Ill. birth centers offer choice for pregnant women

CHICAGO (AP) – Illinois’ first free-standing birth centers could open later this year or early next, offering women with low-risk pregnancies an alternative many have been seeking for years.

Research shows birth centers provide safe settings for uncomplicated childbirth. And they do it more cheaply than hospitals can – on average, $2,300 vs. $8,900 for facility charges.

It took two decades of lobbying by Illinois midwives before a 2007 law authorized a pilot program for 10 birth centers in the state. A lengthy rule-making process came next with many compromises between hospitals, doctors and midwives. A hearing on rules this week ended with no opposition, meaning birth center operators soon can seek licensing.

Illinois will require all birth centers to be within 30 minutes of a hospital to allow for emergency cesarean sections.

Felony drug charge for man stopped in La Salle

Something as simple as disobeying a stop sign could lead to more serious charges.  Police say that was the case for Salvador Arteaga of Mendota.  He was arrested Friday evening for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver after being pulled over in La Salle.  Arteaga was being held in the La Salle County Jail.

Dog blamed for rollover accident

Man’s best friend can be your biggest distraction when it’s jumping on your lap as you’re driving.  Police say Brandon Fleming of Crosslanes, West Virginia, rolled his car after loosing control of his car thanks to the dog that was with him.  It happened Friday evening on rural Route 251.  Fleming was taken to Mendota Community Hospital.  No word on the dog.

Leland man accused of leaving the scene after early mornign crash

The intersections of Route 52 and Route 23 have seen a lot of accidents.  The most recent crash was Friday morning and police say one of the people involved apparently tried driving away.

Matt Shumway of Leland was arrested for leaving the scene, not reporting a crash, not slowing down to avoid an accident, and a few other tickets.

More racing and music in DePeu

The humming of motors it’s what you’ll hear again Saturday afternoon at Lake DePue.  The annual Pro National Boat races resume at 12pm.

But activities started early with a 5K Walk – Run at 8am.  The Food stands open at 11am and the carnival opens at 1pm.  The big beer garden opens at 5pm.  The band One Night Stand will be playing from 8pm to midnight.