GrandPrairieReporter.com

CHIPS and Children’s Medicaid provides eligible children with coverage for a full range of health services including regular checkups, immunizations, prescription drugs, lab tests, X-rays, hospital visits and more.

This is a great opportunity for the families of Grand Prairie to sit down with trained personal and receive one-on-one assistance to apply for CHIP or Medicaid, State Representative Kirk England said.

You will need to bring the following to the enrollment:

• A copy of each child’s birth certificate – children must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
• Each child’s social security number
• Alien Registration Card (I-551) – or a copy of the front and back of each card if your children are not U.S. citizens
• Proof of income for all family members – one of your latest pay check stubs or a letter from your employer stating how much is paid, child support check stub and child care, disabled adult care, or child support paid receipt

Posted by Editor at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Work on the contract will be performed at the company’s facilities in Camden, AR, and Grand Prairie, TX, and is scheduled for completion in 4th quarter 2010. Specific quantities of vehicles and rockets were not disclosed.

"The HIMARS system brings much more mobile and lethal dimension to Soldiers and Marines," said Lt. Col. John Chicoli, U.S. Army Precision Guided Munitions and Rockets Product Manager. "HIMARS’ exceptional mobility and transportability, together with the newest evolution of the MLRS family of munitions, bring long-range, precision fires, all-weather, near-vertical impact to theater – greatly reducing collateral damage."

HIMARS can accommodate the entire family of MLRS munitions, including all variants of the Guided MLRS rocket and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. Designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations, HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed following missile launch, well before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site.

Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers and provides a force multiplier to the modular brigade. It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world.

Posted by Editor at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The reserved seat plan includes 12 ticket vouchers, which can be exchanged for tickets to any game in any quantity, for $70. The plan also includes a 20 percent one-time discount at the club’s souvenir store.

The general admission plan includes ten general admission tickets for $60, redeemable at any game, as well as the 20 percent one-time souvenir discount.

In addition, the club is offering open houses at the AirHogs’ new ballpark at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The open houses include ballpark tours, as well as an opportunity to choose season seats and meet the club’s front-office staff.

The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association season starts on May 8, 2008, with the home opener on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at the team’s brand-new stadium. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

Posted by Editor at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lone Star Park announced its 2008 Country Music Concert Series for the Spring Thoroughbred Season that begins on April 10.

The series will feature:

• April 11 – Gary Allen, a MCA recording artist with his single “Watching Airplanes” currently number 7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
• April 12 – Miranda Lambert a Lindale, Texas native and 2003 finalist of the TV show, Nashville Star.   Opening for Lambert will be Johnny Cooper, a 19 year old Arizona native.
• June 13 – Randy Rogers Band is currently one of the hottest acts on the Texas music scene with two singles on the Billboard Hot 100
• July 11 – Artist to be announced in April

All of the concerts are after the live racing and are included in the $3 general admission ticket for those who arrive early to watch the racing.  However, the price will increase to $15 after 9:00 p.m. for the Friday night concerts that begin at 11:00 p.m. and to $15 after 5:00 p.m. for the Saturday evening concert which begins at 6:30 p.m.  Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday nights with the first race at 6:35 p.m.   For Saturday the gates open at 11:30 a.m. with the first race at 1:35 p.m.  

The stage for each concert will be situated outdoors outside the racing surface in front of the Courtyard of Champions.  Seating in the lawn area is on a first-come, first-serve basis with blankets and folding chairs permitted.  There is limited patio table seating in the Courtyard.  Details of the VIP concert viewing tickets will be announced later.  

Additionally reserved seating for Lone Star Park’s indoor Grandstand go on sale March 10.  Packages for groups of 20 or more, including luxury penthouse suite rentals, are already being sold.  Call the Lone Star Park’s groups sales department at 972-237-5118 for more information.

Posted by Editor at 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dallas County Health and Human Services announced today that their clinics will offer free flu shots to children and adults while their remaining supply lasts. 

Posted by Editor at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation will create explosive fire potential. Avoid all outside burning, do not toss lit cigarette butts outside or work welding equipment outside. Do no run vehicles over grassy areas either.

Report wild fires to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office. Listen to NOAA radio or go to the National Weather Service web site for later forecasts and possible changes of fire weather conditions.

Posted by Editor at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It took Grand Prairie firefighters almost an hour to put out a large grass fire in the 1700 block of East Marshall near the Lockheed Martin facility Tuesday around 12:30 p.m.

The high winds Tuesday hampered the twenty-four firefighters it took to put out the fire. 

Posted by Editor at 02:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you didn’t finish school for whatever reason or if you are a student thinking of dropping out, the Grand Prairie Independent School District wants to help.

