County to host candlelight vigil April 25 for crime victims

As part of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, the Lincoln County Victim/Witness Program will be holding a candlelight vigil on Thursday, April 25, in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse.

The vigil will be held at 7 p.m. This event will be in support of all victims/survivors of crime and the many volunteers who support and champion for them, according to Lincoln County Victim Witness Coordinator Kathleen Sheffield.

Candles and glow sticks will be provided, but participants may bring a flashlight if they wish. Snacks will be provided by the LOR Foundation. There will be a small supply of free T-shirts.

The Lincoln County Commissioners and Libby City Councilors approved proclamations at their recent meetings in support of the event.

First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week increases public awareness of and knowledge about the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime.

Since 2004, the NCVRW Community Awareness Project has provided financial and technical assistance to more than 1,500 community projects that promote victim and public awareness activities and innovative approaches to victim outreach and public education about victims’ rights and services during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

The Lincoln County Victim/Witness Program was one of several selected to receive funding to put the project on.

For additional information about victims’ rights and services in Lincoln County, contact the office at 406-283-2415 or advocate@libby.org.

For information on the national efforts, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov.