GrandPrairieReporter.com

The classic summer thriller “Jaws” will be screened at Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake on July 7th at 8.00 p.m. Admission to the park is free for all Grand Prairie residents with a valid Texas driver’s license.  All others are welcome and park admission is just $10.00 per carload. Everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair so that they can comfortably enjoy the festivities.

Concessions will be available on site but families are able to bring food and drinks into the park.
The City of Grand Prairie is providing 30 days of free events at its parks and recreation facilities in honor of Parks and Recreation Month. Please visit  City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Department web site to discover all the fun that is in store.

Lynn Creek Park is located at 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie, 75052.  Come early to pick your spot!   For information, call 972-237-8409.

Posted by Editor at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Independence Day celebrations begin on July 3 and continue through July 4 with some of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the area.

Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration

• Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4 at approximately 10:15 p.m.
• Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
• 1000 Lone Star Parkway

Joe Pool Lake Fireworks

• Friday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
• Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake
• 5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy
• Experience an exciting fireworks display over Joe Pool Lake. The entry fee is $10 per vehicle with up to six passengers ($2 each for additional passengers). Because this is a special event, the Lynn Creek Park entry fee applies to everyone, including Grand Prairie residents. Most visitors pack a picnic and stake out a spot early since the park fills quickly for the 9:45 p.m. fireworks. Call 817-467-2104 for more information.

Fireworks at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie

• Friday, July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
• Friday, July 4 after the AirHogs baseball game, fans will be invited onto the outfield to view Lone Star Park's dynamic fireworks show. Players and coaches will be on the field after the game to sign autographs before the show starts.
• QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie
• 1600 Lone Star Parkway, 972-504-9383

Posted by Editor at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The camp sessions will be held from 1-4 p.m. and the cost of the camp is $50.  

Posted by Editor at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie 

On Wednesday, July 2, there will be a major change to the traffic flow in the construction area of SH 161 on Segment III (Hill Streetto Carrier). The south bound traffic will be diverted at the north side of IH-30 onto the new south bound frontage road.  The north bound traffic will remain the same (other than possibly some lane shifting). This will mean the activation of the new traffic signals on the south bound frontage road at IH-30 and W. Tarrant.  Some delays expected Wednesday. See map of area. 

There are no cross overs between Dickey/Robinson and Jefferson. All traffic from Conover, Desco and Dean will have to turn right and travel north. There will be NO ACCESS to Conover, Dean or Desco from the south bound frontage road. Delays are expected Thursday.  See map of area. 

Posted by Editor at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The annual police vs fire baseball game was held Saturday in the beautiful confines of QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie. 

With proceeds of the game going to charity, there were no losers in the hard fought game.

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

Family, friends and patriotic supporters gathered at Camden Road and East Jefferson Blvd.

The convoy of four buses filled with soldiers left the Grand Prairie Reserve Complex around 7:30 a.m. for their trip to Camp Shelby, MS where they will receive additional training before going to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The convoy was escorted by a large number of flag bearing motorcycles driven by members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Posted by Editor at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kevin D. Moore, who was convicted by a federal jury in Dallas in March on one count of transporting and shipping child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, was sentenced June 26 by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor to a total of 360 months (30 years) in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Judge O’Connor also ntencesed Moore, 45, of Grand Prairie, Texas, to serve a lifetime of supervised release.

In September 2005, Moore traveled to Ottawa, Canada, with a laptop computer that contained a total of 13 movie files containing child pornography.   In addition, the computer had adult pornography and evidence-eliminating software called “History Kill” and “Spyware” software.

Later, a disk containing child pornography belonging to Moore was given to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials by Moore’s family.  The disk contained adult pornography, child pornography movies and still images.

This case was a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.

Posted by Editor at 08:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) will escort the 302^nd Military Police Company as they depart the Grand Prairie Reserve Complex June 28 to begin their deployment to Iraq to support the Global War on Terrorism.

PGR Ride Captain, Don “Eagle” Massey said the group will escort the four bus convoy to Terrell.  The 302 MP Company will continue traveling on to Hattiesburg, MS before leaving for Iraq.

The 302^nd MP Company is expected to leave the main gate of the Grand Prairie Reserve Complex, near the intersection of Camden Road and East Jefferson, about 7:00 a.m., Massey said.

Posted by Editor at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One lucky person will win a fabulous Grand Prairie Staycation package valued at $1,400 that will be announced August 1.  Deadline for entry is July 31. 

