following a collision late Friday afternoon with a car driven by * Mitchell L. Przetactfhik. 1610 N. Pleasant, McHenry. Ms. Draffkorn stated she was eastbound on Rt. 120 and slowed to 10 mph to turn north. The vehicle in front of her turned left, and she did also. Przetacznik stated he was westbound on Rt 120 at 50 mph when two eastbound cars turned north onto East Wonder Lake road. He further stated that the second vehicle which turned left was the Draffkorn car, which he struck. He stated he applied his brakes to avoid a collision but could not stop in time. Michael H Gribben, 3615 W. Grant street, McHenry. and Harold D. Brodin, 3710 N. Claremont, McHenry. were both taken to McHenry hospital by the Johnsburg Rescue squad, after the cars they were driving collided Friday at 11:50 p m. on Rt, 31 "* • i .• (Continued on page 8) *1NTKUS* MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875" VOLUME T'01 NUMBER 36 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1977 4 SECTIONS 48 PAGES 20' County Schools Join To Solve Truancy Problem Outline Transition Plans At High School Meeting Donald Seaton, foreground, assistant principal at McHenry high school East campus, listens attentively as "Dixie" O'Hara, truancy officer for McHenry county, addresses school administrators on the topic of truancy in county schools. The purpose of the seminar was to better iiniufttflnd the truancy problem and to discuss what can be done about it. STAFF PHOTO-JEFF BONATO Grade schools and high schools throughout McHenry county joined forces at a seminar Thursday afternoon to exchange ideas on the best methods of coping with the truancy and attendance problems afflicting county schools. --' Donald Seaton, assistant principal at McHenry high school East campus, par­ ticipated in the seminar, the result of which was to establish a series of committees which will hopefully find effective methods for solving truancy and attendance problems. "Truancy is not just a school problem." Seaton told the other school administrators. "It 's a problem of society too. "Truant students often get into trouble with the law," he added. "Later in life, many truant students have no skills and society has to support them either in jail, or with some kind of public welfare or public aid. ' ' Seaton. in his presentation before the administrators, cited examples of truancies at East campus, then zeroed in on the group's consensus of the crux of the problem -- the parents. HVIany parents feel it 's aln&ht to pull students out of schooi, and they have that rightjr Seaton said. "We have several cases of truancy where the parents either don't care, or it 's tpo much effort to make the child attend school "Either way, parents often aren't much help," he added. Seaton explained that there are really three different kinds of truants. "There is the out-of-school truant, the partial truant, and the all day absence " he said With the all day truant, neither the school nor the parent knows where the child is With the all-day absence, the parent will cover for the absent student by saying the child was sick or some other reason. The partial truant is the student who cuts one or two classes each day, attending only the ones he likes. The consensus of those at­ tending the seminar seemed to be that the type truant to work on is the all-day absence, where the parent cov<j£,s up for the absent child. County Sheriff Art Tyrrell stated. "I think we're saying that the parents are part of the problem." t Wesley Pribla. who works at the county courthouse in the Juvenile division, said, "The law in Illinois'doesn't classify truancy as a crime." However, it is a crime for a parent to willfully allow a child under 16 years of age to stay out of school The problem is proving that the parent willfully allowed the child to stay home. If it is proven, the parent can face up to a 30-day jail sentence and $500 fine. "You have to prove parents willfully let kids stay home in court," Pribla said "The key word is willfully." Pribla explained that it is futile to take a truant child through the judicial system to force him to attend classes. "I think it 's the parents job to see that their kids go to school," he said. "As far as prosecuting a child, it 's futile We can go through the motions. and put them on probation, and if they don't want to. they still won't go to school < "All that happens," he said, "is that the child realizes the futility of our present court system." Essentially, what Pribla was saying, and what the other people present learned, is that focus should be placed on the parent in any court proceedings, rather than the child "Dave Clasing. director ol Court Services, added his words to the meeting ' I 'm not arguing that the kids shouldn't be dealt with," he said, "but it seems to me. we have two ways to go. Either ^e send truancy referrals to Dixie (O'Hara. is county truancy office > or prosecute the adults through the courts. ' O'Hara stated that "a lot of other things have to be done besides a judge saying. 