First responders really learning how to dance, 2019 NNO
Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer. More photos from previous years at the end of this report.
National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Van Alstyne Middle School. It has changed location this year (usually held outside the police and fire stations) because of construction going on for the city’s new park on North Preston, which limits the parking availability for those who attend. Police Chief Tim Barnes said there will be plenty of parking available at the Middle School and that the weather is predicted to be very agreeable for this event to be held outdoors.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, according to the national association’s Website, NATW.com.
Van Alstyne has been active in National Night Out at least since 1996. Van Alstyne’s celebration also helps to let the community meet and know more its paramedics and firefighters. Many of city’s first responders — police, firefighters, and ambulance crews will all be on hand to meet people and with helpful information for everyone.
Barnes said an ambulance helicopter will set down in a safe place during NNO, and, traditionally, that crew (also paramedics) usually let the children get a good look inside it. Also traditionally, many of the city’s businesses, organizations, and churches set up booths and provide giveaways, including food. Sgt. Steve Hayslip said that this year’s NNO will have “plenty of fun, food, games, and entertainment all for free!”
Police reports
Between September 20 and October 3, Van Alstyne police received 496 calls for service; took 10 police reports and 5 offense reports; investigated 5 vehicle crashes, none with major injuries; and made two arrests.
DWI arrest — September 22, about 8 p.m., a caller asked for police help regarding a reckless driver on Gilcrease street. Officers located the described vehicle, Hayslip report, and after getting it stopped found that the driver was intoxicated. They jailed the suspect, an Anna resident, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. He posted bail set at $1,500 in a surety bond and was released the next day.
Warrant arrest — September 24, 2021, officers were sent to 1001 W Van Alstyne Pkwy in reference to a possible wanted person. Hayslip said they found the suspect, a Denison woman, and then found that there was an outstanding warrant charging her with failure to appear in court on a previous case of theft over $1,500, which was originally investigated by Sherman police.
Van Alstyne police took her to Grayson County Jail, where she remains in lieu of bail or bond. Jail records show that this incarceration is her 18th in Grayson County since 2001.
