New rules for funeral homes

   An Illinois lawmaker wants funeral homes to preserve bodies within a set period of time.    The legislation filed by Republican state Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington would require funeral home directors to embalm or refrigerate bodies within 48 hours of possession.
 
     Brady is a funeral director and embalmer. He says sometimes family members of a deceased person can’t be found or the body remains unclaimed.
 
     Brady says that not having time requirements for preserving bodies can pose a public health risk and presents liability risks for funeral homes. He says it’s a problem all across the state.
 
     The legislation has been sent to a House rules committee.

Tough rules for med marijuana businesses

  Advisers to potential medical marijuana businesses say getting into the industry would be expensive and rigorous.   This comes after the state’s agriculture, revenue, and financial and professional regulation departments released regulations Friday.
 
     Applicants for retail dispensary stores would need $400,000 on hand, with verification of how they acquired the money. The proposed rules also call for about $50,000 in application, registration and annual fees.
 
     Cultivation center owners would need about $375,000.
 
     Lawyer Nicholas Williams says it’s clear Illinois is trying to discourage illegal drug dealers from setting up shop. His medical supply company wants into the medical marijuana industry. He says the rules are fair and reasonable.
 
     But Julie Falco, who uses cannabis for medical conditions, says she fears the rules will make the drug too expensive.

Warrants served at bars

It would seem a good place to find people wanted on warrants is where there’s a disturbance. Sheriff’s deputies were called to two such disturbances early today (Sunday). Just after midnight, deputies were needed at “Top Hat” bar in Wenona. 30-year old Billy Jo Delahaba of Streator was arrested for failing to show in LaSalle County court on a charge of driving with a suspended license. He was sent to the county jail on bond of $4000.

After 3am, another disturbance brought sheriff’s deputies to Earlville Tap. 28-year old Lorenzo Glenn of Earlville was charged with trespassing and for failing to show in Kendall County court on a charge of battery. Glenn was taken to the LaSalle County jail with bond set at $3000.

Light snow fall amounts reported

How much snow fell where you are? The National Weather Service reported the following by mid to late afternoon yesterday: LaSalle 2 inches, Putnam 1.9 and Bureau 1.8. inches.

A wind chill advisory will be in effect across the three county area at midnight until 11am tommorrow.