To enter the contest go to the City of Grand Prairie web site and click on Staycation or e-mail the following information to brwilliams@gptx.org with “Enter me in Staycation Giveaway” in the subject line:

1. Name
2. Phone number
3. E-mail address
4. Age
5. Zip code

Grand Prairie’s ultimate stay at home vacation package includes:

• Two tickets and one parking pass to an August 2008 event at Nokia Theatre.
• Four combo tickets to Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
• $50 food/drinks from Traders Village main restaurant, $25 in ride tickets, free stroller rental, one week free RV site with hookups, and one free fill-up for up to $100 at Traders Village gas station.
• Four club seats to an AirHogs game in August including four meal vouchers, free parking, and an opportunity for a family member to throw out the first pitch.
• Silks seats with food for four during Lone Star Park’s Quarter Horse season.
• Two night stay in a Loyd Park Camping Cabin, Monday – Thursday, and a four hour pontoon boat rental from Lynn Creek Marina.
• Foursome at Prairie Lakes and Tangle Ridge golf course.
• Coupons for Kirby Creek Indoor Pool, Splash Factory, and outdoor city pools.
• Two night stay at Hyatt Place

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

The Grand Prairie AirHogs will have an Independence Day extravaganza following their July 4 game against the Pensacola Pelicans.

At the conclusion of the ballgame that begins at 6:35 p.m., fans will be invited onto the field to view the spectacular fireworks display from the adjacent Lone Star Park.  The display which is one of the very best in the area is sponsored by Carter BloodCare and begins at 10:00 p.m.

Fans will also get to enjoy a live band performance after the game, post-game run of the bases and AirHogs players and coaches will be on the field to sign autographs.

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

The Grand Prairie Police and Fire will face each other in a baseball game June 28 at QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie.

Posted by Editor at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Arts Council’s presentation of “Singin’ In The Rain” begins Thursday night at the Grand Prairie High School’s Chambers Auditorium, 102 High School Dr. 

The production features beautifully choreographed tap numbers fill the stage with a cast of more than 40 local and regional performers dressed in stunning costumes from the original motion picture.

• June 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.
• June 29 at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket prices:

• Adults - $14
• Children and students ages 1-21 - $11
• Seniors age 55-up - $11
• 10 or more tickets purchased at one time - $10 each

Tickets are available by phone from the Arts Council – 972-642-2787 and at the following locations:

1. Trinity Candle Factory & Store –107 West Main Street
2. Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce – 900 Conover Drive
3. Arnold Brothers Dry-Cleaning & Laundry –3758 S. Carrier Parkway & 1818 Dalworth Street

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

Posted by Editor at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Courtesy Dallas County Health and Human Services

June 27, 2008 has been designated as National HIV Testing Day.  In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) will offer free HIV tests on June 27, 2008 at its Stemmons location. The DCHHS Mobile Medical Clinic will also be at Lancaster-Kiest Shopping Center on June 27th from 12pm-5pm offering free HIV test in collaboration with Dallas Urban League, Youth Angle, CADAP, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Mosaic Family Services, Welcome House, AIDS Resource Center of Dallas, and Imani, Inc.

“At DCHHS, we encourage everyone to take personal responsibility and be tested for HIV on a regular basis so they will know their status and be able to protect the health of themselves and those they love,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director.

There are more than 1 million people in the United States living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). One-fourth of them do not know that they are HIV-infected. Could you be one of them? The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and it is hitting Americans hard. More than 40,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year.

People of color are disproportionately affected by the disease. In 2005, African Americans, who make up approximately 13 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for almost half of the estimated number of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African American women ages 25 to 34. So what can you do?

Know Your Status. Get Tested for HIV.  June 27th is National HIV Testing Day.  Dallas County Health and Human Services is encouraging everyone to know your status by getting tested. If you do not know if you are infected with HIV, you could be spreading it to others. If you are HIV-positive, you must take steps to prevent passing your HIV infection to another person.  If you find out that you have HIV, it does not mean that you are going to get sick and die. While there is no cure for HIV, new drugs are available that can help you stay healthy and decrease the amount of HIV virus in your body.

What Is the HIV Test? The HIV test detects whether or not you have been exposed to the HIV virus. There are several different kinds of tests: blood tests, urine tests, and an oral (mouth) test. Only a very small amount of blood is needed for the blood tests. HIV tests can take a few days to 2 weeks for results, or with rapid HIV tests you can get results in about 20 minutes.

The DCHHS Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program offers rapid testing, treatment, and partner notification at its clinics located at 2377 North Stemmons Freeway, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  To schedule an appointment, call (214) 819-1819. DCHHS Mobile Medical Clinic travels to various locations around the County and offers free testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. HIV and Syphilis results are available within the hour. For more information on its schedule and locations, call (214) 819-2136.

Posted by Editor at 05:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The AirHogs have set special ticket prices for all people with a valid military ID for the July 13 game. Individual tickets will range from $4.00 for a General Admission ticket to $9 for a Club Seat. For groups of 20 or more the price range will be from $3 to $8.

He served as the Chief Of Staff of the 32nd AAMDC. His last assignment was the G-4 OIC of the 32nd AAMDC. He commanded the 7th Transportation Group, the 28th Transportation Battalion in Mannheim, Germany and the Port of Rijeka, Croatia in support of SFOR operations. He served as a Logistics Operations Officer for Allied Forces Central Europe, NATO, in Brunssum, the Netherlands. During his tenure with NATO, he deployed for three tours to the Former Yugoslavia where he served as the Headquarters Commandant for the IFOR/SFOR Support Command.

For ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.

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

All “Twilighters” are invited to the Grand Prairie Mail Library August 2 to celebrate the release of Stephenie Meyer’s latest book in her Twilight series, “Breaking Dawn.”

The “Breaking Dawn” Release Party begins at 4:00 p.m. and there will be food, t-shirts, door prizes and activities.  The Bella Cullen Project, an Arlington based Twilight fan-band, will make a special appearance and play Twilight based music.

For more information about the “Breaking Dawn” Release party, call the Main Library at 972-237-5700.

Posted by Editor at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Boys and Girls Club will hold a football camp June 30 at the Gopher-Warrior Bowl. 

The camp which is open to youth ages 7-17 is sponsored by former NFL players Joe “Turkey” Jones and Byron Williams.  Celebrity coaches include:

• Al Cotton
• Isaiah Robertson
• Ken Jolly
• Chuck Beaty
• Preston Taylor
• Dooley Williams

Youth interested in participating, must register in advance at the Grand Prairie Boys and Girls Club, 1000 Enterprise.  The camp is free to Boys and Girl Club members.  Membership fee is $20. 

To register for the camp or to get more information, call 972-623-1698.   

Posted by Editor at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In response the recent death of South Grand Prairie High School graduate, Lisa Chung, the Grand Prairie Library is offering a program aimed to help with grieving.

Dr. Pat O’Malley who is on the advisory board of the Fort Worth based non-profit agency The WARM Place, which works with grieving children and young people, leads the program to be held June 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Betty Warmack Branch, 760 Bardin Road.

The Grand Prairie Police released the latest update to their Ten Most Wanted List.

View Ten Most Wanted List

Posted by Editor at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A 19-year-old Fort Worth man accidentally shot himself while attempting a home invasion robbery Tuesday morning. 

Officers found Cameron Sands in the driveway of a home in the 2800 block of Garden Grove Road.  Sands was dead at the scene with a gun shot wound to the lower abdomen.

Grand Prairie Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said around 5:30 a.m. Sands kicked in the door to the residence.  The homeowner confronted Sands from the top of his stairway and Sands fired one shot from a .380 semi-automatic handgun at the homeowner.  Sands then dropped the gun and fled out the door. 

Posted by Editor at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 302^nd Military Police Company, U. S. Army Reserve, based in Grand Prairie will be honored during a Deployment Ceremony on June 27 at the Vivian Field Middle School Gymnasium, 13551 Dennis Lane, Farmers Branch.

The ceremony will recognize soldiers of the company along with their families as the unit prepares to depart for Iraq to support the Global War on Terrorism.

The 302^nd Military Police Company has served the United States with distinction for 66 years.  Activated in 1942 it participated in numerous campaigns in Normandy, Central Europe, and Northern France.  This is also the second deployment to Iraq for the unit, serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003-2004.

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

The Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) announced this year’s open juried art show and sale is to be held September 14-26 at the Grand Prairie Memorial Library. The show has over $3,000 available for cash prizes.

Anyone age 18 and older who has not had their work previously exhibited in a GPAC exhibition is eligible to submit their original art work.  The show accepts entries in all types of media.   

