GrandPrairieReporter.com

Last week the JPS Board of Managers approved design work for renovation to a building that will become the JPS Health Center- Grand Prairie.  The building located at 2737 Sherman St is an existing clinic.

The new health center will occupy approximately 10,000 square feet of the building which currently is complete with exam rooms and some equipment.   It will serve as the only JPS Health Network clinic in the area and will include:

• Four full-time primary care providers
• Full-service pharmacy
• Lab draw station

The City of Grand Prairie agreed to help with lease support for up to three years and pay $500,000 towards renovation of the building.

JPS Health Network projects the health care center to open in early 2009 and treat 15,400 patients the first year.

Currently the JPS Health Network treats all paying patients but restricts non-emergency charity care to U. S. citizens residing in Tarrant County.  The JPS Board of Managers approved a plan on May 22 to convert JPS Health Care Center – Grand Prairie to a federally qualified health center so it can provide charity health care to all Tarrant County residents regardless of citizenship status.

Posted by Editor at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two innovative school principals found a way to get Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Simpson to serve them breakfast on the job, spend the night on the roof of Sally B. Moore elementary school.

With initial results from the TAKS test indicating Sally B. Moore Elementary School achieved Exemplary status, the night on the roof for the school’s Principal Linda Ellis and Assistant Principal Cheryl Horton was the fulfillment of a promise to their students for reaching the state’s highest criteria for student achievement.   

Principal Ellis said the idea of the roof top sleepover as a way to motivate the students and staff to strive for the Exemplary status was Ms. Horton’s.

A campsite display was setup in January in front of the school to promote the principals’ night on the roof top.  “Every week we would add something new to the campsite and the kids got all excited about it,” Horton said.

Both Principal Ellis and Horton said they got no sleep while on the roof.  Every hour a member of the school staff would pay a visit. “It could be that it was a check of our integrity to make sure we stayed up here.  We chose to believe it was just part of being a team.  They came up here and brought us snacks, coffee, and drinks.  It was a lot of fun for all of us,” Principal Ellis said.

As promised Dr. Simpson brought the two principals breakfast Friday morning. 

With an unobstructed panoramic view of Grand Prairie, Principal Ellis and Horton enjoyed hearty IHOP breakfast courtesy of their boss. 

Dr. Simpson said, “For the kids to see what their principals are willing to do really motivates them to do their best.  These kids can see how successful they can be.  We have school leaders here who are willing to do what it takes.  I’m just thrilled to be able to work in a district as this.”

Principal Ellis and Horton said they do not know what motivator would be used next year, but both said head shaving was out.

Posted by Editor at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

A lone gunman robbed the Chase Bank at 2322 North SH 360 Thursday afternoon of an undisclosed amount of money.

The robber entered the bank around 3:30 p.m. displaying a handgun and demanded money from the tellers, saying only “This is a robbery.”  The suspect left the bank on foot and no vehicle was seen.

The suspect is described as:

• White male
• 25-20 years old
• 5’7” – 6’2”
• 140 - 180 pounds
• Black mask and gloves
• Carrying a plastic grocery bag

Detective John Brimmer, Grand Prairie police spokesman, said the suspect may be involved in other area robberies.  He said the FBI is investigating the robbery.

Posted by Editor at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie police recovered the body of 27 year-old Darlanius Smith of Grand Prairie, Friday morning from Joe Pool Lake. 

Lake patrol officers found Smith’s body about 6:30 a.m. in the area where witnesses saw him go under the water while swimming without a life jacket, on Memorial Day.  Police and fire personnel have been searching for his body since the accident.

Posted by Editor at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Search and recovery efforts are still underway at Joe Pool Lake in an effort to locate a Memorial Day drowning victim. 

Grand Prairie police and fire personnel have searched for the victim, Darlanius Smith, 27, of Grand Prairie, since Monday when witnesses reported that Smith went under the water while swimming in the lake without a life jacket.

Search One cadaver K-9's are now being used to narrow the search area. 

Police say the recover efforts will continue until Smith's body is found.

Posted by Editor at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Early Wednesday morning Fort Worth police arrested a suspect in Monday’s shooting outside the Grand Prairie YMCA. 

