Communities, neighbors celebrate safety

By Kathi BlissEditor/POST REGISTER

For the 24th year, people across America will unite on Tuesday evening, Aug. 7, to take a stand against drugs and crime in their neighborhoods and communities. Nearly 20 families, community service organizations and neighborhood watch programs across Caldwell County have joined forces with the Lockhart Police Department and the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office to make this year's National Night Out one of the best in Caldwell County History. "One of the best deterrents to crime is a close-knit community where the neighbors know each other and interact," wrote Lockhart's Mayor Pro Tem Frank Estrada in a written statement early this week. "National Night Out helps to strengthen communities by bringing neighbors together and by promoting cooperation between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. "This year, in an effort to enhance that cooperation, Sheriff Daniel Law enlisted the service of Community Liaison Deputy Bob Carroll to organize National Night Out gatherings in the rural areas of Caldwell County.At press time on Wednesday, nearly every neighborhood and community in northern Caldwell County and in Lockhart was represented by individuals or groups planning get-togethers.