Talk Around Town October 2024 : simplebooklet.com

SERVICES: MADISON COUNTY HONORSVTC GRADUATESMADISON COUNTYPROBATION MOVESMADISON COUNTY RECOGNIZESDOMESTIC VIOLENCEAWARENESS MONTHMADISON COUNTY’SBEHAVORIAL HEALTHTRANSPORTATION SUMMITCOUNTY EMPLOYEESACHIEVEMENTSINSIDESPOTLIGHT:MADISON COUNTY JUDGE ISNCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALLOFFICIAL MADISON COUNTYCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTANNOUNCES LIHEAP MADISON COUNTY TO HOLDLAST E-WASTE EVENT 3FEATURES:MADISON COUNTY CIRCUITCLERK INFORMATION ONVOTING AND ELECTIONSMADISON COUNTY TREASURERLETS PUBLIC KNOW 3RD TAXPAYMENT IS DUEGOOD NEWS:4 10678912141618 Citizens can now address the County Board attheir regularly scheduled meetings (3rdWednesday of each month at 5:00 pm in theCounty Board room), and at special meetings. Fifteen minutes shall be set aside at thebeginning of each County Board meeting andeach speaker shall be allowed 3 minutes toaddress the board.How to Address the County Board or Committees Although not required, anyone wishing toaddress the Boardmay pre-register by filing acompleted “Request To Address The MadisonCounty Board and Committees" form, with theCounty Clerk’s Office no earlier than 48 hoursprior to the scheduled meeting. For more information on addressing the Boardof Committees visit the County Clerk’s website. Scan QR Codeto Register toSpeak17DIGITAL CONNECTION

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MMADISON COUNTY JUDGE SERVES AS FOOTBALL OFFICIAL ootball season is here and not just for our local high schools and colleges. This season, Madison County Judge SarahSmith was selected to serve as a Deep WingOfficial in the Upper Midwest AthleticConference. The term "deep wing official"means either or both the Field Judge and theSide Judge. She is also officiating at the high schoollevel, freshman on up to varsity Friday NightLights games throughout Southern Illinois. “I have three sons who all play football anda husband who coaches at the middle school,”Smith said. “Football just runs in our blood andsince I plan on retiring from the military nextyear, I figured it was the perfect time to getinto the officiating profession.” The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference(UMAC), which is comprised of eight full-timemember schools from Minnesota andWisconsin, began in 1972 as the Twin RiversConference and was renamed to its currenttitle in 1983. During the 2008-09 academicyear, the UMAC became a member of theNational Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) Division III. The UMAC includes colleges such asGreenville College and Westminster College. “I have always loved the game, fromwatching it on TV when I was young, torecruiting and quarter-backing an all-girl flagfootball team in law school, to coaching myson’s junior football leagues,” Smith said.“Football season is always something I havelooked forward to.” After Smith's quick introduction to highschool officiating, it didn't take her long to Judge Sarah Smith selected as Deep Wing Official for NCAA Division III SPOTLIGHTimmerse herself in the rules, mechanics,positioning, technique and culture of footballofficiating. "After my very first game I was hooked,"she said. "I enrolled in as many post-seasonclinics on the weekends that I could attend,participated in dozens of study groups withother officials and watched as many films ofgames as I could. Officiating has completelychanged how I watch football." Unlike professional athletes, officiating isn’ta job where you will gain a lot of fans, andsome might be discouraged from consideringa profession where someone is always yellingat you. For Smith, that wasn’t an issue.“Honestly, I am used to not making everyone F

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happy, that’s inherent in my profession as a Circuit Judge,” shesaid. “However, there’s a shortage in sports officials and theycan’t play the game without us.” She said while it is not for the thinned skinned or faint ofheart, if someone loves the game like she does, officiating is away for them to get out there and feel like you are part of theaction. “I am excited for this new chapter in my life, and I hope toencourage other females out there who may love football orany other sport to get out of their comfort zone and to considerofficiating,” she said. “It is so much fun and truly a rewardingexperience.” In addition to officiating football, Smith serves as CircuitJudge for the Third Judicial Circuit in Madison County, aColonel in the Illinois Army National Guard, along with being awife and mother to three active boys. "After my very first gameI was hooked," she said.

