The Van Alstyne News

The Van Alstyne News Owned and operated by Mary Jane Farmer

08/06/2026

The week's arrests:
7/13 – 7/26
Van Alstyne PD Police Blotter Covering Arrests made between July 13 and 26. Information provided by PD Assistant Chief Steven Hayslip and obtained from the Grayson County Jail database.
July 17 – Police were dispatched to U.S. Highway 75 at Hodgson Road, regarding a hit-and-run crash. They located the vehicle which had left the scene and place the driver, a Tom Bean man, under arrest on a charge of Accident Involving Damage in excess of $200.
Grayson County Jail records show that the suspect’s bail was set at $1,500, which he paid the following day with a surety bond for his release.
July 17 About 8 a.m., officers made a traffic stop on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road. Their investigation determined the driver, a Tom Bean woman, was in possession of co***ne and of ma*****na. They arrested her on charges of Possession of Ma*****na less than 2 oz and of Co***ne between 1-4 grams. Her bail was set at a total of $11,500, which she paid with surety bonds and was freed later that same day.
July 17 – Later that same morning, about 10 a.m. a traffic on U.S. 75 at FM 121 (Van Alstyne Parkway), police again arrested a driver, this time for operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, in possession of Ma*****na less than 2OZ, and in possession of a government document which had been tampered with.
Jail records do not give details on this suspect’s incarceration or possible release.
July 21 – About 10:30 p.m. police were sent to the intersection of Preston and Jefferson streets regarding a fight in progress. They jailed on suspect on a charge of Public Intoxication.
A jail magistrate set this suspect’s bail at $292.00 Personal Recognizance and he was then released.
July 24 – About. 9:30 a.m., police were sent to the area of U.S. 75 and FM 1212 regarding a reported reckless driver. They located the described vehicle and got it stopped. The driver was from Caney, OK, and was taken to Grayson County Jail on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methadone), and of a Firearm.
He posted the set bail at a total of $7,500 and was released two days later.
July 25 – A Sherman female went to jail after being stopped on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road about 5 p.m. Police, following protocol and checking background, they discovered three warrants for her arrest. One charged her with Interfering with Public Duties, issued by Rockwall County. Bail was set at $2,000, which she later paid with a surety bond. The other two charged her with No Driver’s License When Unlicensed. On those two, she paid more than $900 for fines and court costs. Her release then came on July 27.
July 25 Police made a traffic stop on FM 121 and U.S. 75 about 9 p.m., The driver, they learned, was a Van Alstyne resident and that he was driving while intoxicated and that he was in possession of ma*****na.
Jail records show this suspect was jailed on charges of DWI and Possession of Ma*****na less than 2 OZ.
The magistrate on duty set his bail at a total of $4,500, which he paid with surety bonds. His release was on July 26.
July 26 Police stopped a vehicle on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road. The driver was a McKinney man. They found him in possession of ma*****na and a firearm and jailed him on those two violations.
Bail was set at a total of $4,000. He paid that with surety bonds for his release later the same day.

08/03/2026

UPDATE, 1:40 P.M.,
his is a message from the Grayson County Office of Emergency Management. 9-1-1 service has been restored for Grayson County. Calls to 9-1-1 should now function normally. End of Message.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
This from Grayson County — Might be a good idea to go ahead and put this phone number in your phone,, as a Just In Case.

This is a message from the Grayson County Office of Emergency Management. We are experiencing outages to our 9-1-1 system across the county. If you are in Grayson County and your 9-1-1 call does not go through right away, hang up and dial 903-813-4411.

08/01/2026

Van Alstyne PD Police Blotter Covering Arrests made between July 13 and 26. Information provided by PD Assistant Chief Steven Hayslip and obtained from the Grayson County Jail database.
July 17 – Police were dispatched to U.S. Highway 75 at Hodgson Road, regarding a hit-and-run crash. They located the vehicle which had left the scene and place the driver, a Tom Bean man, under arrest on a charge of Accident Involving Damage in excess of $200.
Grayson County Jail records show that the suspect’s bail was set at $1,500, which he paid the following day with a surety bond for his release.
July 17 About 8 a.m., officers made a traffic stop on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road. Their investigation determined the driver, a Tom Bean woman, was in possession of co***ne and of ma*****na. They arrested her on charges of Possession of Ma*****na less than 2 oz and of Co***ne between 1-4 grams. Her bail was set at a total of $11,500, which she paid with surety bonds and was freed later that same day.
July 17 – Later that same morning, about 10 a.m. a traffic on U.S. 75 at FM 121 (Van Alstyne Parkway), police again arrested a driver, this time for operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated, in possession of Ma*****na less than 2OZ and in possession of a government document which had been tampered with.
Jail records do not give details on this suspect’s incarceration or possible release.
July 21 – About 10:30 p.m. police were sent to the intersection of Preston and Jefferson streets regarding a fight in progress. They jailed on suspect on a charge of Public Intoxication.
A jail magistrate set this suspect’s bail at $292.00. Personal Recognizance and he was then released.
July 24 – About. 9:30 a.m., police were sent to the area of U.S. 75 and FM 1212 regarding a reported reckless driver. They located the described vehicle and got it stopped. The driver was from Caney, OK, and was taken to Grayson County Jail on charges of Possession of Controlled Substance (Methadone), and of a Firearm.
He posted the set bail at a total of $7,500 and was released two days later.
July 25 – A Sherman female went to jail after being stopped on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road about 5 p.m. Police, following protocol and checking background, they discovered three warrants for her arrest. One charged her with intrferring with Public Duties, issued by Rockwall County. Bail was set at $2,000, which she later paid with a surety bond. The other two charged her with No Driver’s License When Unlicensed. On those two, she paid more than $900 for fines and court costs. Her release then came on July 27.
July 25 Police made a traffic stop on FM 121 and U.S. 75 about 9 p.m., The driver, they learned was a Van Alstyne resident and that he was driving while intoxicated and that he was in possession of ma*****na.
Jail records show this suspect was jailed on charges of DWI and Possession of Ma*****na less than 2 OZ.
The magistrate on duty set his bail at a total of $4,500, which he paid with surety bonds. His release was on July 26.
July 26 Police stopped a vehicle on U.S. 75 at Blythe Road. The driver was a McKinney man. They found him in possession of ma*****na and a firearm and jailed him on those two violations.
Bail was set at a total of $4,000. He paid that with surety bonds for his release later the same day.

