ZONING DEADLINE The McHenry County Zoning commission an nounces that all individual zoning hearing requests that are being made in conjunction with the proposed ordinance must be made on or before Feb. 19. No request will be accepted and no hearing date assigned after that date. At the continuation hearing on the proposed comprehensive amendment to the McHenry county zoning ordinance, held at the American Legion hall Tuesday, Feb. 13, it was the day of the realtors. After being sworn in by Chairperson June Girard, six men testified for the side of the realtors of the county. Attorney Jim Green in troduced them, established their credentials, and later expanded their testimony through questionings. Each was also questioned by members of the County board and by Assistant State's At torney Susan Hutchinson. Over the four-hour period, the number of people in the audience fluctuated, but it was a large, diversified, interested group. As the township meetings come to a close, there remains no question but that the citizens of the county have been alerted to change. Once again, the audience was reminded that these hearings are fact finding vehicles that lead to final revision of the zoning ordinance through the continued work of the Special Zoning committee and of the County board. For the first time, it was mentioned that the revision process might be slow enough that the county land use plan--a strong point of con tention for the realtors--may be completed by that time. Green's first witness was Richard Hegner of Harvard Hegner is a regional director for REMAX, an international real estate franchise, and owner of a 250-acre farm bordering on Route 14 in Hartland township. He felt strongly that the proposed classification of prime agricultural land and the 35- acre minimum would be detrimental to his plans for the use of his land. Although it is in an area that will be classified prime land, he presented facts and figures to emphasize that Three Aldermanic Contests We had read, with concern, results of the monthly market basket survey in McHenry, so we really should have known. But outside the air was very cold, the sky was very dark, and the tenor of callers to the office indicated thev were far past the stage of Cabin Fever. It was more like Deep Desperation. And so, in this atmosphere, it occurred to us that a weekend dinner for a few relatives and friends'might be a help, if not a cure, for the "blahs". After deciding on the menu, it was otf to the store, where the big lesson of the Market Basket survey results had a much greater impact than it had on paper. A hike of 4 percent in costs over the month before had not seemed so great, but we failed to consider that it was not last month, but many months ago we had served a large dinner. Boneless rolled pork roast seemed an ideal choice-juicy, tender-and we found, very expensive. Two years ago, in a moment of great abandon, we had or dered a crown roast. It cost in the neighborhood $14 for seven people and about a third of it remained for leftovers. This time we selected two small roasts that would nicely feed the same number--nothing for tomorrow's snack. The price?. Somewhere around $12 with the string thrown in. Forty-one cents for one green pepper and $1.09 for celery that would make enough dressing for a good sized platoon followed in quick succession. From this point, we reasoned, nothing could disturb our equilibrium We were wrong! The choice for a mouth watering dessert had come only after long deliberation. The options were many, and the designation of a cherry cobbler was made purely because of the energy shortage--our own. We took several votes and each time the cobbler edged out homemade pie which provided visions of battling a crust highly attracted to the rolling pin. It is sometimes a sticky process that produces highly vivid memories. And so we approached the aisle where all the sweet (Continued on page 22) A three-way race in Ward 3 and two-way contests in Wards 2 and 4 promise to make the April city aldermanic election exciting. The greatest interest is evidenced in the third ward seat now held by Ray Smith of 1511 N. Park street, who seeks a fifth term. He will be opposed by Mike Wieser of 1402 Millstream drive and Anne Cuda of 3911 W. Clearbrook. This will be Wieser's first campaign for the post. Mrs. Cuda lost by under 20 votes two years ago to Vince Adams, who represents the residents of that ward with Smith. In Ward 2, George Harker of 1108 N. Somerset Mall, will be challenged by Michael Teta of 1129 N Manchester, new to the political scene in McHenry. Harker. who has served two terms as alderman, was defeated in his bid for mayor two years ago. s In Ward 4, Jerome Rogers, who is serving on an ap pointment to fill a vacancy, is net running for a full term. However, two others have filed, Len Abruzzo of 5201 W. Home and Ron Meurer of 4814 W Prairie. Jack Pepping of 3105 W. Virginia, who left office two years ago at the conclusion of his term, has filed to return to the aldermanic ranks in Ward I. William J. Bolger is not seeking another term Nulle Withdraws For Sheriff McHenry County Sheriff's department Chief Deputy Henry A. Nulle has withdrawn his application for the position of sheriff. Nulle announced his decision Wednesday and also indicated he would be a Republican candidate for the office in 1980. The sheriff's position was left vacant when Arthur Tyrrell resigned recently to accept a job in private industry. He had just been reelected to a four- year term in November. Nulle explained he informed County Board Chairman Richard Klemm of his decision to withdraw his application in a letter