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members of the community will take advantage and attend this informative meeting." The^ school presentation will include counselors from the junior high and high school, including Denny Spraetz andv Pat Bingman. "Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs and this program and one I'll be involved with at MCC in February are aimed primarily at raising parents' consciousness about alcohol as one of the biggest problems," related Spraetz. Pat Bingman, a member of the Planning committee for this program stresses, "Hopefully this will be a starting place for parents to get information and have specific questions an­ swered." Miss Bingman has attended conferences on alcoholism and keeps informed regarding drug problems with youth (Continued on page 20) | One Filing For Alderman | This was the first week to file nomination papers for the April 17 election when four McHenry City Council aldermen seats will be filled. As of Thursdayt only one resident had filed his nominating petition. Len Abruzzo, 5201 Home avenue, filed his petition to seek the Fourth Ward seat currently held by Jerome Rogers. Rogers was appointed last year to complete the remainder of Walther Schaedel's term Schaedel had resigned when he moved away. Other men ' who are com­ pleting their terms are William Bolger in Ward One, George Harker in Ward Two and Raymond Smith of the Third ward. According to the clerk's office, all the incumbents have received nominating petitions, but they had not yet filed for candidacy. Jan 8 was the first day to file nomination papers and the last day is Feb 12 They are available in the city clerk's office in city hall McHenry Tops County /i *. lnquests*lnvestigations A McHenry. with a hospital that serves much of the eastern part of the county, topped all communities in the number <>f investigations, and inquests held during the past year That tact was disclosed in I l ie annual report of Coroner Theron .1 Khorn. McHenry accounted for 12:1 of the 274 total followed by Woodstock with 43, Crystal Lake with 33 and Harvard with 27 " V Heart attacks and related diseases were responsible for 152 inquests and investigations. This was far above the second cause of death, auto accidents, which claimed 35 One person died in a house fire, another of accidental electrocution and one of un- dertenuhed gunshot wounds. Drug Awareness Program Jan. 16 The availability of prescription drugs and alcohol in the home will be explored when a drug abuse program is held at Johnsburg high school Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Discussing some of the problem areas are Rick Kob, counselor; Doris Clinansmith, dean; and Denny Spraetz, counselor in Johnsburg 12 district. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER 3toarti Winning jlrttrapaprr 1978' SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 103 NUMBER 4# FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 1979 1 SECTION 24 PAGES 20* C Of C Favors Political Action Group A Political Action committee will be formed in McHenry in the near future. The committee will be an affiliate of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce which voted at a breakfast meeting Tuesday to form such a group. The decision was made after those attending the breakfast heard the president of the Ottawa Chamber of Com ? merce, Robert E. Shunick, discuss the importance of political action committees. A large crowd was on hand at the meeting which was in­ dicative of the fact that "government can make or break us," according to McHenry C of C President Kit Carstens. Attorney John Lampe, who organized Tuesday's meeting, explained that the committee, if formed, "could help elect local, county and state government, regardless of political affiliation, with the philosophy of the small businessman." He added that the committee would set up meetings with candidates for public office, "because business . and government affect you." "What is a politica'Kaction committee?" asked Lampe. "Whatever you want it to be," he answered. "The political action com­ mittee is a way to make your The different seasons have a way of making different kinds of news. Maybe that's why some of us prefer the local climate and retreat from the sameness of winters in Florida and summers in Illinois. In spite of arguments to the contrary, there are some who are given spirit by brisk winds (if they aren't too cold) and refreshed by a new fallen snow (if it isn't too deep). One topic of rather general conversation in McHenry in winter involves our huge duck population, which in summer swims lazily along the Fox river almost unnoticed. But when temperatures dip and the wind chill is far below the zero mark, humans by the scores pay attention to their feathered friends. After all, some of them are comical creatures and their antics provoke more than a few smiles. One such time is when they assiyne priority in crossing a busy street, ap­ parently confident that a few tons of metal, in the form of automobiles bearing down on them have drivers with very humane instincts. They refuse to believe there may be a rascal in the lot. But our ducks have come upon hard times. When the winter winds blow cold, stomachs have a way of demanding more and more food With a snow-covered ground and an ice-covered river, there are few places these creatures can seek out their own sources of nourish­ ment Knowing these problems, McHenry residents long ago opened their hearts to the ducks^ At first it was in­ dividuals who took up their cause and extended bread or corn when the chilly, late Fall winds came. In more recent years it has become a community project. Canisters appear here and there throughout the bjisjness community, made by some of the students at Valley View school. The