A northwest Iowa mortician faces a hearing December 13th for violations involving two funeral homes. The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science has filed charges against Andrew Joyce. He operates the Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg and the Joyce – Alesch Funeral Home in Graettinger. State documents say Joyce’s license to practice mortuary services was lapsed and not reinstated in a timely manner.

Count one of the state’s allegation says Andrew Joyce’s license expired in August 15th, 2005, and it wasn’t renewed until September 11th, 2007. The license to operate the Emmetsburg facility expired in June, 2006 and was renewed in September this year. State officials also say the funeral home in Graettinger was operated several months before the date of licensure. A settlement agreement is possible.

Audio: Mark Burggom report. :40 MP3