'Okay parents, you're fined ' That will help, but much mqre must be done,' . ' • To accomplish more, various committees were established ,A committee was formed to study the legal aspects and possible revisions of truancy laws Presently, the law doesn't consider truancy as an offense. Another committee^ was formed to study the alternates to what is being done presently to stop truancies Finally, a Responsibility committee was formed to determine exactly who should be responsible for what in dealing with truant students. "I feel we really got quite a bit accomph^^jed," Seaton said after the meetuvg,. '>We have to use these committees naw to improve the truant situation ." There was much done at the truancy seminar Thursday. But there's still much more to do Supf Richard Swantz of High School District 156 last week outlined plans for the transition necessary when several hun dred students are phased out of the present school to attend Johnsburg. - His presentation was one of several discussions held Tuesday night at the in­ structional meeting held in West campus library*, The administrator told the board he would like directions from them and from the staff. In focusing on the problem of faculty reduction, Swantz stated he would rather take a pessimistic view now, with the Farm Bureau Meeting Focuses On Estate Planning With the 1976 Tax Reform act causing one of the biggest changes in the tax laws since the inception of the income tax in 1913. a Farm Bureau meeting Jan 20 is of con­ siderable importance," says Larry Harris Harris, executive secretary of the McHenry County Farm bureau, said the meeting will concern ^Estate Planning, which invplves tax con siderations. inheritance aspects of the new federal law, drawing up wills, and trust possibilites. The meeting starts at 1 p m (Continued on page 8) thought that possibly some staff members could he retained later - "To tell them at tile last minute their services must be terminated would be unfair", he continued • He noted that a list of priorities should be available by December of this year, and at that time there should be more accurate information to determine how many teachers will need to be released. Supt. Swantz said early dismissal Jan. 24 and 25 and an inservice meeting Jan. 26 will provide an opportunity to meet with faculty members for a discussion of the problem A new high school will be constructed in Johnsburg District 12, but the completion date is uncertain. Considerable time was devoted to talk of the im­ plementation of Federal Title 9, which concerns discrimination as it pertains to the physical education program A mandate calls for the requirements of the program to be in effect by 1978. Kenneth Swanson. director of the physical education program at West campus, was present to inform the board of progress made to date in the local system. Swanson explained that boys and girls participate in the same classes. He said some sports are handicapped by a lack of facilities, such as swimming and tennis, but efforts are being made to tC& comply with regulations for coeducational classes In some areas there are choices, according to Swanson. but swimming and social dancing are included for all L'nder the provisions of Title 9. girls can participate in football or any contact sport At first, the director said, girls played football by themselves, but now they pit their talent * against the boys, with light contact permitted. Swanson noted that the boys are becoming increasingly interested in social dancing He couldn't answer for the an ticipated interest in classical dancing, which is also included in the federal guidelines hut not yet initiated into the local program Outside activities include roller skating and bowling, but students must make a choice because of the need for tran sportation. Mrs. Catherine Alvary, who expressed pleasure over the new P E program emphasized that students assume cost of the bowling and skating programs In concluding the West campus discussion, Supt Swantz observed that the program is new and "we're making rules, as we go along". Mary Lou Osterman spoke' about the physical education classes as conducted at East, where activities are also handicapped by a lack - of facilities. Ms. Osterman presented (Continued on page K) Named To New School Post It 's small. It 's without a real home. But it has all the en­ thusiasm, tireless devotion to work, and hope that one person can put into an undertaking What is it? It 's McHenry's new animal welfare agency, and a state charter is in hand for this non-profit group. The "angel" behind the movement is the mite in dynamite. Erica Frey stands little over 5 feet in height but inside her small frame is a bundle of energy devoted to the welfare of unwanted and homeless animals. Mrs. Frey is presently founder, president and Girl Friday for a program that promises to occupy much of her daytime and nighttime hours well into the future. Having met her. one