By Mary Jane Farmer for the Van Alstyne Leader.

Van Alstyne Police Department made the following arrests during the last week of September 2025. The Department’s Public Information Officer, Lt. Steven Hayslip made the following reports.

Sept. 24 — At just after 10 p.m., patrol officers stopped a vehicle that was being driven on U.S. Hwy 75 with an obscure license plate. The driver, a Bentonville, Ark., man, acted unusually nervous, and an officer asked him if he had anything illegal inside his vehicle. The suspect told the officer that he had some marijuana with him, and police conducted a probable-cause search and uncovered the marijuana. They jailed the suspect on a charge of Possession of Marijuana weighing between 2-4 oz.

Sept. 26 — At almost 4 a.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on U.S. Hwy 75 at Farmington Road, made because officers observed the traveling approximately 88 miles per hour in a 65-mph zone. They made contact with the driver, who is identified as a Van Alstyne resident in the police report, but as being from Sherman in the Grayson County Jail database.

Those warrants were issued by Dallas County and so police placed him under arrest on Warrant Service

Both charged him with illegal drug offenses. Jail records show that he is still incarcerated without benefit of bail .

Sept. 27 — At about 12:16 a.m., police officers made a traffic stop on U.S. 75 at FM 121, after seeing the vehicle being driven at 85 mph in a 65-mph zone. They noticed the smell of an intoxicating beverage coming from the driver. Officers put the driver, a Garland man, through a series of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, after which they jailed the suspect on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated.

Sept. 17 — At 9:06 a.m., police were sent to the area of Greywood and William Way in regard to an assault. Upon arrival, officers were able to locate two subjects. While conducting the initial investigation, officers were able to determine that the suspect, a Van Alstyne resident, had assaulted a family member by impeding her breath. It was further determined that he had taken the victim’s cell phone in an attempt the keep the victim from making an emergency phone call. It was also determined that was in possession of Cocaine.

Police jailed the suspect on charges of Assault on Family Member, Interfering with 911 Call, and Possession of Cocaine weighing between 1-4 g. Bail was set at a total of $33,000 and as of Wednesday, he remained incarcerated in lieu of bail.

National Night Out — Most of the Van Alstyne Police Department’s officers will be at the Central Social District Park just across Preston Ave. from the park. They will be celebrating National Night Out from 6-8 p.m., along with their First-Responder co-hearts, the V.A. Fire and EMS Department, all there to meet and greet Van Alstyne residents. They will be providing lots of games, bounce houses, and food for everyone there. And there’s absolutely no charge for any of this.

This is rather long, but actually a quick read. Taken from Texas Scoreboard’s Sunday, Sept. 28, edition.

Good Sunday,

On the upcoming November general election ballot, 17 constitutional amendments will be placed before voters for their consideration.

Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, True Texas Project, and Texas Policy Research have each released vote recommendations for the amendments.

While not including recommendations, the Texas Public Policy Foundation has released a full analysis of the amendments’ details.

Early voting will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Proposition 1: Creating funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.
TFR: Oppose
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Oppose

Proposition 2: ​​Banning taxes on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 3 (SJR 5): Denying bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.
TFR: Neutral
TTP: Support
TPR: Oppose

Proposition 4: Dedicating a portion of state sales and use tax revenues to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.
TFR: Oppose
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Oppose

Proposition 5: Exempting from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 6: Prohibits the Legislature from imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 7: Providing for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed to have been service-connected.
TFR: Support
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Support

Proposition 8: Prohibiting the Legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 9: Exempting from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 10: Providing a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 11: Increasing the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.
TFR: Neutral
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Oppose

Proposition 12: Relating to the authority of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.
TFR: Neutral
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 13: Raising the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.
TFR: Support
TTP: Reluctantly Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 14: Creating the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state.
TFR: Oppose
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Oppose

Proposition 15: Parents are the primary decision makers for their children.
TFR: Support
TTP: Oppose
TPR: Support

Proposition 16: Voters must be United States citizens.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

Proposition 17: Providing an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.
TFR: Support
TTP: Support
TPR: Support

The Van Alstyne Police Department is excited to announce it is almost time for National Night Out. The annual event will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, at the city’s Central Social District park in the downtown area. This community event is designed to bring neighbors and law enforcement together in a spirit of fellowship, relationship-building, and mutual trust.