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6SERVICESLIHEAP adison County is now taking applications for the Low- Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting nextmonth. Madison County Community Development announced funding isavailable to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas,propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperableheating systems. The program is now taking applications for Adults 60-year-old and older,Individuals with disabilities,Families with children under the age of six andHouseholds that are disconnected from their utilities, have adisconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying Nov. 1. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis throughAugust 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive aone-time benefit may return during the program year for a ReconnectionAssistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed. Households must be at or below 200 percent of the federal povertylevel to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The 30-day income guidelines forLIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income andthe number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines areas follows: 1- $2,510, 2- $3,407, 3- $4,303, 4- $5,200. Please visit:https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/energy_assistance_program_(liheap).php or liheapillinois.com to knowincome limits for households with 5 members and more. LIEAP provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners andrenters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged toapply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so byThe Low-Income Home EnergyAssistance Program is now available forincome qualified households startsapplying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit gofurther. Applications will be taken by appointment only. Due to the highvolume of applicants MCCD will not mail applications. Call for anappointment at the intake locations (See attached location sheet) To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentationrequired:Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior30-day period beginning with the date of application.For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers(SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for allhousehold members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can stillapply and Madison County Community Development will adviseaccordingly.A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30days.A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities areincluded, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.Other documents may be needed based on your householdsituation, such as proof of SNAP benefits and/or TANF. If you havequestions regarding this, please call our office. Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas,North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount ontheir natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates.Visitliheapillinois.com orhttps://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/energy_assistance_program_(liheap).php for more details. Please call at Madison County Community Development at (618)296-6485, or email: Liheap2@madisoncountyil.gov, for outreachlocations and schedules, and for information on what documents areneeded to apply and different ways to submit your application.M

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adison County Building and Zoning and CJD- E-Cycling, will host an electronics recycling collection for county residents this month. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m onSaturday, Oct. 14 at CJD E-Cycling, 5257 StateRoute 157, Edwardsville. Residents who have made an appointment maydrop off home electronics. The event is free toattend, but registration is required. Those not pre-registered will be turned away to avoid lengthy waittimes and overwhelming site capacity. Register athttps://recycleresponsibly.as.me/electronics. Accepted items include anything with a cord,home electronics and televisions, computers andmonitors, small appliances, air conditioners, washers,dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, furnaces, lawnequipment. All items, including older-model CRTtelevisions, are free of charge for residents to recycleduring the drive. Items not accepted include business andcontractor waste, paint, hazardous waste, batteries,oils, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, oxygen tanks, Madison County to host finalMadison County to host finale-waste collectione-waste collection of the yearof the year DVDs, VHSs, CDs, or cassette tapes, transformers orballasts, and devices containing mercury includingsmoke detectors. Madison County will continue to monitor the latestdevelopments surrounding COVID-19 and may cancel orpostpone events as deemed necessary. If this occurs,appointment holders will receive an email notification. These collections are part of Madison CountyBuilding & Zoning’s regular programming to provideresidents with comprehensive waste-disposal andrecycling services. LIHEAP LocationApplication SitesChouteau Township906 ThorngateGranite City(618)931-0360Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. to 3:30pm Serving ONLY: Granite City, SouthRoxana, Roxana, Hartford & Wood River Collinsville Township305 E. Main St. Collinsville(618) 344-1290Monday – Thursdays9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Madison County Urban League Alton408 E. Broadway Alton(618) 463-1906Monday — Thursday8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.mMadison County Urban League2900 Madison Ave.Granite City( 618) 877-8860Monday — Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.(closed daily for lunch noon to 1 p.m.)Senior Services Plus2603 N. Rodgers Alton (618) 465-3298Monday— Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Edwardsville Township300 W. Park St.Edwardsville,(618) 656-0292Tuesdays 2 to 4 p.m.Wednesdays 9 to 11 a.m.Thursdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Glen Ed Pantry125 5th Ave.Edwardsville( 618) 656-7506Tuesday & Thursday noon – 3 p.m.Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.7M

