Why is Woodstock PD silent?

Beth Bentley has now been missing 11 weeks; more than 11 weeks, if you count from Friday night, May 21, 2010, when she was last seen publicly at the Frosty Mug in Mt. Vernon.

Beth was reported missing on the night of May 24, and the first press release by the Woodstock Police Department was dated May 27. Her disappearance was not immediately picked up by the press, and I wondered why it was not reported in the Northwest Herald or the Daily Herald on May 28. Chicago media first reported it in Breaking News on May 30.

A second press release by Woodstock PD, an update, was issued on June 9. In that release, Beth's status was elevated to "Missing Adult - Endangered." Endangered was not defined. On July 21 the Woodstock PD explained "endangered" in general terms: "In a missing person case the definition of “Endangered” means - a person who is missing under circumstances indicating that his/her physical safety may be in danger."

Yet the Woodstock PD has indicated that it considers Beth only as missing (ex., having left by her own free will), as there is no evidence of foul play.

In two months the Woodstock Police have not issued another formal statement. What possible reason could there be for the continued expenditure of public funds without any reporting to the public whatsoever?

The public can and will help. According to one close family friend, who seems to be acting as the family's spokesperson, the only area searched "most thoroughly" is near the Centralia Amtrak station.

If facts are becoming known which, if publicized, might result in the flow of additional information to police agencies, shouldn't some of those facts be revealed?

Ask yourself this question: "If your spouse had vanished without a trace, what would you be doing? What would you have done right away, and what would you be doing now - 11 weeks later?"

Okay, some of you might be celebrating, which could be taken the wrong way. But, seriously, what would you be doing and what would you expect your local police department to be doing? Your ideas might just lead straight to Beth's location. Please comment below.