dated Feb. 9. "This was done after careful consideration regarding the law which says that the replacement must be from the same political party," the chief deputy explained. "It would have been very easy for me to say that I was of the same party." he continued, "but I will not misrepresent myself to the County board or to the people of McHenry county." "This in no way means a let down on the job' for I will (Continued on page 22) Theft Heads Offenses Of Hapless City Snowmobiler A McHenry man was arrested on a variety of charges after police saw him operating a snowmobile on a city sidewalk Wednesday night. Michael J. Troka, 23, 3213 S. Waterview, was being held in county jail Thursday morning where he was taken following the incident. City Police officer James Militano stopped Troka after he saw the snowmobiler riding on the sidewalk. Troka reportedly tried to escape from Militano's grasp. but was apprehended about 150 feet away. The police officer injured his shoulder in the arrest and was taken to McHenry hospital, where he was treated and released. (Continued on page 22) Deadline for filing was Feb. 13, after which candidates have five days in which to withdraw The election will be held April 17 Absentee ballots can be picked up at the city hall March .8. there is no way, with its variation of soil types, that it can be farmed profitably. He said he has tried for thirteen years. Hegner has a long range plan for developing unique earth shelter jjfime sites but has not, as" yeT. applied for rezoning Hegner felt that with the im plied sympathy of the proposed ordinance to preserve farm land, there is no assurance that he might be able to rezone when he so desired He favored a zoning ordinance with a land use plan using additional criteria to determine classification. Kit Carstens testified, not as president of the McHenry Chamber of Commerce, but rather in relation to his work as an industrial commercial contractor. He compared the proposed zoning amendment to action taken in Santa Barbara as reported in the Wall Street Journal. Efforts there to restrict growth led to more expensive housing; outward migration of workers -- particularly graduating youth; and sky rocketing property taxes, he asserted. Carstens emphasized that industrial growth--of the right, non- polluting kind- needs to be sought and be part of a plan. He felt that the zoning hearings, to d^te. pointed to the fact that the County board was more adament in defending its proposal than open for suggestions for change. He strongly advised that an economic impact study be made and used to make the zoning ordinance a sharper offensive tool to promote in dustry and commerce. Upon questioning, Carstens admitted that he was not aware of the cost of an economic impact study, how long it would take, or who would pay for it. Jim Coleman of the Fox Valley Board of Realtors and with 40 years of appraisal experience in St. Charles, had studied the proposed ordinance and the maps and testified that it would lead to a decrease in density in the county. All property is purchased with its inherent 'bundle of rights', he observed, but the 35-acre clause with its high cost- compared to 5 acres-would decrease the land owner's options. He emphasized that l o c a t i o n - n o t l a n d classification- was a major factor in appraisal F. Schoies, who lives in Wisconsin but is in business as a registered professional engineer in the Richmond area, presented detailed lecture on the difficulty of classifying soils Following the meeting, one observer noted that any Illinois soil scientist would have (Continued on page 22) State Scholars At MCHS State Scholars from McHenry Community high school are shown above. In front, from left, are Mary Beth Adams, Andrea Akins, Richelle Allen, Russell Crittenden, Sandra Fuller, Terrance Greve, Timothy Kozelsky, Debra Maris and Bennett Mayberrv; second row, from left, Mark Patterson.Carol Petty, Susan Reeves, Kristine Salman, Mark Smith, Sharon Smith, Ruth Snyder and Richard Sund. David Peterson was absent from picture. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Eighteen McHenry Com munity high school students have been named Illinois State Scholars. Of the 32,377 students who took the ACT examination for State Scholar in February, April, and June of 1978. a total 9.862 have been named State Scholars They represent nearly every high school in the state. Each State Scholar will receive a certificate ot Merit either directly from the high school or from the commission However. State Scholars who wish to be considered for a monetary award of up to $1,650 to be used toward tuition and fees for full time or half time undergraduate study at one of the 180 approved public or private institutions in Illinois must submit a 1970-80 monetary award application Vocational Addition For Johnsburg School Who's Writin Up Who? As the deadline nears for purchase of city of McHenry vehicle stickers. Pattie Schabow of the city clerk's office writes out a receipt for Officer Donavan of the McHenry police department. The date was Feb. 13, but after Feb. 20 it will be Officer Donavan and his fellow officers who will be doing the writing as they spot vehicles that fail to bear the 1979 city identification. Although there is an early deadline of Jan. 31 stated in a revised city ordinance, the Council voted to postpone the date this year to Feb. 20. There is a $2 penalty for anyone buying after that date, and if a ticket is issued, the offender must add $10 to the $2. Stickers must not only be purchased but placed on the windshield. The city clerk's office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, for the convenience of those who have not purchased their stickers. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Full speed ahead is the word on the vocational addition to the Johnsburg high school. The architectural firm of Render, Rothermel, and Pekkarinen has received the contract with a commitment that drawings will be completed by April 1; bids signed by May 1, and construction completed by next September. • The addition is expected to be made by using less than half of the $700,000 bonding power remaining to the school board. Classroom additions for future growth and school bus parking area are recognized as needing consideration. Student enrollment in the vocational area and the fading potential for a McHenry County Area center prompted the board's action. Another facet that claims attention is the present coordination with the Lake County Area center. Eighteen high school students are now enrolled at a tuition cost of $700 per year. More are expected to be interested next year In the very near future Johnsburg must decide if it wishes to 'buy in' to the area center for $57,000. Considering the original cost for members of the area center and the privileges offered, the price is considered to be a bargain. In keeping with the Junior high's mini-course offerings during Easter vacation, Larry Reinhard provided the board with a complete folder on the planned flight to Keystone Mountain near Denver April 5 through 10 for approximately 30 ski enthusiasts. Adults are eagerly volunteering to chaperone this $250 special trip Mr. Fazenbaker, Drama coach, eagerly explained an opportunity for eight up- perclassmen to travel to Eastern Illinois university Feb. 23-24 in order to evaluate his Alma Mater's potential. Since it is customary to allow up perclassmen time to visit a college of their choice, the board approved even though overnight accommodations Friday were not clear and four were traveling on the train with Fazenbaker and four were driving by private automobile. As could be expected, snow removal and sidewalk safety have been a big and expensive problem these past weeks Dr Falkinham reported that an effort is under way to obtain a snow plow for the truck the students are using for driver training. During the discussion, it was suggested that he try to get a sanding device also. Approval was also given for the purchase of one school bus for the year '79-'80. Past ex perience, the board said, shows that action needs to be started now in order to meet next September's deadline. Easter vacation time is still intact, starting Good Friday and with classes resuming Wednesday. April 18 John sburg has used six snow days to date. However, because four of them fall between Jan 16-25. the state has determined that these are 'Act of God' days in this region and they do not have to be covered The board decided to add the other two days at the end of the school term so it will end Friday. June 8, rather than June 6. Any additional snow davs used will have to be added starting Monday, June 11. Teachers Paul Schlieve and Jan Jarvis described the program planned in order to allow credit to students who learned listed competencies as learning center aides The board approved. Dr. Falkinham has been working on the many so called punch list' items at the Middle school and high school Con tractors who would also like to use Act of God' days as an excuse for not getting things done have until April 1 to complete many 'insignificant' details that have, in fact, led to much disruption in school activities. Scott Seaborn, principal, reported that Federal Title IV funds for next year have made an increase from $4,500 to $10,670. These funds are available for Learning center materials needed in the school programs. Two thousand dollars has been allocated as an incentive for teachers to come up with innovative, practical uses. In executive "session the board agreed to not only con tinue the use of the psychologists in the SEDOM program but also to increase the use of a social worker from one-and-one-half to two days per week Purchase of land with developer donated funds was discussed After following the school disciplinary steps to the top. the board acted to expel two students. The next board meeting is scheduled to meet at the high school building Tuesday. Feb 27. IRS Aids Taxpayers Through County Office Charles F. Miriani, Internal Revenue service district director for nothern Illinois, has announced that a Wood stock IRS office is now open for taxpayer assistance from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Mondays and Tuesday The office, located at 134 Cass Street, Woodstock, is designed to assist taxpayers who need help in the preparation of their federal income tax return. "Our taxpayer service representatives will be available to assist taxpayers in the preparation of their in dividual tax returns ' Miriani J- said "Our aim is to help taxpayers to prepare their own returns. Therefore, direct preparation of returns will be limited to those physically unable to prepare their own returns. If taxpayers just have a question or two, I suggest they call us toll-free to save a trip outside". Taxpayers in the Woodstock area may call IRS toll-free by dialing 800 252-2921 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. week days. Taxpayers are encouraged to call IRS during non-peak hours. (Continued on page 22) THE MCHENRY PLAINDEAI.ER SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 _~ FRIDAY, FESifaAftY 16, 1979 Smart) Winning ilftospaper 1978-̂ -- Illinois Press Assoc iation N»*vpap»r (• (»r it est VOLUME 103 NUMBER 58 1 SECTION 24 PAGES 20c * - - -