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GodfreyAltonWood RiverBethaltoABCDSIUEEdwardsvilleGranite CityMadison E FGHCollinsvilleTroyHighlandI J K Early Voting Hours for Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City: Oct. 21-25-Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 26 (Saturday)-Hours: 9 a.m.-Noon Nov. 2 (Saturday)-Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 (Sundays)-Hours: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Oct. 28 - 31. Nov. 1 and 4 -Hours: 8:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m.For a complete address list of early voting sitesvisit the County Clerk's website.EARLYEARLYEARLYVVV TINGTINGTINGis on arly voting for the Nov. 5 election started in Madison County. With early voting, you can vote before the observedelection day at convenient locations throughoutMadison County. Early Voting makes voting easier for almosteveryone. You don’t have to wait in line at the pollingplace and can vote when it fits your schedule. The early voting period begins 15 days prior to theelection and continues through the day beforeElection Day. Early voting is conducted at assigned locations throughout Madison County. You may visit any of thethese assigned locations to vote early. This election, there are hundreds of different ballotstyles for federal, state and county offices. as well aslocal ballot amendments. Early voting is underway at the Circuit Clerk’sOffice in the lobby of the Madison CountyAdministration Building, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville. Additional locations will open up starting Oct. 21. Visit the Madison County Clerk’s website to find theobserved Election Day polling places. ABCD H G F E I J K EarlyPollingSitesE

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hile many are gearing up for the General Election on Nov. 5, others are preparing for spring. Candidates for the Consolidated Primary Elections inCollinsville, Highland, Pontoon Beach and Wood River can startfiling on Monday, Oct. 21. Their last day to file is Monday, Oct.28. The Consolidated Primary Election is set for Feb. 25, 2025.A primary is triggered if there are more than four times thenumber of candidates for the number of open seats. Candidates for the April 1 Consolidated Election can startfiling on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Next year’s races include municipal, township, village, libraryand park districts, school districts and other local offices.Those seeking office are for the positions of mayor, villagepresidents, supervisor, highway commissioner, townshipassessor, clerk, alderman, council member, trustee andcommissioner. Candidates running for office, other than school boards, filewith local election officials. Those running for school boardpositions can start filing at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, atthe County Clerk’s Office, 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville or bymail and received no earlier than Nov. 12 and no later than Nov.18. Petitions received in the mail prior to Nov. 12 will bereturned. Visit the County Clerk’s website or call (618) 692-6290 formore information CANDIDATES TO START FILING FORCANDIDATES TO START FILING FOR2025 ELECTIONS2025 ELECTIONS installment of Property taxes Due3rdW adison County Treasurer Office is reminding the public that the third property tax installment is due on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Taxpayers can also pay by mail, in person at the Treasurer’s Office, orat one of the more than 100 collector banks and credit unions. Summary of payment options:Visit madcotreasurer.org to pay by eCheck or credit card.Mail payments to Madison County Treasurer, P.O. Box 849 (withcoupon) or P.O. Box 729 (without coupon) Edwardsville, IL 62025In person, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MadisonCounty Administration Building, Treasurer’s Office, Suite 125,EdwardsvilleMore than 100 collector banks or credit unions. Tax coupons required.Online bill pay through your bank or credit union. For questions or more information visit www.madcotreasurer.org orcontact the Treasurer’s Office at (618) 692-6260.M9

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Madison County Honors GMadison County Honors GraduatesraduatesFour combat veterans arewelcomed as the newest alumni ofVeterans Treatment Court andpose with Circuit Judge SarahSmith following their recentgraduation ceremony.FEATURES adison County Veterans Treatment Court graduated another class. The court praised the veterans — including four combatveterans — who used the programs resources to get their liveson back on track. “We are proud of the veterans who complete this program,”Michael Wilkinson. Madison County’s Deputy Chief of Problem-Solving Courts and Pretrial Services, said. “We don’t give up onour veterans.” As an Army veteran himself, Wilkinson said he wants veteransto succeed, and Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is helpingthem to do just that. “We have an 88 percent success rate,” Wilkinson said. “Mostdiversion courts around the country have a graduation ratearound 50 percent.” Wilkinson, who has served the VTC since it started in 2009,said participants include veterans who are trying to cope andsuffer from PTSD or psychological or substance abuse problemsas a result of their service to their country. He said the goal ofVTC is to provide a strategy of treatment, rather than jail, forveterans who have entered the criminal justice system. Combat graduates received a quilt from local representativesof Quilts of Valor, an organization that provides comforting,handmade quilts to deserving combat veterans. M

