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REFERENDUM RESULTS Interested persons may call the high school administration office, 385-7900, between 9 and 11 p.m. Saturday night for results of the bond issue referendum. Suit Names Mayor, Council The City of McHenry, Mayor Joseph Stanek and the City Council have been named as defendants in a lawsuit asking for $l,25<',( 00 in damages. George Liggs, a former employee of the Public Works department of the city filed the suit ir. United States District court. Biggs was hired in Sep­ tember, 1974, and worked in the Public Works department until September, 1976, at which time he was named building in­ spector and code enforcement officer. The suit alleges that Biggs was dismissed on Nov. 8, 1977, and "that he was discharged without just cause, and through no fault of his own." The suit further contends that the alleged grounds for dismissal "were unrelated to the plaintiff's (Biggs) per­ formance at his job, and were publicized and disseminated by defendents in violation of the plaintiff's liberty interests." According to the lawsuit, Biggs has been unable to find another job or to associate with other members of his com­ munity and that he "has become an object of scorn, degradation and enmity among his friends, family, acquain­ tances and business associates." The suit asks for com­ pensatory damages of $250,000 and punitive damages of $1,000,000 because "the acts of the defendants were done willfully, maliciously and with callous disregard and reckless indifference to the plaintiff's liberty and livelihood." When reached for comment, Mayor Stanek explained, "The suit is without foundation and unwarranted. Biggs was not dismissed." Stanek offered no further comment, stating that city attorney's advised city officials not to discuss the suit. It was later learned that the suit was turned over to the city's insurance company whose attorneys will handle the matter. THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CH A IN-O-LAKE S REGION SINCE 1875 lEflBw *ky t»\> VOLUME 102 NUMBER 72 FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1978 2 SECTIONS 26 PAGES 20' Mayor In Strong Stand Against Hard Road Tax Step Into Spring1. An enthusiastic citisenry has waited anxiously for snow piles to dwindle and spring to arrive. They had forgotten that too often snow hides ••sightly rubbish heaps like the one shown above at the entrance to Orchard Beach subdivision. Someone who believes In gargage-pnt-down rather than garbage-pick-up has littered an otherwise scenic spot where bushes will soon be In bloom. Until they hide this unsightly mess-or until someone cleans it up-or until the snow falls agaln-passersby will have their fervor for spring diminished. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD City of McHenry residents were urged by Mayor Joseph Stanek to attend the upcoming township meeting to vote against the hard road tax at Monday night's regular City Council meeting. According to Stanek, McHenry city residents have been paying the hard road tax along with the rest of the township, but none of the money has ever been used on city streets. The tax is 16.7 cents per $100 of assessed valuation and is levied every fifth year at the annual township meeting. A simple majority of those township residents in at­ tendance is needed to renew or abolish the tax. According to the mayor, the city contributes approximately one-third of the hard road tax revenue, but does not benefit by it. Stanek further explained that the tax is good for rural areas, but questions the rationale of people voting for a permanent hard road tax for township roads and also paying to have city streets improved. "Basically, most roads in the township are better than city roads," said Stanek. "Five years ago, it was an excellent tax," he added, "but it is not needed now." Stanek urged that City Council members should make city residents aware of the April 11 township meeting at the McHenry VFW at 8 p.m. and urge them to attend. "If people are Concerned with their taxes, they will attend this meeting," said the mayor. He asked each councilman to attend and bring ten people along to the meeting. Stanek indicated that if the tax wasn't Abolished, maybe some of the funds could be returned to McHenry if city resdents attend the meeting ana show their concern. In othe*. Council news, a ordinance was passed requiring all policemen to join Musin9 And Meanderin9 Business Seminar April 11-18 High School District 156 voters will go to the polls next Saturday to decide the future of education locally on the secondary level. Interest runs high, and the results will no doubt reflect a variety of opinions on the expenditure of money, die quality of education, SBd sentiment.Some votes may even reflect some of each. Events leading up to the referendum have been numerous, and sometimes confusing, which led the Plaindealer to conduct a survey for an expression of feeling on the part of the public. Those opinions were divided. Of the total, 72 said they wanted to keep East and use the school. Another 43 wanted to have one four-year school at West. However, of the 72 who expressed a desire to retain the East building, there was a division as to how it should be used. Forty-eight told us they wanted two four-year high schools; another 24 said the present 2-2 system should be continued. Administrators have indicated they are looking over the results for other opinions on which there seemed to be a more uniform expression. These may be dealt with at a later time. This week the all consuming question to be settled is that of buildings. Will students attend one four-year or two four-year schools? Last week school leaders announced that the choice would be one of these, depending on the outcome of the referendum. And what are our personal thoughts? Unfortunately, we find issues in conflict and we are still in the process of sorting out facts. It seems quite probable that for every person who responded decisively to the recent newspaper survey, mere are many more, like ourself, who are still weighing information and pondering. We admit to a sentimental feeling about East campus and are very unhappy with the thought of it being in rubble. While sentiment alone is not a good enough basis for such an important decision, we feel it has a rightful place in a final determination if