DECATUR -- A growing problem in this country that continues to grow and fester is child abuse. The exact number of cases in the United State varies from agency to agency. Some agencies estimate that, since the beginning of 2019, the number of reported cases nationwide reached nearly 80,000.
April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. The Benton County Sheriff Office along with Decatur, Gentry and Gravette police departments planted pinwheels in front of their police stations in hope of raising awareness to this growing national and global problem.
In Decatur, Decatur Police Chief Joe Savage, along with officers Lance Dixon, Stephen Grizzle and Eric Adams planted 353 brightly colored pinwheels on the front lawn of the Decatur Police Department on Main Street in Decatur. They were joined by Taylor Fairchild with Grand Savings Bank and Sheila Verser, Troy Wackes and Randy Cox from the city of Decatur and Decatur Fire Department. Also joining the ceremony was Erin Kramer and Early Marrow from Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County.
The pinwheels will remain in place until the end of April.
General News on 04/10/2019