Officials say morgue filtration was overdue; board seeks written procedures from coroner

Board members flagged a lapse in routine maintenance of the Stephenson County morgue, and officials said the coroner will be asked to provide written procedures to clarify responsibility and access.

Sheriff Yoder reported that inspection of the morgue’s air-filtration system showed the unit’s last recorded service was 2020, and that the board has ordered replacement filters and a five-year sensor required to detect saturated filters. "We ordered the filter and sensors to get the unit back up and running," the sheriff said.

Officials also said a UV disinfecting-light system in the morgue uses a remote that could not be found; staff are working to replace the remote or the lighting system. The coroner’s FOIA/record-request form was also updated after an outdated fee schedule prevented legally permitted charges, the board heard.

Board members pressed for an administrative backup and written procedures after a member said, "It's an annual filter and no one's checked on it in 6 years." In response, Sheriff Yoder said the coroner operates the morgue and stated the clerk will be responsible for ensuring the filter is changed going forward. The board asked the elected coroner to put procedures in writing so an acting coroner or deputy will have clear instructions and access rules.

Members discussed creating a safety committee for public-safety facilities and mirroring evidence-room access policies in the coroner’s office. The transcript did not include a meeting date for publication; the coroner’s office and county staff will provide further policy language and implementation steps to the board.