Letters to the Editor
Letter: Gillespie Police Chief addresses BenGil community
As many of you know by now, both the Gillespie and Benld city councils have agreed to a contract for the Gillespie Police Department to take over patrol and investigative duties for the citizens of Benld. While this change will not take full effect until June 1, 2020, I wanted to take the opportunity to communicate with all parties affected by this decision.
First of all, let me begin by stating that I am excited and privileged that Benld will be joining our area of police responsibilities. Benld and Gillespie share so many resources already. We share the same school district, the same fire district, the same ambulance service. Many of our residents have family members in both cities.
Many of my church folks reside in Benld or have family members that do. We are two distinct proud communities that share so much of the same. The police department will be no different in that regard. Benld will have the same police presence that it has always had, and perhaps even more. In addition to patrol officers, in squad cars in the city limits of Benld, there will be access to investigators, including myself that will assist in following-up on criminal cases. This will allow the freedom of more time for patrol officers to actually patrol the streets and proactively identify crime before it may be reported.
I know that there are concerns regarding this development. I know that there are questions regarding the “unknown” and “what-ifs” that are always associated with these types of decisions. That is understandable because this is new for all of us. There will be an adjustment time for the public and the police department as we head into this new area together.
I can understand that dissolving a police department is a sad day for any community, and a difficult decision for a city council to need to make. Many good officers have come from and through the Benld Police Department. Many of those officers have moved on to great careers elsewhere. I’ve had the personal privilege to been able to work with some of them during my career, and even count a few of them as my friends.
This decision was made because it is what is best for both communities. Working together is better than working alone.
The truth of law enforcement today is not the same as it once was. Constant public scrutiny, negative media and social media attention, continuing changes to legislation, low pay and benefits have caused many fine officers to seek “greener pastures” or go to the private sector for less stress filled occupation. If you ask most veteran police officers who left their position, they will most likely tell you they left because of the politics surrounding the job, not the job itself. They love being a cop, and in truth, we do this
job because we love it. The point is, they have moved on, and there are very few rising up who are able to take their place. This issue is affecting most areas of the country, but especially in rural areas where finances are limited.
This is a manpower issue. Police officers will not come, and or stay, if they can do the job at a bigger department for more benefits and opportunities for advancement. The way to help solve this issue is to combine recourses to make a more attractive location for recruits. Better equipment, more pay brings more talented officers who will be willing to serve a small community for a longer period of time. While these are certainly not the only issues, it is definitely a major one.
I look forward to continuing to serve the public in all the areas the Gillespie Police Department patrols. If you have questions or concerns regarding these issues, please feel free to contact me at the police department.
Chief Jared DePoppe
Gillespie Police Department
217-839-2922
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
Comments
Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
Comments
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