07/31/2026

From TxDOT, tellng us about Hwy 75 being closed during the next couple or so nights.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials today announced that there will be nightly lane closures on northbound and southbound mainlanes of US 75 at the the following locations, dates and times.
 On Northbound US 75 mainlanes from Exit 51 (FM 121 in Van Alstyne) to Exit 53 (Haning Street), the right lane will be closed each night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from August 02 to August 07.
 On Southbound US 75 mainlanes from Exit 51 (FM 121 in Van Alstyne) to Exit 53 (Haning Street), the right lane will be closed each night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from August 02 to August 07.
 US 75 Northbound exit to Blythe Road (Exit 52) will be closed each night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from August 02 to August 07. Drivers can continue driving north and take Exit 53.
 US 75 Southbound exit to Blythe Road (Exit 52) will be closed each night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from August 02 to August 07. Drivers can continue driving south and take Exit 51.
These closures are needed to safely move concrete barriers along the mainlanes.
Message boards will be placed ahead of the work location to alert drivers.
All closures are subject to being delayed or altered due to weather conditions, mechanical issues or material supply issues.
During this period, TxDOT urges drivers to exercise caution. Motorists who travel frequently in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls, and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. Motorists should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems. TxDOT also asks drivers to remain alert to road crews while navigating through the construction zone.

SAFETY FIRST!In Texas, getting there a few minutes faster isn’t worth a lifetime ofconsequences. Choosing to slow down i...
07/25/2026

SAFETY FIRST!
In Texas, getting there a few minutes faster isn’t worth a lifetime ofconsequences. Choosing to slow down is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself—and everyone else on the road.
That’s the message behind Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. — TxDOT’s call for drivers to look out for one another and take pride in how we travel our roads.
While Texas is making progress, speeding remains a serious threat. It’s still the leading factor in deadly crashes, accounting for roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities statewide.
To address this, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state to remind drivers that real Texans don’t rush—they drive with care, respect and responsibility.
Signs of progress, but more work to do
There is encouraging news. In 2025, the decline in speed related fatalities outpaced the significant decrease in overall fatalities.
Category 2024 Data 2025 Data Change (%)
Total Fatalities Statewide 4,143 3,770 -9%
Speed-Related Fatalities 1,472 1,247 -15%
• The number of traffic crashes in the Paris District in 2025 that involved speeding totaled 1,659. These crashes resulted in 31 fatalities and 113 serious injuries.
But the danger hasn’t disappeared. Speed continues to play a role in more than 150,000 crashes each year, proving that even small decisions behind the wheel can have serious consequences.
One moment can change everything
Stephenie Smallwood’s 19-year-old son, Shaundi Kyree Smallwood, was killed in 2022 while riding home with friends after a trip to Six Flags. Their SUV was struck from behind on I-20 in Fort Worth by a driver traveling 157 mph.
“You can change people’s lives just like that,” Smallwood said. “And that driver changed our lives forever.”
Stephenie Smallwood shares her story.
Driving like a Texan means slowing down
Through Drive Like a Texan, TxDOT is asking drivers to pause, think about the people around them, and make safer choices.
“Excessive speed makes any crash more dangerous,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Higher speeds mean less time to react and a much greater risk of serious injury or death. We’re asking Texans to slow down and drive with care.”
This message is reinforced during Operation Slowdown, a statewide high-visibility enforcement effort running now through Aug. 2. During this period, TxDOT partners with law enforcement by providing additional funding and resources to increase patrols
and stop drivers who are speeding or driving too fast for conditions.
TxDOT officials speak on the dangers of speeding, download here.
What it means to drive like a Texan
Safe driving goes beyond following the posted speed limit. It means staying alert, adjusting to conditions and respecting everyone on the road.
Drivers are encouraged to:
• Match their speed to traffic, weather and road conditions.
• Increase following distance when traffic is heavy or roads are slick.
• Watch for changing speed limits, especially in work zones and school zones.
• Remember that fines double for speeding in active work zones and school zones.
A shared responsibility
Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe.
Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

07/09/2026

I have been absent here for more than a week, because I have been in the hospital. Too much dizziness. Out now and ready to get on with it. Thanks and I appreciate your patience.

