GrandPrairieReporter.com

While the DFW metro area experienced a 10 percent increase in home foreclosure postings in 2007 over 2006, Grand Prairie saw a 14 percent increase.

Foreclosure Listing Service, Inc., an Addison based firm with forty-four years experience tracking foreclosure activity released its 2007 data for the metroplex.

The cities of Dallas and Fort Worth lead with foreclosures postings while Grand Prairie was number three among the suburban cities with 1,699 postings.  Grand Prairie had 1,492 listings reported in 2006.

Bonnie Brown with Foreclosure Listing Service said unlike some regions of the country there is no one cause for the D/FW area home foreclosures.  She said that sub-prime lenders have received much of the blame recently but it is not the only factor.  Other contributors include upside down loans caused by low or no down payments and family budgets stressed by rising fuel and food prices.

Brown provided some addition data about the 2007 Grand Prairie foreclosures:

• Average assessed value - $133,139
• Average size – 2,027 square feet
• Average home built date – 1986
• Average loan origination date – 2003

The ranking of suburban cities in the north Texas region for 2007:

1. Arlington – 2,963 postings – 5% increase
2. Garland – 1,817 postings – 5% increase
3. Grand Prairie – 1,699 posting – 14% increase
4. Mesquite – 1,655 postings – 5% increase
5. Desoto – 1,285 posting – 7% increase

Posted by Editor at 04:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

American Fresh Foods in Ft. Worth, Texas, is urging Texas consumers not to purchase its ground beef under questionable circumstances. This precaution comes after the company reported, early the morning of December 27, the theft of one of its refrigerated trucks containing 14,800 pounds of ground beef products. According to American Fresh Foods’ officials, the stolen meat had been placed in a refrigerated truck and held on the plant’s property. The product, a portion of which had been segregated as possibly affected with E. coli O157:H7, was being removed from fresh commercial sale.

"Consumers need to know that our meat products being sold through normal retail channels – such as grocery stores – are safe. Our primary concern, however, is for the safety of those people who may be persuaded to buy beef products under questionable circumstances," says Timothy Biela, Chief Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer for American Fresh Foods. "Our first priority is their safety. We do not know how this product has been handled since it left our control. The stolen truck had only a limited supply of refrigeration fuel."

American Fresh Foods is working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials and local and state law enforcement authorities to issue a public health alert and to recover the stolen product and vehicle.

The consumer products subject to the public health alert include:

1. 2-pound approximate weight packages of "73/27 GROUND BEEF" bearing a sell-by date of "12.30.07" with production times between 14:27 – 15:28
2. 2-pound approximate weight packages of "80/20 GROUND BEEF CHUCK" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07" with production times between 13:40 – 14:27
3. 1-pound approximate weight packages of "85/15 GROUND BEEF ROUND" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07" with production times between 13:51 – 17:01
4. 1-pound approximate weight packages of "90/10 GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07" with production times between 13:49 – 15:35
5. 1-pound approximate weight packages of "96/04 EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF, 4% FAT" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07" with production times between 14:25 – 17:22

Each package label bears the establishment number "EST. 13116" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name "American Fresh Foods, Ft. Worth, TX 76102" below the nutrition information. Each package has a net weight of approximately 1 to 2 pounds.

Bulk product also subject to this alert includes:

1. 40-pound "net wt." box of "73/27 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP"
2. 260-pound "net wt." combo bin of " CHUCK 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP"
3. 370-pound "net wt." combo bin of "SIRLOIN 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK"

Each bulk product label bears the establishment number "EST. 13116" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a date of "12-19-07" with the production information filled in by hand.

The consumer and bulk ground beef products were produced on Dec. 19, 2007.

The tractor trailer, which bears an "Xtra Lease" logo on both side panels toward the rear of the trailer, is a 2000 Great Dane model with the trailer number Q61232. The truck has a Maine license plate number 1925071.

