By Arline Adamsick
The Crete Record: January 18, 1973
Well, there seems to be some resolve on an issue that for months has gone on, and on, and on…
“Committee Reports No Evidence of Malfeasance”
“The gist of a nine-page report issued by the Taxation Committee of the Will County Board last week was contained in its final sentence: ‘The committee therefore concludes there has been no evidence of malfeasance or incompetence committed by the Supervisor of Assessments.’
“A report from the committee had been ordered by County Board Chairman Roy Hassert, after Democrats on the board twice attempted to have Supervisor of Assessments Oren Pomeroy fired. A ruling from the State’s Attorney had pointed out Pomeroy has two years left to serve on a four-year contract, and the county would be liable for legal action if it attempted to break the contract.
“It was at that point Hassert ordered the Taxation Committee to investigate the whole assessor’s office carefully to discover if there was any legal ground for getting rid of Pomeroy.
“Not only did the committee find no such grounds, but they reported: ‘He assumed these duties under a number of adverse conditions; his office has definitely made progress.’” – Let’s hope this settles the issue.
“Objectors Speak Out on Package Liquor Zoning”
“A proposal to rezone a portion of a Cities Service gas station in Crete Township to allow the sale of package liquors met with objections from the Village of Steger and a nearby resident during the zoning hearing Tuesday at Crete Town Hall.
“Cities Service, whose station is on the southwest corner of Kings and Steger Roads, is just across the street from the Village of Steger. The station now sells delicatessen items, such as milk, bread, and packaged meats, in addition to gas, and they wish to add package liquors.
“A representative for Cities Service outlined the rationale behind the zoning request, ‘The trend of the majority of oil companies is to eliminate the service bay areas and primarily concentrate on gas or allied items.’
“More and more people are going to car dealers or other specialists for car maintenance so that service bay areas are being eliminated in favor of food and newspaper outlets. The change also means there would be no cars for sale, junk cars, or trailers on the premises.”
There were many objections to the request, mainly from Steger residents, from increased traffic and parking problems to being in direct proximity to the forest preserve – creating the distinct possibility of additional problems. Another rather large concern centered on the lack of police protection, which would be provided by the county. The measure was not resolved.
The Manteno News: January 18, 1973
“Luther Meyer to Retire Tomorrow after 32 Years of Postal Service”
“When Monday morning comes, there’s going to be a familiar face missing behind the counter at the Manteno Post Office. Luther Meyer, who has served the U.S. Government as a postal clerk for almost 32 years, will retire tomorrow.
“Luther began working in the local post office on August 21, 1941, and during his tenure has seen the village postal system grow from an all-box system to city delivery by carrier.
“‘I can remember a time when we had as many as 700 box holders. Today, we still have box holders, but it’s mainly businessmen and a few people as a matter of convenience,’ he said.
“A lifelong resident of the village, Luther, before going to work for the government, worked at a local service station and then operated one of his own at the corner of Merchant and Dearborn in Kankakee.
“Observing the longevity of both his work in the post office and his work with the school board, Luther commented, ‘I guess I get with a job I like, and I just stick.’
“What are the retiree’s plans? ‘I have some, but I’d rather tell you about them next week. I think it would be better,’ he said.”
Seems the village board meeting was mostly about money…
“Village Receives $8,000 as Second Payment
on Federal Revenue Sharing Program”
“The Village of Manteno received $8,398 as the second payment of Federal Revenue Sharing, as reported by Village Clerk Gerald Hildebrandt, during Monday evening’s board of trustees’ meeting.
“Sales tax receipts of $6,382.62 for October were received, and the Chamber of Commerce Golf Course Committee reported escrow donations are very close to the $52,300 contract amount. A special meeting will be held Monday evening, January 22, to discuss and vote on the ordinance for $100,000 in revenue bonds.”
Compare these grocery prices to today’s…At Kruger’s Food Center, whole chickens were 35¢/lb.; orange juice – 39¢/64 oz.; vegetable oil – 79¢/48 oz. bottle; frozen French fries – 49¢/2-lbs.; and Wellesley ice cream – 69¢/half gallon.