Entry fee is $30 and deadline is August 18.  Each artist may submit up to three entries.

Additional information and an entry brochure are available on the GPAC web site or by calling 972-642-ARTS.

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

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

On July 11, Texas Gypsies will entertain with their blend of pop, swing and jazz from the 30s and 40s.  Formed by experienced professional musicians, including a Grammy winner, the band’s Southern Western Swing influence creates its own unique sound.

July 18, singer, songwriter and guitarist Jon Dee Graham is a native Texan with a deep eclectic musical history.  Described as unvarnished, raw and gritty, Graham sings soft introspective songs then blows you out of your seat with pounding rock and roll.  Cracked, raspy, passionate and endearing, Graham’s voice is his most recognizable trademark.

July 25 features Sonny Burgess.  Growing up in Cleburne, Texas, Sonny was constantly surrounded by the sounds of the traditional country music of Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Roy Clark and Chet Atkins.  Singing and picking his own brand of Texas Country, Sonny’s natural ease on stage pulls the audience into his shows with enthusiasm.

Closing out the series on August 1, Shades of Gray hits the stage playing the music with which you grew up but never outgrew.  The band’s good ole rock and roll energy draws people in, providing upbeat, family fun.

The concerts are free, the barbeque reasonably priced.  Come early for seating.  Food is available until 8:15 p.m.  For information, call 972-237-8409 or check www.GrandFunGP.com.

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

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

Spending a large portion of their budget on fuel is becoming a thing of the past for the City of Grand Prairie’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department (HNS).  HNS Director William A. Hills led the city’s conservation efforts by replacing six staff vehicles with Toyota Prius Hybrids which are twice as efficient as the city’s previously used vehicles.

“These are great little cars,” said Hills.  “We save lots of money in gasoline and the hybrid is better for the environment.”

Housing Enforcement Officers travel 75-100 miles daily and needed something more practical and fuel-efficient.  The vehicles that the department previously used, such as the Ford Taurus, would consume an estimated average of $85 per week at $4 per gallon, whereas the Prius cuts that in half requiring only about $35 under identical conditions.  This saves HNS about $2,370 per car per year, or a $14,220 total among the six cars.  The city bought the six vehicles through a cooperative purchasing program with the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments for $143,277.

“We are definitely looking at hybrid cars as we replace other vehicles in the city’s fleet,” said City Manager Tom Hart.

Posted by Editor at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Tammi Ledbetter

PORT ARTHUR—Thirty-four volunteers from Inglewood Baptist Church transformed two hurricane-damaged homes June 1-6 for southeast Texas residents.

“We wanted to make this a family mission trip because we believe in doing ministry together,” explained Pastor Shawn Barnard. “We wanted to teach our children what it means to love God, serve him, and do it together.” Six other families brought children along who pitched in wherever needed, baking cookies and delivering Bibles and food to area residents, as well as doing manual labor.

"We have been amazed at how God has blessed our efforts," shared field foreman Jeffrey Hazleton of Nehemiah’s Vision.  "Since the storm, more than 4,000 volunteers have logged over 100,000 hours in the rebuild effort.”  To date, over $4 million worth of material has been nailed, brushed, and installed in order to repair and rebuild over 500 homes and churches.

“They showed up here, out of the blue, and I was so overwhelmed,” stated Linda Hailey, who had attempted to clear the debris from the land where her parents lived.  “We said a prayer and they started working, helping me out.”

“We came down here not really knowing what to expect,” added Youth Minister Joel Owen. “While Nehemiah’s Vision was prepared to offer an assortment of tools, the job could not be completed without provisions that came as a direct answer to prayer.  “It’s been amazing to watch God work and we’ve been blessed to see how much work has been accomplished.”

In addition to painting a home in Fannett, Texas, Inglewood volunteers built the decking and ceilings for two porches, explained Inglewood member Harry Miller, a 25-year veteran of similar construction projects.

Individuals and groups can volunteer or donate to assist for a variety of projects at www.nehemiahsvision.com or 409-769-1616.  

            

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

View more photos of Westchester Church Father's Day Car Show

Westchester Church held its second annual Father’s Day Car Show, Sunday, on the UA theatre parking lot.

Westchester Church which meets in the UA theatre sponsored the unique community event that attracted more than 125 hot rods, custom and antique cars for visitors to view.    