If a consumer has purchased American Fresh Foods’ ground beef products under questionable circumstances, like in a parking lot or along the side of the road, Biela recommends the following: "Do not consume the product; but retain the packaging label, discard the product, and immediately report the incident to the American Fresh Foods consumer hotline number at 1-800-724-1136 (This toll free line will be available beginning Friday, December 28, at 9 a.m. central standard time.)."

"We really appreciate the public's help with this situation," says Biela. "Anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprits and the recovery of the stolen vehicle will be appropriately rewarded."

Posted by Editor at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Editor at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 638 workers at the CompUSA corporate offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth area will lose their jobs in March.

Ed Coder, Senior Director of Human Resources, CompUSA, said in a letter dated December 11 to the Texas Workforce Commission, as required by the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, that CompUSA will permanently discontinue its corporate operations located:

• 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Dallas
• 1301 Avenue T, Grand Prairie
• 1001 Nolen Drive, Grapevine

The company expects to begin separations between February 8 and February 22, 2008.  It expects to close between March 1 and March 14, 2008.

A message sent to CompUSA requesting information and clarification concerning the layoff in Grand Prairie was forwarded to Stanton Crenshaw Communication, a New York public relations agency.  Officials at Crenshaw said that CompUSA was not releasing any information about the layoffs in Grand Prairie at this time.

Posted by Editor at 06:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police are investigating the theft of four pickup trucks from Traders Villiage parking lots.

The thefts were all reported to police on December 23 with the vehicles valued between $7,500 to $25,000.

A fifth vehicle was reported broken into with the ignition damaged and wires cut but the vehicle was not stolen. 

Posted by Editor at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police arrested Demarcus Gray early Thursday morning after he allegedly shot at a female.   

The incident began before midnight Wednesday at the Grand Manor Apartments, 1750 W. Tarrant Rd., when the female victim and Gray got involved in an argument over a near accident.     

The victim told police that Gray shouted at her during the argument then went inside his apartment.  He later stepped outside on the balcony with a handgun and fired two shots at her.   Gray then retreated back into his apartment.  

The police Tactical Team was called in near midnight.  As the team assembled around the apartment to begin negotiations Gray exited his apartment about 1:45 a.m. Thursday morning to walk his dog.  He was arrested without incident.  

During a search of Gray's apartment police recovered a gun that is believed used in the shooting along with some drugs and drug paraphernalia. 

Detective John Brimmer said that Gray has been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Posted by Editor at 02:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Time to rid your house of that dry, needle shedding Christmas tree?  Don't just throw it out - recycle.

The City of Grand Prairie is accepting Christmas trees for recycling December 26 - January 9 at three drop off locations:

• Corner of SE 14th and Densman
• Home Depot parking Lot, 3850 Carrier Parkway
• Home Depot parking lot, 5280 State Highway 360
• Grand Prairie Landfill, 1102 MacArthur

Artificial trees are not accepted, ornaments, stands and any plastic covering must be removed.  The trees will be shredded and the chips used as mulch on plantings. 

For more information call 972-237-8061.

Posted by Editor at 09:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marine Sergeant Joseph K. "Joe" Jenkins of Grand Prairie was one of ten member of the Armed Forces who are stationed overseas President Bush called Christmas Eve to wish them a Merry Christmas, and to thank them for their service to our Nation.

Sergeant Jenkins, deployed to Al Anbar, Iraq, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29, was meritoriously selected and promoted to Lance Corporal, Corporal, and Sergeant within a three-year period. Sergeant Jenkins was also selected as the Squadron Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter in October 2007.

He is responsible for the repair of dynamic components for six type model tilt rotor aircraft, including the V22 Osprey.

Sergeant Jenkins' wife, Melissa, resides in Grand Prairie.

Posted by Editor at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View photos of Christmas in Grand Prairie

Posted by Editor at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Employees of Hill & Winkinson constructing the new ballpark at Lone Star Park were treated to Christmas lunch Friday provided by the AirHogs Baseball Club.

Greg Lynch, Vice President of Sales, said the club wanted to not only treat the workers with a Christmas present but to recognize them for their hard work in keeping the construction project on time for the AirHogs May 16 opening.