The Peotone Vedette: January 19, 1973
Remember the dear local centenarian Lloyd Bate…
“Lloyd Bate Makes Hole-in-One”
“Lloyd E. Bate, a winter visitor from Peotone and playing in a three-some, made a hole-in-one on January 2, at Twin Brooks, in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the three-par golf course. He used a nine iron. Needless-to-say, he was quite elated. His name has been added to the honor roll in the club house. He also went on to win the match with a 70.”
One doesn’t hear about this fun activity anymore…
“St. Patrick’s Parish Dance Saturday”
“St. Patrick’s Holy Name and Altar and Rosary Societies are co-sponsors of ‘Celebration,’ the parish’s annual dance to be held on Saturday, January 20, at the American Legion Hall in Manhattan.
“As in the past two years, the music pleasantly will be provided by The Melody Kings Orchestra of Joliet. Dancing will begin at 9 p.m., with a lunch served at 11 p.m. Prizes this year consist of $50 and $25, to be given at 11:30 p.m., after which dancing will continue until 1 a.m.
“This year’s chairmen are Mr. and Mrs. James Toepper and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Toepper. Tickets for the prizes, as well as the dance, may be purchased from any parish member or at the door.”
“District Prepares for Annual School Election”
“Peotone School Board Monday night took the first steps in preparation for the annual school board election on Saturday, April 14. Members whose terms will expire at this time are Board President Dr. James March, Joseph Koomar, and Donald Bate.
“The only significant change in the procedures from past years will be a change in the polling places. This year, for the convenience of voters, there will be only three polling places – Peotone High School, Wilton Center Elementary, and Green Garden Elementary.”
Found the Classified Ads rather interesting for that week. Apparently, a gold wedding ring had been found in Beecher. The owner could claim it at the Beecher Herald office, BUT the ad also gave its defining inscription. Thought the real owner would have to know that to establish ownership????
Also, how about this ad… “Is your hair falling out? Do you have bad breath, B.O, liver trouble, or an ingrown toenail? I can help you. Call…after midnight!” Wow!!!
Also, “If you are not getting over seven percent on your savings, you qualify for the Dummy of the Year Award. Call….” Yes, that really was an ad!
The Beecher Herald: January 18, 1973
How about this for a prediction…
“Planning Specialist Speaks to Chamber of Commerce”
“Robert Van Trek, representing Collaborative Research and Planning, Inc., the specialists in community planning – working with Success Research Consultants and the Beecher Planning Commission was the guest speaker at the Beecher Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday evening.
“Van Trek opened his presentation with the remarks: ‘I am becoming fonder and fonder of Beecher – it is one of the really small communities remaining with so much charm and desirability. It would be nice if it could remain this little village, but it will not, with the population expanding out of the cities as it is.’
“He went on to say the nation is expanding at the rate of 1,000,000 acres a year being developed into housing, industrial use, etc. In Will County alone, his company is involved with a dozen or more community planning prospects, and he commended the leaders of Beecher for having the foresight to make the studies preliminary to setting up a comprehensive plan for the village and the 1-1/2 mile surrounding area. Communities have a better chance to control the development, making the best possible use of the land and ensure the procurement of public facilities that will be required, if they plan ahead.
“Van Trek felt the area would grow to 20,000 – 25,000 population in the very foreseeable future. This would mean expanding the sewer system, and the community must plan for a site for a future sewage treatment plant.
“As the plans develop, it seems likely the industrial growth should be confined to the south and northeast section of the 1-1/2 mile boundaries of Beecher. A community-type shopping center would fit well to the north and a neighborhood-type shopping center to the west. The group is studying the best use for the old center of Beecher in future plans. It has been suggested this would be the ideal spot for specialty shops, and the area should be developed to exhibit a definite character and charm.
“When the study and planning have been completed, the village then will have to update the zoning ordinances so new development can be orderly.
“Robert Williamson, chairman of the Planning Commission, commented that the group is studying the housing needs, not only to assure desirable houses, but to make sure the needs of the elderly and young married couples are met, too. Van Trek remarked the trend shows the single-family residence is being priced out of the picture and will be considered as luxury type housing, only. Townhouses, condominiums, and apartments seem to meet the needs of a greater number of people.”
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It’s been an interesting week and the first one that’s considered “normal” in several weeks. No holidays or anything similar to confuse one as to the correct day of the week. Also, it’s been cold, but not too cold. After all, it is January; so far, so good!! Have a great week and Life is Good!!