The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

*p MMM Present City Bypass Plans FISH: A Family Friend // J • Next Saturday and Sunday, need for girls' and boys' pajamas in Maps of the proposed bypasses appear on Page 14 of this issue. realized, according to Rakow, because of the dollars involved and the jurisdiction. The West Bypass involves more land and is, therefore, a more ambitious project. Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc., a city and transportation planning firm, has been engaged to conduct an 18- month Feasibility Study of the two proposed bypasses. The firm is three months into the study. West campus Dec. 9. information and receive citizen By Marion Olsen Preliminary plans which would lead to alleviating traffic jams at the High­ way 31 and 120 intersection in McHenry and provide better access to the new hospital at Highway 31 and Bt campus James R. Rakow, county superintendent of highways, in­ troduced bypass studies suggesting two new roadways: an East Bypass skirting the city to the south and east via a new bridge over the Fox river, and a West Bypass running south from Ringwood at north Highway 31 through the western edge of McHenry to Highway 120 near Draper road and southeast through Nunda township property, connecting with south High­ way 31 near Prairie Grove. The East Bypass has a better chance of being comments and suggestions for the study. More than 50 residents and state, county and city officials attended the first of two public hearings. A bridge over the Fox river is the most viable part of the two bypass plans, according to A. James Bates, vice-president of Barton-Aschman. The bridge would be constructed at an undecided site along a one-mile stretch of the river near Bull Valley road. Maps and aerial photographs were exhibited showing corridors within, which the two bypass roads would be considered. Bates emphasized that no specific routes have been chosen other than establishing the corridors as the most likely areas for construction. Concerned residents scanned the maps to establish the effect new roads would have on their own bonnes. In­ dividuals living on Curran, Dr&per and near Martin roads, as well as roperty owners from Min£«*l "ftIts 'and McHenry Shores', William Howenstine, a Pioneer*oad resident, suggested that the 'com­ mittee consider bicycle paths along the new roadways stressing the need of cyclers for access roads to Moraine Hills state park's 11-mile bicycle path. Responding to a question on fun­ ding, Rakow said there are numerous sources for funds including one million dollars per year in motor fuel tax funds received by the county and the ability of the county to levy taxes up to $600,000 per year for road im­ provements. He also mentioned urban funds accrued by the city and "viable (state and federal) funding sources" for a Fox river bridge. While few residents made public statements, comments were made to others that, "Someone's gonna get hurt" and "The bridge could go through my house." Others grumbled at "McHenry's stupidity in jamming everything in town" and "I never voted lor this town to grow big." The planned roads, according to Jlfttf^Btes, would be. two-lane high­ ways except for a section ot the West Bypass north of Highway 120 which might possibly generate enough traffic eventually to become four lanesi Speed limits on the West Bypass would be in the 45-55 mph range, he said. The East Bypass would carry less traffic and would have lower speed limits. Bates enumerated a four-point program: (1) Establish needs and advantages, (2) Traffic volume predictions and operating charac­ teristics. (3) Obstacles and op- (Continued on pag* 22) Next Saturday and Sunday, volunteers for the organizaiton of FISH (Friends In Service Here) will be using the products of public generosity to fill baskets for the needy of the McHenry community. "We will probably be taking baskets to 125 families", said Joan Bauer, who coordinates the program Mrs. Bauer said it is necessary to establish a deadline of Friday noon, Dec. 17, as the last time FISH can accept the names of needy families. Baskets will be filled from donations < food, clothing, toya and other neccessities. Those who wish to give are asked to leave their contributions in the basement hall of St. Patrick's church, 3500 W. Washington street, preferably by 9 Saturday morning. Workers will be there throughout the day to assemble the baskets. "We can't promise just how much help we can give", Mrs. Bauer con­ tinued. "It depends on the generosity of the public. She was quick to add that in the past the response has been heartwarming. Mrs. Bauer said there is a special need for girls' and boys' pajamas in all sizes. Other items for which there has Jeen expressed a need are twin sheets and socks. "We didn't find sales on socks this year", Mrs. Bauer explained. Treats are especially appreciated at Christmas time and will be included in as many baskets as possible. Because of the extensive drive for this holiday, no turkeys or other meat will be purchased by FISH but will be distributed if contributions are made. The Willing Workers have con tributed-a number of kip robes and these will be given tt> elderly persons. Leg warmers are a new item popular with senior citizens. At least 60 workers will gather in the church hall Saturday , and Sunday to assemble the boxes. Deliveries will be made Sunday afternoon. Anyone who would like to report the name of a needy family may do so by calling 385-0258. "We'll do the best We can to satisfy the needs of all". Mrs. Bauer said, and then added, "It all depends on the response of McHenry people,' who have always been most generous." Santa Spirit In Pearl Street Park Page 9 Probable cause was found at noon Tuesday on a reckless driving charge against a 19-year-old McHenry man whowas involved in a fatal accident last month. James E. Hinger