Clinton County

The nonbinding advisory referendums, which include Madison County, are seen by advocates as a way to quantify discontent with the direction of Illinois’ state government. Critics say actually forming a new state is far-fetched.

Former funeral director surrendered his license in March after state regulators found deplorable conditions. The new owner recently found three disembodied human legs — although a mundane explanation emerged.

Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home Director Hugh Moran signed a consent order agreeing never to reapply for his funeral director or embalmer license in the state after a complaint that the home was a "scary, filthy, freak show."

Hugh Moran, the director for the Centralia-based Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home, asserted complaints about his business were spurred by soured business deals. But, admitted the embalming room was “unkempt" and will require a dumpster to clean up.

Aviston School District 21 has asked voters to approve an increase to its educational fund tax rate three previous times. Each time, it failed by three votes or less.