The Texas Roadhouse of Grand Prairie catered the lunch feeding the 110 workers with a hearty meal.

Posted by Editor at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 Courtesy Lone Star Park

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie's Grade III Lone Star Derby will be worth $400,000 in 2008 as the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds received a $100,000 boost for its 12^th running on Saturday, May 10.

Posted by Editor at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sequoia Real Estate Holding, LP of Northglenn, Co recently purchased the Forum at Grand Prairie Apartments for $25 million. 

The year old, 304 unit complex occupies about 20 acres at 2650 E. Forum Drive.

Sequoia has a Dallas office with a management team to oversee the five apartment complexes it owns in the Dallas area.

Posted by Editor at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball will hold a tryout camp March 27-28 at LaGrave Field, home of the Fort Worth Cats. Field managers from the association’s teams will be on hand and a dispersal draft will be held at the tryouts conclusion.

To participate a player must have prior professional baseball experience or played at least two years of college baseball within the last two years.

Participants are required to pre-register for the tryout at www.americanassociationbaseball.com/tryout_registration, cost is $30 and only credit cards are accepted.

For more information, e-mail camp coordinator Barry Moss at barrymoss500@aol.com or log-on the association’s web site at www.americanassociationbaseball.com.

The American Association’s 96-game season opens May 7.  The league consists of ten teams in two divisions.  The Grand Prairie AirHogs are in the South Division.

Posted by Editor at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View photos of Santa Cop - Santa Spot

Wednesday night a team of police officers, firefighters, and a host of volunteers loaded nine vans with food and toys.  Then fanned out through Grand Prairie to deliver their treasure of goods to families in need.

The common theme among all the hard working volunteers, Santa Cop and Santa Spot is as much a blessing to them as it is to the families receiving the food and gifts. 

Officer Mark Calvert said the program is in it 22^nd year and this year it served about 400 families. 

Be a part of next year's blessing, volunteer to help Santa Cop and Santa Spot.  They can use your help year round.  For information contact Officer Mark Calvert at 972-237-8814 or mcalvert@gptx.org.

Posted by Editor at 09:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police arrested Collin Garner, 36, in conncection with the Dec. 10 robbery of the Chase Bank, 4146 S. Carrier Pkwy.

Detective John Brimmer, police spokesman, said several Crime Stopper tips lead to Garner.  Witnesses were able to identify him from a photo lineup and an arrest warrant was obtained. 

Officers arrested Garner today when information was received that he was staying at  425 S. Great Southwest Parkway. From the location police recovered a vehicle that matches the description of the one used in the robbery along with clothing items that may have been worn during the robbery.

Detective Brimmer said the FBI has been contacted to determine if Garner will prosecuted at the federal or state level.  

Posted by Editor at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wednesday morning around 7:20 a.m. Dallas Sheriff's Department was called about debris in the roadway of Interstate 45 near Mars Road.  Deputies determined that the debris was actually human remains of a Hispanic male.

Investigators believe that sometime around midnight the victim was apparently walking southbound on I-45 and was struck by a vehicle, possibly a 18 wheeler, that did not stop.  

This portion of I-45 is not lit and is thinly populated, so the driver may not have known nor seen what he struck.

Deputies did not find any identification on the body and it sustained so much damage it is impossible to determine the victim's age.

The victim may have been trying to hitch hike to the Houston area but deputies have not confirmed this information.

Investigators have few leads and the Sheriff's Department is asking anyone that may have seen something or have information to call 214-749-8641.   

Posted by Editor at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police invite anyone who lives or works in Grand Prairie to register for the next Citizens Police Academy.

Registration opens Jan. 1 and continues through Feb. 7 for the free course that will be held at the Charles V. England Public Safety Center, 310 W. College, Feb. 7 through May 1.

The classes are held each Thursday from 7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m.  Participants will learn about the Grand Prairie Police Department through a series of lectures, demonstrations, tours, hands-on excercises, and an opportunity to ride along with police officers. 

Those interested in the next academy must agree to a background and criminal history check, be 18 years or older, and not convicted of a felony.