The district is sponsoring its first Dropout Recovery Fair, February 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the GPISD Education Center, 2602 S. Belt Line Road.

This free event will have representatives from schools, colleges, government agencies and private industry present to provide information and opportunities to everyone, no matter how long they have been out of school.

The following have been invited to send representatives:

• Grand Prairie ISD
• City of Grand Prairie
• NAACP
• LULAC
• Area private and Charter school
• Community colleges and trade schools
• Texas Workforce Commission
• Division of Rehabilitation Services
• Armed Forces
• Industry
• General Motors
• Vought
• Lockheed/Martin
• Lone Star Park
• Six Flags
• Brinker restaurants

Come to the Dropout Recovery Fair – you do have choices.

Posted by Editor at 08:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On  January 31, Dickey Road will be closed between South Carrier and West Freeway for SH 161 North bound service road construction.

It is anticipated to be re-opened early in April 2008, weather permitting.  The alternate routes to gain access to West Freeway from South Carrier will be West Marshall, Desco and Conover.

Posted by Editor at 07:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

High winds and low relative humidity will create critical fire weather conditions.

Monitor NOAA weather radio or the NWS website for updates.

Posted by Editor at 05:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The North Campus of The Woods United Methodist Church, formerly Inglewood United Methodist Church, 1737 SW Third St., invites all former members, ministers, and staff to their fiftieth anniversary celebration February 10 at 10:30 a.m.

A covered dish dinner follows the special worship service.  Memorabilia of the church’s fifty year history will be on display.

Posted by Editor at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The auditions will be held outdoors in close proximity to the winner's circle, and performers will be shown and recorded on the racetrack's infield JumboTron. Hopefuls will have two minutes to perform their version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" - a cappella for vocalists - and will be judged by Lone Star Park officials.

Walkups are welcome, but performers are encouraged to reserve an appointment by calling Lone Star Park at (972) 263-RACE.

With 96 live dates in 2007 - 65 during the Spring Thoroughbred Season that runs April 10-July 27 and 31 during the Fall Quarter Horse Meeting from Sept. 26-Nov. 29 - there are potentially 96 spots available. Well over 100 performers have turned out in recent years with about one-third making the final cut.

Aspiring performers are urged to memorize the lyrics, keep their performance under two minutes and be prepared for a sound delay from the public address system.

Those chosen to sing the National Anthem on a live race day will be notified with a telephone call and a written letter prior to the start of the Spring Thoroughbred Season (usually two-to-three weeks after the audition). Each person selected to perform will receive box seats for four to that day's live racing program.

Posted by Editor at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

• Goodwin Award – presented for outstanding contributions to Grand Prairie historic preservation by an individual.
  
• Dechman Award – presented for outstanding contributions to Grand Prairie historic preservation by an organization or business.
  
• Certificates of Appreciation – presented to individuals, organizations or businesses who have contributed significantly to the preservation of Grand Prairie’s history.
  

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. February 27, 2008.  The Award Ceremony is scheduled for 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Ruthe Jackson Center.

For more information call  972-237-8140.

Posted by Editor at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An 18-hour course in volunteer hospice care will be held over two Saturdays, February 16 and March 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the VNA headquarters on 1600 Viceroy Drive in Dallas.  Training is provided at no cost.

Volunteers are an essential part of the hospice team and help in many ways: 

• Direct care volunteers provide emotional support, caregiver relief, and assistance with errands.
• Bereavement volunteers help comfort grieving family members, co-facilitate grief support groups, and assist with monthly luncheons.
• Administrative volunteers help with clerical duties and other program support activities.
  

To register for the volunteer training class, contact Julie Feltner, VNA Hospice Volunteer Manager, at 214-689-2672 or feltnerj@vnatexas.org.

Posted by Editor at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dr. Sina Matin with Baylor Medical Hospital will present a free weight loss surgery informational program Monday, 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Main Library, 901 Conover.

Dr. Matin is the Medical Director Baylor’s Irving Weight Management Center and will discuss:

• What types of surgery are there?
• What are the pros and cons?
• What should a patient consider befor choosing a procedure?
• What is the best way to choose a doctor?

For more information call the Main Library at 972-237-5700

Posted by Editor at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Deputy Michael Ortiz said the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department wanted to remind everyone that the Courtesy Patrol Division is ready to help stranded motorist on Dallas County highways. 

He said stranded motorist should always remember that they may contact the Courtesy Patrol through 1-800 number located on the reverse side of their driver’s license for Road Side Assistance.  This number is often overlooked because it is printed so small. 

