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PAGE S - PLAINDE ALER - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, II News and Views Capitol Update: LAWMAKERS END ACTIVE SESSION The season for shoplifting 'Tis the season to be jolly. It is also the season to shoplift, a practice that increased 10 percent last year over the previous 12 months. Would you know the typical shoplifter if you saw one? The thief is as likely to be a man as a woman, contrary to popular conception, and he (or she) is a young adult between the ages of 18 and 35. As retailers begin the biggest shopping season of the year, they are contending with a problem that drives up costs and ultimately affects the prices we all pay usin' &, anderin BY KAF ; As the result of this pilferage, store owners are spending more for security - up 8 percent from 1981 to 1982. The largest amounts are going for prevention of thefts rather than ppprehenson of shoplifters. • Even so, apprehensions have risen sharply, which may deter k few would-be thieves. They frent up 23 percent and the conviction rate of those prosecuted rose dramatically to 87 percent. ! One reason attributed to the f-ise in shoplifting last year was the recession. An improvement in economic conditions may produce a positive effect in 1983. After young adults, the second highest group of shoplifters is minors under the age of 18. And a recent study demonstrated that employee pilferage is high, accounting for 50 percent of the total losses. ' Contrary to what most people believe, most shoplifters are employed. Of those ap­ prehended for the practice, most men (62 percent) and many women (51 percent) were working. And in what department do the thefts take place most frequently? Choices are clothing, health and beauty aids and jewelry departments. Employee theft, contrary to common belief, occurs mostly at point-of-sales sites, such as check-out areas and on the selling floor, with much less taking place in the stockroom and warehouses. Unfortunately, the study showed that many of the traditional loss prevention devices such as mirrors, and newer ones such as television monitors, are among the least effective means of control. However, their use, not the products, may be the reason since both require follow-up activities not always feasible. Let the would-be shoplifter beware. McHenry stores are on the alert for offenders. If they are successful, it will be a happier season for both retailers and shoppers. Lawmakers wrapped up the last week of the veto session after acting on several issues, including measures regarding state prison overcrowding, the 1992 World's Fair, and the RTA and downstate mass transit agencies, according to state Rep. Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake). Overcrowding at Illinois prisons should be relieved under a comprehensive prisons package that calls for the creation of 2,439 new beds through the expansion of existing facilities and the construction of two new modular facilities. Lawmakers authorized spending $57.08 million for this prison program, but actual expenditures are expected to be less. The bill will also allow double-celling at newer prisons and will allow local govern­ ments to build and lease prison space to the state. In a related action, the House pased a resolution directing the Legislative Audit Commission to conduct a thorough audit of the management at the state Corrections Department. The Senate has not yet acted on the resolution. Another part of the prison package calls for financing the first-year costs of a statewide probation system that would be phased in over a four-year period. In other business, lawmakers gave final approval to the following Mils: RTA Reform (HB 1805, SB 1118) The most far-reaching reforms in the 10-year history of the RTA were approved. Under the legislation, current RTA Board members will be replaced and a new board will have broad new authority to approve or reject the budgets and labor contracts of service boards operating the CTA, commuter rails and suburban buses. Tms reform bill also mandates balanced budgets, eliminates automatic cost-of-living in­ creases in future union con­ tracts and grants an immediate reduction in commuter rail fares. In return for the reforms, downstate and suburban sup­ porters of the reforms agreed to support restoration of a state subsidy for the RTA. • n Downstate Mass Transit (HB 695) Increases the state reim­ bursement to 15 downstate ma-- transit districts to help offset reduced federal support. Reimbursements will be based on 40 percent of expenses in­ stead of 33 percent, as was previously the case. AH downstate mass transit districts will benefit from this measure, including the districts in Peoria, R o c k f o r d , S p r i n g f i e l d , Bloomington, Quincy and Galesburg. Utility Reform (SB) 187) Establishes a Citizen's Utility Board (CUB); limits Construction-Work-in-Progress (CWIP) charges; prohibits the inclusion of political ad­ vertising, promotional and lobbying costs in utility rate bases, and regulates residential utility shut-offs during winter months. 1992 World's Fair (HB 2313) Allows the World's Fair Authority to impose, by a two- thirds vote of its memBers, a one percent hotel-motel tax in Cook County. This tax would be lifted automatically on July 1, 1984. The bill also increases the membership of the authority by two members and requries the authority, Chicago and the state to sign an agreement spelling out the responsibilities of each government for the fair. Hazardous Waste (HB 1257, HB 2171, HB 1064) The first bill would triple state levies for disposing of toxic substances at landfills. House Bill 2171 will make persons found guilty of criminal action in handling toxic wastes liable for fines of up to $500,000 for each day they illegally dump waste. The last bill bans the disposal of liquid hazardous waste at landfills after July 1,1984; liquid solvent wastes after Jan. 1 1985; and most other hazardous wastes after Jan. 1, 1987. M i d w e s t L o w - L e v e l Radioactive Waste Compact (HB 2106, HB 2234). The first bill enacts, and enters Illinois