economics are also considered. We have considered the quality of education and have not yet decided whether it would be best served by one four-year school or two. Again, we find pros and cons that leave us uncertain. Economy is an important consideration, and this we have tried The first seminar to be held in McHenry on managing a successful business is scheduled for April 11 and 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the McHenry Country club. It is sponsored by the McHenry county Chambers of Commerce and McHenry County college. Moderator for the seminar will be Edward Hoffman, chairman of the Cary Chamber of Commerce. The initial session on April 11 will be divided into three parts, the first to be given by Bob Wise. accountant at McGladrey, Hanson, Dunn, Crystal Lake, on "Buying a Business". The second two are "Financing" by Richard Lane of McHenry State bank and "Structure of the Business" by Mike Ungvarsky, associated with Cowlin, Cowlin and Ungvarsky, Crystal Lake. The second session April 18 will feature the topics of "In­ surance", "Record Keeping" and "Advertising and Promotion". The speakers will be James Frisch, NIBS Insurance agency, Cary; Bob Wse, McGladrey, Hanson, Dunn, Crystal Lake; and James Reed, Free Press, Carpentersville, respectively. Enrollment is limited and registration should be made by April 6.This may be done locally through the McHenry Chamber office, 385-4300. This seminar is designed for the person who presently owns or manages a small business and for anyone thinking of going into business. The goal is to reduce the failures that most new businesses face in the first three years. the police pension fund. Presently all officers belong, but the ordinance was established for future officers of the city. The Council also voted to purchase five Convertacoms for the city police radios at the recommendation of the Police committee. According to Alderman Vincent Adams, chairman of the committee, the units are needed to boost the tran­ smitting power of the policemen radios. Police Chief George Pasenelli indicated to the Council th'at at present the police radios cannot transmit from certain parts of the city ,back to the base, creating "dead spots" fpr com­ munication. To eliminate these "dead spots" three alternatives were proposed. The Council could purchase a completely new system; install more satellite receivers to boost the radio signals to the station; or pur­ chase the five Convertacoms. The Convertacoms will be installed in each squad car at a cost of $350 each. Mayor Stanek questioned how the system, which was just installed last year at a cost of thousands of dollars, could be faulty. Pasenelli explained that engineers had stated that the fault lies within the design of the system. "How could the professional technicians who installed the system allow us to make such a blunder?" questioned Stanek. He indicated that the city would try to determine if the people who installed the original system are liable for the error. Superintendent of Public Works Fred Meyer told the Council that the new well that was just drilled, number six, contains water of excellent quality and the well is capable of pumping at least 550 gallons a minute continuously with the right pump hooked to the well. The Council voted to authorize the advertising for bids for a pump as soon as specifications can be secured. "We really hit a good one with this well," announced Stanek. "The water is of ex­ cellent quality with low iron content and appears able to pump well over 550 gallons per minute." Burglaries At Wonder Lake Are Investigated The McHenry County Sheriff's department is in­ vestigating three recent uurgraries in nrc TTOiwcr lhrt area. Leslie Natzel, 4608 E.'Lake Shore drive, reported to Sheriff's police on Monday that sometime during the previous few days, someone had entered the garage at his home. The intruder took four fishing rods and reels, a tackle box, and assorted fishing lures. Gladys Gustavson, W. Lake Shore drive, notified police that intruders gained entry to her home during the past week and several articles were discovered missing. Benwfeed stolen wane n nale 0r wSETffiE, two p£tic racing cars, and $13.50 in cash. Ignaz Mark, 2818 Roaemarie, discovered that someone had broken a bedroom window of her home gain entry* to the premises sometime since March 24. According to the owner, the offenders toolfc a 12-gauge shotgun and shells, two sleeping bags, a pellet pistol, a hunting hat and keys. The detective division is continuing its investigation of the incidents. Arrest Two In Armed Robbery Recommend Okay,On Zoning Change For City Business The request of Carey Ap­ pliance and Walter Knapik to reclassify land at 213 N. Front street for business purposes was recommended for ap­ proval by the city Zoning Board of Appeals Friday afternoon. The corporation had requested the zoning change for the purpose of purchasing two acres of land from Knapik and relocating its appliance showroom and warehouse there. Carey is currently located on Green street. If the zoning change to B-l is granted (the land is presently R-2), a 7,500-square fJbt, one- story building will be built on the property, according to corporation president, Donald Weingart. R-2 is a single family residence zoning. The property is directly across the street from land recently rezoned B-l for the Buss Ford car dealership. The Concerned Citizens for McHenry were present at the hearing and presented a petition opposing the request. The citizens' group had op­ posed the Buss Ford zoning change, contesting the decision in court, but the court upheld the city's decision to rezone the property. The group plans to appeal the court's findings. Weingart and Peter Kasper, another owner of Carey Ap­ pliance, explained to board members that they wanted to relocate but stay in the city to take advantage of city services. According to Weingart, their present building is not large enough and the new structure will be one-story, enabling all storage to be on the ground floor. At present, some large appliances are stored in the basement of the business on Green street. Kasper presented a sketch of the proposed building to the board. He explained that their (Continueo on page 19) After several weeks of in­ vestigation by the Detective division of the Sheriff's office, two men, including one from McHenry, have been arrested for the armed robbery of the Depot restaurant, 8622 Rt. 12, Richmond, March 12. Held in custody are William Preston Nicholas, 26, of 334 Riverside drive, McHenry, and Dennis A. Hunter, 24, of 7840 N.