Motorist may also call the Dallas Sheriff’s Department at 214-749-8641 and a Courtesy Patrol officer will be sent to assist, Deputy Ortiz said.

Last year the Courtesy Patrol Division made 83,619 motorist assists.

Posted by Editor at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On November 18, 2007 officers responded to a stabbing call at the I-Hop at 2060 N. Hwy 360. 

Both men approached the table, confronted Hyden, and then the suspect, a Hispanic male, 5’8”, 20-26 years of age, stabbed Hyden in the face with a fork.

Both men fled in a silver, Nissan 350Z, north bound on Hwy 360.

The Grand Prairie Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect(s).  Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 972-988-8477 or Detective Heath Wester at 972-237-8911

Posted by Editor at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marine PFC Gabrielle Urias, formerly of Grand Prairie, was recently awarded the Marine Corps Bases Japan, Chef of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008.

The daughter of Rene and Shannon Hernandez of Grand Prairie is a 2006 graduate of South Grand Prairie High joining the Marine Corps in October of 2006.  She is currently a food services specialist at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan.

The best Marine Corps chefs selected from the Marine Corps Bases Japan compete quarterly for the award.      

Typically, Marines are selected to compete for the award several times before winning the competition.  PFC Urias won on her first try after only couple of months at Camp Kinser, her first duty station.

“The fact that she did it her first time shows she’s got a little talent.  She’s got drive,“ said Staff Sergeant Jose Moran, chief chef at Camp Kinser.

“I could not make Easy Mac before I joined the Marine Corps,” PFC Urias said.

Life in the Marine Corps is the fulfillment of a childhood dream for PFC Urias and plans to make the Marine Corps her career.

“When I was little, my dad would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up.  I always said, ‘a Marine.’  I want to give the Marine Corps as much as I can,” PFC Urias said.  “I love it. I love being a Marine.”

Posted by Editor at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to table an amendment to a grant of matching funds from Texas Department of Transportation for the design of an airport terminal at the Grand Prairie Municipal Airport.

Councilman Rick Sala said in the council briefing session he would like to see some results of a market research, “ One more look if we’re going in the right direction.” 

He said that with new technology he wanted to make sure we designed the terminal to go after the market we want to attract to the airport whether that is microjet traffic, a super heliport or general aviation. 

Grand Prairie needs to consider future air traffic due the new Cowboys stadium in Arlington and the Super Bowl coming, he said. 

With the city’s central location, Grand Prairie could become a destination of choice for microjet traffic and just did not want to miss on this new emerging market, Sala said. 

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

The Grand Prairie City Council unanimously approved an amendment Tuesday night to enter into a contract with Komatsu Architecture for design renovations to the City Council Chambers.

In a presentation during the City Council briefing session, Amy Sprinkle, Communications and Marketing Director, said the chambers have only been renovated one time since the construction of City Hall in the ‘70s, that being in 1994.  The 1994 renovation was minor consisting of only reupholstering chairs, new carpet, and painting walls.

The new renovation would address the entire chambers and lobby including:

• Reupholster chairs
• New wall treatments
• New carpet
• Streamlined speaker’s podium
• Better monitors for council members
• Expanded seating for staff members
• Redesign of entry including reception desk
• New entry doors

Sprinkle said that the sound system was a separate item and it was already scheduled for an upgrade.

Posted by Editor at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Editor at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Despite the cold dreary weather people wrapped up in warm clothing to battle the weather so they could enjoy the parade to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The parade sponsored by the NAACP Grand Prairie Branch started at David Daniels Academy and concluded at Grand Prairie High School.

Click to view photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade: 

Posted by Editor at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The return of moisture across the region results in drizzle, low clouds, and dense fog.

Areas of dense fog have already begun to develop across western and southern portions of north Texas and should spread to include Grand Prairie Tuesday morning.  Visibilities may drop as low as a quarter mile at times.

Posted by Editor at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kraig Parker an Elvis tribute artist from Grand Prairie performed to a sold out crowd Sunday night at the House of Blues in Dallas.

Oldies radio station KLUV sponsored the show as a tribute to what would have been Elvis’ seventy-third birthday on January 8.

Parker along with his outstanding “Royal Tribute Band” and backup vocalists “The Sweet Sensations” put on a non-stop, two hour, high energy performance as he sang a mix of Elvis hits that chronicled “The King’s” career.  Just as Elvis, Parker took the time to reach out to his adoring fans standing at the stage giving scarves, hand shakes, and kisses.

Parker briefly spoke of Elvis’ career and how even years after his death new songs have been released.  He spoke how technology made it possible for Elvis to appear with Celine Dion in a duet on “American Idol”. This led into a duet with “Sweet Sensation” Genevieve Dew singing “If I Can Dream”.  The beautiful blend of their voices brought the entire crowd to their feet.