public has responded generously. With only $15 remaining from last year's collection, the canisters were emptied this past weekend and in one alone, there was $63. Does it sound like we can quit? Not at all! Inflationary trends have a way of cutting down on the amount of duck food that can be bought for a dollar just as it has food for human consumption; The $63 collected will buy considerable food, but not nearly enough to fill several hundred hungry stomachs for another three months. Because the ducks add something a bit special to a community fast losing its touch with wildlife, this appeal may touch a responsive chord amon^K animal and bird lovers. That response can be answered through donations made to the canisters. And for those who feel they can't offer this kind of help, table leftovers can be placed irv their own back yards for the smaller birds. Kathryn Wagner of Flower street expressed excitement Monday morning when two beautiful Bluejays paused on her snow-covered lawn for a few moments before departing for destinations unknown. This was just the en­ couragement needed to realize that Spring, after all. might be waiting to make its entrance in the not too distant future. KAF voices heard," Shunick began. He reported that 89 percent of the candidates supported by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Political Action committee affiliate were elected in the last election. It was the second year in # row that the level was reached. "Thanks to your silent partner (government)," Shunick said, "the American competitive free enterprise system is a very endangered species." The featured speaker in­ dicated that rules and regulations imposed by government were stifling the ordinary businessman. He added that businessmen who invested money into a Political Action committee would see a very fine return on their investment. Shunick urged that businesses must "protect, strengthen and defend the American competitive free enterprise system," "Our silent partner is spending our money and it affects your business every single day," the Ottawa Chamber president told McHenry's businessmen. "Because of recent Chamber of Commerce objections," he reported, "recent victories have been reached in federal government." One bill mentioned by Shunick was the Labor Reform bill. "Senator Percy finally did something right," he observed, 'Jwhen he voted against the fillibuster and it was defeated." Shunick quoted Percy from a newspaper in which he had declared after his recent hard fought win over Alex Seith for reelection, that he had "received the message" bf the people briffie state and^fcas going back to Congress with that in mind. "Write Senator Percy and see if he really did get the message as he promised," Shunick urged He said that Political Action committees write letters and keep the pressure on office (Continued on page 20) Attorney John Lampe (far left) addresses members of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce present at the Tuesday Jbreakfast meeting at the McHenry Inn in regard to the formation of a political action committee. Those in attendance heard guest speaker, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce President Robert E. Shunick (below), speak in favor of political action committees and their importance to the business committee. Listening to Lampe (from left to right) are Chamber Vice-President Neida Richisky, President Kit Carstens, Executive Director Robert Prendergast, Shunick, Vice-President Bonnie Gaza, and Secretary Sharon Nye. Below, Shunick lists the voting records of state legislators from McHenry districts in relation to the business community. According to Shunick, State Representative Thomas Hanahan only voted 12 percent of the time in favor of the business community, while State Senator Jack Schaefer topped the list by voting over M percent of the time in favor of the business community. Other totals listed by Shunick were Rep. Cal Skinner, Jr., at 70 percent and Rep. Bruce Waddell at 89 percent. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chamber board of directors voted in favor of establishing a political action committee to be an affiliate of the local Chamber. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Implement Bus Safety Measures With maximum bus safety of utmost importance in the minds of McHenry Elementary School District 15 board members, considerable time was spent Tuesday night in reviewing results of a survey to determine improvements that can be made locally. Twenty-two suggestions were included and were ranked with a view to the probable time they can be accomplished. Not all can be implemented. One which is hoped to assist the school is the recom­ mendation for a medical and I D. card file by bus routes, particularly in identifying trouble-makers. Another recommendation, to retrofit older busses that are not padded behind the seats, also will be implemented. The board considered purchase of 20 seats in 11 busses at a cost of $21 each or a total expenditure of $4,620. The only company found that can supply the needs is Easy-Way, Inc., of Ohio, which stated the above figures Bids will be asked The third and fourth ranked recommendations were transportation aides (volun­ teer ) and motor or accelerator governors Dr Richard Farmer, superintendent, told of his conversation with the Bluebird Bus Co . which is opposed to the suggestion of having seat belts. This manufacturer of bus bodies said its experience is that these students are too small and are in more danger of being injured in an accident when wearing the belts Board President M David Cain observed that the safety record of school busses is 29 percent better than other land transportation Although he was in agreement with the effort to find ways to improve bus safety locally, he