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Wilkinson said three mentors (similar toan alcohol or drug sponsor) who volunteertheir time for the program also receivedquilts. He said adding mentors was the finalpiece of the puzzle for the 12-monthprogram. He said Judge Charles V. Romaniwas invited back after a few years ofretirement to become the programs firstMentor Coordinator. “Judge Romani and his vision was thereason we started the VTC,” Wilkinson said. Veterans Treatment Court is acollaborative effort of the judges, theVeterans Administration, the State’sAttorney’s Office, the Public Defender’sOffice, the Probation Department andseveral community partners. Circuit JudgeSarah Smith, herself a combat veteran,presided over the recent ceremony,thanking the graduates for their service andcommending them for utilizing the toolsoffered through the program. The program offers a viable option for aselect group of offenders whose needs arebetter met through treatment interventionrather than incarceration. The VTC is aprogram that provides services to pre- andpost-adjudicatory participants that servedin a military branch. At pre-adjudicatoryparticipants with no criminal history willhave their charge dismissed once theysuccessfully complete the program. The program involves months oftreatment, drug-testing, counseling andadherence to any guidelines set by thecourt. Madison County’s Veteran’s TreatmentCourt was the first in the state of Illinoisand the third in the country. Wilkinson saidit was modeled after the program inBuffalo, N.Y. More than 300 military veterans havesuccessfully completed the program. Thereare around 35 participants in the programat any given time. Information about the Madison CountyVeterans Court is available by contactingMadison County Problem-Solving Courts atCriminal Justice Center, 509 Ramey St.,Suite 304, Edwardsville, IL 62025 or (618)692-8961.WHAT IS A PEER MENTOR? Peer mentors are veterans of the United StatesArmed Forces who volunteer their time to assist thecourt by providing advice, guidance, andrecommendations to justice involved veterans. This relationship ultimately promotes and fosters a“can do” attitude in the veteran and increases thelikelihood of success in treatment, long term sobriety,and in a productive law-abiding civilian life.To attend court sessions with menteesTo participate in and lead mentoring sessionsTo be supportive and understanding of thedifficulties veterans face.To assist the veterans with concerns involvingcourt proceedings and the VeteranAdministrationVeteran Mentoring Program are always in need ofveterans who are willing to volunteer their time tohelp a fellow veteran in need.Mentor Duties and Responsibilities11

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Madison County Probationmoves into $3.1 million renovated space There are around 60employees in thedepartment, which includescertified probation anddetention officers,administration and otherpositions. The departmentoversees more than 4,000probationers, who werenotified of the move. The department movedmost of its furniture into thebuilding mid-September.The department is alsoawaiting for some if its newfurniture pieces for thespace, which includes itemsfor the interview rooms andconference rooms, whichwill be used for trainingpurposes. County AdministratorDave Tanzyus and TreasurerChris Slusser, who is countyboard chairman-elect, took atour of the site and wereshown around by some ofthe staff, who were happy tobe at the renovated location. Probation Officer HarlanBloodworth said that for thelongest time probationofficers have worked invarious locations throughoutMadison County, with themain office at theAdministration Building priorto the start of the renovationproject. “This is the first time we’ve fter nearly two years in the making, Madison County’sprobation staff andsupervisors moved into theirnewly renovated “home” onHillsboro. The county renovated thebuilding, formerly known asthe “Annex,” at 130 HillsboroAve. in Edwardsville, toestablish a more centralizedand secure ProbationDepartment. The county startedworking on the $3.1 millionbuilding upgrade in October2022. Prior to therenovation, the building wasoccupied by CommunityDevelopment on the firstfloor with the ProbationDepartment having officeson the second. On Sept. 16, ProbationDirector Kevin McKee was“handed the keys” to thefacility. Soon after crewsand staff got to work fillingthe two-story, 19,240square-foot building withoffice furniture and supplies. The renovated buildingincludes 54office/conference rooms.The building itself includes anew interior stairwell andelevator to accommodatethe second floor, which isstaff only. A

