GrandPrairieReporter.com

The Grand Prairie AirHogs have announced that former American Idol contestant Jason Yeager will sing the National Anthem at the team’s inaugural home opener on Friday, May 16.

Yeager, 28, grew up in Grand Prairie. He rose to national prominence by appearing on the seventh season of American Idol. Jason outlasted thousands of hopefuls and made it into the final 20.

Jason will be appearing before the game on the main concourse to sign autographs and sell his CDs.

Continue reading "Jason Yeager will sing National Anthem at AirHogs home opener" »

Posted by Editor at 09:24 PM | Permalink

In preparation for the regular season, the Grand Prairie AirHogs Professional Baseball team will play two exhibition games against the Fort Worth Cats.

The first game will take place at The Parks at Texas Star in Euless on Thursday, May 1st at 7:05 PM. The AirHogs will play their second exhibition at the Cats home ballpark. It will take place at LaGrave Field on Monday, May 5th at 7:05 PM.

Both games will have the same ticket policy for fans. General admission entry will be available at cost of $5 for those in attendance.

Continue reading "AirHogs announce two exhibition games" »

Posted by Editor at 09:23 PM | Permalink

Courtesy U. S. Representative Kenny Marchant

Continue reading "Representative Marchant announces Artistic Discover winner" »

Posted by Editor at 08:11 PM | Permalink

Nine elementary school students from Arlington’s Larson Elementary School, 2620 Avenue K, were transported to area hospitals after a Monday afternoon accident involving their school bus and a SUV.  None of the injuries were believed to be serious.

Veronica Sopher, spokeswomen for the Arlington ISD, said the ages of the students on board the bus ranged from 6 through 12.

Continue reading "Nine students injured in bus accident" »

Posted by Editor at 09:42 PM | Permalink

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Grand Prairie was honored at Saturday’s Arbor Day celebration with the Tree City USA award.  For the city, 2008 marks the 24 year to receive the prestigious award.

Visitors to this year’s celebration enjoyed refreshments, free seedlings, tree care advice along with demonstrations and exhibits.  The Great Dolphin Choir from Barbara Bush Elementary School put on a planet earth themed musical performance.

Continue reading "24th year as Tree City USA" »

Posted by Editor at 08:33 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie’s 10^th Annual MayFest is set for May 10 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Kirby Creek Park, 3303 Corn Valley Road.

“We are proud to be celebrating 10 years with our MayFest Festival.  Each year the festival gets bigger and better with more arts and craft and food vendors, more great entertainment and more activities for the entire community to enjoy,” said Tracy Hollis, Grand Prairie ISD Nature Center Director.  “We hope everyone will join us this year to celebrate the arts that surround us, and to learn more about our natural resources and how to protect our environment.”

Continue reading "10th Annual MayFest set for May 10" »

Posted by Editor at 09:40 AM | Permalink

With the threat of severe weather Friday evening, the Grand Prairie Arts Council moved their final Concert in the Park performance to the First United Methodist Church Youth Build. 

The Fugitives a home grown party band with three members graduates of Grand Prairie High School performed their blend of R&B, classic rock, and  pop at the final performance of the Grand Prairie Arts Council’s April concert in the Park series.

Posted by Editor at 10:26 PM | Permalink

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The 6^th Annual Charley Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic was held Friday at the Prairie Lakes Golf Course.  Taylor along with the NAACP, Grand Prairie Branch sponsors the golf tournament to raise scholarship money for deserving high school seniors with plans for a higher education.

Continue reading "NFL Hall of Famer helps raise money for scholarships" »

Posted by Editor at 02:56 PM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie Police Department released the latest updates to their registered sex offenders list.

75050 (Updated 4/23/08) 

75051 (Updated 4/23/08)

75052 (Updated 4/3/08)

75054 (Updated 2/14/08)

Fugitives

Posted by Editor at 10:43 AM | Permalink

Governor Rick Perry today directed that flags be flown at half-staff in memory of former Texas Railroad Commissioner and State Representative Lena Guerrero, 50, died today after a long battle with cancer. 

In a statement, Governor Perry said:

Continue reading "Governor Perry orders flags at half-staff in memory of Lena Guerrero" »

Posted by Editor at 12:50 PM | Permalink

The 6^th Annual Charley Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic will be held April 25 at the Grand Prairie Lakes golf course, 3202 SE 14^th.

Sponsored by the NAACP, Grand Prairie Branch, the charity golf tournament raises money for scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Continue reading "6th Annual Charley Taylor Celebrity Golf Classic" »

Posted by Editor at 11:20 AM | Permalink

Daniels Elementary Academy held their 3rd annual Earth Day Parade,  Tuesday.   Students, staff and dignitaries  marched through the streets spreading the school's environmental message about taking care of our precious planet.

