Montgomery County Sheriff Joe Sampson says anyone is welcome to attend Crimestoppers meetings, voice their ideas, and/or volunteer for upcoming events with the group. Red Oak VFW members co-sponsor the Crimsetoppers group activities. Their meetings take place the first Tuesday of every month at the Red Oak American Legion (211 E. Washington St.), beginning at 6-p.m.  The Sheriff says support of Montgomery County Crimestoppers is critical, and he, along with Chief Deputy Jon Spunaugle and Red Oak Police Chief Justin Rhamy, want the support to continue, and increase.

The Crimestopppers program is designed to reduce crime by partnering with the community, media and local law enforcement, and works when the community helps to identify criminals, reports suspicious activity that may be relevant to crimes, and identifies vehicles. Tips are processed anonymously, and may be eligible for a reward if they lead to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information on a crime may call Montgomery County Crimestoppers at 1-888-434-2712.

The group’s phone number has changed, and renewed efforts are underway to bring the program back to maximum effectiveness. Donations and fund raising are the only activities that keep the organization afloat, according to Sheriff Sampson, who says also, members will be circulating new materials around the county in the near future. In addition, a Fundraising Benefit is planned for March 21st, at the Eagles.

The Trevor Frederickson Foundation reports applications are now being accepted for the 11th Annual Trevor Frederickson Memorial Scholarship. Applications may be obtained from the Atlantic High School guidance office at 1201 E. 14th Street, or the Atlantic High School’s website: www.atlanticiaschools.org. Up to two $750 scholarships are available to those graduating from Atlantic High School in the spring of 2020. Applicants must plan to attend a college or vocational school, show involvement in school and/or community activities, supply a copy of their college acceptance letter, provide two letters of reference along with their 7 semester transcripts, and maintain academic achievement of 2.5 or better. The scholarships will be awarded at the Atlantic High School Class Night held in May.

Trevor Frederickson (Photo submitted)

Trevor Frederickson graduated from Atlantic High School in 2006. He went on to further his education at Southwestern Community College in Creston where he studied automotive mechanics and played baseball for the Southwestern Spartans. Two additional $750 scholarships will be available for Southwestern Community College students this fall. Trevor, who passed away in 2009, had plans of pursuing a career in law enforcement and returning to his hometown of Atlantic. Trevor’s mom, Melanie Petty, says “Anyone who knew Trevor, knew he valued family, life and community. Trevor continues to live on in our hearts and minds. To this day, Trevor is still giving back to the community he loved to be a part of.”

Funds for the scholarships are raised at an annual golf tournament. Plans are already in the works for the 12th Annual TFred Memorial Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2020. Organizers look forward to another successful tournament so they can continue to grant scholarships for many years to come.

Seven people were arrested recently, in Creston. Authorities say 30-year old Ryan Neal, of Orient, and 31-year old Marrell Beaman, of Creston, were arrested at McKinley Park in Creston, a little after 8-p.m., Monday. Both were taken into custody by Creston Police with the assistance of the K9 “Jax.” Neal was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance/1^st offense, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was later released on a $1,300 bond. Beaman was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance/2^nd offense. He was later released on a $1,000 bond.

Monday afternoon, 24-year old Richard Leingang, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a Union County warrant for Failure to Appear on an original charges of OWI/1^st offense. Leingang was being held in the Union County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.

Creston Police report 36-year old Savannah McVay, of Creston, was arrested at around 12:20-a.m. Monday at her home, on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault/Display or Use of a Weapon – 1^st offense. McVay was being held in the Adams County Jail, while awaiting a bond hearing.

Sunday afternoon, 69-year old Richard Cunningham, of Creston, was arrested at the Creston Wal-Mart, for Theft in the 5^th Degree, and Trespass. He was cited at the scene and released on a Promise to Appear in Court. Saturday evening, 40-year old Aaron Riepe and 33-year old Jessica Swietlik, both of Creston, were arrested at their residence. Each was charged with (Simple) Domestic Assault, and later released on $300 bonds.

And, a Creston resident reported to police that sometime between 5:30-p.m. Sunday and 8-a.m. Monday, someone vandalised the Car Wash at 801 S. Lincoln Street, causing considerable damage. A coin machine and two control facesplates in the car wash bays were damaged. The loss was estimated at $1,400.