Rheashad Lamar Lott, 20, was arrested about 4:00 a.m. by Fort Worth police while committing a theft. 

Earlier Grand Prairie police had issued an Aggravated Assault arrest warrant for Lott after investigators developed him as a suspect in the Memorial Day shooting.

Detective John Brimmer, Grand Prairie police spokesman, said Lott is currently being held in the Mansfield Detention Center and will be arraigned on the assault charge Wednesday morning.

The 17 year-old victim of the shooting remains in very serious condition, he said.

Posted by Editor at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, golfers can get in their last 18 holes at top ranked Tangle Ridge Golf Course, 818 Tangle Ridge Drive in Grand Prairie, before the course closes for June – August for greens renovations.

Golfers will be started in a shotgun format for the last two days of operation.  On Saturday, May 31, tee off at 1 p.m. and on Sunday, June 1, tee off at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Spots to play are still available.   Enjoy reduced rates for this special event at $45, which includes the green fee and cart. Normal weekend rates are $65 (green fee and cart).

Tangle Ridge will be closing from June – August to install a new very heat tolerant grass, Champions Bermuda, which will replace the current Bentgrass greens. A brand new covered tournament pavilion will be constructed along with the renovation and construction of several new tee boxes.

Call the pro shop at 972-299-6837 for more information.

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

Mascot "Ace Bacon" and players from Grand Prairie's AirHogs will present a special "Slugger Storytime" at each of the Grand Prairie Libraries in early June. Ace and the AirHogs will visit with the kids, read stories, and sign autographs.

The times and locations of "Slugger Storytime" are:

1. Bowles Branch  at 11am on June 4. The Bowles Branch is located inside the Bowles Life Center, at 2750 Graham St.
2. Warmack Branch Library at 1pm on June 4. The Betty Warmack Branch is located at 760 Bardin Rd.
3. Main Library at  11am June 5.The Main Library is located at 901 Conover Dr.

These free programs are part of the Library System's Summer Reading Challenge, where kids can attend fun programs, track their reading, and earn coupons and prizes throughout the summer. Sign up at any library starting June 2.

Posted by Editor at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A seventeen year-old was shot in the face after an altercation with a group outside of the YMCA located in the 4500 block of  South Carrier Parkway Monday afternoon.

Lt. Larry Simmons, Grand Prairie police spokesman, said the victim had been playing basketball with a group of men inside the YMCA until it closed around 3:00 p.m.  The group then left the facility and congregated outside in a parking lot.  Another group of men arrived and a fight began.  After the fight had ended, an unknown man exited a car with a gun and shot the victim.  The suspect then fled the scene.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Dallas and at last report was in critical condition.  The victim’s name will not be released as the investigation continues, Lt. Simmons said.

Posted by Editor at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Look for updates as more information becomes available.

The great Texas weather brought scores of people to Joe Pool Lake to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend.   The weeked ended in tragedy when Grand Prairie Police and Fire had to respond to two separate drowning accidents and a motorcycle accident within an hour span Monday evening.

The first call came in around 7:00 p.m. when a 27 year-old man was reported missing after leaving a pontoon boat to swim without a life jacket.  Witnesses reported the man appeared to be in distress and occupants of the boat threw him a life jacket. The victim was unable to grab the life jacket so one person dove in the water to attempt a rescue, but the victim slipped under the water before the rescuer could reach him. 

The Grand Prairie Fire Department Dive Team searched for about thirty minutes without success.  The resumption of the search on Tuesday was disrupted by weather conditions and the body has not been recovered.

The victim's name was not released by police pending notification of relatives.

The second drowning was reported about 8:00 p.m. when witnesses reported a swimmer outside the no-wake buoy at the Jet Ski Beach at Lynn Creek Park in distress.

Police and Fire responded to the area but witnesses reported the victim had gone under the water.  Fire Department divers searched and located the victim, Ronaldo Cruz-Enriquez, 40, of Arlington.  Awaiting paramedics attempted resuscitation and rushed Cruze-Enriquez to Arlington MCA hospital where further attempts were made to revive him.  He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Also around 8:00 p.m. a motorcycle driver south bound on Lake Ridge Parkway near the entrance to Lynn Creak Park lost control of his motorcycle.  The driver was not wearing a helmet and witnesses reported the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. 

The driver, Brad Liles, was transported to Methodist Hospital by CareFlite helicopter with head injuries, his condition is reported to be stable. 

Posted by Editor at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View Memorial Day Service slideshow

The annual Memorial Day Service was held Monday at the Grand Prairie Veteran’s Memorial, located behind the Senior Citizen Center, 925 W. Conover. The program paid tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.

The Memorial Day Service was presented by the Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department, the Metro Rotary Club of Grand Prairie, the Grand Prairie Rotary Club and the Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum.

Posted by Editor at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 Fresh off his surprise performance on the American Idol Finale, Renaldo Lapuz will make a very special appearance at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie for the AirHogs game on May 27.          

Lapuz became an overnight sensation after his performance on the American Idol tryout episode taped in Dallas. He is known for his lavish costumes and his hit song “We’re Brothers Forever.”  

The AirHogs return home for three games against the Pensacola Pelicans starting May 27. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

Posted by Editor at 07:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View Grand Prairie Bulls slideshow

The Grand Prairie Bulls, coached by Bonnie Sanders, won their classification at the Special Olympics of Texas Summer Games held May 23-25 at the University of Texas at Arlington.

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

Members of the Grand Prairie and Arlington Police Departments got together Saturday morning at a local park to work on a problem.  The neighboring departments are accustomed to working together to solve crimes, but this time the officers were off duty and had come together to help a brother, Grand Prairie police officer Alex Chasteen.  Officer Chasteen is faced with mounting medical expenses caused by the critical injuries his son Brett received from an automobile accident in April.

Grand Prairie police detective Rick Oseguera, the baseball team’s coach, said the team was formed last year and played a game with the Grand Prairie Fire Department.  Team members wanted to play more baseball so he contacted the Arlington police to arrange another game.  About the same time Brett was injured, so teams decided to make the game a benefit to help the Chasteen family with their expenses. 

“We back each other on the job, we back each other off the job,” Detective Oseguera said.

Officer Chasteen said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has not only gotten from his fellow Grand Prairie officers but from others such as the Arlington Police Department.  He said the assistance he has received has not only helped with the medical bills, but also replacing lost wages for the time he was off.

Brett Chasteen is doing much better now his dad said.  He has a few scars and the family is waiting for the results of a MRI done to check his brain injury.

Brett appeared to be in fine form as he threw out the ceremonial first pitch in Saturday's baseball game.

Posted by Editor at 01:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The North Central Texas Farmers Market held their gala Grand Opening Saturday morning at the market’s new location, City Hall Plaza.

Local farmers and vendors offered a wide variety of fruits, vegetable, plants, and specialty goods.

Rita Heep, City of Grand Prairie Economic Development, said consumers today want to support local farmers and want to know where the fruits and vegetables they purchase are grown.  The North Central Texas Farmers Market offers locally grown produce and will attract shoppers to the downtown area.  She said the market's new location is another step towards the revitalization of the downtown area.

“We hope this is just a beginning of a new downtown,” Heep said.

Fresh fruits and vegetables will be for sale on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the summer at the market’s new location, City Hall Liberty Bell, from 8 a.m. until sell out, which is usually around 1 p.m.

Posted by Editor at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In observance of Memorial Day, the City of Grand Prairie administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 26. Other city services affected Memorial Day weekend are:

• Main Library – closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26.
  (Items may be renewed online, or by phone at 972-237-5700.)
• Betty Warmack Branch Library – closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26.
  (Items may be renewed online, or by phone at 972-237-5700.)
• Bowles Life Center Branch Library – closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26.
  (Items may be renewed online, or by phone at 972-237-5700.)
• Water bill payment offices – closed
  (Payments may be made online or over the phone at 972-237-4545.)
• Bowles Life Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Charley Taylor Recreation Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Dalworth Recreation Center – open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Grand Prairie Senior Center – closed
• Prairie Lakes Golf Course – open
• Tangle Ridge Golf Club – open
• Kirby Creek Indoor Pool –
1. Saturday, May 24: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. lap swim; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. open swim;
2. Sunday, May 25: Closed for private parties;
3. Monday, May 26: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. lap swim; 1 p.m.-6 p.m. open swim
• McFalls, Bowles and Tyre Pools – May 24-26: 1 p.m.-6 p.m. open swim
• Charley Taylor Splash Factory – May 24-26: 1 p.m.-6 p.m. open swim
• Garbage Collection/Recycling – open
• Landfill – closed
• Animal Shelter – closed
• Tourist Information Center – open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Posted by Editor at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thousands of state troopers, police officers and sheriff’s deputies will be on Texas streets and highways between May 19 and June 1, including the Memorial Day holiday week-end, issuing citations to drivers who aren’t buckled up and whose children aren’t properly restrained. This year, law enforcement will also pay extra attention to front seat-passengers who are not wearing safety belts.

