PAGE 14 - PLAINDEALER PLAINDEALER Editorial Opinion Accurate Reporting In recent years, what some refer to as new journalists have freely mixed fact with fiction or philosophy in both books and articles. This style, those who employ it and their apologists i« good modern joumeliim. Vei iu veteran reporters uiefe is liut uiie way to icpOiTi--auu that is factually and as truthfully as the reporter can. Admittedly, this high standard has not always be«i achieved especially in the metropolitan press and in sensationalized books. It is nevertheless important that the main stream of news and feature reporting in America not digress from the path of responsible, accurate journalism. As exceptions to an honorable tradition, all sorts of fads and extremes can be of passing interest, or more. But reporting which is not really accurate in quotes, in other traditional forms, is unworthy of being called reporting. This point is rightly made in a recent article by the novelist John Hersey, who warns that little lies, if accepted, lead only to bigger lies. And he cites the recent treatment of Supreme Court justices by two reporters who employed modern journalism to put down in print the inner thoughts and moods of these jurists, concocted, it's said, on the basis of interviews with clerks! There's nothing modern or new about such methods. Most thinking Americans prefer accurate, unimagined (not unimaginative) reporting. Grocery Television The pace of modern life gets giddier. The latest innovation is TV atop grocery store cash registers. There, it's said, customers are bored-while waiting in line. The answer, so it's said, is to have a TV set atop the cash register, a color set that advertises groceries. Stores will be paid $6 for each 1,000 customers who pass through the line and advertisers will pay for their spots. More and more grocery stores are also using electronic scanners to total bills. So it may be that, very soon, all the cash register operator will do is slide each item over a laser beam light ana all the customer will do is pay what the scanner says-right or wrong, and who knows? ;r has ' The customer has been watching television! Weather Predicting Living With Inflation. . . on a f ixed Income • -- •'W ' 1 Nutrition Program Cuts "Hie U.S. Department of Agriculture has im plemented recently enacted legislative changes that reduce federal outlays for food programs for children in schools and child care centers by more than $300 million in fiscal year 1961. The reductions are Proof that forecasters still can't accurately predict the weather at any appreciable distance in the future is evident this winter. Forecasters last fall were, generally speaking, not expecting the record cold most of the eastern part of the U.S. would experience. In fact, many respected forecasts, some carried as monthly features in magazines, estimated that December would be warmer than usual. Yet beginning a week before the new year, record temperatures have plagued the east and in mid-January low readings which were the coldest since the turn of the century struck much of the east and south. One shouldn't blame forecasters or their methods. They do the best they can. But it's folly to depend on long-distance weather forecasting, and to plan business activities on the basis of it. The forecasting business isn't perfected to a degree of accuracy yet. We should look upon forecasts, st as educated guesses. Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) WASHINGTON - Here's how area senators were recorded on major roll call votes immediately before the current .presidential birthday's recess. There were no House votes. - Debt Ceiling--The Senate passed, 73 for and 18 against, and 'sent to the President a bill (HR 1553) to raise the temporary national debt ceiling $49.9 billion, from $935.1 billion to $985 billion. This should enable the government to pay its bills ' through Sept. 30, at which time the debt is expected to crash $1 ^-trillion. Supporter Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said "I am going to hold my •;nose as hard as I can and vote for it so that I can support' ^President Reagan's long-term economic recovery plan. •Opponent William Armstrong, R-Colo., noted the 180 degree 1; turnabout from previous years when most Democrats [•supported the debt hike and most Republicans opposed it. He • *saia that explains why "the American people think that the Hnmates have taken over the asylum around here." " Senators voting "yea" favored raising the debt ceiling to : $985 billion. Sen. Charles Percy, R, voted "yea." •I Sen. Alan Dixon, D, voted "nay." > Lower Ceiling--By a vote of 52 for and 41 against, the Senate < tabled and thus killed a Democratic amendment to increase *the debt ceiling by $27.9 billion rather than $49.9 billion. This occurred during debate cm HR 1553 (see preceding vote). ;* Sen. Robert Dole, R-Kans., a supporter of killing the lesser -'hike, said he had never seen Democrats so concerned about '-holding down deficit spending. He said "we understand the •Igame that is before us..." I* Sen. Bill