into. the Midwest Interstate Low- level Radioactive Waste Compact. The bill states that the policy for members of the compact would be to reduce the amount of waste generated. It calls, for automatic rotation of the host state, which would ac­ cept waste from the compact members, every 20 years, and requires all member-states to act as host state before any state would serve as host a second time. A third important provision requires the host state to set up an "Extended Care and Long- term Liability Fund" to pay for costs of long-term care and any necessary clean-up costs. If costs exceed available funds, all states would be liable to help with the care and clean-up. The second bill provides for the licensing and regulation of the generation, transportation, storage and disposal of low-level radioactive waste. Freedom of Information (HB 234). Creates the Freedom of Information Act, which gives the public greater access to the records of public bodies. Public Employee Collective Bargaining (HB 1530, SB 836). Both bills grant public em­ ployees the right to bargain collectively, including the right to strike for some employees. The first bill applies to public school teachers and the second applies to all other public em­ ployees with the exception of firemen and law enforcement personnel. Graduation Requirements (HB 11798) Established a core curricula, which high school students must complete to graduate. The requirements are: three years of language arts; two years of math, which can include one year of com­ puter science; two years of social studies, including U.S. history and government; and one year of music, art, foreign language or vocational studies. Worksharing (SB 25) Enables Workers to receive partial unemployment compensation payments when their work weeks are shortened because of the employees participation in a voluntary work sharing program. No-Fault Divorce (SB 189) Allows Illinois couples to file for "no-fault divorce" if they have been separated for two years (or for six months, if both parties agree) and a judge determines there is no reasonable chance for reconciliation. FLIGHT PLANS THEMIDDLE I'M NOT FLYIN& EAST (SCUT CENTRAL OVER. EUROPE -FLAX EVEey- AM«IC*S ...ALU THOSe VWERRI > A MOT , I r n M } ft,, New effort for Johnsburg library Economic outlook "Dear Editor: As friends of the Johnsburg District Library we want to recognize the many people who lent their time, their efforts, and their encouragement in an at­ tempt to provide the people of our communities with factual information pertaining to the establishment of a public library district. Their support and enthusiasm warmed our hearts and lifted our spirits when our energies began to sag. We sincerely hope that this support will continue. "Once again the referendum to establish a public library for the communities served by the Johnsburg School District lost by a very narrow margin. This defeat has left us saddened and a bit shocked for we have always believed (and stUldo) that the p, ublic ulse essential component of a growing community, not only in providing for the recreational reading needs of the residents but, more importantly, to serve as a centralized resource of information for the community at large. "It is very unforti numerous benefits of having our own public library vastly out­ weighed any liabilities. "We view a library as an extremely important and important an issue} have bear decided by tb*'facts alone. Once again, however, rumors and misinformation especially regarding taxes quickly surfaced and may have swayed the vote. We urge the residents to contact either the library or the Friends of the Library in order to obtain in­ formation. Questions regarding taxes can also be answered by contacting the county assessor's office. "'Hie Friends of the John­ sburg District Library will continue to place the facts before the public. We also -that we will continue our ' to. estabftsh' «t> ptitkd library for our comihanWito. * "9!hcerely, "Elsie Munson,"Carol Ken- nebeck "Herbert Janzen, "Joanne Heidler "Edna Robel, "Don Miller "Judy Robel, "Richard Kucik "Rae Johnson, "Elsie Munson" for state brightens Tips offered for easier winter car starting O "Mtnr- UTX. -l u l - - Hie Illinois Public Utility I Fund is beset by serious cash [ flow problems despite a more than doubling of revenues in the last eight years, Comptroller Roland W. Burris has reported. But on the brighter side, the outlook for Illinois economy is Improved. • The Public Utility Fund, originally established to support the operations of the Illinois .Commerce Commision, has also jaeen used in recent years for the ^Department of Energy and •Natural Resources, Institute of ^Natural Resources and the institute for Environmental ^Quality. While original fiscal year 1984 estimates placed -revenues in a comfortable position, Burris notes the fund's balance at the end of September was only $7,000 and that the possibility of another spending crunch is possible in December. The comptroller's regular monthly fical report centers on just one of some 300 funds in the State Treasury and what steps may be necessary to keep the Public Utility Fund from running dry. also in the report, the Illinois Economic Picture reports on the severity of job losses in the state due to the recession and the prospects of recovery. Since last winter, the Illinois unemployment rate has improved, but part of that is due to discouraged workers leaving the work force. More optimistic are the Expectations for a prosperous holiday period for the first time in five years as the employment outlook improves and incomes are rising faster than inflation. , "Editor: "With winter here, or only a few days or weeks away, almost every motorist will have dif­ ficulty starting the car when temperature gets down around zero. "There are many wrong methods to start a car on cold mornings, but the correct method described in most car owner manuals and also recommended by good auto mechanics, if followed closely, should make starting your car quite easy. "First, you should have a tuneup by Nov. 10. "Second, Have your battery checked