To register, call Charlene at 972-237-8724 or email Lt. Dennis Clay at dclay@gptx.org

Posted by Editor at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

In observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day, the City of Grand Prairie administrative offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 24, Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Jan. 1. Other city services affected are:

• Bowles Branch Library – closed Dec. 23-25; closing at 5 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1 (Items may be renewed online or by phone at 972-237-5700.)
• Main Library – closed Dec. 23-25; closing at 5 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1 (Items may be renewed online or by phone at 972-237-5700.) 
• Betty Warmack Branch Library – closed Dec. 23-25; closing at 5 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1 (Items may be renewed online or by phone at 972-237-5700.) 
• Water bill payment offices – closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 (Payments can be made online or over the phone.) 
• Bowles Life Center – closed Dec. 24-25; open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 26; early closing at 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1
• Charley Taylor Recreation Center – closed Dec. 24-25; open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 26; early closing at 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1
• Dalworth Recreation Center – closed Dec. 24-25; open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Dec. 26; early closing at 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1
• Grand Prairie Senior Center – closed Dec. 24-25; open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 26; early closing at 6 p.m. Dec. 31 (except for attendees of the Center’s New Year’s Eve event); closed Jan. 1 
• Prairie Lakes Golf Course – closed Dec. 25
• Tangle Ridge Golf Club – closed Dec. 25
• Kirby Creek Indoor Pool – closed Dec. 24-25; open 1-6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1
• Garbage Collection/Recycling – no pick up on Dec. 25; no pick up on Jan. 1 (Please set out garbage and recycling on your next scheduled collection day.)
• Landfill – closing at 3 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25; closing at 3 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Jan. 1
• Animal Shelter – closed Dec. 24-25; closed Dec. 31-Jan. 1 
• Tourist Information Center – closed Dec. 24-25, closed Jan. 1

Posted by Editor at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police announced Monday the department received a total of $250,000 in grant funding for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) from the Texas Department of Transportation.  This total includes $59,142 from the City of Grand Prairie in matching funds.

STEP is a program which pays officers overtime to conduct traffic enforcement targeting speed, seat belt, and DWI violations.  Although some of the funds can be used for training, the bulk is used for traffic enforcement.

“Most officers on the street are answering calls for service and often don’t have the time to focus on traffic enforcement.  This (STEP) allows for additional resources to patrol the streets looking specifically for these types of violations,” Sergeant Eric Hanson, Traffic Division supervisor said.

The Grand Prairie Police Department has operated STEP for over 25 years and recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for using the program to combat crime through traffic enforcement.

In addition, $51,000 was awarded specifically for DWI enforcement.  Sergeant Hanson said the department’s first DWI enforcement period begins this week and lasts through New Year’s Day.  He said as many as six additional officers could on duty any give time during this period looking for drunk drivers.

Posted by Editor at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ah yes, the holiday tradition, waiting in lines at the Post Office to mail your cards, letters, and parcels to family and friends.

On what the Postal Service says is their busiest mailing day of the year, December 17, Postmaster Diane Tindle was in the lobby of the Grand Prairie Main Post Office Monday taping parcels, helping with forms, and explaining services to customers trying to reduce their wait as much as possible.

Tindle said that the U. S. Postal Service, Dallas District, expects around 4.95 million pieces of mail will be taken in on December 17.  Nationally she said the total volume should approach 1 billion pieces. 

Although Monday is the busiest mailing day, she said it is still not too late to mail articles and have delivery before Christmas and gave the following deadlines:

• December 20 – First class cards and letters
• December 20 – Priority mail
• December 22 – Express mail

To avoid waiting in line at a Post Office, Tindle recommends customers use the Automated Postal Center (APC) located at the Westchester Station, 765 W. Westchester. An APC is a virtual stand-alone Post Office.  She said an APC does 80 percent of the transactions that can be done at the window and you can mail articles regardless of the Post Office hours.

Tindle also said that on Christmas Eve the Westchester Station is open until 5:00 p.m. while the Main Office and Fountain Station would close at noon. 