Bradley, D-N.J., an opponent of tabling, said the Part 2 Don't Save More Energy Than You Can Afford (By Richard E. Shepherd executive secretary of the National Association of Mature People RICHARD E. SHEPHERD Next to monthly expenses for shelter, such as rent or mortgage payments, and insurance premiums, utility payments take a sizable chunk out of your budget, especially if you live on a fixed income. And utility bills are far from "fixed" due to rising fuel prices and variations in use. i You can cut back use by a) eliminating waste, b) keeping your appliances, heater and air conditioner in top running condition through maintenance and proper cleaning, and c) making your home or apartment as "airtight" as possible by adding weatnerstripping. insulation and windowshades. For helpful hints ana expert advice ask your local utility company for free booklets and brochures on the subject. Don't fall victim to fast-buck artists who come to your door and peddle "energy saving" devices, gimmicks or even insulation. Find out whatyou need first from reliable sources, then shop around for the best price. Remember that after a given point your investment in energy-saving gadgets will be higher than the savings you would realize over the next 10 to 20 years. That kina of "savings" you just can't afford The best way to start cutting utility bills is to set yourself a sensible goal. And don't do it for a month's period but for a six-month period which includes three months (either summer or winter) of high usage. Then apply as many saving tip6 as you can and see if you can't cutyour bill at least by 10 to 20 percent. The same rule is true for transportation expenses. If you can't utilize a local mass trans system, try car pooling. Work out a system with co-worker, or if retired, with friends and neighbors to ride together when you go shopping. And don't feel unpatriotic if you don't buy immediately a new gas-saving car if you fed you can't afford one. It's easy to fall victim to advertising slogans and promised savings on gasoline. Most figures refer to a certain numer of miles driven per year, usually 10,000 to 12,000. If you drive only 3,000 or 4,000 miles a year, your gasoline savings are not as great as to make up for the car payments which can add an extra burden on your fixed- income budget. If you opt for a new car, it's almost more important to shop around for the best loan you can get than for what looks like the best "deal". In other words, deduct the trade-in value of your old gas guzzler (the price you can get not the one you would like to get) from the down payment and the monthly payments to see what the car will cost you including the loan interest. If the payments eat up more than 13 percent of your monthly income.. .think again before buying. New car or gas guzzler, proper upkeep and sensible driving habits can save as much as a third on gasoline consumption. Your car's health maintenance is as important as your own. Major repairs are costly and not covered by insurance. So all you ca%do is keep your car as healthy as possible which will also pay off when it comes to trade-in time. When you choose a new automobile, cheek beforehand on its depreciation. Consult such listings as the Automobile Marketplace Guide (Consumer's Marketplace Encyclopedia) which not only offers depreciation history of various models but also forecasts. You will find amazing variations. In fact, some cars are bringing the seller more now than the original sticker price, but these are exceptions. And don't buy with "option fever". A lot of fancy gadgets are not worth the money you have to shell out for them. Among the best trade-ins and gas savers are some popular foreign-made cars, but these are often higher- priced than the same size American car and can be more costly on repairs if you don't have a qualified servicing agent nearby Some of the reductions are effective only for fiscal year 1381," while Others required permanent changes in child nutrition programs. The changes: -Reduced the commodity assistance for school lunches by 2 cents per meal. This will result in a savings of $70.8 million and is effective for fiscal 1981 only. -Prohibited Job Corps centers funded by the Department of Labor from participating in the school lunch or breakfast programs. This is a per manent change and will save $15.2 million this year. -Eliminated the Jan. 1, *•$27.9 billion hike would enable the government to pay its bills *2 until April. At that time, he said, President Reagan's J-economic program would be more in focus and Congress -'could more accurately decide how high the ceiling should be •"raised. C Senators voting "yea" favored a $49.9 billion, rather than %$27.9 billion, hike in the debt limit. > Percy voted "yea." Dixon voted "nay." "Workers' Compensation: The Basics", is the subject of a conference for employers to be presented by the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce March 12 at Chicago's Marriott O'Hare. The workshop, in response to member requests, is designed to aid anyone new to