Cass County Prosecutor Victor A. Fitz announces the start of this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week on Monday, April 3.
This year’s theme is “strength, resilience, justice”
The Cass County community will once again join forces to promote service, trust and hope.
Prosecutors, elected officials, area schools, students, law enforcement, representatives of the judicial system and other citizens will take part in the 2017 celebration of victim empowerment in Cass County.
The 2017 theme — “strength, resilience, justice” — provides an opportunity to reinforce Cass County’s victim-centered approach. Engaging the entire community can help to reach as many victims as possible and expand options for services.
The 2017 Cass County effort includes:
• Grade school artwork
Grade school student artwork will be displayed from Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7 at the Cass County Law and Courts Building, Cassopolis. The artwork is part of the annual student competition for the “Going to Court” booklet provided to youthful crime victims as part of their courtroom preparation.
• Flagpole ceremony
The annual flagpole ceremony at noon Wednesday, April 5 in front of the Cass County Law and Courts Building, Cassopolis.
This is a time for family members and the community to remember loved ones who were lost to crimes of violence. At the ceremony, the victims’ names are read aloud and a flower placed by a memorial dedicated to their memory.
• Going to Court Book Cover Contest
Winners and finalists of the ninth annual grade school “Going to Court Book Cover Contest” will be announced during the Cass County board of commissioners meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Historic Courthouse. The competition is sponsored by Prosecutor Fitz’s Crime Victim Unit. This booklet helps child witnesses and victims as they prepare for their court proceedings.
• Essay contest luncheon
The winners of the third annual high school essay contest will have lunch with Judge Stacey Rentfrow at noon Wednesday, April 26. The essays are themed around the victims’ rights theme.
Community members are encouraged to join in the week’s activities and get involved in helping victims of crime by contacting the Cass County Victims’ Rights Unit at (269) 445-4460.