“Since pickups are twice as likely as passenger vehicles to roll over in a fatal crash, we worry about the safety of people who don’t take the simple precaution of buckling up when they’re in a truck,” said Carlos Lopez, TxDOT’s Traffic Operations Director. “Wearing a safety belt reduces the risks of dying in a pickup rollover crash by as much as 80 percent.”

Safety advocates report that drivers and passengers who buckle up have a 50 percent better chance of surviving serious traffic collisions and avoiding serious injuries. Since the Click It or Ticket campaign was first launched in Texas in 2002, there have been an estimated 1,600 fewer traffic fatalities in Texas and 37,000 fewer injuries as a result of increased safety belt use.

“The simple act of buckling up is the easiest, least expensive and most effective way to prevent traffic deaths and injuries,” said Lopez. “It also can keep you from getting a ticket.”

Among partners joining TxDOT in the campaign are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, local law enforcement agencies across the state, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Municipal Police Association, AAA Texas and the National Safety Council.

Posted by Editor at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The line of cars stretched for blocks along the north bound service road of State Highway 360 as people began lining up early Thursday morning to get their $40 worth of free gas given away at the Exxon station located at 3501 Mayfield Road. 

The promotion sponsored by Verizon Yellow Pages, gave away the gas to the first 200 customers between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Thursday.   Verizon dubbed the event as the Ultimate Gas Give Away.

Dave Lewis, a representative for Idearc Media that publishes the Yellow Pages, said Verizon’s Ultimate Gas Give Away was held at twenty-four locations through out the country.  It began Thursday morning on the east coast and ended Thursday afternoon in California. 

He said that about 4,800 lucky folks across the U. S. got “their tank filled up or partially filled with some free gas from us.”

Grand Prairie was picked because Verizon recently began delivering their 2008 Greater Fort Worth – Arlington phone book and Verizon “wanted to be out in the market place where our new phone books are coming out,” he said.

Kisha Wood of Arlington said she got a call from her aunt around 4:00 a.m. Thursday.  Her aunt told her of the gas give away, so she drove to the station arriving at 4:30 a.m. becoming number one in line. “Since gas prices are so high these days, shoot, forty dollars is forty dollars,” Wood said.

The number two customer in line, Christa Neff of Grand Prairie, said she learned of the gas give away through a television report Wednesday night.  Neff said she has a sleeping problem and was awake early, so she decided to come to the station about 6:00 a.m.  She said she had a very good time waiting in line, met some nice people and getting the free gas was alright, but had she been able to sleep, she would have rather slept in.

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

Lone Star Million Day, the richest day in Texas horseracing, will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at Lone Star Park.  Highlighted by the Grade 3, $400,000 Lone Star Park Handicap, Million Day features six stakes races with $1 million in purse money.

In addition to the great racing on Memorial Day, Lone Star Park introduces the inaugural Studs and Suds Microbrew Festival, featuring more than 100 different microbrews, and will give away a brand new Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster motorcycle to a lucky fan at the track.   Also, there will be live music from local favorite Scott McCurry and an assortment of great family entertainment for the kids including pony rides, a petting zoo and bounce house in the Family Fun Park.

Following is the Memorial Day Weekend schedule at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie:

Friday, May 23 

Join the fun at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie this Friday night for the Frank's Energy Drink Model Search Contest during the "Party at the Park."  Participants may enter to win cash and an opportunity to represent Frank's Energy Drink.

Each contestant will model the Frank's Energy Girl Lederhosen outfit and answer questions about the popular Frank's Energy Drink.  Held every Friday night through June 6, weekly contest winners will advance to the Final Round to be held on June 20.