National Night Out is celebrated across the country as an opportunity for police officers and community members to come together outside of emergency situations. For Van Alstyne, it’s a chance to strengthen partnerships, build friendships, and have open conversations that promote transparency and understanding.

“We look forward to this night every year,” said Chief Tim Barnes. “It’s about more than just safety—it’s about relationships. When we spend time together, share a meal, and talk openly, it makes our community stronger and our Department better at serving the people who rely on us.”

The VA Fire Department will be on hand as well, with their especially-equipped firefighting an ambulance vehicles.

The evening will include food, family-friendly activities, safety demonstrations, and opportunities for residents to connect directly with the officers who serve and protect them every day. The department encourages everyone to come out, bring their families, and join in the celebration of community spirit. Best of all, the event 100% completely free!

National Night Out reflects the Van Alstyne Police Department’s ongoing commitment to partnership, transparency, and building a safer city through trust and cooperation.

PREMLIMINARY AGENDA

6:00 p.m. –  Welcome & Kickoff

Opening remarks from the Police Chief and special guests

Event overview and announcements

Live broadcast begins with DJ Big Dave from Mad Rock 102.5!

6:15 p.m. — First Responder Vehicle Exploration

Explore police cars, fire trucks, EMS units, and FBI units

Meet and talk with local heroes

6:30 p.m. — Food, Family, Fun

Free hot dogs, chips, drinks, and fresh watermelon, face painting, bounce house, slides, and train rides for kids

Door prize entries begin (drawings every 15 minutes, 1 ticket per person)

7:00 p.m. — Tug of War: Police vs Fire Department  The ultimate showdown – come cheer for your team!

Photo opportunities with both departments

7:30 p.m. — Meet, Mingle, and Music

Enjoy community fun and music with DJ Big Dave

Continue mingling with police, fire, and EMS professionals

Last call for door prize entries

7:45 p.m. — Final Door Prize Drawings & Closing Remarks

Winners announced (must be present to win)

Thank-you messages to attendees and sponsors

8:00 p.m — Event Wrap-Up

Door Prizes Include:

• 75” Smart TV
• RING Security Camera Combo Kit
• Ryobi Tool Combo Set
• Blackstone Griddle
• Taiga Cooler
• Halloween Character Inflatables
• Boys and Girls Ride-On Toys
• Nerf Guns
• And much more!

VAN ALSTYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT has always used the spirit of “Community First.”

By Mary Jane Farmer for the Van Alstyne News.

Van Alstyne Police activities during the period between Sept. 14 and 21 included the following incidents which resulted in arrests. PD Lt. Steven Hayslip made the reports as the Department’s Public Information Officer, and included the informational background on the Grand Jury Indictment of one Van Alstyne resident.

Indictment — During the most recent Grayson County Grand Jury session, Sept. 10, the Grand Jury indicted Van Alstyne resident Layne Simon on the following charges:  Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14, Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child (2 counts), Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, and Indecency with a Child by Exposure.

The indictment follows an investigation initiated by the Van Alstyne PD in June 2025,

After school teacher reported suspected sexual abuse involving a child, VAPD launched an immediate and thorough investigation in response to the report. As a result, detectives established probable cause, and an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect. He was subsequently taken into custody and formally indicted on the above charges.

The suspect remains in Grayson County Jail in lieu of more than a total of $1,000,000 in bail set.

“Due to the sensitive nature of this case and the involvement of a minor, no additional details are being released at this time,” said Police Chief Tim Barnes.

Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Van Alstyne Police Department. That phone number is 903-482-5251. The dispatcher answering the phone will direct the caller(s) to the investigating officer.

An indictment is not proof of guilt, but is the result of the Grand Jury believing the evidence they heard is enough to have the case advance to the courts.

Sept . 14 —About 8:40 pm, police officers made a traffic stop on 1001 W Van Alstyne Parkway, initiated after officers observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign. Upon contacting the driver, a Calero, OK, man, they smelled the odor of marijuana, which gave them probable cause for a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers found marijuana, THC edibles, THC vapes, and THC Oil. He was placed under arrest On a charge of Possession of Marijuana =>2oz <4oz.

Sept. 15 — At nearly 10 pm, police officers made a stopped a vehicle on Henry Hynds and FM 121. They made the stop because the vehicle was being driven on public roadways with defective equipment, or more namely taillights. After getting the driver’s name, they found there was a warrant out for his arrest. They jailed the suspect, a Tom Bean resident on the warrant, which, according to Grayson County Jail records, charged him with Theft of Property valued between $100-$750 and issued by County Court at Law No. 2.  Bail was set at $1,500, and the suspect paid that with a surety bond on Sept. 16 and was released.