Continue reading "Daniels Elementary Academy celebrates Earth Day with parade" »

Posted by Editor at 03:27 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police responded to the Fox Chase Apartments, 1920 West Tarrant Rd., Monday night about 11:40 p.m. to investigate a report of gunfire. 

Arriving officers found Bethany Blackwell, 18, of Irving dead from multiple gun shot wounds.  Her body was located inside an apartment occupied by Matthew Brundrett, 25.  Brundrett was found in neighboring apartment suffering from multiple gun shot wounds.  He had gone there to seek help after being shot, said Detective John Brimmer, police spokesman.  

Continue reading "Shooting leaves one dead - one wounded - two arrested" »

Posted by Editor at 02:36 PM | Permalink

The Golden Triangle Radio Control Club will hold their first annual Heli Blaze June 13-15 at Jim Fulton Field, 2820 Seaton Road.

The three day event will offer fun to pilots and spectators.  There will be a variety of radio controlled aircraft to watch fly along with demonstrations.  CareFlite will land to show off one of their air ambulance helicopters.  Members of the club will be on hand to explain the various R/C aircraft and answer any questions about the R/C hobby.

Continue reading "R/C club hosts "Heli Blaze"" »

Posted by Editor at 09:46 PM | Permalink

The 4^th Annual Spring Fling was held Saturday at Central Bark, Grand Prairie’s dog park. 

Dog owners brought a variety of canines to romp, run, and meet new friends.  Vendors brought plenty of items for dogs and dog lovers.  There were demonstrations all day long from various dog trainers.

A memorial was dedicated honoring all the service dogs that fought and gave their lives in the armed forces. 

Posted by Editor at 11:11 PM | Permalink

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On Saturday the 300^th Sustainment Brigade, U. S. Army Reserve, was honored at an Activation Ceremony where their new insignia was unveiled and members of the unit got to put on their new patch.

Continue reading "Color Activation ceremony for Army unit" »

Posted by Editor at 10:23 PM | Permalink

Saturday’s ground breaking for the new Cedar Hill fire station on Lake Ridge Parkway is the result of two cities, Grand Prairie and Cedar Hill, working together to provide superior fire and EMS service for their citizens while saving tax money.

The cities entered into an agreement to share the cost of the new fire station and equipment.  Cedar Hill will staff the station with Grand Prairie assuming twenty-five percent of the personnel costs. 

Continue reading "Cities partner to build new fire station" »

Posted by Editor at 10:58 PM | Permalink

A tree fell across the 700 block of Pangburn,  Friday evening pinning two people under its canopy.  Neighbors and firefighters had to cut limbs from the tree to free one of the victims.

Continue reading "Two injured when tree falls" »

Posted by Editor at 11:01 PM | Permalink

The Denton based Inner City All Stars played their blend of R&B, Funk/Jam, and Texas style Hip-Hop at Friday night's Concert in the Park held at the Turner Park Gazebo and sponsored by the Grand Prairie Arts Council.

The popular concert series concludes next week with a performance from the homegrown band, The Fugitives.

Posted by Editor at 09:48 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Dallas County Health and Human Services

In a news conference held earlier today, officials with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) announced plans to monitor mosquito activity and control the spread of West Nile virus during the 2008 mosquito season.  Mosquito season in Dallas County typically runs from May to October with peak activity in August.  Partnership and public education are critical components of DCHHS’ efforts.

Continue reading "DCHHS encourages the public to fight West Nile" »

Posted by Editor at 03:55 PM | Permalink

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

Rock climbing, canoeing, archery, biking and camping will be offered in a new City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation summer camp program this year.  Grand Prairie is one of two Dallas-Fort Worth area cities to receive the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Outdoor Outreach Program (Co-Op) grant designed to help children from urban areas experience the outdoors.

Continue reading "Grand Prairie awarded grant for youth summer camp" »

Posted by Editor at 01:38 PM | Permalink

Courtesy AirHogs Baseball Club

The Grand Prairie AirHogs Professional Baseball team announced that individual game tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 19th at 9 A.M in person at the team facility. Fans can begin ordering tickets online later that day at 12 P.M. 

Saturday will also serve as the first opportunity for fans to meet the AirHogs players. Several will be on hand to sign autographs and meet members of the community. All 48 home games will have tickets available for purchase at prices ranging from $6 to $12 dollars.

Continue reading "AirHogs individual tickets go on sale Saturday" »

Posted by Editor at 11:23 AM | Permalink

On Tuesday, a week-long trial before U. S. District Judge David C. Goodbey concluded with the federal jury convicting Jason Montes, 21, and Margarito Armijo, 20, both of Grand Prairie, of various felony offenses relating to nine armed bank robberies they committed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2006.