Preliminary Competition winners will receive $300 for 1st place; $200 for 2nd place; and $100 for 3rd place.

The Grand Prize Winner will win $3000 and the opportunity to represent Frank's Energy Drink at designated Lone Star Park events for the 2008 season, plus a one-year local modeling contract to represent Frank's Energy Drink at Dallas Fort Worth area promotional events; Second Place: $2000 prize money; Third $1000 prize money.

For further information, visit www.lonestarpark.com

The Friday Party at the Park from 7 - 11 p.m. on the main stage in the Courtyard of Champions features live music from Cuvee, a band with electrifying stage presence featuring male and female vocalists backed by the Metroplex's finest musicians who perform energizing renditions of R&B, Motown, Rock and Disco dance hits. 

The Big 96.3 KSCS-FM will be on hand as well with a radio remote from the Courtyard of Champions from 7 - 11 pm.

Grandstand gates open at 5:00 p.m., followed by live racing at 6:35 p.m.

Sunday, May 25 

It's Senior Citizens' Day at Lone Star Park.  All seniors 62 years and older will receive one (1) Free General Admission at the Admissions Gates every Sunday during the 2008 Spring Thoroughbred Season.  Just present valid identification at the designated areas to receive the coupon.

Grandstand gates open at 11:30 a.m., followed by live racing at 1:35 p.m.

Monday, May 26 

Lone Star Million Day, the richest day in Texas racing highlighted by the Grade 3, $400,000 Lone Star Park Handicap as the feature among six stakes races with purses totaling $1 million.  Other graded stakes include -- the Grade 3, $200,000 Dallas Turf Cup Handicap and the Grade 3, $200,000 Ouija Board Handicap.

The inaugural Studs and Suds Microbrew Festival with more than 100 different microbrew beers to try will take place in the Courtyard of Champions and the surrounding perimeter near the West Grandstand entrance from 11:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.  Fans are welcome to 6 oz. samples of any of the microbrews for only $2.

All fans (ages 21 or older and a licensed driver) attending Lone Star Park on Memorial Day are eligible to become the proud owner of a brand new Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster motorcycle.  From all of the entry forms that must be presented by 2 p.m., 10 finalists will be selected to draw for the key that will start their new motorcycle immediately following the last race.

The special Memorial Day Party at the Park will feature the live country/rock sounds of local favorite Scott McCurry on the Courtyard of Champions stage from noon to 4 p.m.

Lone Star 92.5 KZPS-FM radio also will be on hand for a radio remote from the Courtyard of Champions from noon to 4 p.m.

Grandstand gates open at 11:30 a.m., followed by live racing at 1:35 p.m.

Posted by Editor at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Grand Prairie will host a Memorial Day service Monday to honor the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  It is to be held at the Veteran’s Memorial which is located behind the Senior Citizen Center, 925 Conover Drive.  

The service begins at 10:00 a.m. and includes:

• Bagpipe processional
• 21 gun salute
• Color guards
• Vintage aircraft flyover
• Free memorial begonias

A screening of previous Veterans Day and Memorial Day videos, a photo display of the veterans inscribed on the Memorial columns and a free All-American lunch will be at the Senior Center after the service.

The Memorial Day Service is presented by the Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department, Metro Rotary Club of Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie Rotary Club and the Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum.

For more information call 972-237-8100.

Posted by Editor at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Saturday, the Nottingham Gas Lease Association (NGLA) announced that an agreement has been reached, recommending homeowners lease their mineral rights to Reagan Energy Service of Lafayett, LA, working on behalf of the driller, Carrizo Oil & Gas.

Nottingham Estate is located in the northern portion of Grand Prairie in an area north of Johnson Creek and west of N. Carrier Parkway. 

Becky Swanson, NGLA Communication Officer, said that at this time there is no date for a signing session, but she expects signing to begin near the end of May. 

Details of the lease agreement recommended to members are:

• No surface use
• $16,000 per acre bonus for a 3 year paid up term
• 25% royalty per acre
• 2 year paid up option to renew with a $10,667 bonus
• Checks will be disbursed at signing

Posted by Editor at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With an unusual 10:30 a.m. game time, Education Day at QuikTrip Park brought the entire Grand Prairie ISD’s fourth grade to the ballpark to watch the AirHogs play the El Paso Diablos Tuesday morning.