Parker again brought the crowd to their feet with his powerful voice singing the classic gospel “How Great Thou Art” and with his closing song, “The American Trilogy”. 

Posted by Editor at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The national weather service in Fort Worth has issued a red flag warning for Grand Prairie and the north Texas area which is in effect from 11 a.m. this morning to 7 p.m. this evening.

A high fire danger exists this afternoon as relative humidities drop into the 20s while winds from the south increase to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and dry vegetation will
create explosive fire growth potential. Avoid all outside burning and welding today. Do not toss lit cigarette butts outside.

Report wild fires to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office.

Posted by Editor at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Arts Council announced open auditions for their production of Neil Simon’s “The Star-Spangled Girl.”

Auditions are available by appointment February 11-12 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. by calling show director, Amy Jackson at 214-557-0981.

Casting:

1. 2 men ages 20-25 years old
• Lean
• Recent college graduate
• Apt at physical comedy
• Quick dialogue
2. 1 woman 20-25 years old
• Athletic
• Pretty
• Southern drawl

Auditions, rehearsals and performance will be in the auditorium of the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club Building, 1 Park Square North.  Rehearsal schedule is available online.

Performances:

• Thursday, March 27 – 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 28 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 p.m.

Posted by Editor at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Join a group from Lend a Helping Hand Saturday as they visit and deliver birthday cards to residents at the Grand Prairie Health Care center, 820 Small St. 

The group meets in the center's lobby about 1:55 p.m. and visit the center's residents for an hour or two.

Posted by Editor at 02:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy NOAA 

Rain will continue to spread northeast across the southern half of North Texas today. The rain will mix with...or change to sleet along and south of a line extending from Comanche...to Burleson...to Canton throughout the day. Any rain and sleet should diminish from west to east early this evening. Temperatures will stay above freezing this morning and rise throughout the day. However...very minor accumulations of sleet will be possible on grassy areas and on vehicles.

Listen to NOAA radior or check the NOAA web site throughout the day for more information.

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

You can help determine what makes Grand Prairie special so it can stand out in the marketplace. Please click on the link below to take a quick survey.  The questionnaire has been crafted based on previous citizen input to determine the city's strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities.

Surveys can be completed online and submitted electronically: Grand Prairie Community Survey

Posted by Editor at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Saturday's closure of West Freeway between Robinson and Marshall has been postponed. A new date will be posted once the storm drain construction has been rescheduled.

Posted by Editor at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Inglewood United Methodist Church, 1737 SW 3^rd, and Trailwood United Methodist, 4501 Mathew Road, completed their merger on January 1.

The two congregations that for years have served Grand Prairie merged their strengths to establish The Woods United Methodist Church. 

Reverend Jill Jackson-Sears continues to pastor Inglewood UMC which is now called the North Campus while Reverend Terry Ann Hanig pastors Trailwood UMC, known as the South Campus.

Plans call for the North Campus to be sold and the congregation consolidated at the South Campus while the new church building is constructed. 

The ISG Architects designed building will be located on Bardin Road near the intersection of State Highway 161 and Interstate 20.  

Posted by Editor at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An accident Thursday morning put a car into the soon to open Jambu Juice located at 3040 W. Camp Wisdom. 

According to a Jamba Juice employee, Jimmy Story, the car was east bound through the strip center parking lot coming from the area of the Starbucks.  It sideswiped another vehicle, veered towards the store, jumped over the curb, and crashed through the store’s glass front. 

Story said that he along with some construction workers was inside the store at the time of the accident.  He said fortunately no one inside was near the glass front so there were no injuries.  

Although the unidentified female driver and passenger were shaken, Story said they did not appear to be injured.    

“The store was supposed to open on the first [February 1], looks like that will be pushed back,” Story said.  

Posted by Editor at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Make a Joyful Noise Essay Contest will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. January 21, at the Bowles Life Center,2750 Graham St.

“I have a Dream” Martin Luther King essays will be judged in four divisions:

• Elementary
• Middle School
• High School
• College

The event fee is $5 per person. All registration money goes to the Bowles Youth Scholarship fund for programs and classes.

For more information call 972-237-7529.

Posted by Editor at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the City of Grand Prairie administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 21.