of 1017 Hinger road was bound over to felony court for a Dec. 27 hearing on the charges following a preliminary hearing. A reckless driving charge was amended to include allegations that Hinger was under the influence of liquor Nov. 14 when drying his vehicle on River road, McHenry, when it struck an approaching car headon. A passenger in the approaching vehicle, Janet Cody, 42, died in the crash. Seek Distinguished Graduates Nominations To Dec. 30 Page 17 ' . \ • Water Near Flood Level Funding Plagues Director Of Development Named To Assist Business• Lockmaster Frank Novak keeps a careful eye on the amount of water passing through the flood control gates at McHenry dam. by Anthony Oliver When it rains, it pours; and when it pours, the Fox river and Chain O'Lakes water level climbs to near flood proportions. "We're not nearly as bad off as we could have been," said Frank Novak. Novak is the lockmaster at McHenry dam, operated under the auspices of the Illinois Department of Tran­ sportation, division of Water Resources. He noted that McHenry fared much better than some municipalities in central and southern Illinois which were ravaged by flash flood waters. The problem stemmed from the nature of the storm system that struck the Midwest last week, bringing spring-like temperatures and a winter-like storm. Novak pointed out that most spring and summer downpours tend to be scattered and variable. Winter storms, on the other hand, tend to be of longer, constant duration -- one massive front which covers a large area. Novak explained that the very wet November left the ground saturated and unable to absorb the excessive rains dumped in the McHenry area by the storm system. "Th£ ground was saturated," Novak said. "When we got hit, the rain had no olace to go." Normal precipitation in the month of November is about 2.1 inches, Novak said. Chicago recorded seven inches of rainfall and McHenry noted 'more than five inches. Likewise in December, recorded precipitation more than doubled the average level of 1.64 inches by the tenth of the month. "We had 3.92 inches of rain between Wednesday and Monday and most of it (2.86 inches) fell on Thursday," Novak said. Novak commented that in most years the precipitation that does fall in December is usually in a different form, i.e. snow, and does not cause problems until spring. "We were unintentionally prepared for this one," Novak said. Each year, the lockmaster lowers the water level in the Chain O'Lakes and the Fox river by opening the flood control gates at the McHenry dam enough to drop the overall surface level to a desired height. This height is about two feet below the summer water surface elevation. "MAinly this is to prevent ice damage to shor/e structures and to provide storage for the spring thaw," Novak said. In the spring when the snows in the Fox river basin melt, flood damage is minimized because the water level was lowered in early winter. "The two feet that we lower the level really is not much," Novak said. "It doesn't prevent flooding, but it helps a little. Last Wednesday, we Were within an inch or two of the winter level. Last Wednesday we were two feet below the summer level and Sunday we were a foot or more above." Nippersink creek, the second largest tributary to the Chain O'Lakes, rose five feet in 72 hours. Wilmot, Novak added, was two feet above the flood stage, but he also noted that the levels of all the/ since Mental Health tributaries had been falling off the first December weekend. "Now we're in a position where we're well above the summer level," Novak said. "First we have to get to the summer level and then we'll go to the winter level. It'll be several weeks at least before we can get below the summer level." The lockmaster said they would try to have the water level down before the river and the lakes freeze. "The snowmobilers are very unhappy when the ice caves in along the shoreline," Novak said. He ex­ plained that the department will continue to drain the Fox river and the Chain O'Lakes even after the surface has frozen. "We have to push the water ,'r.ontinuod on pago 11) The Policy and Management board of the McHenry County Com­ prehensive Mental Health Service system heard requests for additional funding for senior citizen counseling and for expansion of day treatment facilities for the chronically mental ill now being discharged into the com­ munity through the "Elgin project" at he Dec. 8 meeting. Dennis Smith, systems director, THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875" VOLUME 107 NUMBER 40 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1982 1 SECTION 24 PAGES 25' questioned the impact of the "long term consumers" of mental health services (chronically mentally ill) on the system in the face of the reality of declining resources in the future. The board's problem will be "how to preserve the best of what we have and what population we will serve," Smith warned. Mrs. Carol Louise, representing Family Alliance (formerly Kaleidescope), asked for an increase in the allotment for the agency for six months so they could expand their counseling service for the seniors. She reported that Family Alliance had hired a clinical program director on a half time basis and wanted to expand this to full time. He would then supervise the staff and aid in services to the seniors. The program would consist of more home health nursing, counseling, education and workshops. Mrs. Louise noted that the workshop had been started by church donations during the past year. By adjusting service offered to the acute needs and tapering off to monitoring of the intermediate cases, she felt they could care for more people. The director could handle up to six people at the intermediate level. The staff would also administer a senior day care program. Mrs. Louise pointed out the problems that families and spouses had in