06/29/2026

TxDOT has hired a contractor to help repair this inside-town road.
FM 121 (Van Alstyne Parkway) from US 75 to SH 5 (Waco St.) Van Alstyne. Contractor will be performing pavement repair works
on FM 121 eastbound lane from N Hopson St. to SH 5. This work is expected to take two days, June 29 and June 30. During this repair work, contractor will close the eastbound lane, and the eastbound traffic will be shifted to the turn lane. Both eastbound and westbound directions will be open to traffic.

06/18/2026

Information provided by Assistant Police Chief Steven Hayslip.

Van Alstyne, Texas — On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at about 3:36 p.m., officers with the Van Alstyne Police Department were dispatched to in the area of Nash Avenue and Sherman Lane in Van Alstyne regarding a reported disturbance.

Upon arrival in the area, officers located a victim who was identified as a family member of the suspect as defined by the Texas Family Code. However, the suspect, identified as Geoffrey Mack, had fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

During the investigation, officers developed probable cause to believe Mack assaulted the victim with a weapon and impeded the victim’s breathing during the assault. Officers also determined Mack had an active warrant for his arrest issued out of Collin County.

The victim sustained multiple injuries as a result of the incident. Van Alstyne EMS responded to the scene and provided medical care. After evaluating the victim’s injuries, EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for additional medical treatment.

McKinney Police Department located the suspect at an address Van Alstyne PD provided them. They went to that McKinney address and placed the suspect under arrest on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Assault Family Violence Impeding Breath/Circulation, along with the outstanding Collin County warrant, which charges him with Theft.

Police escorted Mack to the Grayson County Jail, where they booked him into custody without further incident. Bail has been set at a total of $105,000, with special conditions for him to follow if/after he posts bail. As of Thursday, June 18, he remained incarcerated.

This remains an active investigation. No additional information is available at this time, Hayslip said.

06/18/2026

US 75 CLOSES, DETOURS IN ANNA JUNE 22 & 23
COLLIN CO -
Weather permitting, the following traffic impacts are scheduled as part of an ongoing roadway improvement project in Anna.

All lanes of southbound US 75 will be closed at Mantua Road (Exit 49) and detoured to the frontage road from 9 p.m. Monday, June 22 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 23.
All lanes of northbound US 75 will be closed at Mantua Road (Exit 49) and detoured to the frontage road from 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.
Signed detours will be in place, and drivers should plan ahead for extra travel time.

06/04/2026

Arrests & Indictments. for period ending May 31. Click here
Arrests
On May 29, at 11:00 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75 and FM 121.
They reported the driver was a Gunter woman and that she was operating a motor vehicle in public place while intoxicated. They jailed her on that charge.
Grayson County Jail records show that she paid the $3,000 bail a jail magistrate set with a surety bond and was released on May 30.
On May 30, at 3:30 a.m., officers initiated a welfare check on US 75 and FM 121.
The driver had been driving while intoxicated. He also possessed a firearm, which is not legal to do if the carrier is in a commission of another crime. They jailed him on bot h charges.
There is no information on this suspect in the Grayson County Jail’s database.
On May 31, about 1:30 a.m., police stopped a vehicle for a moving violation on FM 121 and Henry Hynds (US 75 Service Road). The driver was a Van Alstyne woman, who went to jail on a charge of Driving While Intoxicated. The jail’s database shows that she paid her set bail of $3,000 add was released the same day.
On May 31, at 7:39 p.m., police stopped a moving vehicle on U.S. 75 and FM 121. The driver was a Sherman man, and police found a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was issued by Denton Count and charged him with assault causing bodily injury/family violence. Bail was set t $2,500, which he paid for his June 1 release.
Indictments
The Grayson County Grand Jury met on June 3 with a full agenda of suspects which have been arrested for the crimes the Grand Jury examined and indicted.
Of these, approximately 43 people were indicted for possession of methamphetamine, 10 for possession of fentanyl, three for co***ne, and two for possession of either hydromorphone or alprazolam (Xanax).
There were two people indicted on an aggravated kidnapping charge, and others indicted on charges theft, robbery, assault, and DWI 3rd or more.
Indictments are not proof of guilt. An indictment is an official accusation stating that a person is being charged with a crime and that a criminal trial will be held.
None of those charged by the current Grayson County Grand Jury show to be from Van Alstyne or had been arrested by Van Alstyne law enforcement.

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PO Box 1422
Van Alstyne, TX
75495

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