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.

The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association baseball season starts on May 8, 2008. The home opener will take place on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

Posted by Editor at 09:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association baseball season starts on May 8, 2008. The home opener will take place on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie located next to Lone Star Park. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

Posted by Editor at 09:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy U. S. Representative Kenny Marchant

Over fifty entries from high school students throughout the 24th Congressional District were submitted.  Sichana and two guests will travel to Washington, D.C. in June, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to compete in the national competition.

The winning artwork by Sichanh, Self-Portrait, will be prominently displayed with other winning entries from each district across the country for an entire year in the Cannon Tunnel in Washington, D.C.  The Cannon Tunnel connects the Cannon House Office Building with the U.S. Capitol and is traveled on a daily basis by Members of Congress, staff members and visitors.

The Savannah College of Art and Design will also award the Artistic Honors Scholarship, in the amount of $5,000 per year, to first place winners in the 2008 Congressional Art Competition who apply and are accepted to the college.

The nationwide art competition, which is voluntarily sponsored by Members of Congress, provides young student artists with an opportunity to showcase their work locally, as well as the chance to be recognized at the national level for their talent and creativity.

The Congressional Arts Competition began in 1982 to give creative students the chance to have their talents recognized nationwide. Since then, more than 650,000 students have participated in the competition and the works of thousands of young American artists have been showcased in a passageway to the Capitol.

Posted by Editor at 08:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Grand Prairie police public information officer, Detective John Brimmer, said the school bus carrying 29 students and adults was traveling south on the service road of State Highway 360 about 3:30 p.m. when it was struck by an SUV at the intersection of Fountain Parkway, sending the bus into a grassy area where it flipped on its side. Independent witness at the scene told police the SUV was traveling west bound on Fountain Parkway when it ran the red light at the intersection striking the bus, he said.

The Grand Prairie police, paramedics and firefighters did a remarkable job at the hectic scene, setting up a triage to treat the victims along with handling traffic, congestion and the influx of parents rushing to the scene to check on their children.

The driver of the SUV, Christine Fielder, 37, of Arlington, along with her three children was uninjured.  Fielder will be cited for running the red light, Grand Prairie Police Sergeant Eric Hansen, Traffic Division, said. 

Posted by Editor at 09:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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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.

A special ceremony was held for the 2008 Living Memorial Forest Honorees:

• Matt Huschka
• Joyce Hester
• Ivon Martinez
• Elaine McIntosh
• Jose Sanchez

The Grand Prairie Living Memorial Forest was dedicated on April 27, 2001.  The forest is a joint venture between the City of Grand Prairie and The Grand Prairie Garden Club.  There have been over 30 trees planed in honor of the memories and lives of some very special people.  Each tree holds a distinctive place in the city’s urban forest.

Posted by Editor at 08:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.”

The festival begins early, 8:00 a.m., for seven Grand Prairie ISD schools participating in a city wide community service project labeling storm drains.  The project is an effort to educate the public not to dump materials into our storm drain system, which flows into waterways.

“Last year our school groups labeled nearly 300 storm drains, and we plan to label at least 300 more this year,” Hollis said.  “We plan to continue this program, as part of the festival, every year until we have labeled all of the storm drains in Grand Prairie.”

Many of the popular attractions are returning to this year’s MayFest, including:

• Country Barnyard Petting Zoo
• Wildlife on the Move Shows
• Arlington Scuba

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host three new exhibits where visitors can try their hand at these popular outdoor activities:

• Rock-climbing wall
• Fly fishing and casting
• Archery area

Once again the Grand Prairie Arts Council is sponsoring the Tipi Teller Storytelling Tipi. 

“We are very excited to provide an opportunity for the community to sit inside an actual Tipi and enjoy the art of storytelling, as the Tipi Tellers weave their tale,” said Libby Clawson, Executive Director of the Grand Prairie Arts Council.

Sponsors for this year’s MayFest are:

• Grand Prairie Independent School District
• Grand Prairie Arts Council
• City of Grand Prairie Environmental Service, Water Utilities, Parks & Recreation, and Solid Waste Departments.

Posted by Editor at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 | Comments (0)

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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.

Taylor, a former Grand Prairie resident, a Dalworth Dragon star football player, star NFL player and a NFL Hall of Fame inductee, returns to Grand Prairie each year to help with this worthy cause.

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

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 | Comments (0)

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:

"Our state is a better place for her time spent in it and she will be greatly missed. Anita and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to her family during this time of great loss."

The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and Texas flags under the control of the state. Flags will remain at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all state buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state on Thursday and Friday and the day of the funeral, once set.

Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Posted by Editor at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Charley Taylor is a former Grand Prairie resident and NFL Hall of Fame inductee.  He will be present along with many celebrities including Michael Irvin, Pete Incaviglia, Spud Webb, Rayfield Wright, and many more.

