The heat was on in July, especially for fugitive felons. We reached seventy-two captured felons due to tips from our Kansas City’s Most Wanted newspaper. This has been in just the year since it began publication and increases in frequency each month. We are expecting to pass the 100 arrests mark well before the end of the year. Among the fugitives caught last month were men and women wanted for offenses such as rape, robbery, fraud and a host of other crimes. Our tips also helped lead to three Ceasefire (convicted felons in possession of firearms) arrests that will most likely lead to mandatory federal prison terms.
We are actively seeking new advertisers for the paper. Some possible business types that might be appropriate would be lawyers, bonding companies, check cashing locations and retail along with many other possibilities. We urge our readers to let us know of any contacts they might have that may be interested in advertising in KCMW. We are also always looking for new sales locations. Businesses that sell our papers do not have to buy the papers yet they get to keep twenty-five cents for each one they sell. So again, if any of our readers know of potential new sales locations, be sure to give us a call.
In all in July we took 390 tips. Law enforcement officers made 29 arrests that cleared 83 cases or warrants. One of these cases involved the tragic murder of Kansas City, Kansas high school senior with a bright and promising future. The tip identified a 13 year-old KCK girl who was taken into custody two days after the tip was received. Court processes to certify her as an adult for trial are underway. It is indeed a sad case for both the family of the victim and the suspect.
Our annual Crime Stoppers Bill Grigsby Golf Classic is now upon us. Monday, August 18th at Staley Farms is the day and place. Once again it is a sold-out tournament as far as teams. There are still some openings for last minute sponsorships or donations for our raffle and silent auction. If you can help, give Amy Macey a call at 816-960-6800.
Saturday, November 1st is the date for this year’s edition of our always-popular “Tent Party” at Arrowhead. It is no longer held in a tent because it has become so well attended. The night features terrific food presented in a “Taste of Kansas City” style setting with at least six of the city’s finest restaurants serving some of their signature dishes. This food and service is provided to our program at no cost by the various eating establishments and we thank them. We will list them in a future newsletter. Tables have sold quickly for the event this year and only a few (less than five) remain available. We also could still use donations of items for this event. No matter the value there is a place for gift certificates, Chiefs apparel or memorabilia, or just about any other type of merchandise. Hurry and call 816-960-6800 today for information.
The night is hosted by TV 9 anchor Lara Moritz and local radio broadcast legend Bill Grigsby. The event also includes a live auction conducted by none other than our own Rick Easley. Baskets full of valuable gift certificates, merchandise and other items are donated by area law enforcement agencies and merchants in their jurisdictions. The value of these baskets often reaches well over one thousand dollars. There is also a wheel of fortune game in which prizes can be won, as well as a raffle with lots of great gifts. An open bar completes the night along with a DJ with great music. This has become perhaps our most popular fundraiser. It is held each year the night before a Chiefs home game and attire is Chiefs casual. Be part of the fun and call today.
The annual Crime Stoppers International Conference is being held August 5th through the 9th in Des Moines, Iowa. We hope to once again successfully defend our title as the most productive program in our population category (750,000 to 2 million) and bring home several new award plaques.
The Crime Commission has begun a new ongoing fundraising project. We are selling cards (credit card sized) that have free offers from various area businesses, restaurants, services, etc. Each card has over $500 worth of free food and services and sells for $20. The Crime Commission gets to keep $10 from each sale. This is no “buy one get one free” card, but offers free items from some of the finest restaurants and businesses in the metro area. What also makes these cards unique is that they are customizable to specific areas of the metro. We can have cards geared toward north of the river activities, the southland, midtown, Kansas and metro-wide. These cards will normally pay for themselves with one or two uses however each has twelve outstanding free offers. This would be another great way for area law enforcement agencies, schools, and other supporters of our programs to help support all of the Commission’s work. Let us know if you are interested in either purchasing one or more cards or if your business, department, or organization would be interested in helping us out by selling them. The number is 816-960-6800. As we all know, in today’s economic climate it is becoming increasingly difficult for nonprofits to keep up, but this is a win-win. Sales help our programs and it gives great bargains for the purchaser.
We want to express our sincere thanks to Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Leawood, Johnson County and Pleasant Hill for helping take our July calls. Great job! | 