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Probation Officer Harlan Bloodworthtalks with Administrator Dave Tanzyusand Treasurer Chris Slusser about therenovated facility and the operations ofthe departmentProbation Officer N’Gai Simmons watchesfellow Probation Officer Kasey Mewesunpack boxes in her new office on thesecond floor. all been in the same buildingsince 1998,” Bloodworthsaid. Tanzyus said there weresome who wanted to sell thebuilding. “After outlining thebuilding’s value to theProbation Department’smission, the Boardgenerously allowed us tocreate a safe and modernbuilding, “Tanzyus said. Slusser said the newfacility is nice. “I’ve always thought itwas important, from asecurity standpoint and for the safety of our employees,to have probation offices ina separate and more securefacility,” Slusser said. “I’mvery impressed by thesecurity features in the newbuilding.” The lobby of the buildingincludes an 18-inch blockwall with a protectivecoating and a bullet proofwindow. During construction,probation worked fromoffices at 200 Clay Street,the basement of theAdministration Building andthe Juvenile DetentionCenter. McKee said although themajority of his staff will be inthe Probation Building,which it will now be called,they will still have apresence at the CriminalJustice Center and theJuvenile Detention Home. The public will enter thenew office on HillsboroAvenue. Madison County Administrator DaveTanzyus and Treasurer Chris Slusser(County Board Chairman-elect) talk asmovers bring items inside the newlyrenovated Probation Departmentbuilding.“I’ve always thought it wasimportant, from a securitystandpoint and for the safety ofour employees, to haveprobation offices in a separateand more secure facility”

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M a d i s o n C o u n t y r e c o g n i z e sM a d i s o n C o u n t y r e c o g n i z e s Domestic Violence Awareness MonthDomestic Violence Awareness Month9 omestic violence takes place in our nation every minute of every day, occurring just about every 15 seconds. Most Americans don’t realize just how real domesticviolence is and how many lives are affected by it. One inthree women and one in seven men are victims ofdomestic violence. “Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is acycle of abuse and a serious public health issue,” MadisonCounty Mental Health Board Director Deborah Humphreysaid. Humphrey said the Centers for Disease Controlestimates approximately 36 percent of women and 34percent of men across the country have been harmed byan intimate partner in their lifetime. “In Illinois, these estimates are slightly higher forwomen (42 percent) and lower for men (26 percent),”Humphrey said. For the past 35 years, organizations and individualshave united across the country during the month ofOctober for a national effort to uplift the needs, voicesand experiences of survivors. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence(NCADV) became a voice of victims and survivors in thelate 1970s and held its first Day of Unity in October 1981,which is celebrated on the fist Monday in October. Through the years the day grew into a week then intomonth-long event in October 1987. In 1989, Congressdesignated the month of October as Domestic ViolenceAwareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a nationalcampaign dedicated to raising awareness about domesticviolence. Humphrey said while domestic violence itself is notconsidered a mental health disorder, individuals exposedto violence consequentially may experience depression,anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders,suicidal behavior, alcohol or drug abuse, sexual problems,problems with concentration, somatization, social,educational, or occupational difficulties, as well asfeelings of blame and guilt or reproach. “It effects our mental health and those who arearound it,” she said. She said individuals with an existing mental healthdisorder may be more vulnerable to partner violencethat may negatively impact or exacerbate their mentalhealth disorder. It is important to have intervention programs with amulticomponent approach to help individuals who haveexperienced intimate partner violence. These programsprovide additional strategies for addressing violence andto provide tailored interventions to victims. “There are many programs, services and sheltersavailable to domestic violence victims, Humphrey said.“In Madison County, there is only one women’s shelter —Oasis Women’s Center in Alton.” According to Oasis, “being a victim of domesticviolence is in no way a mental illness, but this kind ofintimate trauma leaves many difficult and complicatedissues in its wake.” Oasis helps survivors in putting theirexperiences into a healthier context, supporting theirpositive steps toward recovery and finding the supportthey need to live lives free from violence. Oasis also provides individualized domestic violencecounseling for adults and children and more intensivetherapy for adults and children. Domestic Violence effects not just the individual, butthe whole family. Domestic violence createscomplicated issues of safety, housing, and custody. Sometimes intimate violence and these issues canonly be resolved safely through the assistance of courtadvocates and the judicial and court system. In 1990, the Illinois Supreme Court organized theFamily Violence Coordinating Council, which is astatewide infrastructure that operates at both the stateand local levels to assist victims and survivors ofdomestic violence. In Madison County it’s known as the Family ViolencePrevention Council (FVPC.) According to the FVPCdomestic violence must be eliminated by improvinginstitutional and professional responses. The council takes individual and communityresponsibility for education, intervention and preventionby providing appropriate services for victims andperpetrators of child abuse, domestic abuse and elder D

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Domestic violence is all about power—abusers exertcontrol over their partners in whatever form they can.While physical violence may be the first thing thatcomes to mind when one pictures domestic violence,abusers exert their control in many other ways. Beloware some of the forms in which this abuse can takeplace.Physical Abuse - any deliberate act of forceagainst another person that results in harm,injury, or trauma to that person’s body.Verbal Abuse - is when someone repeatedly useswords to demean or control someone.Controlling Behavior - is when a controlling personattempts to maintain control, authority, and/ordecision-making power over other people andsituations. Emotional Abuse - is a type of abuse that involvesthe use of words and actions to control,manipulate and intimidate another person.Sexual Abuse - is when someone makesdegrading sexual comments, forcing sex,assaulting breasts or genitals, forcing a partner tohave sex with a third person, criticizingappearance, bragging about infidelity, and forcedcohabitation.Financial/Economic Abuse - is when someonemay destroy property, prized possessions,relatives’ property; take or deny money; restrictaccess to household finances and withholdmedical treatment; not allow their partner to workor attend school.Neglect - Abusers might omit or fail to do what areasonable person should do under certaincircumstances. It includes failure to provide food,shelter, clothing, and personal hygiene to adependent person.abuse. The FVPC consists of five committees, court,clergy, health, law enforcement and intervention,prevention and education. These committees are instrumental in helping todevelop domestic violence prevention procedures andprotocols and consist of professionals within theirrespective fields. Since 1994, there have been huge strides made sincethe federal Violence Against Women Act was put inplace. However, nearly 10 million people remain victimsof domestic violence, which equates to just about 20people every minute. According to NCADV, between 1993 and 2010, thedomestic violence rate dropped by nearly two-thirds.Also, state legislators reformed laws to tackle issuessuch as dating abuse in the workplace, employmentdiscrimination, stalking and more. As many as 3 out of 4 Americans know of anotherperson that has, or is being abused by another individual,but a lot of times nothing is done about it. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office createdan Intimate Partner Violence Task Force. The unitfocuses on domestic violence between intimate partners.The cases are often difficult because the victims usuallyrecant their initial allegations — often out of fear. In 2023, the Madison County Sheriff’s Officeresponded to 346 cases of domestic violence inunincorporated Madison County. Not all law enforcement responses lead to charges,however Madison County State’s Attorney’s Officebrought 68 charges of aggravated domestic batteryagainst 68 individuals in cases across the county. In a domestic violence situation, the risk of lethalityincreases when there is a separation or an attempt toend the relationship. According to ICADV domestic violence deaths rose by110 percent across the state last year. The numbers arecontained in the coalition’s annual report on domesticviolence, which was released in July. The coalition foundin 2023 there were 94 incidents of domestic violencethat led to 120 deaths, including six in Madison County. Vickie Smith, the former executive director and nowconsultant for the Illinois Coalition Against DomesticViolence, said the increase is disturbing. She said themost dangerous time for a domestic violence victim iswhen they take steps related to their safety, which oftenincludes getting a protective order. Smith said the two to three days after someone gets aprotective order is an incredibly dangerous time. The Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office reported in2023 there ertr 1,440 order of protections filed with theThird Circuit Court. Visit oasiswomenscenter.org for more informationabout the shelter and services. The Madison CountyFVPC website provides information and ways to helpdomestic violence victims and survivors. Humphrey said domestic violence affects not onlywomen, but men and children, of all different races,religions, culture and economic status. “No one is immune to domestic violence,” she said.Abuse:It Comes in Many Forms15