For information about the tournament and sponsorship levels contact Angela Lucky, NAACP President, Grand Prairie Branch at 469-236-6122 or aluckey66@aol.com.

Posted by Editor at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

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

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.  

He said the preliminary investigation indicates Blackwell along with two male accomplices went to the apartment with the intent to rob Brundrett.  Shots were exchanged when the suspects burst into Brundrett’s apartment. 

Detective Brimmer said it is unknown if the shots that killed Blackwell came from Brundrett or the accomplices. 

The two male accomplices fled the scene after the shooting.  Witness gave police descriptions and the two were later located and arrested.  Their names will not be released until they are arraigned on the charge of Criminal Attempt Capital Murder, a first degree felony, Detective Brimmer said.

Detective Brimmer also said a search warrant was later served on Brundrett’s apartment and a large quantity of drugs and cash was recovered.

Posted by Editor at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Ron Wedel, President Golden Triangle R/C Club, said concessions will be available along with two sets of bleachers for spectators and a kid’s play area.  There will be raffles throughout the event, he said. 

“We will also have night flying where pilots have lights on their rotor blades and the body of their “helis” and fly at night, you simply have to witness this at least once,” Wedel said.

The Golden Triangle Radio Control Club is a 46 year old club devoted to the radio control hobby.  The club maintains one of the premier R/C flying sites in Texas.  It has a great youth program with qualified instructors to teach R/C flying.

Posted by Editor at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 | Comments (0)

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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.

The Brigade, commanded by Lt. Col. Tracy A. Thompson of Oakton, VA, is a new organization and the first of its kind in Texas.  Its mission is to provide command and control along with logistics management for Army combat and combat support units.  The 300^th Sustainment Brigade will support thousands of soldiers.

As part of the Army Transformation Plan the 300^th Sustainment Brigade moved from Butler, PA to the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex in September 2007.

Lt. Col. Thompson said he is happy 300^th Sustainment Brigade is located in Grand Prairie.  The population base of the Metroplex offers an environment to attract quality soldiers to build the large unit, he said.  “As a bonus it’s just a very nice community of people and they are very glad to have military people.  I don’t think in my career of 27 years I’ve come across an area or a state more friendly to the military.  I think you can go to lots of places in this country and not find that,” Lt. Col. Thompson said.

Posted by Editor at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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. 

After the station is built and staffed, the Cedar Hill Fire Department will respond to all fire and EMS calls in the area south of Lake Joe Pool, both Cedar Hill and Grand Prairie.    

Grand Prairie Fire Chief Clif Nelson said this area is an intermingling of Cedar Hill and Grand Prairie, with Grand Prairie occupying approximately twenty percent.  He said currently the Grand Prairie Fire Department’s response time to the area is between fifteen and seventeen minutes which is too long.  With the new fire station, both the Cedar Hill area and the Grand Prairie portion will receive the level of fire and EMS protection they expect and need, Chief Nelson said. 

Chief Nelson said the agreement with Cedar Hill is for a ten year period and it will be constantly evaluated to see if it should be continued past this period.     

Posted by Editor at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Michelle Finley said she was standing with Lester Stoker next to a car along when she heard a crack, but before she could look up to find the noise she felt the tree hit her, pinning her against the car. Finley said Stoker was knocked down and pinned on the ground.  Neighbors rushed to Stoker’s aid cutting tree limbs to help free him.   

Stoker was later transported to a local hospital for treatment while Finley received only minor injuries to her arm.  

Posted by Editor at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 | Comments (0)

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.

“We met with our municipal partners in March to review historical data, and refine the reporting process and mitigation efforts for the upcoming year,” said Anthony Jenkins, DCHHS Assistant Director of Environmental Health.  “The cornerstone to all mosquito-borne diseases control is mosquito surveillance. Our goal is early detection of mosquito infections so we may implement control measures sooner in order to prevent and reduce the number of human cases. We’ve been tracking West Nile Virus for the past six years, and we are beginning to see a pattern of behavior in the mosquito population related to weather patterns and other factors.  We have used this data to refine our monitoring and detection systems so that we are now able to identify infected mosquito pools in advance of seeing human cases,” Jenkins continued.

Armed with this knowledge, DCHHS is expanding its public education efforts to inform the public about the dangers of West Nile virus and to educate them on ways to protect themselves and their families.  “DCHHS is starting early again this year to get the word out about ways individuals can protect themselves against West Nile virus,” DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson said. DCHHS has identified zip codes with the highest frequency of human cases of West Nile virus from the period of 2002-2007. Staff has taken this information to classify the top 5 hot spots for West Nile human cases in Dallas County in order to focus their pre-season marketing messaging.  (see attached)
“Through our public education and marketing campaign we will continue to reach out to areas schools, colleges, universities, day care centers, parks, recreation centers and libraries across the county.  In addition, we are contacting neighborhood associations and outdoor recreation venues such as lakes, hike and bike trails, and other outdoor venues within our hot spot zip codes where people congregate and play to encourage people to take a prevent defense in the fight against West Nile.” 