dealing with victims of Alzheimer's disease »and the need to provide them with support. Smith confirmed that the seniors were considered for mental health purposes as an underserved area of the population and it was a problem to get them into programs for their benefit. Smith also cautioned Mrs. Louise that regardless of the board's decision on this request, there is no assurance of continued year-to-year funding. Scot Campbell, associate director for Family Services and Mental Health center, advised that there was a need to expand its day treatment program to accommodate the people who have been discharged from the hospital facilities at Elgin under the project to reduce the number there. He noted that there was no money allowed for programs under the Elgin project funding arrangement and the day treatment program offered by FS & MHC is the only one available. Some sort of activity and counseling is needed to keep these people out of the hospital, and five days per week service is being considered for this purpose. The present program, being administered by G. R. Waldo, was started seven or eight years ago and presently can handle up to about 40 persons, Campbell said. This means from 15 to 30 per day at the Richmond road facility in McHenry. FS & MCH propose a second unit at Woodstock to work in connection with the temporary living facility (TLF) or (Continued on paao 22)' Kit Cars tens, chairman of the McHenry Area Economic DevelOp- mfnt commission, recently announced that William J. Bolger has been selected for the newly created position «jL director "of Development. This pqjiition was created to provide in­ dividualized assistance to businesses seeking to expand or locate in the McHenry area. The MAEDC is a quasi-public joint commission that was established in September of 1981 through the enactment of individual resolutions by the McHenry City Council and the McHenry Area Chamber of Com­ merce. The commission is specifically and proportionately composed of professionals representing the fields of Finance and Law, * Building and Is there a person reading this column who has not heard of Mur­ phy's Law? We doubt it. It all started about 30 years ago, the law credited to Murphy which reads: If anything can go wrong, it will. In the years that followed there ap­ peared a stream of other laws, all credited to Murphy. On reading them, we find that they are all consistent with his original viewpoint and most of them apply to situations in which we find ourselves every day. And so, in this Christmas season we spent some time applying them to the joys of preparing for the holiday. Murphy's Second Law is: Nothing is as easy as it looks. Murphy must have worked with strings of lights. They confound the most dexterous human. You remember having placed them, knot free and perfectly in order, in the box ot purchase. What happenened in the meantime? When they are taken out the next year No. 1 light is interwoven with No. 10 and the click, click of glass as they're being straightened out reminds one of a bell chorus. Murphy's Third Law reads: Everything takes longer than you think. _ Murphy must have gone shopping. The only thing that moves quickly is money. Cars inch along, bumper to bumper; parking is usually at the end of the lot; and long lines prompt weary feet to search for relief from supporting a body made heavy with lapses of willpower and indulgence in holiday sweets. If you're smart, you'll cut your list of gifts to two or three this year. Murphy's Fourth Law reminds that: Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse. (Continued on pago 22) Dedicate Gates At Dam Interested onlookers watch as balloons were released to mark the dedication of the newly repaired sluice gales at the Wonder Lake dam last Saturday. The completion of the gate repair is one part of an overall dam improvement project which will cost about $500,000 and is slated for the next five or 10 years. STAFF PHOTO--WAYNE GAYLORD SHAW MEDIA NEWS SERVICE The dedication of the Wonder Lake dam sluice gates last Saturday marked the end of one phase of con­ struction and further dam repairs are proceeding on schedule. • "About 85 to 90 percent of the work is done," said James Gunning, first vice-president of the Wonder Lake Master Property Owners association. "All work other than the general cleanup should be done before Christmas." Gunning said the ground was too frozen to permit landscaping and that Illinois Hydraulic Construction Co. of Elgin would clear the area in spring. Ten percent of the $96,600 charged for the repairs will be held back until the job is done. Association Treasurer Donald Coumbe said the remaining $22,000 of the $60,000 loan financed by six area banks probably will be withdrawn in January to meet additional con­ struction costs. But, future finances are far less certain because several subdivisions have been delinquent in paying the dues. The association has taken legal action against several subdivisions because of delinquent dues, among them Indian Ridge Improvement association. The association incurred $332 in legal fees pursuing $5,000 in delinquent dues withheld by Indian Ridge. The money has been paid and the bylaws require Indian Ridge to (Continuod on pago 22) Development, Industry and Com­ merce, Local Government and the Chamber of Commerce. Its goal is business development; its purpose is facilitating that development. Ser­ vices are offered upon request. As the EDC representative, thfle director of Development will seek to expedite .he process and progress of expanding existing businesses, establishing new businesses, and creating new job opportunities. He will maintain close communication with the mayor and City officials as well as the Chamber board. He will also act as coordinator for any redevelopment projects undertaken by the MAEDC. The commission feels Bolger's (Continuod on pago 22)