David Burke, AirHogs' General Manager, said he met with school superintendent Dr. Susan Simpson with his proposal to “bring all the kids out for free, have a 10:30 morning game.”  Before he could finish his proposal, Dr. Simpson agreed, Burke said.

“With the help of the GPISD, they bus the kids here.  We give them free tickets to the game, compliments of Pepsi Cola,” Burke said.  “They get to enjoy America’s pastime and they don’t have to go to school.”   

He said the AirHogs plan for education days at the ballpark to be a permanent part of the team’s schedule.

“This is a good day for Grand Prairie, this is a good day for Grand Prairie ISD, and this is a great day for our kids who have worked hard all year and they deserve to be here and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Bret Jimerson, Deputy Superintendent said.

Before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch Jimerson admitted he was bit nervous because was told be sure and not bounce the ball in the dirt.  So that is all he could think about, throwing the ball in the dirt with the fourth grade classes and the GPISD staff watching.

He made a perfect pitch to start the game, unfortunately the AirHogs lost 13-5.

The AirHogs and the Grand Prairie ISD will have another Education Day on May 28, when the fifth graders come to the ballpark. 

Posted by Editor at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View Shattered Dreams slideshow - Warning! This slideshow contains graphic images.  Individuals pictured are actors and made-up to depict accident victims.  Some of the images may be disturbing to some people.

The Grand Prairie Police Department and the Grand Prairie Independent School District conducted a mock traffic collision on the parking lot of Grand Prairie High School, 101 High School Drive, on Monday.   The accident is part of a national campaign, Shattered Dreams, to increase awareness among high school students about the dangers of drunk driving and the tragic consequences that too often result from DWI-related crashes.

Other organizations participating in these events include:

• Grand Prairie Fire Department
• State Farm Insurance Company
• Methodist Health System
• CareFlite
• Dignity Memorial
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
  

Posted by Editor at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Featuring approximately 120 outlet stores and a gross leasable area of 485,000 square feet, Prime Outlets - Grand Prairie will be located on Interstate 20 at the intersection of State Highway 360.

Posted by Editor at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View Run For the Wall slideshow

About a dozen patriotic citizens gathered on Dechman Bridge over Interstate 20 to cheer the motorcycle riders in the Run For the Wall as they passed through Grand Prairie. 

Posted by Editor at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

View opening night slideshow

The Grand Prairie AirHogs made their hometown debut Friday night in their beautiful new stadium, QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie

More than 5,400 fans of all ages got to take part in the festivities, enjoy the park’s amenities, and got to watch some outstanding baseball.  

The AirHogs came up a little short and lost 4-2 to the Wichita Wingnuts.  The AirHogs will finish their series with the Wingnuts Sunday.

Posted by Editor at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

View Free Breakfast slideshow

Ok, it’s Friday, you’re running late for work, no time for breakfast - no problem!  Just stop in the UA parking lot, 510 Westchester, and get a muffin and juice – free!

Westchester Church which meets in the UA, started the free breakfast Friday as a community outreach program about a year and a half ago.  Each Friday during the spring and fall church members are in the UA parking to give out the goodies to anyone that stops by.

Stephen Webb, a church Leader, said, “Every Friday we just hand out free muffins and juice.  We keep it the same all the time.  We have banana nut, chocolate chip, and blueberry muffins, apple juice, orange juice and water every single Friday for free.”

“We don’t preach, we don’t offer them any “churchy” thing.  We’re just trying to give visitors a really good Friday,” Webb said.

May 30 is the last day for this season but Webb said the church will offer the free breakfast again this fall.  They usually begin giving out breakfast around 6:30 a.m. and stop about 8:00 a.m.

On June 15, Westchester Church is holding their Westchester Car Show in the UA parking lot.  Some of the activities include:

• Performances by Grand Prairie’s Elvis Tribute Artist – Kraig Parker
• Hot Rods, classic, custom, vintage show cars, and motorcycles
• Dallas Cowboy – George Teague

Visit the Westchester Car Show web site for more details and information about Westchester Church.  