View slide show 

Posted by Editor at 01:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City of Grand Prairie released images of the preliminary designs for the new police center which will be located at State Highway 161 and Warrior Trail.

The 130,00 square foot center is nearly three times the size of the existing Lyndon King center located at 801 Conover.

The new facility will house both Police and Fire Administration along with Police/Fire communications and jail facilities.  Funding for the building is through a voter approved 1/4 cent sales tax.  Construction is set to begin in 2008 with a grand opening in 2010. 

View slide show of preliminary designs:

Posted by Editor at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Arts Council held the 1^st Annual Ruthe Awards - Honoring the Shining Stars of the Arts in Grand Prairie Saturday evening at the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club.

The award is named in honor of Grand Prairie’s most prominent citizen, Mrs. Ruthe Jackson, Mayor Pro Tem.

This year’s winners include:

• Outstanding Actor – Sally Allison, for her role in GPAC’s production of “Nunsense.”
• Outstanding Visual Artist – Larry Sanchez, for his work on the Uptown Construction Walls Mural Project.
• Outstanding Dancer – Shannon Walsh, Choreographer for GPAC’s production of “Damn Yankees”.
• Outstanding Storyteller – Mel Davenport, Co-Founder of the Grand Prairie Storytellers & Listeners Guild.
• Outstanding Musician – Tripp Jackson, as Musical Director for GPAC’s productions of “Nunsense” & “Damn Yankees”.
• Outstanding Event Technician – Jerry Vaughn, for his set design & building for numerous GPAC productions over the years.
• Outstanding Youth Participant – Amanda Arnold, for her participant in GPAC productions over the past 9 years; including as Zulu in GPAC’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” when she was just four years old.
• Executive Director’s Award – Doug Beich, liaison from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department on the GPAC Board of Directors, and hardworking GPAC Supporter.
• Executive Director’s Award – Kathy Brundrett, longtime GPAC Board Member, and volunteer.
• People’s Choice, Best Actor in the Annual Summer Musical – Jerry Vaughn as Mr. Applegate in GPAC’s production of “Damn Yankees”.
• Outstanding House Management Volunteer – Debbie Dobbs Vernon
• Outstanding GPAC Board Member – Amy Jackson
• Leadership Award – Libby Clawson, Executive Director of GPAC
  

Special award to the original Shinning Star of Grand Prairie – The Honorable Mrs. Ruthe Jackson

Posted by Editor at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Financially plagued MBS Cos., owner of the Fox Chase apartments, a 260 unit complex located at 1920 W. Tarrant Road in Grand Prairie, filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec 4.   

MBS Cos., the Metairie, Louisiana base company named after its owner, Michael B. Smuck, filed Chapter 11 reorganization in bankruptcy court in Fort Worth. 

MBS listed on documents filed in the U. S. Bankruptcy Court, 41 creditors with debt between $1 million and $10 million.

Posted by Editor at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Want to read a book, how about up-to-date consumer information, or maybe look up something in an encyclopedia, but want to do all of this online.  No problem, just look to the Grand Prairie Library.

The library has introduced several new online services that are completely free to library cardholders.

Some of the online resources offered by the library include:

• Online book clubs
• Better Business Bureau videos
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Learning Express Library
• Texshare databases
• Funk & Wagnall’s encyclopedia
• Student Research Center
• HeritageQuest
• Health and Wellness Resource Collection

All of this and much more is available online through the Grand Prairie Libaray

Go to the library web site, www.gptx.org/library or call 972-237-5700 for additional information.

Posted by Editor at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weather, amount of work, and the holidays are all factors that postponed opening of State Highway 161 Segment I. 

Segment I, frontage roads from Pioneer Parkway to Interstate 20, was due to open on Dec. 21.  The opening has now been delayed until about the third week in Janurary 2008.

Posted by Editor at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Arts Council begins performing its holiday musical, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Thursday at the Woman's Club, 1 Park Square North.

This hilarious Christmas tale will feature more than 50 cast members and will fill the stage at the Woman's Club auditorium.

Performances are December 13 - 15 beginning at 7:30 p.m., and December 16 at 2:00 p.m. 

Seating is limited, you can reserve your tickets by calling 972-642-ARTS or visit www.artsgp.com.

Posted by Editor at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

Raffle tickets are being sold to the public through Dec. 19 for $2 each in the annual Grand Prairie city employee Christmas Basket Raffle.  Proceeds are donated to Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation for distribution to Grand Prairie charities.  More than $10,000 has been donated since the annual raffle began in 2004.

The eight baskets may be viewed at the city’s Development Center, 206 W. Church St., or online at http://www.gptx.org/holidaybaskets.aspx.

Tickets are $2 and can be purchased through 4 p.m. Dec. 19, when the winning tickets will be drawn.

Tickets may be purchased from:

• Ann Ellis, Building Inspections, 206 W. Church St.
• Karen Smith, Engineering, 206 W. Church St.
• Gloria Rodriguez, Fire Admin, 201 NW 2nd, #200
• Susie Hedrick, Equipment Services, 1821 W. Freeway
• Lyndsey Dudley, City Manager’s Office, 317 College St.
• Jan Hill, Airport, 3116 S. Great Southwest Pkwy

All items in the raffle are donated by city employees and local businesses. The eight baskets are packed with goodies such as Black and Decker tools, movie and dinner gift certificates, Godiva chocolate, gourmet waters from around the world, soup and cocoa mixes, a travel care kit, Air Hogs box seats, Lone Star Park tickets, Six Flags tickets, an iPod Shuffle and more. The value of the baskets ranges from $80 to $750.

“The employees have a good time giving back to the community especially during our Christmas basket raffle,” City Manager Tom Hart said. “It’s fun to see their enthusiasm and creativity during this particular drive for charity.”

Last year the Planning and Development Department sold the most tickets with their “Git ’er Done 2006” tool basket, while Grand Prairie Tourism won the “best use of theme” award for their “super entertainment” package and Environmental Services won “most beautiful” with a “spa holiday” basket.

In 2006, two lucky citizens and six city employees won baskets, which in all were worth nearly $2,400.

Posted by Editor at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy U. S. Postal Service

December is the busiest time of year for mailing and the U.S. Postal Service is helping to make holiday shipping needs a little bit easier. With 20 billion cards, letters and packages expected to be delivered this holiday season, the Postal Service has some tips to help send holiday cheer in a safe, secure manner.

The Postal Service offers free, environmentally friendly Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes. These supplies can be ordered at usps.com or picked up at a local Post Office and can be shipped anywhere in the world. But, the best consumer value may be Flat Rate Boxes and envelopes. No calculating postage or weighing is needed. Customers pay a flat rate of $8.95 no matter the weight of the package or its destination. When a package is ready to be shipped, log on to usps.com/pickup to schedule a free package pickup from home or office.

The Postal Service also offers pre-packaged shipping products, READY POST, sold at local Post Offices for customers unable to find proper mailing boxes and envelopes.

It’s important to remember that packages weighing more than 13 ounces bearing postage stamps must be presented to a letter carrier or retail associate at the Post Office and cannot be dropped in blue collection boxes.

“The Postal Service is making it easier this holiday season to ship to family and friends,” said Carl January, Dallas District Manager. “These mailing recommendations will help customers send their holiday cheer.”

When addressing envelopes and packages use the following guidelines:

• Print complete address clearly.
• A complete address must include street number and name, secondary address (such as apartment or suite number), city, state and 5-digit ZIP Code. For example: 123 S. Main St. Apt 4 Washington, DC 20001.
• Use the proper ZIP Code. ZIP codes can be found at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.
• Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of the envelope or package.
• Always use a return address. It tells the Postal Service where to return mail if it cannot be delivered.
• Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and width. Make sure the width is measured around the largest point of the package.

Helpful packaging tips:

• Make sure packages are able to withstand processing without the contents or packaging breaking.
• Cushion items with bubble wrap, newspaper, or “foam peanuts” so they do not shift during transit.
• Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box.
• Remove batteries from electronic devices and wrap separately.
• Close and shake the box to see if there is enough cushioning. If items are shifting, add more cushioning.
• Mark packages "Fragile" in large print on the outside of the box when shipping materials that might be more likely to break.
• When re-using a box make sure previous labels and markings are covered before mailing.
• Mark "Perishable" on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil.
• Place an extra address label with the delivery and return address inside the package. This ensures the safe return of an item that could not be delivered should outside label become damaged or falls off.
• Always use tape designed for sealing shipping boxes. Do not use string, cellophane and masking tape to seal packages.

Don’t forget to mail packages using Priority Mail by Dec. 20 and Express Mail starting Dec. 22 to ensure delivery by Christmas. 

Posted by Editor at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

The northbound lanes of Belt Line Road from Oakdale Road to Trinity Blvd. will be closed to traffic beginning today, Wednesday, Dec. 12, beginning at approximately noon.  It is expected that the norththbound lanes will be reopened to traffic on or about Friday, Dec. 28.

The marked detour route will be: West on Oakdale Road to Hardrock Road, turning right to proceed north on Hardrock Road to Trinity Blvd.; then turning right onto Trinity Blvd. to proceed east and returning to Belt Line Road.

This closure is necessary for construction of the new Belt Line Road bridge over Bear Creek.

This advisory is subject to changing weather conditions. Additional advisories will be issued if and as needed.

Posted by Editor at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A lone bandit robbed the Chase Bank Center, 4146 S. Carrier Parkway, Monday about 2:55 p.m., of an undisclosed amount of money.

Grand Prairie Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said the lone robber approached a teller inside the bank and demanded cash.  He did not display a weapon but acted as if he had one in his waistband.  

The suspect is described as:

• White male, light skin, and dark hair
• Spoke with an accent
• Late 20s to early 30s
• 5'04" to 5'08"
• 140 to 160 pounds
• Wearing light gray "hoodie" sweatshirt with a gray shirt under it possibly with "Hollister" written on it
• Blue jeans
• Blue baseball cap possibly with "Corona Extra" written in gold
• Driving a 90s to 2000 Dodge Dakota mid-sized pickup with distinctive green markings resembling flames coming from the front wheel extending toward the back

Anyone with information about the robbery is urged to call the Grand Prairie Police at 972-237-8790 or Crime Stoppers at 972-988-8477

View bank security photos of suspect and photos of markings and truck similar to suspect vehicle. 

Posted by Editor at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friday Keep America Beautiful recognized four Grand Prairie schools with two winning top honors for their accomplishments related to environmental education and stewardship.

The schools recognized:

• David Daniels Elementary Academy – First Place National Award in the Litter Prevention Category for Schools.
• Travis Elementary School – First Place National Award in the Community Improvement and Beautification Category for Schools.
• Grand Prairie High School – Second Place National Award in the Community Improvement and Beautification Category for Schools
• Dickinson Elementary – Third Place National Award in the Waste Reduction Category for Schools.

The award winning schools all participate in the Green & Clean Campus Program, which is a partnership between the Grand Prairie ISD and the City of Grand Prairie” Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful Program.

Posted by Editor at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Independent School District is seeking nominations to name two new campuses.

The facilities to be named:

• 14^th Street elementary school
• Career and Technology Center

Nomination forms will be accepted at GPISD Communications office through December 18. 

The nomination form is available from the Communications office by calling 972-237-5381 or may be downloaded from the GPISD web site.

Posted by Editor at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

The City of Grand Prairie recently launched an exciting research effort that will culminate in defining an identity or brand for the city.  To do this, we need your help.  Would you please take a moment to click on this link and complete the survey by Dec. 20?

Grand Prairie Vision Survey

Your survey will remain confidential and the information will be presented in total.  Remember, we need your answers by Dec. 20.

Posted by Editor at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Grand Prairie tradition, the  17th Annual Christmas Boat Parade, was held Saturday at Lynn Creek Marina on Joe Pool Lake.  Holiday carolers and fun for the entire family which included the parade of boats lavishly decorated for Christmas. The event was complete with a visit from Santa Claus.