CASS COUNTY — The Cass County community will once again join forces and seek to promote service, trust and hope through the National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.

The event will take place from April 8 to 14 and include a host of events. Prosecutors, elected officials, area schools, students, law enforcement, representatives of the judicial system and other citizens will take part in the 2018 celebration of victim empowerment in Cass County.

The 2018 theme: “Strength, Resilience, Justice,” provides an opportunity to reinforce Cass County’s victim centered approach.

The 2018 Cass County effort includes:

• Grade school artwork

A Display of grade school student artwork from Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 14 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 will take place at noon Wednesday, April 11, at 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. Those who have attended this event in the past describe it as “extremely moving.”

• Flagpole reception

A reception will take place immediately following the Flagpole Ceremony, hosted by Prosecutor Fitz’s Office. This year the reception will take place in the Prosecutor’s Office. At that time, light refreshments will be served.

• Essay contest luncheon

The winners of the Third Annual High School Essay Contest will have lunch with Prosecutor Victor Fitz, staff members and Judge Stacey Rentfrow. The essays are themed around the Victim’s Rights theme.

• 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 19, 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.

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.