DCHHS produces and distribute a weekly publication, the West Nile Watch, which contains information on the locations of infected mosquito pools and mitigation efforts in the county.  The public can receive a copy by sending an email request to westnile@dallascounty.org.  The publication will also be available for downloading from the DCHHS website at www.dallascounty.org.  The website also contains public education materials such as brochures, flyers, posters and kid-friendly coloring sheets that are available to the public.

In addition to the pre-season efforts, DCHHS is working with its municipal partners to localize and intensify the public education efforts.  “Once we identify an infected mosquito pool in an area, we will work with our municipal partners to push out public education materials to the area in order to forestall human cases,” Thompson concluded.

DCHHS works with its municipal partners on strategies to protect Dallas County residents from mosquito-borne illnesses. DCHHS West Nile prevention activities include surveillance, source reduction, larvaciding (killing mosquito larvae or wigglers), adulticiding (spraying for adult mosquitoes), and public education.  DCHHS uses gravid traps to collect mosquitoes for early detection of West Nile Virus and GPS units to record trap locations. This equipment has greatly enhanced mosquito surveillance throughout the county.

“The most effective way to reduce any mosquito-borne disease like West Nile is prevention,” said Dr. John Carlo, DCHHS Medical Director. “The best way to avoid West Nile infection is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing when outside at dusk and dawn.”

Studies have shown that the majority of people who contracted the more serious form of West Nile virus did not use insect repellent. In 2007, Dallas County reported 23 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus with no deaths. In 2006, Dallas County reported 106 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and four deaths. In 2005, Dallas County had 43 confirmed human cases of West Nile with one death. In 2004, DCHHS reported a total of 16 human West Nile cases with no deaths. In 2003, Dallas County had a total of 54 human West Nile cases with 4 deaths. In 2002, the first year the virus was reported in Dallas County, there were 27 human cases with 3 deaths. As in previous years, public education and personal protection is vital in protecting the public from the disease.  For more information about mosquito activities in Dallas County, call the DCHHS Environmental Health Division at 214-819-2115 or visit  www.dallascounty.org. 

Posted by Editor at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Grand Prairie will offer the camps to youth ages 9-17.  The four one-week camps will take place at Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake and the $24,000 Co-Op grant will be used to purchase tents, lanterns, camping stoves, cooler, sleeping bags, canoes, mountain bikes, helmets, life jackets and other supplies.  The City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department will pay for staff to administer the program.

Curriculum for the outdoor adventure camps was developed by Marshawn Wilks, Dalworth Recreation Program Center Supervisor and Tracy Hollis, Natural Science Education Facilitator for the Grand Prairie Independent School District.  Wilks realized the benefits that an outdoor program could bring to children at Dalworth Recreation Center and applied for the grant.

“I attended an outdoor camp much like this when I was a kid,” Wilks said.  “It was great to get outside, learn new sports and activities I had never done before and get away from familiar surroundings.  I wanted to offer the same experience for kids in Grand Prairie.  Fernando Reyes, Urban Outreach Coordinator for TPWD gave me a lot of support and introduced me to people who helped make it happen.”

For more information call Marshawn Wilks at 972-264-7670 or email mwilks@gptx.org.

Posted by Editor at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association baseball season starts on May 8, 2008. The home opener will take place on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie located next to Lone Star Park. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

Posted by Editor at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Prosecutors with the U. S. Attorney called 45 witnesses and brought out evidence that showed Montes and Armijo were part of a “take-over” crew of robbers, armed with large caliber pistols and dressed in black. 

Montes and Armijo would enter the banks, threaten employees and customers with death if they did comply with their instructions, then assault the bank tellers at gunpoint for the money.  They carried out each bank robbery in less than a minute.   

The jury deliberated 30 minutes before convicting Montes and Armijo of felony charges that includes:

• 8 counts of conspiracy to commit bank robbery
• 16 counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence
• 8 counts of bank robbery

U. S. Attorney Richard Roper said both Montes and Armijo face up to life in prison.

In September 2007 a co-defendant Luis Favila, 20, also of Grand Prairie, pled guilty to various felony charges in two of the bank robberies, Roper said.