is assured she is up to the job at hand. Erica's long range goal is realization of a shelter, but that 's far in the future. She believes that future is at least $20,000 distant even for a start, and that 's a good way down the road. For the present, she hopes jnerely to reunite lost pets with their owners and to find homes for those unfortunate animals for whom nobody cares. - Mrs. Frey developed her spirit for this work when she resided in Glenview and became a member of the board of directors of Save-A-Pet, a North Shore organization. Her / interest was transferred to this area when she moved to McHenry. Starting four months ago to achieve her dream of a shelter, the state charter recently arrived for Pet Welfare Group, Inc., which can be reach by calling 385-1771 or writing the agency in care of Box 143, McHenry. Mrs. Frey is working with the McHenry County Animal Control center in carrying out her work locally. Evidence of the need for people like Erica Frey is a letter on our desk sent by a McHenry woman distressed by the news that someone's dog within the city had frozen to death New Year's day. The very sad part of this story is that facts leading up to the animal's death were known and investigated on two oc­ casions. The answer is that the family was reported to be m e e t i n g ' ' m i n i m u m , requirements". They were insufficient, but no charges could be brought. A general apathy makes the new role of Erica Frey, and those who will assist her, of much importance. Because their primary work is in behalf of neglected creatures, their concern should naturally lead to the impetus needed to gain stricter laws. . * It is to the ultimate goal of improving situations like this that welfare groups function. K.A.F. Spark Interest - In City Election With Filings One filing each for mayor, city treasurer, city clerk and aldermanic seats in two of McHenry's four wards marked the beginning of action in the Spring election. Among the filings were those of three incumbents. Mayor Joseph Stanek, Treasurer William Brda and Clerk Barb Gilpin. Mayor Stanek is finishing his first four-year term. Both Brda and Mrs Gilpin are serving on ap pointments. Clint B. Clavpool is the only candidate to file to date for the aldermanic post open in Ward II Edward Datz presently holds office and his term ex pires this Spring. In Ward IV. Ernest Schooley hassled for office At this time the post is held by La Verne Hromec. There are no f i l ings to date in Ward I. where Jack Pepping is the present alderman, or in Ward III, where James Wegener holds that office. Candidates have until Feb 14 to file for the April 19 election^ Spring Registration Continues At College General registration for McHenry County college credit classes is now in progress and will continue on a first come- first served basis throughout the first week of classes which began Jan. 10. Registration for the MCC Spring Adult Education classes started Jan 3. Anyone may register in person at the college. Students may also register by phone through Friday, Jan. 21, for classes which begin the week of Jan. 31. After this date all registrations except for the late-starting classes mast be done in person at the college. Students registering for credit classes must pay tuition and fees at that time. Students registering for Adult Education classes have ten days after that date to pay tuition and fees. Non-payment during this period will result in the can­ cellation of the students ^registration. Individuals /registering by phone will be billed by mail In addition to credit and non credit classes, MCC is offering a wide variety of seminars and workshops during the Spring semester These experiences cover many subjects and vary in length three to sixteen hours The leaders are members of the community, groups and schools, and also persons in private practice (Continued on page 8) Color Guard - v Show Slated For Jan. 15 The McHenry County Viscount Drum and Bugle corps will host its second an nual "Patriotism in Motion" color guard show Jan 15 at Crystal Lake North Junior High School j Individual competition, both solo and ensemble, will be from 8 am. to noon. with preliminary competition for color guard units to start at 1 p.m Finals begin at 7 p.m. in all categories There will be twenty guards in the preliminaries Among those competing will be the Madison Scouts, the Belvidere Valiants, and the Guardsmen of Sehaumberg North Junior high school is located on Oak street in Crystal Lake >* * * -• > >> V»lvV. iiu\vu HlVv \ Following last week's executive session of the tffrard of High School District 156, action was taken to nam^ William Dodds to a new post, that of administrative assistant to Supt. Richard Swantz. Dodds, at right, is shown with Greg LaPlante .at his desk. LaPIante. West campus'teacher for the Cooperative Work Training program, has been selected acting assistant principal at West to replace ' Dodds. „ , " . STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD