By Arline Adamsick
The Beecher Herald: February 28, 1974
From the police department…
Not really a title you would wish to hold…
“Beecher Schools Have Lowest Base Salary in County”
“A recent Illinois teacher’s salary study conducted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has revealed Beecher School District 200-U and Wilmington District 209-U offer the lowest starting salary for a beginning teacher of the 30 Will County school systems in the study. Both have a scheduled base salary of $7,900 per year for a teacher, starting with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
“In a salary schedule, the base is the amount paid to a beginning teacher with a BA and is the foundation for the rest of the schedule. As a teacher gains additional experience or education to improve teaching skills, he or she receives an additional amount each year called an increment. The increments are added to the base salary to determine the salary for individual teachers.
“The study indicated Lockport High School has the highest base salary in Will County at $9,525. With increments for years of teaching experience, a teacher with a BA in the Lockport system can make a maximum of $12,450 in 10 years. In the Beecher system, a teacher with a BA after 12 years would be at the top of the salary schedule at $10,744 for the year.
“These, however, represent the extremes of the county. The median or middle base salary is $8,400, which is the base for four school systems in Will County – Richland, Manhattan, Elwood, and Mokena. The median salary for a beginning teacher with a master’s degree, usually five years of college, was paid by Frankfort at $9,050 for the school year.”
“University Rises to Combat Gas Shortage Problems”
“The ‘around the clock’ university is endeavoring to cope with the gasoline shortage. Governors State University events, so far as possible, are being scheduled so extra automobile trips will not be necessary to the ‘out in the country’ university. Scheduling of university events also takes into account the last week of the month, when there is a more severe gas shortage.
“Increased use of public transportation, a new university commuter bus between the Illinois Central Gulf electric suburban service and the campus, and carpools are some of the other plans to help cope with the gasoline shortage.
“The extension of the electric suburban service from Richton Park to Stuenkel Road and the construction of a station there across from the campus are expected to be completed some time in 1975. The university bus, in the meantime, operates between the IC Richton Park station and the university and replaces station wagon transportation, which had been used since GSU opened two years early in 1971.
“Bus fares help defray the cost of operating the bus. Tickets must be purchased from the university cashier at the new permanent Phase I facilities and not from the bus driver, who does not accept money. Single rides are 20 cents, a 20-ride ticket $3, and a 50-ride ticket $7. Tickets are necessary only to and from the ICG station. There is no charge between the mini or interim campus, the main campus, and the planning building. More than 2,200 students commute from approximately 22 Illinois counties, with most of them from Cook, Will, Kankakee, and DuPage.”
The Crete Record: February 28, 1974
“Village Board Passes New Building Code”
“Following the news a week ago concerning Crete planning to ‘go it alone’ without Steger in annexing to the Bloom Sanitary District, the regular meeting of the Crete Village Board held Monday night appeared dull in comparison.
“The board did, after about a year of working with a special committee, pass the new building code ordinance. Ready to pass it two weeks ago, the board deferred to a builder in Swiss Valley. Ron Reichert asked more time be spent on certain aspects, particularly plumbing and bedroom size, which he said would make homes more expensive.
“The committee met with him and suggested three more changes to the village board, none of which were the vital ones Reichert was requesting. The three new changes have to do with wall studding, prefabricated chimneys, and plywood flooring. The board approved the ordinance, which will not be published in newspapers because of its length but will be available in pamphlet form for study by the public.”
Not exactly a small town warm welcome…
“Burglary Greets New Residents”
“Robbers didn’t even give the Kenneth Moen family, from Chicago, a chance to unpack boxes before robbing their new home in Crete.
“According to Police Chief Richard Leuder, the Crete Police received the burglary call from Moen early Saturday evening, February 23. Earl Hutchinson, the investigating officer, arrived at the home in the Lincolnshire area and, after a check of the home, determined entry had been gained through a broken piece of triangular glass above the door, after which the thief probably reached through and unlocked the door.