and tested to make sure it is in good condition. Make sure the terminals are clean. If corroded a little, baking soda and water will remove the corrosion. Then apply a little oil or petroleum jelly to terminals and they will stay clean. Third, before you press the starter button or turn the key, press accelerator (gas) pedal all the way to the floor, slowly, and allow it to come back up all the way., Fourth, press the gas pedal down again but only half way - about one inch - and then turn on key. "If car starts the first time you are o.k. If not, try again, but only for a few seconds at a time. This saves the battery. Fifth, never, never, never jump the accelerator pedal. If you do you will flood the car­ buretor and next you are in real trouble. "If these directions are followed your car should start on almost any morning. These directions may sound complex but are really quite simple. "It is better to use this method than to have to call a tow truck and a mechanic to start your car. "Probably most experienced drivers use this method but a little reminder might help. "Waldo Poerschman" No mileage allowance for carpoolers SERVICE LINE: A LISTING OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS COMPILED AS A PUBIIC SERVICE TO McHENRY McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 385-4300 FAMILY SERVICE & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 4302 G West Crystal Lake Rd McHenry, IL 60050 815-385-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday Call 815-338-8080 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-8660 Hours: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm weekdays (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 Vvell but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center ! NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Iillinoii Phone: 800-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealnjg with run away children I U MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800-424-9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trams. Spon­ sored by Interstate Commerce commission I STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service 385-2999 24 hoyr Answering Service ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 800-252-2878 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-638-2666 (Operates five national lines Answers inquiries about or reporting on the safety of products from kitchen appliances to children's toys I NATIONAL SOUR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER 800-523-2929 P 0 Bo* 1607. Rockville; Md. 20850 lOispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun-powered hot water system! YOU! H SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W Elm St., McHenry . Phone:344-3240 7 . 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Counseling for youth and families NATIONAL HIGHWAY • TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 800-424-9393 lAnswers questions about automobile safety defects or whether a par ticular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car I MENTAL HEALTH 1-800-892-8900 UISIS Center Line for McHenry Co 24-hour Emergency number and professional staff will answer your call Sponsoring agency McHenry. Coun ty Comprehensive Mental Health Service System NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Pom Officeflox 17400, Washington, D.C. 20041 Phone (703) 471-0404 CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 Chicaqo, IL ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone:217-522-5514 Answer to questions on government regulations. McHENRY COUNTY CETA CH TREACH CENTER 666 Russel ft. .jitock, IL 60098 'Uaetf 15) 338-7100 Job Training Offered McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE RETARDED / Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone: 344-1230 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS . (815)455-3311, McHENRY COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL 800-892-3272 t Monday through Friday, 8:30 a m. to 4:30 P-"t. PRAIRIE STATE LEGAL SERVICES. INC. 800-942-3940 Free legal representation in civil cases to low income persons. Landlord tenant disputes, domestic violence or improper denial of benefits such as Social Security, Pubic Aid, Food Stamps, General Assistance & Unem plovment Insurance. SUPPORT GROUP FOR MEN WHO BATTER Meets every Thursday 6-7 p.m. • For information call 338-8080 COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS McHenrv County Chapter (For bereaved parents! C.II 385-5732 County board members who claim and collect mileage allowances while riding with another board member to meetings are acting illegally, according to an Attorney General's opinion issued recently. Tazewell County State's At­ torney Bruce W. Black sought the opinion to clarify whether some county board members who were carpooling to meetings could claim and receive reimbursement for mileage even if they did not incur any travel expense. In his opinion the attorney general states that "if county board members do not actually incur or become liable for mileage expense, it is clear the statute does not authorize the payment. "County board members should not be paid mileage if they did not actually incur such expenses," he wrote. P) McHenry McHenry Herald (USPS 335-200) Established 1875 3812 West Elm Street Phone 815 385 0170 McHenry, Illinois 60050 Published Every Wednesday & Friday at McHenry, Illinois Second Class Postage PAID at McHenry, Illinois by McHENRY PUBLISHING COMPANY POSTMASTER Send address changes to McHenry Plaindealer 3812 W. Elm St.. McHenry. Illinois 60050 Subscribers are requested to provide immediate notice of change of address to the McHenry Plaindealer, 3812 W. Elm St., McHenry, III. 60050. A deduction of one month from the expiration of a subscription will be mode where a change of address is provided through the Post Office department. Thomas C. Miller-Publisher Adele Froehllch-Editor Atnarb Winning Jietospaper MEMBER NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION 1 Year SUBSCRIPTION RATES $19.00 I Year In McHenry County Outside McHenry County $27.00