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A.. Information on can­ didates for some of the contested offices, and their answers to questions on important issues, appear elsewhere in this issue. A long and heated pre- primary period comes to an end next Tuesday, March 18, when McHenry county residents join voters throughout the state in going to the polls. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Candidates are hoping for better than the 33.06 percent voter turnout at the last presidential year primary election in 1976. Races for seven offices on the county level will be settled for both Democrats and Republicans. They in­ clude clerk of the Circuit court, recorder of deeds, state's attorney, coroner, county auditor, sheriff (to fill vacancy for unexpired term) and County board members in three districts. Only on the Republican ballot will voters find con­ tests for some of these |A/OU1U1IO. One of the hard fought contests is between Wesley R. Pribla and Theodore J. Floro for state's attorney. 3toarb 9inmng ihtospaper Illinois Pwwr AoanriaHnn Newspaper Contest 2 SECTIONS 26 PAGES 25* At a time when the trend in politics is to divulge more and more information, the Republican party in Illinois has reversed the procedure. Unless GOP voters in the primary do their homework, they will enter the secrecy of the polling booth to play a guessing game as they select delegates to their party's convention. This little game has been called a "blind primary" and this is an apt description. Since delegates select our next President, each of us has a right to know that our delegate choice March 18 will support our presidential selection at the party's nominating convention. Unfortunately, a recently enacted law removes the provision requiring the identification of a delegate candidate with a -presidential candidate on the Jill Hutchinson and Cynthia VanCleave of McHenry Community high school have been notified that they qualified as Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship cor­ poration. This an­ nouncement came after completion of evaluation of all Semifinalists to deter­ mine the select group to be named Finalists. ^ Jill and Cynthia have received their Certificates of Merit in recognition of their standing among 14,000 academically talented Finalists throughout the nation competing for Merit Scholarships in 1980. Win­ ners of over 4,300 awards will be notified next month. Cynthia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Van- Cleave of 3701 W. Bull Valley road. Jill's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Hutchinson of 2514 Lincoln road. The selection of Merit Scholarship winners for 1980 is now in progress. Every Finalist is being considered for one of the National Merit ballot. That provision enabled the voter to choose delegates who would nominate the candidate they desired. Political parties now make their own choice as to whether a commitment will be made. There are over 300 persons running-for the 92 delegate spots in Illinois. Removal of the presidential com­ mitment will turn the im­ portant delegate election into something meaningless for many voters. (Continued on page 20) $1,000 Scholarships- awards- underwritten by business and industrial sponsors and the corporation's own funds for winners who are chosen in open competition, on a state representation basis. A committee of experts from across the country selects at least 1,000 winners of these one-time non­ renewable "national" awards each year. In 1980, 1,125 such awards will be offered. Over 3,300 Finalists (who meet preferential (Continued on page 20) Plead Against Teacher Cuts Representatives of the McHenry Classroom Teachers' association and the student body pleaded emotionally against proposed teacher cuts at the board meeting of Elemen­ tary School District 15 Tuesday night. During a 45-minute hearing on the proposed "Honorable,Dismissal of Teachers", Dr. Richard Farmer, district superin­ tendent, explained the need to reduce the projected $805,000 education budget deficit, which is still® growing, and that such a separation would cause no stigma to the fired teachers. Dr. Farmer said the * deficit situation had been with the district since 1972, when it was $410,328 in the red. This had been gradually reduced until 1976 when the recorded deficit was $108,697. Then it slowly in­ creased again, and for this present school year a dramatic increase to $805,000 is projected. For the coming year, 1980- 81, if no drastic cuts are made and figuring in the contracted salary increases in teachers and other em­ ployees' salaries, the deficit could reach $1,675,616 even with the projected cuts in non-payroll expenditures and savings of employees not hired. This, predicted Dr. Farmer, would stretch or exceed the limits of borrowing for the district, which he set at $1,200,000. Girl