“After a check of the home’s contents, Moen stated among items missing were a color television, valued at $250; a complete set of silverware, service for 12; $50 cash; and six sets of brand new twin size sheets and pillowcases. Moen added that since the majority of his possessions were still packed in boxes, the possibility existed that, after all the items had been unpacked, he might discover additional losses, which he would then report to the police. This newest burglary still is under investigation, according to Chief Leuder.”
“Postmaster Explains Postage Increase”
“Postmaster Ralph Einhorn is reminding all residents that at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, March 2, all postage rates will increase. First class domestic mail then will be 10 cents per ounce or fraction thereof, up to 12 ounces. From 12 to 16 ounces, the rate will be $1.25. Airmail becomes 13 cents per ounce up to nine ounces. From 10 to 16 ounces, it will be $1.25.”
The Peotone Vedette: March 1, 1974
“Board Ok’s Plans to Remodel Village Hall”
“The bulk of Tuesday night’s village board meeting was taken up with discussing plans for remodeling the village hall to create offices for the clerk and mayor and bring the building up-to-date. The police department gradually will be phased out of that building and moved to the present quarters of the AMVETS. This move meets with approval of state officials, who have been increasingly critical of present jail facilities.
“The low bid of $5 an hour from Ray Bisping was accepted for the carpentry work. No bids yet have been taken on subcontract work, but the board indicated it would like to use all local people, if possible, for such specialties as plumbing, electrical, heating, etc. Plans were made to purchase supplies locally, as well. Supt. of Public Works Homer Clausing and his crew also may help on the project when they have time available.”
“Nadler Installed as President of Veterinary Group”
“Dr. James H. Nadler, Peotone, was installed as president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association at the groups 92nd annual convention, held at Arlington Park Towers, Arlington Park, February 16 – 18. The three-day convention was attended by 410 persons and featured a complete schedule of informative meetings ranging from in-depth seminars to general programs. Speakers at these gatherings came from all corners of the United States.”
And for the kiddos…
“Cartoon Show Saturday at American Legion”
“At a recent AMVETS Auxiliary meeting, plans were made for a cartoon show on Saturday, March 2, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion. A donation of 25 cents will be asked from all who attend. For those who wish to buy refreshments, candy, pop, and popcorn will be available. It is requested all members be on hand to help with supervision and clean-up.”
“Peotone Library Expands Its Hours”
Still no morning hours except for Saturday…
“The Peotone Public Library now has longer hours for the convenience of the public. New hours are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 2 – 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, from 2 – 5:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
“New Right Turn Law Poses Vision Woes”
“The new ‘right turn on red’ law may be great for saving time and cutting gasoline consumption, but it poses serious problems for Illinois citizens with peripheral vision problems, the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness warns.
“Drivers now need to be especially alert at intersections for pedestrians who might be in the crosswalk or for fast-moving automobiles speeding up to ‘beat the light.’ If any driver is limited in his or her ability to see to either side, then the risk of accident is aggravated.
“The society has no exact statistics on the number of licensed Illinois drivers with side vision problems (a realistic estimate would be at least 100,000), but older drivers particularly are prone to these diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma, that can cause a narrowed field of vision.
“For those individuals driving cars who have personal doubt about their side vision capabilities, the society suggests an examination by an eye doctor to determine if there has been any significant loss in peripheral sight.”
At the Holiday Theatre: Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland were in “Don’t look Now.”
*****
Lately, it sure has seemed an awful lot like the middle of March rather than the middle of February, but by Friday evening, winter came roaring back with cold winds and a few snow flurries. That earlier warmer weather certainly helped the grass retain at least a little hint of green. It seems every winter, after most of the snow has disappeared, there’s only drab, Drab, DRAB brown grass everywhere, plus it takes forever for lawns to brighten up. Not so this year – we’ll even have some early spring flowers if they don’t get nipped over the weekend. Mine certainly are trying to peak through on the south side of the house, but I’m sure the bricks make the little guys believe it’s warmer than it really is. This also happens to many of my irises in the fall, particularly after a warm November day or two and then whammmmmy! That’s it for them – come spring they just stand there like little green soldiers BUT no flowers. It’s almost a tradition at my house – Life is Good!!