A year has not passed us by since we lost Billy Atchison to cancer. A good many of us miss him personally. But more than that, the community has missed his leadership.

Atchison started Crime Stoppers in 2004. The idea of the program is simple. Citizens can call the anonymous phone line and receive up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. He realized people need to feel safe in their communities. He drew other leaders around him, and the Crime Stoppers program has been a success in Selma and Dallas County.

Now the Leadership Selma-Dallas County Class 15 is holding its first annual Billy Atchison Memorial Fish Fry to honor him. But more importantly, the fish fry will help boost the finances of Crime Stoppers.

In the past seven months the program has lead to arrests in three robberies, two drug-related crimes, and assault first-degree, a murder and four burglaries.

Right now, for the small price of $8 you can get fish, hushpuppies, coleslaw, chips, cookies and help stop crime in Selma and Dallas County. That’s a bargain.

Tickets are on sale now and could sell out before the May 8 event at Bloch Park.

Get your ticket today from a Leadership class member.