CrimeStoppers offers rewards
Special to The Monitor
CANTON–In 2010, the Van Zandt County CrimeStoppers authorized $4,550 in cash rewards.
The rewards went to those who provided anonymous tips that led to arrests of a dozen individuals that helped make the community safer.
There are several high-profile rewards that are still pending because the crimes that prompted those rewards have not yet been solved.
Andy Flowers, president of Van Zandt County CrimeStoppers, said the group is proud of what it – and the anonymous callers who provided tips to (903) 567-STOP (7867) – accomplished in 2010.
“Our $4,550 in rewards resulted in arrests of some very serious criminals,” Flowers said. “The people arrested were wanted for sexual assault, drug crimes, arson and burglary, as well as for parole violations and other offenses. It was a good year for CrimeStoppers.”
Flowers also wanted to draw the public’s attention to three high-profile rewards that are still pending. They are encouraging calls to the tip line to help authorities solve these crimes. Those rewards are:
• $1,000 for the arson fire that destroyed the Rock’n H Family Place Cafe in Edgewood in June.
• $1,000 for the December assault on a Canton police officer by an unknown assailant.
• $1,000 for the December armed robber of Juanita’s Restaurant in Canton.
Also, Flowers noted that CrimeStoppers offers an ongoing reward for nuisance crimes such as the theft or destruction of road signs. The reward is $100 per tip, plus $50 for each sign that is recovered from the thief or thieves.
To claim a reward, anyone with knowledge of a specific crime or open arrest warrant can make an anonymous call to Van Zandt County CrimeStoppers at (903) 546-7867.
Based on the information, once an arrest is made, the caller will be able to collect their CrimeStoppers reward through a special code number they receive from the CrimeStoppers operator. CrimeStoppers callers never have to give their names or any identifying information.
Van Zandt County CrimeStoppers uses cash from criminal court fines and donations to finance its rewards. More information about CrimeStoppers is available online at www.vanzandtcrimestoppers.org or by calling the Van Zandt County Sherriff’s Office.
 

Don’t forget about taxes
Special to The Monitor
KAUFMAN–The Kaufman County Tax Office would like to remind all county taxpayers that property taxes will be delinquent Feb. 1, if they are not paid.
However, the tax office honors postmarks. So, make sure the post office postmarks your payment on or before Jan. 31.
For your convenience, the tax office has a drop box available at the Kaufman office only.
Taxes can also be paid online at www.kaufmatax.net. Online payments are processed through through an outside vendor, so there is a convenience fee assessed if payment is online or if a credit card is used.
Payments can also be made in person at the Kaufman, Terrell and Forney offices 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays.
Kemp office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.

Volunteers needed to help nursing home residents
Special to The Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE – The North Central Texas Council of Governments’ (NCTCOG) Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program has immediate need for warm-hearted volunteers to help residents of nursing and assisted living facilities.
These facilities locations include Kaufman, Kemp, Mabank, Terrell and Wills Point.
Ombudsmen advocate for residents’ rights including, but not limited to, dependable and consistent care and an environment that promotes the residents’ dignity, self-determination and communication.
Volunteer Ombudsmen also receive and investigate complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents or their families. Since many residents do not receive regular visitors or have close relatives, it may be difficult for them to enlist advocates.
Volunteer Ombudsmen serve as advocates for all residents, connecting them to their broader communities, affirming their rights, and assisting them in resolving concerns.
No prior experience is required to serve as a volunteer ombudsman, but volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and complete a free training course that consists of both classroom study and training at local nursing homes, lasting up to 34 contact hours.
After training, volunteers serve an internship, working two to three hours per week in their assigned facility. Hours are flexible and are determined by each volunteer.
If you have two hours per week to make a difference in someone’s life, please contact Pat Borgfeldt, Area Agency on Aging at (817) 360-0984 or e-mail PBorgfeldt@nctcog.org for more information.