Continue reading "Convicted bank robbers face life in prison" »

Posted by Editor at 10:23 AM | Permalink

Traffic in the area of the 1000 block of Post & Paddock was snarled for hours toady as police had to block the road because it was feared a damaged light pole would be blown onto the roadway.

Continue reading "Damaged light pole snarls traffic" »

Posted by Editor at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Continue reading "Dimensions In Blue - jazz ensemble concert" »

Posted by Editor at 09:01 AM | Permalink

Want free tickets to an AirHogs ball game?  How about throwing out a ceremonial first pitch?  If this sounds good, all you have to do is come up with the winning name for the official AirHogs’ mascot.

The AirHogs announced that like the team name contest, fans will now have the opportunity to put a name to the team’s mascot, a hog complete with pilot’s uniform and goggles.

Continue reading "Name that mascot" »

Posted by Editor at 08:44 AM | Permalink

Eric Christopher Hodges is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning on a charge of Capital Murder for the death of taxi cab driver Lois Jean Ivory of DeSoto. 

On Sunday Ivory’s body was found sitting in her cab in the 100 block of West Dorris Drive.  She had sustained at least one gun shot wound.

Continue reading "Suspect faces Capital Murder charge" »

Posted by Editor at 09:20 AM | Permalink

A Strike Team of officers from the Dallas Police Department and Dallas County Sheriffs Department along with Deputy U. S. Marshals arrested Eric Christopher Hodges Tuesday in Alvarado, Texas.  Hodges is a suspect in Sunday’s murder of taxi cab driver Lois Jean Ivory, 53, of DeSoto who was found shot to death in her cab in the 100 block of West Dorris Drive, Grand Prairie.

Continue reading "U. S. Marshal Strike Team arrests murder suspect" »

Posted by Editor at 09:36 PM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie AirHogs announced today a ten-year deal with QuickTrip Corporation for naming-rights for the ball club’s new $20 million stadium located at Lone Star Park.  The ballpark will be know as "QuickTrip Park at Grand Prairie."  Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

QuickTrip operates nearly 500 gasoline and convenience stores in nine states, including 50 in the D/FW area.  Fortune magazine listed QuickTrip among its “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2008, the sixth consecutive year on the magazine’s list.

Continue reading "AirHogs announce stadium naming agreement" »

Posted by Editor at 04:00 PM | Permalink

Detective John Brimmer, spokesman for the Grand Prairie Police Department, announced the arrest of Eric Hodges for the muder of Lois Jean Ivory.

Brimmer said U. S. Marshals arrested Hodges today in Alvarado, Texas.  He has been transported to Grand Prairie where detectives will continue the investigation. 

Posted by Editor at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police have identified a suspect in the murder of Lois Jean Ivory. 

Detective John Brimmer said an arrest warant has been issued for Eric Christopher Hodges.   

Hodges is described as:

• White male
• 5’8
• 160
• DOB 01/10/1977
• Blonde hair
• Blue eyes

Anyone with information about Hodges should contact the Grand Prairie police at 972-237-8790.

Posted by Editor at 08:47 PM | Permalink

Zachary T. Davies, 18, son of Robert and Michelle Davies of Grand Prairie, will receive his Eagle Scout award in a ceremony April 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Christian Church, 6450 SH 360.

Davies is a member of Circle 10 Council Boy Scout Troop 498 which meets at Trailwood Methodist Church. His Eagle Scout project, building a dock over a creek behind Reagan Middle School, was the first phase of a planned outdoor learning facility for students. Along with his Eagle Scout award, Davies was also inducted into Scouting’s “Order of the Arrow” and “National Honor Society.” 

Continue reading "SGPHS student awarded Eagle Scout" »

Posted by Editor at 12:05 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police are investigating the homicide of a taxi cab driver found sitting inside her cab parked on a quite residential street Sunday.

Continue reading "Cab driver found murdered" »

Posted by Editor at 09:04 AM | Permalink

Courtesy AirHogs Baseball

Are you interested in having an impact on a young man's life? Do you love baseball?

You may be perfect as an AirHog Host Parent/Family!

Continue reading "Host families wanted" »

Posted by Editor at 05:10 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police and fire responded late Saturday night to a truck-train collision at the crossing on Great Southwest Parkway near Main Street.   

Continue reading "Truck-train collision" »

Posted by Editor at 11:18 PM | Permalink

The Friends of the Library's Spring book sale ends Sunday with half price on all books.  The sale will be held at the Grand Prairie Main Library from 1 - 5 p.m.

Posted by Editor at 10:53 PM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted on a name to the new career high school located at Highway 161 and West Warrior Trail. 

Posted by Editor at 06:18 PM | Permalink

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Lone Star Park opened their spring thoroughbred season Thursday night with over 8,000 attending.