workers' compensation responsibilities, including industrial nurses, office managers, risk managers, plant managers, department supervisors, W.C. ad ministrators - both in the private and public sector, insured and self-insured. A panel of W.C. experts Building Permits r Building permits were ^recently issued by the >McHenry County Depart ment of Building and Zoning vto: Z Allen D. Grosse, 3920 Overton, Richmond, to construct an addition to the lower level of existing residence for an ap proximate cost of $11,334. Richmond Township. V* For Your Information Door friends. It is wis* to keep a listing of oil Insurance policios In auto clubs, fraternal and sorvico dubs, unions and professional organisations, so that survivors will know of all Insuranco in off act. A similar list of bank accounts, safo deposit box, in«« tments and securities is also advisable. Respectfully, PETER M.JIJSTEN FUNERAL^ HOME / PLAINDEALER ̂ Basics Conference On Work Compensation will cover these subjects: Brief history of the law; coverage, benefit amounts, other costs; forms, man datory and in-house; han dling of claims; speedy return to work, r ehab i l i t a t i on when necessary; reducing ac cidents; coordination with doctors, insurance company and state officials. For additional in formation, contact Patti Cummings, Center for Business Management, an ISCC af iliate, 20 N. Wacker drive, Chicago 60606 ( 312- 372-7373). McHENRY, ILLINOIS - MS-0063 YOU N The McHenry Area? Know Someone 385 5475 385-2850 * f Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (Tha Plaindaalar invito* Hw pwWk to uta tliit column on oxprottion of fhotr viawa on ivfefoctt of |»mnl intoroit in our community Our only roquoit it that tha writort fi«o tignoturo. lull iMrni and phono numbor Wo oik too that ono individual not writo on tho MM tub|oct moro than onco a month. Wo roiorva tha rifht to dalato any matarial which wa contidar iikaiout or in ok)octionaWo tatto. I WARD 4 WOES "Dear Editor: "As a resident of Ward 4,1 am extremely distressed by Ernie Schooley's recent behavior regarding Cecilia Serritella's petition to run for alderman. "To begin with, this is not Chicago; McHenry does not run its city as Chicago does, nor does it engage in the Windy City's penchant for dirty politics, and I doubt if Mr. Schooley will find many people here in town who approve of his Byrne-like tactics. "Cecilia Serritella is a decent and upstanding member of our community; her only 'flaw' is a distaste for hitting below the belt and a rejection of the Machiavellian theory, 'the end justifies Unfortunately Mr. Schooley inhibitions. the means', for Ward 4, has no such "Mr. Schooley was desperately afraid to have any opposition in this April election, and his fears that the voters may reject him have led him to disen franchise all of Ward 4. "I resent having my constitutional right to choose my representation taken away from me -1 consider it unfitting and uncalled for behavior. "On April 7, 1981,' lintend to write in the name Cecilia Serritella for alderman of Ward 4. "Respectfully yours, "Lois Kasper "4702 Shore Drive" WAGE FREEZE THOUGHTS "Editor: "After reading an article dated Thursday, Feb. 19,, I felt I needed to write to our Public Pulse. "This is in reference to the wage freeze that Alderman Pepping, head of the finance committee, reported on. He suggested that there be a six- month hold on all city em ployee salaries, including the $25 a meeting salary increase for the aldermen. I believe this is a great example for our city fathers to display but why doesn't the mayor agree to freeze his increase? "He feels it's 'not proper' for his to be cut, even though he, too, is also a city em ployee. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. "All the city employees would like to see a raise this year but what they don't have or won't get, they won't miss. The mayor hasn't received his salary increase yet so how could he possibly miss it? "I just feel the mayor should go along with all the other city employees and have his wages frozen also. "Sue Prazak "McHenry" SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FAMILY SERVICE t MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 3409 W. Waukegan Rood McHenry 385-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day. 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call 815-344-3944 STATE CHAMtER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8660 Hours 7:30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to call? And then been given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424-9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phone 800 638-2666 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF, CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES Child Abuse Center McHenry County (312) 546-2150 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800 638 2666 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquiries about or repor ting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523-2929 P.O.Box 1607 Rockville, Md. 20850 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun- powered hot-water system) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312 793-3580 Chicogo III. BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999 . 