Leaves After Shears Attack A McHenry girl was treated and released from McHenry hospital for a wound received during an argument at work. Peggy S. Coffer, 16, 621 Route 120, McHenry, was brought to McHenry hospital by a friend after a woman had thrown a pair of scissors at her while at work. According to the police report, Ms. Coffer and For the current year the board has authorized a total of $1,000,000 that could be issued in borrowed tax anticipation warrants. He ^Sttributed the suddenness of the crisis to an unanticipated change-in the formula for the distribution of state aid. Dr Farmer further reassured the numerous parents and teachers in the audience that the cuts would be aimed as little as possible at personnel and on an ar­ bitrary basis. He em­ phasized that there would be no decision on those cuts during this meeting but at a special meeting to be called next week. The present meeting was only to take testimony and suggestions to reduce the deficit. Judy Hamilton, president of the McHenry Classroom Teachers association, urged the board to think twice before depriving the students and the community of their future and to remember that the school needs what it has. She noted that most parents are ill- prepared to give children art, music, and physical education and to direct them in learning center activities, all of which they need. - Ms. Hamilton also protested the method of handing the RIFing letters (Reduction in Force) which she claimed had not been done in private. This, she believed, indicated a lack of sensitivity by the ad­ ministration at an emotional time. She was also con­ cerned about the future when considering the horrendous deficits, and said that teachers felt the proposed cuts were only the beginning. Two sixth grade students also pleaded for the reten­ tion of special teachers. Lisa (Continued on page 20) Conditional Acceptance Of 35-Year Murder Sentence Shortly after 2:30 p.m. guilty to and made him seated in the back of the brutal, heinous or exhibited Martha Krupinski, 20, of 505 Kent, McHenry, had a dispute while working at Magnetic Devices, Inc., 503 Sheridan, McHenry. Other employees broke up the argument; Later, Ms. Krupinski threw a pair of scissors, which struck Ms. Coffer in the back. Ms. Krupinski was (Continued on page 20) charged with the killing of Edward Caraher, Jr., 22, of Lake Villa, Clifford Johnson, changed his plea from "not guilty" to "guilty" in the 19th Judicial Circuit court, Woodstock. The lawyers - Gail Moreland, the assistant state's attorney, and Ellis Fuqua, the defense attorney -- stood back as Judge William D. Block asked Johnson whether he un­ derstood exactly what he was doing in changing his plea, what he was pleading D aware oT the rights he was waiving. Johnson said he understood. The plea change was part of a negotiated plea which has been in the works for months, according to Fuqua. In return for the plea of guilty on the murder charge, the state agreed to drop the aggravated kidnaping and armed robbery charges *=- charges also brought as a result of the Caraher murder -- and to recommend a prison term of 35 years. Judge Block asked Mr. and Mrs. Caraher. who were courtroom, if the state had talked to them about the plea bargain and if it was ac­ ceptable. Caraher replied that it was. The judge explained the range of penalties which could be imposed for the charge of murder. The court could impose the death penalty or natural life, but neither was an issue in this case. The court could also sentence Johnson to an extended term of 40 to 80 years in prison if certain conditions existed, i.e. if the crime was particularly wanton cruelty (as was found in the Frank case >. Or, the court could impose a minimum of 20 years to a maximum of 40 years. Moreland said that because of Johnson's past, no criminal record, a family, his health and his age, the state would agree to the 35- year- sentence. Judge Block calculated that the earliest that Johnson could be released would be in 17-and-a-half years, by which time the 48- (Continued on page 20) Dog's Best Friend . . . lerruieo, ana sometimes snarling, (be young German Shepherd dog at left, still tied to a tree near McHenry Animal hospital, backs away from an offer of food made by Dr. J.E. Hooper. Minutes later, however, succumbing to coaxing, she takes a bite and becomes his friend as he leads her to the warmth of the building after what is believed to have been a night outside. "Jailed", the dog prefers studying the walls of her new surroundings to eating. "No hard feelings," the animal seems to be assuring Dr. Hooper as she braces her front paws on the side of her cage to welcome the friendly hand of her benefactor. The degree to which man will stoop is repeated daily. When Lynne Mason arrived to begin a work day as animal health technician at McHenry Animal hospital early Wednesday morning, she saw what die thought was a stray dog in the yard. Instead, closer examination revealed that the dog, a part German Shepherd, was tied to a tree. Her approach to pet the dog brought forth a hinging animal that oro^.