Break Ground For Medical Center Chairman of the McHenry hospital board of directors, M. David Cain, addresses the audience assembled for the ground-breaking of the Northern Illinois Medical Center, at the intersection of Route 31 and Bull Valley roads, Friday morning. Right, Dr. Edward Wilt, president of the medical staff; John Dailey, chairman of the Illinois Health Facilities Authority; M- David Cain;.' Joseph Stanek, McHenry mayor; and Kenneth G. Bast, executive director, take • a symbolic shovel full as earth moving equipment works in the background. STAFF PHOTOS-WAYNE GAYLORD by Anthony Oliver The fruition of an idea sown in the 1960's was celebrated last Friday with the ground-breaking ceremony at the Route 31-Bull Valley road site of the new McHenry hospital -- the Nor thern Illinois Medical Center (NIMC). In a time of economic adversity, when people are not breaking ground for new projects, here in McHenry ground is being broken, said John Dailey, chairman of the IUinios Health Facilities Authority (IHFA). The IHFA is the state agency that issued the bonds for the construction of NIMC. "This is an exciting chance to start a new hospital -- a hospital designed for the 21st Century," Dailey said. "I Musin' arid Meanderin' find it visionary to change the name to the Northern Illinois Medical Center." Dailey commented that this was an opportunity to become a leader in new medical services and a reaffirmation of a commitment to the community. On a chilly, drab September af ternoon, M. David Cain, president of the McHenry hospital board of directors, said the ground breaking represented the combined efforts of many people. He noted the trenien- dous dedication of board members, past and present, and the community support for the facility when it was needed. "The board is extremely pleased with the 12.25 percent interest rate," Cain said. The rate came in below original calculations^ for the $34 million complex and thus saves "millions of dollars," he added. "Very little of what we say here is as impressive as looking around," said Kenneth G. Bast, executive director of McHenry hospital. "Year af'er year, corn was growing here; not a new hospital." As he spoke, the rumble of diesel engines could be heard as earth- moving equipment continued the first step in construction. "The bids that went out have come back lower than expected," Bast said with a grin, "but we deserve a little good luck after the long road in get- 'ing here." He described the NIMC building as "exceptionally attractive and ef ficient." "I speaks well for the visionary people who started planning in the 1960 s and worked through the 1970's 'o end here, on 103.5 acres of land, Bast said. The presiden' of the medical staff, Dr. Edward Wil\ commented, "It's a beau iful day, I don't care what the weaker is, it's a beautiful day." MSre thar\ 20 years ago. Dr. Wilt said, a group gathered to break ground for a new hospital dedicated to excellence. "I've been on the staff at McHenry hospiial for 23 years and I've watched it grow in size and quality," he added. "McHenry hospital has always s<ressed highly specialized medicine. The cardiac care and intensive care (Continued on page 20) Chamber In Annual Meeting MCC Faces $60,000 Budget Deficit CUAUJ ucnu UKUM eeMii^r With major strides having been made in the area of restructuring, about 100 business leaders, their spouses and guests will gather at McHenry Country club Saturday, Oct. 2, for the 1982 annual meeting of the McHenry Area Chamber of Com merce. Chairman Keith Leathers made that announcement as he urged all members to be present for an up dating on the changes made. Advance reservations are necessary. At this meeting the Chamber board will present an overview of the year's accomplishments, present awards, and introduce the officers who will be serving the 1983 term. Review will also be made of the newly adopted bylaws consisting of the various councils and committees and their respective responsibilities. In addition, all those attending be presented with a Prospecting for Gold scratch off card. The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, according to their new bylaws is organized for l..."preser- , ving the competitive enterprise system ..educating the business community and representing them iny. city, county, state and national , legislative and political af&iirs" and 2...."promoting business and com munity growth and development by: promoting economic programs ...promoting programs of a civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional (Continued on pago 20) EVefrv now and then we are remmde&xof yesterday. With today noshing by^nd tomorrow here before we have said farewell to the last 24 hours, the memories of a slower place are worthwhile. At last Friday morning's ground breaking for the new Northern Illinois Medical center there was a mixture of the three - yesterday, today and tomorrow. Crowds fillled the huge tent, but even in the large gathering one woman stood out. Clara Stilling had her own memories which she was sharing with her daughter, Lorraine Pitzen, p They were standing on the land the family gave to the hospital for this new medical center. But their memories were of another time as they conjured up recollections of just where each building had stood. For others, the moment was then, as history was being made. For everyone, the unknown future was a pleasant point for reflection. Even though there could only be guesses, optimism for the realization of a long sought goal was evident. It was evident in the smiles and the expressed confidence of friends of the hospital who gathered for a moment they will treasure long into the future. Highlights of the ground breaking appear in this issue. On another page is the account of the Kamholz Fest, a gathering of offspring of some of the community's early residents. That fest prompted their own memories, and all of them were of the past. The family name is still remem bered as prominent in the business and church life of McHenry earlier in the century. Like so many others, the annual reunions were initiated after a loss, this time the untimely death of a grandson of the pioneer Fred and Bertha Kamholz. Words of the Sep tember Song - "the days dwindle down