Other city services affected are:

• Bowles Branch Library – closed
• Main Library – closed
• Betty Warmack Branch Library – closed
• Water bill payment offices – closed (Payments can be made online or over the phone.)
• Bowles Life Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with exception of the MLK Essay Contest and Celebration (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.) and those enrolled in Drop in Camp (open 7 a.m.)
• Charley Taylor Recreation Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with exception for those enrolled in Drop in Camp (open 7 a.m.)
• Dalworth Recreation Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with exception for those enrolled in Drop in Camp (open 7 a.m.)
• Grand Prairie Senior Center – closed
• Prairie Lakes Golf Course – open
• Tangle Ridge Golf Club – open
• Kirby Creek Indoor Pool – lap swim 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; open swim 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Garbage Collection/Recycling – regular pickup
• Landfill – open
• Animal Shelter (Prairie Paws Adoption Center) – closed
• Tourist Information Center – open

   

Posted by Editor at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

See how Grand Prairians lived in the 1900s with a free tour of the beautifully restored historic Copeland Home, 125 SW Dallas St., every first Saturday of the month from noon-4 p.m.   

February’s tour will be Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008.  Docents will give tours and answer questions about the quaint 100-year-old home in which Dr. Horace V. Copeland lived with his family.  Dr. Copeland helped birth more than 4,000 Grand Prairie babies during his career.  To get to the home, from Main or Jefferson streets in Grand Prairie, turn south on SW 2nd Street, and travel east on SW Dallas Street.  The tours are free, compliments of the Grand Prairie Historical Commission and Grand Prairie Arts Council.

Upcoming tours will be:

• Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1
• Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5
• Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3
• Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7
  

Located within the original town site of Grand Prairie, the Copeland Home was built in 1902 by B.P. Hale and his wife, Ruth.  The home was purchased by the Copeland family in 1908.

Posted by Editor at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The celebration begins Monday morning at 10:00 a.m with a parade starting at Daniels Elementary Academy and concluding at Grand Prairie High School followed by a program inside Grand Prairie High School gym which features Donovan Lewis, The Ticket Sportsradio, as the keynote speaker.

Other speakers will include:

• Mayor Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson
• Dr. Susan Simpson, Grand Prairie ISD
• Dr. Vern Alexander, Grand Prairie ISD
• Angela Lucky, President NAACP Grand Prairie Branch
• Sterlin McGruder, Principal David Daniels Academy
• Rev. Preston Dixon, Pastor Mt. Gilead Baptist Church
• Robert Palmer, President NAACP Grand Prairie Branch Youth Council
• Step Team Performers of Jackson Middle School will perform.

The Grand Prairie NAACP Branch MLK Celebration Committee invites business, community and civic organizations to participate in the parade and other events planned to celebrate the birthday and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School groups such as bands, choirs, cheerleaders and other organizations are all invited to walk or ride in the MLK parade and participate in the program.

For additional information call:

• Angela Luckey – (469) 236-6122
• Rosalind Rogers – (972) 264-7670

Posted by Editor at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Tuesday the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court approved an Outdoor Burning Ban for Tarrant County.  The ban will be in effect for next 90 days.

Fire Marshal Randy Renois said the abundance of dry grass, lower than normal humidity, and strong gusty winds that occur during this time of the year makes the ban on outdoor burning necessary to protect properties in Tarrant County.

Posted by Editor at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 9th Annual Lockheed Martin/Chase Entrepreneur Expo will take place on Friday, February 8th at the Fort Worth Convention Center and is hosted by the Fort Worth Business Assistance Center.

This is the largest event in North Texas for small business owners who want to start, expand or buy a business – 2,565 people attended last year with more than 300 vendors in the exhibit hall!

The Fort Worth Business Assistance Center is the only center of its kind in north Texas – offering services such as free business counseling, financing assistance and ongoing education to small business owners.

For information: 817-871-6021 or www.TheExpo.org

Posted by Editor at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy Civil Air Patrol

On January 18-21, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) volunteer members of Addison, Crusader (in Grand Prairie ), Dallas, Irving, and Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadrons, as well as Group III Staff, will establish and operate the Incident Command Post that will be known as Mission Base. From this location, statewide units will be directed in a training exercise to simulate actual emergency search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security missions.

CAP will run a Distributed Search and Rescue Exercise in which the Texas Wing Headquarters will be transferred temporarily from Waco to Mesquite, TX. From this location, where the Wing Commander, Col. Joe R. Smith, will be located, a number of staging areas (CAP’s name for remote operation centers) all over Texas will be tasked to perform a variety of missions. They will report their results using various means of communication, as might happen during a real emergency.

CAP's Emergency Services program includes air and ground search and rescue, disaster relief and civil defense operations. CAP cooperates with and assists other federal, state and local emergency service agencies. CAP’S primary mission is to save lives and relieve human suffering.

During a real emergency, Texas Wing, as a member of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC), would be tasked by the Air Force at the request of the SOC, in order to implement all-agency damage assessment and relief