Sept. 16 — Just after 4 in the morning, police helped a woman who had the hood up on her car while parked on the highway’s shoulder. Hayslip said that while they talked with the passenger in the car, a Ringold, OK, woman, she admitted to them that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. They conducted a probable-cause search, which uncovered methamphetamine (PG 1 substance), Diazepam (PG 3 substance), and marijuana. She was placed under arrest on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance =>1g <4g (Methamphetamine); Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 3 <28g (Diazepam), and Possession of Marijuana <2oz

At the jail, a magistrate set her bail at total of $34,000 and, as of Tuesday, she remains incarcerated.

Sept. 18 — Shortly after midnight, officers initiated a traffic stop on US 75 and Farmington. The traffic stop was initiated after officers saw the vehicle traveling 82 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone. Upon making contact with the driver, a resident of Sherman according to the police report and of Mead, OK, per the Grayson County Jail database.

They found an outstanding warrant against the suspect and jailed him on it. The warrant charged him with Criminal Mischief bet ween $$750-$2,500. Bail was set at $2,500 and  the suspect paid that in surety bonds for his release.

Sept. 20 — Officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of McDougall Creek in regard to a disturbance. They talked with people involved and determined one of them, a Van Alstyne resident, had assaulted a family member by blocking that person’s breathing. Police jailed him on a charge of Assault (FV) Impede Breath.

Bail was set at $20,000 and the suspect paid that with a surety bond with restrictions placed on it, later the same day.

Sept. 20 — About 8:30 pm, police made a traffic stop on U.S. 75 at Farmington, after seeing the car being driven without maintaining a single lane. When the offices turned on the emergency lights, the driver initially failed to stop and they saw him throw a beer out of the window. Then, he pulled over for their red lights.

The driver was a McKinney made who smelled of an intoxicating beverage. The police had him go through Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, after which they jailed him on charges of Driving While Intoxicated and Tampering w/Evidence.

By Mary Jane Farmer for the Van Alstyne News

Van Alstyne Lt. Steven Hayslip, the department’s Public Information Officer, reported on the following crimes committed with the result of jailings in each incidents.

Sept. 8 — A traffic stop about 1 a.m. resulted in the arrest and incarceration of one person. It was made on U.S. Highway 75 and Van Alstyne Parkway after the officers determined the vehicle did not have a current liability insurance policy. Upon making contact with the driver and identifying him as a McKinney resident, the officer reported he could smell the odor of marijuana. The officer made a probable cause search and located less than two ounces of marijuana, plus a firearm and a variety of drug paraphernalia. At the Grayson County Jail, he was jailed on charges of Possession of Marijuana less than 2 oz., Possession of a Firearm, and

Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia.

A magistrate set the suspect’s bail at a total of 3,000, with personal recognizance on the drug paraphernalia charge. He posted bail in surety bonds later the same day.

Sept. 12 — About 4:30 in the morning, Van Alstyne police made a traffic stop on U.S. 75 at Panther Parkway, based on determination that there was no current liability insurance policy on the vehicle.

Following protocol, the officer(s) checked all information on the driver, a Sherman man, and have a current liability insurance policy. Upon making contact with the driver, Miller, Zavery a resident of Sherman, police learned that there was an active warrant for his arrest. He was placed under arrest.

Jail records show that the warrant, issued in Collin County, charged him with Criminal Mischief between $750-$2,500. Bail was set at $1,000 and the suspect posted that later in the day.

Sept. 12 —Just before midnight, officers were dispatched to a reckless driver call at U.S. 75 and Farmington. The reporting party reported the vehicle kept stopping in the middle of the roadway.  Upon arrival in the area, officers were able to locate the vehicle. They learned that the driver was a Phoenix, Arizona, woman, and that there was the smell of intoxicating beverage emitting from her.

Officer(s) conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, then placed her under arrest on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated While conducting a vehicle inventory, officers located several pills (Tramadol and Tylenol 3 with Codeine) not in a prescription bottle. Both pills are listed in Penalty Group 2. She was also jailed on a charge with Possession of a Controlled Substance <28G.

Jail records show her bail was set at a total of $4,000 on both charges, which she paid with surety bonds for her release.