Afternoon News Update: Monday January 5

Governor Pat Quinn says officials are working on the state's medical marijuana program as quickly as they can but a lot of research needs to be done. The state missed its end-of-2014 target for announcing which businesses will get permits to grow and sell pot to people to treat their medical conditions.
A trade group meant to educate consumers about Illinois grapes and wine varieties has a new chief. Jennifer Montgomery has been named the first full-time executive director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. Montgomery had held the same job at the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn wants Illinois to hold a special election in 2016 to replace late Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Quinn appointed budget director Jerry Sterme as interim comptroller after Topinka died last month. Governor-elect Bruce Rauner says that whoever he appoints should remain in office the next four years.
Police have identified a man struck and killed by an Amtrak train near the Wisconsin and Illinois border. Mateo Moutry of Milwaukee died Friday evening after he was hit by the train in Pleasant Prairie. Authorities are still investigating why the 18-year-old and another person were on railroad property.
Two men were found dead earlier today in the stairwell of a West State Street Parking garage near North Main in Rockford. Winnebago County Officials say both men were believed to be homeless. They say one individual was a 40-year-white male and the other was a 56-year-old white male. Police say a facilities manager found the men around 6:20 a.m. Monday.
The City of Beloit has declared a snow emergency. The snow emergency will be in effect from 8 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday. During the entirety of the declaration, the parking or standing of any vehicle on a city street is prohibited.
A Dixon man is in custody, facing felony charges involving sexual assault and child pornography. Dixon police arrested 70-year-old Thomas R. Andrews Sunday afternoon. He's accused of Criminal Sexual Assault and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Investigators aren't releasing any additional information.
The Belvidere Police Department has wrapped up its holiday traffic campaign and nearly 1/3 of traffic stop were alcohol or drug related. 40 traffic stops were completed, resulting in 63 tickets or arrests. Among those, police report eight drunk driving arrests and four illegal transportation of alcohol cases and three drug-related incidents.
Gas prices in the Rockford continue falling in the New Year. Area prices dropped at a rate of more than two cents per day per gallon, and some have now broken below the $2 level according to Gas Buddy. Prices are now 72 cents lower than they were just a month ago.
The Village of Machesney Park may start out the New Year with a big purchase. The Village is looking to buy a portion of the former Machesney Park Mall, but officials have not said what the plans would be for the property. The main retailers at the mall are the Burlington Coat Factory, Bergner's and Big Lots.

Categories: Local News, News