felt there were too many recom mendations and suggested further study be made on many of them The location of the Jan 23 educational meeting has been changed It will be held on the same date, at 7:30 p.m., at the city hall Members of the City Council will be present to (Continued on page 20) McHenry Shores Burglary Target Area law enforcement of­ ficials investigated numerous burglaries and thefts in recent days, including four daytime home invasions in McHenry Shores. ' McHenry Shores police reported that the four in­ cidents, which occurred at residences on Hilltop drive, were possibly committed by the same person. Last Friday, Jan. 5, police investigated the report of a burglary at the Edward Leinhard residence, 711 Hilltop drive. Investigation revealed that a bedroom window had been broken to enter the home. The invaders reportedly took $20 in cash and another $80 in change. The Dennis Hisel home, 705 Hilltop, was also entered Jan 5. The home had been entered by someone who broke open a storm door latch and broke the bottom panel of the inside door. Nothing was determined to have been taken by the of­ fender. The third incident on Jan. 5 occurred at the Juan Ruiz residence, 703 Hilltop. Intruders reportedly entered the unlocked home and stole approximately $15 in cash. Jan. 3, someone entered the Michael A. Anderson home. 1015 Hilltop, in an un­ determined manner Once inside, the intruder took $50 in coins and a ring valued at $50. Shores police are continuing their investigation into the thefts. Saturday. Sheriff's police investigated a burglary at the home of Katherine Sanders. 508 Country Club road She reported to police that she returned home at 2:30 p.m and saw a male standing in the front door, which was partially open. Believing it may be a family member visiting, she continued toward the home, when the subject ran out the rear door and fled. Nothing in the home had been disturbed but it was discovered that the home had been entered by breaking the glass in a rear door At 2:50 p m. Saturday,. County police investigated a burglary at the vactioning Angela Pugh residence, 213 S. Emerald. Friends had discovered foot tracks in the snow leading to the front door. Drawers and cabinets had been searched and evidence indicated that some of the drawers and possibly other furnishings used as firewood in the fireplace to create heat Any loss at the residence will be determined upon return of the owner Saturday, a*snowmobile was reported stolen from the front yard of the Alfons Spanitz home, 7720 Beach road. Wonder Lake. According to police reports, sometime since Dec 31, the snowmobile was taken and there were apparently no witnesses. Just after midnight Satur­ day, Sheriff's police ' in­ vestigated the theft of the snowmobile of Bernie Clary, 3311 N Amby lane, at the Lost Valley Ski resort Sometime after 11 p.m . the snowmobile was taken from the well illuminated parking lot and tracks revealed that it had been driven south to Sunset road, where the tracks were no longer visible. Last Friday, the Shamrock Gun and Sport center, 2908 W. Route 120, reported that sometime since Dec. 31. a 45 calibre automatic pistol had been stolen from a cabinet in the area of the shooting range in the building's basement MCC Holds Adult Education Classes In City, Johnsburg Registration begins Jan 15 for varied adult education classes offered in McHenry and in Johnsburg by McHenry County college Courses that MCC will offer at the McHenry Community High school West campus will include personal typing, typing refresher, bookkeeping 1 and II. beginning and intermediate keypunch operator, driver education, speed reading, and conversational french and spanish There is al,so a course of­ fered to help adults prepare for the high school diploma equivalency tests at the high school, along with classes, in artistic drawing, beginning and intermediate guitar modern dance and yoga exercise, beginning and intermediate sewing, crocheting, adult physical recreation sessions for men and for women, scuba diving, yoga. .Judo I and II. (C ontinued on page 20) Form Panel On Zoning Amendments J An informational meeting County Zoning Ordinance will sponsored by the McHenry be held Wednesday. Jan 17, at area, Woodstock and Crystar 7:30 p.m., at the Woodstock Lake Chambers of Commerce Opera house concerning the proposed Representatives from the amendment to the McHenry McHenry County board. Regional Planning com­ mission. McHenry County Board of Realtors. McHenry County Bar association. In­ dustry and Retail Business will serve as panelists Kit Car­ stens. president of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, will ^ be the moderator Interested persons, par1 ticularly members of the business community, who seek usage may be restricted under further' ^i/ifprmation and the proposed amendments tp clarification fyf the proposed the county zoning ordinance"? amendment tye urged to at- will have an opportunity to tend request reclassification prior to Property owners whose land (Continued on page 20) ' Drug Awareness-Is My Family Involved? is the title of a drug abuse program being presented at Johnsburg high school Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The program will be divided into three sessions, with parents expected to attend all three: Alcohol and Prescription Drugs presented by., Jim, Mander, of the Naperville Police department, Marijuana, Pot, Grass, presented by Keith Nygren of the Crystal Lake Police department; and Drugs- School Treatment and Procedures handled by the principals of the high school and junior high. James Van Bosch, principal at the junior high, who has done most of the coordinating for this program said, "This program is being presented for the community to make it aware of today's problems and it is hoped that all adult