~ Octavia, Niles, 111. Nicholas is being held in McHenry county jail on $50,000 bond after being arrested April 1 by Missouri authorities. Hunter is in Cook county jail awaiting trial for an armed robbery in DesPlaines March 13. Hunter was shot while trying to escape, but since that time has recovered. He will be brought to McHenry county at the conclusion of the other case.. f|is bond, too, is $50,000. The two men are charged with walking into the Depot restaurant armed with a pistol and shotgun and holding five occupants of the restaurant at gunpoint while taking about $200 from the cash register. Witnesses said the offenders fled the scene southbound on Rt. 31. No description of the vehicle was available. School Vote April 8 When voters go to the polls in! High School District 156 Saturday, April 8, they will be voting on a referendum authorizing a construction program at West campus as well as for members to fill seats on the board of education. The board is requesting approval to issue bonds in the amount of $2,150,000 to alter and remodel _ and build ad­ ditions to West campus. The polls for both grade and high school elections this year will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. High school polling {daces are the East campus boys' gym, the Lakemoor Com­ munity center, the McCullom Lake beachhouse and Harrison school, Wonder Lake. Except for the Harrison school location, polling locations are the same for the grade school. IV IQIWC U1W HVvVUilV. UVW WWW Vi«V HBWMW VVVIIVIUIV MVB • HUMI0VH when all price factors have not been determined? A differential of $1.5 million in restoration estimates complicates an honest appraisal of the cost. We are uncertain about the correct projection of students. Until thin time the projection has been for 100 a year. Now school leaders feel a better estimate might be that of the Northern Illinois Plan Commission (NDPC) - or half that figure - which would make for a dower growth in our high school. , We cannot be sure. 'Capitol Development funding is known to be available for renovation as well as for construction. But the board found it 1 M m f% _f TT _ necessary to make a choice and selected to ask for a new building m# \̂T'Ck Pr | fj Jf program at West We have not heard any public guess as to how W I m long it might take to obtain money for restoration should the referendum not be successful. Another variable and again we cannot be sure. Our McHenry schools have been a source of pride to us for as long as we can remember and we have admiration for those men and women who have taken the time to guide its progress through the years. We feel a loyalty akin to that for our hometown. : * And so, between this writing and poll opening time Saturday, we InittM* to devote even more thought to an old friend - our high school - and how its future interests will best be served. We believe old friends deserve that kind of consideration. ; Like others, we will be voting our personal feelings. We want tVm to reflect our respect for a proud institution and for its important contribution to the McHenry community since it turned out its first graduates in 1882. KAF At Town Meeting The annual town meeting of McHenry will be held Tuesday, April 11, at 8 p.m. at the VFW clubhouse, 3002 W.Rt. 120. Among other business, a vote will be taken for or against the continuance of the Permanent Hard Road tax for the next five years. The levy of .167 percent of the assessed evaluation of all taxable property may not be The revenue from this tax is for the purpose of maintaining present road district roads, rock,, macadam or other hard roads or for improving, maintaining or repaving earth roads by draining, grading, oil- treating or matting. Anyone may attend the meeting and legal voters may express themselves on the tax. Select April At the direction of the Public Safety committee of the McHenry County board, the McHenry County Emergency Services & Disaster agency - (MCESDA) will sponsor a Hazardous Materials seminar Sunday, April 9, at McHenry high school West campus from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ac­ cording to John Shay of McHenry director of MCESDA, the McHenry County board is .deeply interested in the safety and well-being of every resident and especially the emergency response personnel who become involved in in­ cidents of hazardous materials spills in this county. The instructions will be under McHenry For Safety Seminar the direction of Eugene Schlaf, retired superintendent of Fire Prevention of the Illinois Central railroad, who is a nationally known hazardous materials expert. The seminar is being conducted with the cooperation of the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Emergency Services & Disaster agency, with guidance furnished by the McHenry County Firemen's association. A hazardous material in­ cident could occur in McHenry county via railroad, plane or truck. Death and serious injury could occur like it did quite recently in Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. To further emphasize the need for this seminar, Director Shay cited a recent report from the Federal Railroad administration stating that Illinois has double the number of rail accidents than other states and leads the nation in rail accidents in­ volving hazardous material. Three Chicago-based railroads have accident rates among the highest in the nation, and two of them have tracks in McHenry county, according to the report. "It is our hope that by con- ducting this seminar, we would attempt to instruct the police, fire and rescue personnel on how to handle these dangerous incidents without anyone getting hurt," Shay said. A similar seminar was sponsored last year in McHenry county with 139 in attendance. In order to ac­ commodate additional people this year, the auditorium in McHenry was selected. Business, industrial and manufacturers in northern Illinois are invited to send personnel. The registration fee will cover the cost of various handouts, coffee, rolls and Tunch. Advance registration was handled by the MCESDA office until Friday, March 31. Additional information may be obtained by calling 338-6400.