-M in a wav to convince Ms. Mason that distance was healthy to her survival. It was much later that she was able to determine the animal was only terrified, hungry and cold after what is believed was a night on the windswept hill in strange surroundings. When the dog was convinced, through long coaxing by Dr. J.E. Hooper of the Animal hospital, that friends were present, it came forward to ctaim an offer of food and immediately became cooperative. A check with neighbors revealed that the dog was tied to the t^ee as early as 5:30 Wednesday morning. The same neighbor recalls the lights of a car shining on his driveway the previous night and he concluded at that time that someone was turning in the driveway of the animal hospital Dr. Hooper said the dog is young - between 14 and 2 years old--and has had a ljvn To ease her trip to Animal Control headquarters in Woodstock, a tranquilizer was administered at the local hospital. She will be examined and if found healthy will be available for adoption. Jack Rehorst of Animal Control said the dog will be held for a few days to see if a home can be found. Anyone interested mav call 338-7040 „ ' * " STAFF PHOTOS-WAYNE GAYLORD MCHENRY PLAINDEALER SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 VOLUME 104 NUMBER 64 - X FRIDAY, MARCH 14. 1980 National Merit Finalists Named McCrary, Gene Sparrow and Joseph M. Carlson seek a nod on the Democratic ballot. Jack Schaffer seeks reelection on the Republican ticket for state senator. There is no Democratic candidate. The 32nd state Legislative district, which includes some of the McHenry area, has as contenders Betty Lou Reed, Donald E. Deuster and Mel Anderson on the Republican ticket and Daniel M. Pierce and Joe Reich on the Democratic ballot. In the 16th Congressional district, the GOP race is between Lynn Martin, Dick Crosby, Don Lyon, William E. Sisler and Steve An­ derson. The Democratic race for the same post lists Robert E. Brinkmeier, Conn B. Hickey and Douglas Aurand. Three judge contests exist on the Republican ballot. Of great interest locally is the race between Leonard Brody of McHenry and Conrad F. Floeter to fill the illHftn trnAAMmt «« • •»«••••• 4 »uvuiiwj yjn niv vuvuu court left vacant by James H. Cooney's retirement. For the Cooney vacancy, (Continued on page 20) The winner will face Mario Perez, Democrat, in the Fall general election. Floro is now filling the unexpired term of William Cowlin. A four-way race will be settled for.coroner, with a winner emerging from the contest that lists Alvin J. Querhammer, James S. Flagg, Marlene A. Lantz and Joyce Ryafi. Flagg presently holds the office on an ap­ pointment following the retirement of Theron Ehorn last Dec. 1. District 2 competition for County board seats is also hotly contested. From a field of six candidates, four will face the Democratic winners and Independent candidates in November. Independent candidates are not listed on the primary ballot but will be contenders In November. Vying for voter favor among Republican County board candidates are William J. Fitzgerald, James D. Curran, John D. Sexton, Rose I. Lillegard, ,Paul E. Fidler and John P. O'Hagan. The lone Democratic canuiuaie is Robert Griskenas. Unopposed on the ballot for county posts are the following: Vernon W. Kays, Jr. (R) and Lorens P. Tronet (D) for clerk of the Circuit court; Willert H. Russel (R) and Laurie Burrell (D) for recorder of deeds; Albert M. Jourdan (R) and Ron Stroupe (D) for auditor; and Henry A. Nulle (R) for sheriff. Voters will make their choices from a field of 10 Republican candidates for a seat in the -33rd district General Assembly. There are three vacancies to be filled. The terms of Cal Skinner, Jr., (R) and Thomas Hanahan (D) ex­ pire. With Skinner's decision to seek a congressional seat in the 13th district, only Hanahan stands for reelection. Also vacant is the seat formerly held by R. Bruce Waddell, who died last year. This seat is now being filled by Richard Burnidge, who was appointed until the election. The Republican can­ didates in the 33rd Legislative district are Joseph B. Stanek and Walter j. Dean of McHenry; also Maxine Wymore, Richard L. Klemm, Ron Szymanski, Richard C. Burnidge, Thomas J. Parsley, Lynn Walter Shock, LeRoy M. Schroeder and Jill Zwick. Besides Hanahan, Jack W. STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORD Cynthia Van Cleave, left, and Jill Hutchinson, seniors at West campus, flash happy smiles after being informed that they were declared Finaiisut by the National Merit Scholarship corporation. They were among 14,000 nationally to be so honored.