Posted by Editor at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

The North Central Texas Farmers Market will kick off the 2008 selling season with a grand opening event on Saturday, May 24 at its new location in Grand Prairie at City Hall Plaza, one block north of Main and NW 4th streets.

Fresh fruits and vegetables will be for sale on Thursdays and Saturdays starting May 22 at City Hall Liberty Bell, from 8 a.m. until sell out, which is usually around 1 p.m. Last year, Farmers Market was a block away in the Army/Navy store parking lot.

Market vendors accept Tarrant County WIC vouchers.

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

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

Citizens can now file certain types of offense reports from the comfort of their own computer screens in Grand Prairie thanks to a new online police reporting system on the Grand Prairie Police Web site at www.grandprairiepolice.org. The primary stipulation for submitting a report online is that there are no known suspects. The types of incidents that may be reported online include: harassing phone calls, identity theft, lost property, theft up to $1,500, vandalism to vehicles, vandalism to property and vehicle burglaries. 

“The online option adds convenience to the process for citizens, allowing them to submit a police report immediately and print a copy for free,” Sgt. Randy Isbell, Criminal Investigations Bureau, said. “It’s a beneficial service to citizens and we hope it will reduce the workload on our officers at the same time.”

For more information, click on the “File an online police report” link on the left side of the Grand Prairie Police Web site at www.grandprairiepolice.org.

Posted by Editor at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Lion’s Club held their 33^rd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day awards ceremony and luncheon Thursday at the Ruthe Jackson Center.  The annual awards ceremony honors members of the Grand Prairie Police Department.

This years award winners include:

Pam Edison - Civilian Employee of the Year

Demoine Clark - Rookie Officer of the Year

Alex Bielawski - Supervisor of the Year

Heath Wester - Detective of the Year

Louis Whittington - Officer of the Year

Not pictured is Bob Addison - Reserve Officer of the Year

Posted by Editor at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Graphic Arts program at South Grand Prairie High School became an accredited PrintED program on May 12.  Only four other high schools in Texas have this accredited course. 

PrintED is administered by the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF).  This national accreditation and certification program is based on industry standards for graphic communications courses of study at the secondary and post-secondary levels. 

Students enrolled in the two year program study over 438 related competencies.  At the end, students with 80% completion rate of the competencies are eligible to take the exit test in order to receive certification.  The certification offers students immediate value by enhancing job advancement, increasing job security and improving compensation. 

For those who are pursuing further education, certification can result in the granting of college credit. 

The SGPHS Graphic Arts program started their program in October 2006 and students achieved a 100% pass rate at the completion on May 12.   

Posted by Editor at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Peirre D. Thomas, 21, of Grand Prairie is expected to be arraigned this morning for the murder of Ryan Anthony Charles, 22. 

Grand Prairie police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said police were called to the Cottonwood Park Village Apartments, 549 Dickey Road around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning about a disturbance in progress. 

When the officers arrived they learned that Charles had been shot during a dispute with Thomas over a girlfriend.  Police arrested Thomas a short time later with the alleged murder weapon in his possession. 

Charles was transported by ambulance to Medical Center of Arlington where he died at about 8:44 a.m.

No one else in the apartment or the complex was injured and the investigation is still ongoing, Detective Brimmer said.

Posted by Editor at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Verizon Foundation partnered with the National Network to End Domestic Violence to coordinate the donation efforts.

The six area shelters that received items were Brighter Tomorrows in Grand Prairie, Hope's Door in Plano, Mosaic Family Services in Dallas, New Beginning Center in Garland, SafeHaven of Tarrent County Resource Center North East in Arlington, and The Family Place in Dallas.

"Verizon has a long history of supporting local domestic violence prevention programs through grants, education, and awareness and volunteerism," said David O. Russell, vice president - external affairs for Verizon Texas.  "Organizing a Shower for the Shelter campaign for domestic violence victims is another way our employees give back to the community."

More than 375 Verizon locations throughout the country took part in the drive to collect toiletries and common household items for use at domestic violence shelters across the country. An estimated $400,000 worth of much-needed supplies were donated by employees across the U.S. to more than 245 local shelters in the area or towns where the collections took place.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 mil