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G e t t i n g A r o u n dG e t t i n g A r o u n dM a d i s o n C o u n t yM a d i s o n C o u n t y B e h a v i o r a l H e a l t h T r a n s p o r t a t i o nB e h a v i o r a l H e a l t h T r a n s p o r t a t i o nS u m m i t d i s c u s s e s r i d e o p t i o n sS u m m i t d i s c u s s e s r i d e o p t i o n sa n d i n f o r m a t o n t o c o m m u n i t ya n d i n f o r m a t o n t o c o m m u n i t ys t a k e h o l d e r s a n d s e r v i c es t a k e h o l d e r s a n d s e r v i c ep r o v i d e r sp r o v i d e r s ow do people get where they need to go if they don’t have a ride? Getting around Madison County can be hard ifyou don’t have transportation, but it’s not as hardas you think when there are those who are willingto help. The Madison County Mental Health Board,along with St. Clair County Mental Health Boardput on an event in September to communitystakeholders, administrators and direct serviceproviders to find the answers to theirtransportation questions. The county’s BehavioralHealth Transportation Summit at the GatewayConvention Center in Collinsville on Sept. 20presented information and transportationresources for individuals with mental health orsubstance use disorder or developmentaldisability for who reside in the Metro East. “We wanted to present information toorganizations who serve the most vulnerable andcommunity leaders with the answers they mayneed in how to help people with theirtransportation needs,” Madison County MentalHealth Board Director Deborah Humphrey said. Participants whopresented at the summitincluded Madison CountyTransit (MCT), Agency forCommunity Transit (ACT), St.Clair County Transit, Bi-StateDevelopment/Metro, alongwith Madison County and St.Clair County representatives.Jewel Ride also presentedinformation. Each of the participantsspoke about what theirorganization offered, and thevarious forms oftransportation and costsassociated with it. However, ACT which is the non- profit arm that operates all public and paratransit bus services for MCT, RideFinders carpool/vanpool program,as well as constructs andmaintains the MCT Trailssystem, presentedinformation many inattendance were mostinterested. Madison County HomelessCoordinator David Kerr saidhe enjoyed hearing mostabout the ACT CommunityAction Grants program. The program providesfunding to public entities andorganizations to enhancemobility for the elderly anddisabled, improve ADAaccessibility, and promotealternative transportationmodes to improve the qualityof life for Madison Countyresidents. “It would be nice to be able to apply and get some funding that would help withthe bus fare we offer to ourhomeless clients,” Kerr said. Kerr said the countyspends around $10,000annually in homeless grantfunding for transportation,however if he could apply forand receive the ACT grant itwould allow the currentmonies being spent to beshifted for other uses for thehomeless, such as foodvouchers or temporaryhousing. One of the more excitingprograms mentioned was thelaunch of the pilot program —MCT Micro. This new servicewill allow customers to hail(form an app or by phone) asmall MCT vehicle that willpick you up on demand andtake you anywhere within thepre-determined CollinsvilleMicro service area for just $1. Unlike other ride hailingservices, these vehicles areADA-accessible, monitoredby video surveillance, bike-accessible and driven bydrug-tested, background-checked ACT drivers.Currently, the serviceoperates from 7 a.m. to 7p.m., Monday to Saturdayand 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. onSundays. Humphrey said thattransportation providers areinvested and always lookingat ways to expand theirprograms and to help thepublic.H16

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he Madison County Clerk’s Office gave away more than a dozen computers since it first announced it had surplus items. “We are off to a good start,” Circuit Clerk TomMcRae said. “We are continuing to make the oldcomputers available to any taxing district, non-profitor charitable organizations that may be interested.” McRae announced in July that his office had around100 old computers to give away to non-profits andcharitable organizations. He said the surpluscomputers were no longer useful in the office becauseit recently upgraded to newer systems. County Board members Frank Dickerson of Wordenand Michael “Doc” Holliday of Alton both reached outto McRae after learning about the surplus items andacquired them for entities in their perspective districts. Dickerson requested five computers for WordenPublic Library and Holliday picked up four for theAmerican Legion in Alton. “The library needed some new computers, and theyjust didn’t have the funding to go and purchase newones so this definitely helped,” Dickerson said. Holliday said he got the computers for the legion tohelp veterans. The Circuit Clerk’s Office continues to offer computersto non-profit and charitable organizations 17T Holliday said the computers would also be availablefor general use for the veterans as well. He said hehopes other veterans’ organizations throughout thecounty that don’t have computers would considergetting some for their organization to allow veterans tocheck on their Veterans Administration information. Edwardsville Township also received severalcomputers. McRae said Trena Camerer, a systems engineer withthe Circuit Clerk’s Office, is handling the program. Camerer said the said the available computers havethe capabilities of running Microsoft WindowsOperating System 10 and 11. She said although thesoftware updates are ending in 2025, the computerswill still be able to access the internet and use someprograms. “All the computers operating systems are wipedclean of applications and files for security andlicensing purposes,” she said. “The cost of a license forWindows 11 Operating System is in the neighborhoodof $200.” If interested in one of the Circuit Clerk’s computers,please email Camerer attgcamerer@madisoncountyil.gov. County Board MemberFrank Dickerson ofWorden with membersand employees of theWorden Public Library .

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County __Madison County employees honored at state conferenceMadison County employees honored at state conference Sanitarian SaluteSanitarian SaluteSanitarian Salute adison County Health Department recently received recognition during the Illinois Environmental Health Association’s AnnualEducation Conference in Chicago. IEHA named Madison County Administrator of PublicHealth Doug King as its “Sanitarian of the Year.”Sanitarian of the Year is an annual award recognizing aprofessional that serves as a role model for all members.This person goes above and beyond the normalexcellence in his/her field, by teaching, training, andstriving to upgrade their own departments and also thetotal environment as a whole. The recipient receives acertificate to honor these achievements. IEHA also named the department’s sanitarians,LonnieSilvus and Bobbie Schlemer, as the SouthChapter’s “Member of the Year” winners. Silvus andSchlemer received the award for a training presentationthey put together on environmental health, as well as allthe work they do for the health department and theircontribution to food safety. The Illinois Environmental Health Association (IEHA)is a state-wide, not-for-profit organization ofprofessionals that consists of administrators,environmental health practitioners, sanitarians andtechnicians employed by governmental agencies,education and health care institutions, and industry.M

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County adison County’s Emergency Management team recently received Certificates of Achievement for completing the IllinoisEmergency Management and Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Professional Development Series. EMA Director Fred Patterson, along with PlannerGabrielle Riggs and Logistics CoordinaterGeorge Koranyi took the course, which covers a varietyof topics in the emergency management field. Therecognition means EMA team is working within thehighest professional standards to prepare for MadisonCounty emergencies. The team was able to demonstrate competence in theskills that are discussed in class, have the ability tointeract face-to-face with emergency managementprofessionals from other jurisdictions at the local andstate level, and allow first responders from differentdisciplines the opportunity to develop a betterunderstanding of what each one does individually so thatthey can work together more efficiently during futureexercises and real events. Individuals enter the emergency management fieldwith a variety of backgrounds and training which areoften unrelated to the wide range of responsibilities tobe fulfilled by today's emergency managementprofessionals.MMadison County Emercncy Management AgencyMadison County Emercncy Management Agencyemployees receive certificationemployees receive certification Achieving SuccessAchieving SuccessAchieving Success19On left, Madison CountyEMA Director FredBatterson and Planner Gabriellee Riggs hold their “Certificate ofAchievements” Theyrecently received. Logistics CoordinaterGeorge Koranyi alsoreceived a “Certificate ofAchievement.”

Talk Around Town October 2024

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