24 hour Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 471* W. Elm St.. McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hour Crisis Intervention and Confidential Counseling for youth and fomilies ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on government regulations MENTAL HEALTH 1-aOB-Stt-SMB jCrlsIs Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number end professional staff will enswer your call. Sponsoring agency McMtnry County Comprehensive Mantel Heeftb Service System. 1981 semi-annual cost of living adjustment in the federal reimbursement rates for breakfasts and lunches served in schools and meals served in child care centers. The next ad justment will be made July 1,1981, and will be based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for the previous 12 months rather than the previous six months as in the past. This provision, ef fective for only FY 1981, will result in a savings of $70.5 million. -Reduced the federal reimbursement to schools for all lunches served in the school lunch program by 2.5 cents except in school districts where 60 percent or more of the children were low income and received free and reduced price lunches during the 1978-79 school year. This provision is only applicable to fiscal year 1981 and will result in a savings of $56.2 million. -Made permanent an existing provision that reduces the reimbursement rate paid to schools and institutions participating in both the Special Milk Program and another child nutrition food program such as the school lunch, school breakfast, child care or summer food programs from 8.5 cents to 5 cents per half pint of milk. This is a permanent cut and will provide a savings of $57.4 million this fiscal year. -Lowered the federal reimbursement for reduced price lunches to 20 cents less than the reimbursement for free Sunciiss. Is the past, states could receive 10 cents less for reduced price meals than they received for free meals. This is a permanent cut and will provide a savings of $28.4 million this fiscal year. -Reduced the reim bursement rate for sup plemental foods served in child care centers by three cents per meal. This is a pe rmanen t r educ t ion provision and will result in a savings of $4.1 million this year. Corporation Report Filing Before March 1 Secretary of State Jim Edgar has reminded all corporations conducting business in Illinois that they must file annual reports before March l. Secretary Edgar said the penalties are charged for l a t e paymen t s and a domestic corporation is subject to dissolution. Annual report forms have been mailed to 147,713 business corporations. If a corporation has not received its annual report, one should contact the secretary of state's corporation office in Springfield. Branch court ly heard by Jjhdge Haskell ranch court of Judicial Circuit Cases Associate Pitluck in the 19th included: Vern Rairie, 5206 W. Route 120, McHenry, fined $50 and costs, with six months probation, on a charge of theft. Probable cause was found on charges of burglary and criminal, damage to property against Samuel L. May, 726 Southside avenue, McHenry. He was bound over to felony court. Fred J. Wegener of 1508 Freund avenue, McHenry, was fined $150 and costs for driving on a suspended license. Randall S. Freund of 3709 W. St. Paul avenue, McHenry, was fined $150 and costs for driving on a revoked license. \ ---------- Potato Facts Potatoes produce some 4,800,000 calories an acre, or abotit five times as many as rice and 10 times as many as wheat, the National Geographic Society says. Another evalua tion: One acre of potatoes alone could feed a family of six for a year. Md I. WALSH I JACK WALSH INS. Hr* Awl* fmim III* R**r*t*nflnf If HASH COMPAMtfS 4410 W »«• HO MS INC DENNIS CONWAY AUTOIIM »HN State Fan IRS. CO. JlltW llmt«r«W« WtNmr, Itl Mi 7111 JAMES M. NcMTEE. LAWYER A V All ABU TO ftACTlM IN: ftrMMl ln|wfy /Trial* Sw*in**« Carparattani WIHi/frokdt Olvorc*-R*«t(*tat* Workman > Compantatlon 14M W dm Straat McHanry, Hllnali for appalntmant phona MS-3440 Form Equipment Gi'orgp P. Freund. Inc. Cese • New Holland 410? W Crystal lake Rd McHenry Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 OH LfOMMNTTiUN 11 fyat ***mfna4-C*mact L*wi*t Man.. Tuat., Thar*. Fri. 4-4pm Tua*.. Thwr* M. 7-9pm Sat. »:M-J prn PttonaM5-4ISI ar S0* »42 McNENTf COUNTY OFFICE IMCINNES SAKS SIOVKI S IfMTAlt Man Sa t «SM trttfar «:« OS Grant S* Cryvtal lata Ffcana 4S0 liM II Pays To Advertise In Tlie Plaindtaler. Ii q e l iT RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rte 120 815 385 0700 Omm§11! M %W HI out quid quick action copy center FINEST QUALITY COPIES MADE ON XEROX EQUIPMENT See us. else, for every kind of Printing Need I TRAILERS HORSt S CATTlt TRAILERS DUMP FUTBEDS CAR HAULERS TRAILER HITCHES (EXPERT INSTAUATION) , RUNNING SOAROS SRAOIN WINCHES ADAMS ENTERPRISES 3017 W Rta I JO McHanry IL SIS 3SS SfJO