Continue reading "Lone Star Park opens their 2008 thoroughbred season" »

Posted by Editor at 12:31 AM | Permalink

Grand Prairie Fire Department divers recovered the body of Robert Kilgore, 41, of Mansfield near the Lake Ridge Parkway north bridge over Lake Joe Pool, Friday afternoon.

Continue reading "Body of drowning victim recovered by divers" »

Posted by Editor at 06:02 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Lone Star Park

Continue reading "Saddle up for a jam-packed opening weekend to the 2008 live racing season at Lone Star Park" »

Posted by Editor at 09:50 PM | Permalink

Courtesy U. S. Postal Service

Millions of Americans wait until the last minute to file their tax returns.  This year is no different.  Tax Night this year falls on Tuesday, April 15 and filers have until 12:00 midnight to drop off their completed returns.  To accommodate last minute filers, selected Post Offices in the Dallas District will be open later than usual on Tuesday, April 15.  This year, the Dallas District is again providing customers three sites for curbside collection until midnight.

Continue reading "Postal Service prepares for last minute tax filers" »

Posted by Editor at 09:32 PM | Permalink

NASCAR team owner Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced Tuesday that Grand Prairie based American Eurocopter has joined the RCR as an associate sponsor of the No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS for the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season.

Continue reading "American Eurocopter joins RCR family of sponsors" »

Posted by Editor at 09:07 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police had to cordon off portions of a neighborhood Tuesday afternoon preventing entire families from getting to their homes. 

Police spokesperson Detective John Brimmer said officers were called to the 1100 block of La Fiesta around 2:56 p.m. for a domestic disturbance. 

Continue reading "Police capture suicidal person" »

Posted by Editor at 09:38 PM | Permalink

Free childcare for children ages 2 and younger is available by reservation by calling 817-557-2277.

“John MacArthur is one of the cornerstones of ministry in today’s world,” said KCBI’s Vice President Mike Tirone. “Not only does he have a solid grasp of the Word of God, but he also unabashedly preaches the whole counsel of God!”

Continue reading "Dr. John MacArthur will address the Metroplex from Crossroads Christian Church" »

Posted by Editor at 12:20 PM | Permalink

With the AirHogs home opener only six weeks away, the ballpark moved closer to completion with this weekend’s installation of playing field turf by Roger Bossard, the head groundskeeper for the Chicago White Sox and architect of the AirHogs’ playing field. 

Continue reading "AirHogs' stadium gets turf and seats" »

Posted by Editor at 03:16 PM | Permalink

The AirHogs stadium got green this weekend with the delivery of turf for the playing field.

Continue reading "Turf laid - job fair next" »

Posted by Editor at 06:27 PM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie Library held their annual Edible Book Festival Saturday. 

Contestants used food to represent book title, contain print, or illustrations.

Continue reading "Edible Book Festival winners" »

Posted by Editor at 06:04 PM | Permalink

With the spring harvest season approaching, the North Central Texas Farmers Market will open May 22 at a new location, the City Hall Liberty Bell, Adair and NW 4^th. 

Continue reading "New location for Farmers Market" »

Posted by Editor at 01:59 PM | Permalink

The Herbie Johnson Jazz Quartet kicked-off the Grand Prairie Arts Council’s Concert in the Park series Friday evening at the Turner Park Gazebo.

Continue reading "Smooth jazz started concert series" »

Posted by Editor at 01:23 PM | Permalink

Thursday evening legendary NASCAR team owner Jack Roush visited Grand Prairie Ford for a fan meet and greet to promote the Samsung 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway, April 6.

Continue reading "Legendary NASCAR team owner visits Grand Prairie Ford" »

Posted by Editor at 10:36 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Grand Prairie Arts Council

Open Auditions
Grand Prairie Arts Council’s production of
"Singin’ in the Rain"

Thursday, April 24, 6:00 – 10:00 pm (open Call for ages 8 and up)
Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Call for speaking roles & call backs)

Chambers Auditorium (East end of the high school)
Grand Prairie High School, 101 High School Drive, Grand Prairie, 75050

Continue reading "Open auditions for "Singin' in the Rain"" »

Posted by Editor at 10:41 PM | Permalink

On Tuesday afternoon Grand Prairie police Sergeant Chris Chopin demonstrated the department’s latest addition to its crime fighting tools, the Sky Watch Tactical platform, to city officials. 

The Sky Watch is a climate controlled, portable observation platform for police officers that contains the latest technology in crime detection equipment.  The platform is capable of being elevated 25 feet above the ground giving officers a bird’s eye view.

Continue reading "Police get observation platform" »

Posted by Editor at 11:11 PM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie Police Department recently released their updated top 10 most wanted fugitives list.

Continue reading "Police department's 10 most wanted" »

Posted by Editor at 10:01 AM | Permalink