to a precious few" - often come to mind in these instances and something rewarding happens. These jure the times we feel the need and the (Continued on pogo 20) SHAW MEDIA NEWS SERVICE McHenry County College is facing a $60,000 budget shortage due to a zero percent increase in fall enrollments, according to Paul Dobbins," dean of administrative services for the college. The $4.6 million budget has gone awry because fall enrollment is lower than projected. Last month college officials expected an increase of one percent to two percent. Last year enrollment at MCC jumped 27 percent. On Thursday night, MCC President Robert Bartlett told the board of trustees enrollment will not increase at all and he cited no expectation for spring enrollment increases either. "We're very concerned, but not to the point of drawing a very black picture," Bartlett said. Bartlett and MCC registrar Darla Trimble blame the ecomomy for the slowdown. "The effects of the recession have finally hit us very hard," Bartlett said. Even last year, an auditing report prepared by Fox and Co., of Elgin, revealed signs of hard times to come. Bartlett said lack of state reimbursements for students attending MCC via the Illinois Veteran Scholarship program cost the college about $40,1)00. The report added, however, that the college's overall finances were in "excellent condition." Enrollment dropped from 4,262 last fall to 3,979, according to MCC figures. However, credit hours remained fairly constant, deelining from 26,265 a year ago to 26,122. Bartlett said the biggest drop was in freshman part-time students, with males declining eight percent and females, 12 percent. But the sophomore level increased slightly, suggesting that those attending last year are enrolled again. He added the $60,000 will have to be made up by slowing program development and delaying the purchase of instructional equipment. The college also is looiting into expanding its seminars and satellite classes to try and encourage enrollment. Recent energy information is a plus in the administration's battle to cut costs. A state study revealed MCC used 5.5 percent less British thermal units (BTUs) than a year ago. The other 144 institutions surveyed showed an increase in BTU energy consumption of 7.9 percent. ' In an unrelated matter, Bartlett said the U.S. 14 access project is moving ahead. The college is in the process of obtaining the right of way needed to widen the road. Bartlett said an agreement should be reached with the property owners by the next board meeting Thursday, Oct. 28. Close McHenry Lock Oct. 3 J The McHenry lock, located on the Fox river, will close to all boat traffic for the winter season at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Until the closing date, hours of operation for the lock will continue as before, 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. The closing date has been chosen so that routine maintenance and preparations for winter can be ac complished before the onset of freezing weather. A timely opening is anticipated in the spring of 1983, with another season of service to the boating public on the Fox river and Chain 0' Lakes. The McHenry lock is operated by the Illinois department of Tran sportation, Division of Water Resources. There is no charge for boats using the lock. Frank Novak, lock and supervisor, recommends that boaters use the winter off-season further their knowledge of safety by completing one or more the many fine courses conducted the various boating organizations this area. Drugs In Raid SHAW MEDIA NEWS SERVICE A hearing Monday morning resulted in a $270,000 bond being reduced to $120,000 on drug possession charges against 25-year-old David Streich of 9917-McConnell Road. ThV^harges stemmed from a raid Tuesday by Chicago and Algonquin police who seized 15 pounds of marijuana and eight ounces of cocaine at the Streich address. Testimony in 19th Judicial Circuit court that morning indicated street value of the cocaine is $96,000 and the marijuana is $15,000. Streich told the court during the bond reduction hearing that he is a college graduate with a bachelor's degree in philosophy. He testified he had no previous felony charges or convictions. His lawyer asked the court to release Streich on a recognizance bond. Judge Michael Sullivan denied the request. The defense moved for the court to reduce the bond to $25,000. The state objected to the proposed reduction and the judge set bond for the possession of controlled substance at $100,000 and for possession of marijuana at $20,000. The defendant's mother testified that if Streich was released on bond he would be given employment by his father's contracting firm in Itasca while awaiting trial. Streich told the court he has been buying, renovating and selling cars since residing at the McConnell Road address. He testified he had also been employed wood cutting, housecleaning and mowing. Streich said his assets were limited to an automobile, $4 in a savings account and $41 in a checking account. A preliminary hearing on the felony charges is set for Sept. 29. FIRE EDUCATION-Fire education is an important part of Fire Prevention week, which starts Sunday, Oct. 3. Sporting a paper fire helmet and a fireman's badge, Lucy Gomez, a first-grader at Landmark and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Armando Gomez, takes a look at a presentation made by Co. I Capt. Wayne Amore, McHenry Fire department. This presentation is one part of the overall education program which is put on in McHenry and Johnsburg school districts. Capt. Amore reminds parents pai that the Sunday Open House at the Co. I firehouse is tfcf only opportunity for parents to bring their children Mf explore the world of a modern Are fighter. * STAFF PHOTO-WAYNE GAYLORQ Yesterday's Dream...Today's Promise $180,000 United Way Goal , -- Arts Week At Library A A Gift For Hospital Fal l Campaign Local Art ists ' Exhibit j l Page 5 Page 10 <• , Page 5 THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER VOLUME 107 NUMBER 18 ' SERVING THE CHAIN-0-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875" WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1982 1 SECTION 22 PAGES 25'
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