Montes and Armijo committed the following armed robberies in 2006:

• July 8 – Wells Fargo Bank, 1889 Brown Blvd., Arlington
• July 28 – Wachovia Bank, 3636 W. Northgate Dr., Irving
• August 5 – Bank of America, 5400 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving
• August 11 – Chase Bank, 2530 Fort Worth Ave., Dallas
• August 12 – Bank of America, 720 N. Watson Rd., Arlington
• September 5 – Compass Bank, 5980 S. Cooper, Arlington
• September 14 – Citibank, 2450 Hall Johnson Rd., Grapevine
• September 16 – Wells Fargo Bank, 1050 Market Place Blvd., Irving
• September 30 – Regions Bank, 743 N. Highway 67, Cedar Hill

Posted by Editor at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

The light pole which was in the roads median precariously swayed from side to side in Thursday's strong breeze.

Because of Oncor's heavy call load from the recent high winds, it took about four hours for work crews to get to the area to make repairs.  

Posted by Editor at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This group performs a wide variety of music ranging from the classics of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Woody Herman, to the more contemporary sounds of Rob McConnell, Bob Mintzer, and Frank Mantooth. The band can also recreate the look & sound of the 1940s Glenn Miller Army Air Corps Jazz Band.

Dimensions in Blue performs in high schools, universities, and community-relations tours throughout Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Louisiana. They have been featured performers at the Texas Jazz Festival, the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, the Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, the Galveston Jazz Festival, and San Antonio’s “Fiesta In Blue” activities.

For more information contact the Grand Prairie Arts Council at 972-642-2787, or visit their website at www.artsgp.com.

Posted by Editor at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

The person that suggests the best name will win four tickets to an AirHogs ball game and have the opportunity to throw out a first pitch. 

All entries should include a potential name for the mascot along with the reason why the name is a perfect fit.  Entries should be sent via e-mail to Alan Barr, Media Relations Manager, at abarr@airhogsbaseball.com with “AirHogs Mascot Contest” in the subject line.  Fans have until 3:00 p.m., April 22 to submit their entry.

Posted by Editor at 08:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Sergeant Alan Patton of the Grand Prairie Police Department said Hodges was interviewed by investigators after a U. S. Marshal Strike Team arrested him Tuesday in Alvarado.  During the interview Hodges admitted he shot and killed Ivory during a robbery attempt.

Sergeant Patton praised the efforts of the U. S. Marshal’s Strike Team for quickly locating and arresting Hodges before he could flee the area.

Investigators are filing the Capital Murder charge on Hodges with the Dallas District Attorney, Sergeant Patton said.

Posted by Editor at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Grand Prairie Police requested the assistance of the Dallas Fort Worth Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (DFWFAST) in locating and arresting Hodges after they developed him as a suspect.  The Strike Team determined Hodges fled Grand Prairie and was staying in Alvarado.  After locating Hodges at 9612 Gina Lane, the Strike Team arrested him around 1:30 p.m.  He was transported to Grand Prairie and turned over to police. 

Posted by Editor at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

“We are so excited to have QuikTrip as our naming rights partner,” said Mark Schuster, president of the AirHogs. “There were several suitors for the naming rights, but it came down to two deciding factors for us. First, we wanted a retail partner that we could cross-promote with. With QuikTrip having over 50 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, and having access to the thousands of people who visit their stores daily, this made them the ideal partner to promote our games and events. Second, we were completely sold on the leadership at QuikTrip. Their vision for what we could accomplish with this partnership mirrored ours.”

“Minor league baseball has been a key component of our sports marketing program for several years,” said Jim Denny, QuikTrip’s vice president of marketing.  “To obtain this level of sponsorship with a new stadium centrally located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a great opportunity.  We’ve been impressed with the quality of the new facility and with the professionalism of the AirHogs’ organization.”

Posted by Editor at 04:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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 | Comments (0)

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 | Comments (0)

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.” 

Posted by Editor at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said officers found Lois Jean Ivory, 53, of DeSoto dead inside her cab parked in the 100 block of Dorris Drive around 9:00 p.m. Sunday night. 

Brimmer said Ivory suffered at least one gun shot wound.  He also said that due to the sensitive nature of the investigation no further information about the murder could be released at this time.    

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

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!

This baseball season, approximately 22 young men will move to the Grand Prairie area for the summer to play for the Grand Prairie AirHogs. From May 8th through August 23rd, these ballplayers will play 96 games in 107 days.  Players come from all over the United States to be a part of the AirHogs baseball team. Each team in the league can offer the finest in reputation, location, team organization, fields, equipment, and coaching, but one of the most vital parts of this entire package is the Host Family.

Heres the Pitch:

• Provide a home and bed for player(s) during the baseball season
• Enjoy a host family picnic as well as host family recognition on the field at the season's conclusion
• Discounts on team merchandise
• You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the future of a young man

Would your family like to host an AirHog for the 2008 season?

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

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

The occupants of the truck reported only minor injuries. 

The railroad crossing along Jefferson near the east city limits were blocked for hours by the stopped train as the Arlington police investigated the accident.

Posted by Editor at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)