World renowned Elvis tribute artist Kraig Parker along with his Royal Tribute Band entertained the large crowd that braved the triple digit heat, with a blend of oldies, classic rock and gospel music.

Pastor Pat Webb said the car show is one of the ways the church reaches out to Grand Prairie.   

Posted by Editor at 12:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Golden Triangle Radio Control Club (GTRCC) put on their first annual Heli Blaze began June 13 at Jim Fulton Field, 2820 Seaton Road, which featured all types of sport, competition and demonstration R/C helicopter and airplane flying.

Ron Wedel, club president and Heli Blaze contest director, said Heli Blaze is the largest event the club has sponsored in its 46 year history.  He said about 43 pilots of all skill level traveled from as far away as Washington, DC to participate in the three day “pilot’s fun fly event” which featured raffles, cash prizes and awards to winning pilots of flying competitions, Wedel said.

The GTRCC plans to put on more big events in the future, ones “that the pilots know they are appreciated” for driving in from around the country, Wedel said.

Wedel who is a certified AMA Intro Pilot Instructor said, the club has “a youth program” to introduce interested youth of all ages, 6-90, to the hobby of R/C flying.  He said for no cost, anyone can come to Jim Fulton Field during a time he is flying with the club and under his guidance they can fly a club trainer. 

More information about the GTRCC is on the club’s web site, Wedel said.

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

Courtesy City of Grand Prairie

On Sunday, Belt Line will be closed south bound between Main and Jefferson for the placing of the bridge beams over the rail road tracks.

There will be detours in place, but the area should be avoided and delays are expected.

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

Deputy constables and sheriff's deputies with the Dallas County Clean Air Task Force raided the Jefferson Street Inspections, 3200 E. Jefferson in Grand Prairie, Thursday, shutting down a major illegal auto inspection operation.

Deputies arrested two individuals, Eddie Garcia and another individual that was not named because of an ongoing investigation that may soon lead to additional arrests.

The task force estimates the business was issuing between 350-500 illegal inspection certificates per week earning approximately $25,000 a week.

“Dallas County will not allow people to illegally profit from polluting our air,” said Dallas County Judge Jim Foster.  “By shutting this operation down, we have made sure that this organization will no longer be contributing to our polluted air.  Today’s arrest show that we are serious about improving our air quality to meet EPA standards.”

The individuals arrested have been charged with Tampering with Government Records, a 2^nd degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in state prison.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments estimates that approximately 10% of the vehicles operating on Dallas County roads contribute to 50% of the vehicle emissions pollutions.

Posted by Editor at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Grand Prairie Independent School District is holding a Critical Shortage Area Job Fair on June 18 between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Prairie High School 9^th Grade Center, 102 High School Dr.

The district is looking for highly qualified teachers to fill critical shortage areas:

• Bilingual K-5 grades
• Special Education
• Math 9-12 grades
• Science 9-12 grades
• Counselors
• Nurses
• Librarians

Applicants are encouraged to bring several resumes to the job fair and to complete the district’s online application.  More information is available at the GPISD web site:  www.gpisd.org 

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

View more photos of Lisa Chung Memorial Service

Hundreds of Lisa Chung’s family and friends gathered Wednesday evening in front of South Grand Prairie High School to remember the recent graduate that died Tuesday from injuries as a result of a boating accident near Cancun, Mexico.

Chung, 18, along with several of her classmates traveled to Mexico on a post-graduation trip.  A boat the group was riding to go snorkeling partially sank Saturday, sending the passengers into the water.  Chung was apparently trapped under the water when she was run over by a rescue boat.

A fund has been established in Chung’s name to help the family with medical expenses.  Persons wishing to contribute can contact any location of the Grand Bank of Texas for more information.

Posted by Editor at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A Grand Prairie police officer was injured in an early Wednesday morning traffic accident in Arlington.  The officer, working off-duty, was escorting a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) work crew convoy south bound in the 3000 block of State Highway 360, near Mayfield Road.

Officer Steven Kelly, 30, was inside his squad car with the emergency lights on when a car driven by Kathleen Bower, 30, of Arlington slammed into the rear of his squad car causing extensive damage. 

Posted by Editor at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Want to be served dinner by “one of our finest?”  On June 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse, 2536 W. I-20, a police officer will serve as your “celebrity waiter” to earn tips for Special Olympics of Texas.

Officers across the state will be serve dinners June 12 at Texas Roadhouse restaurants to raise money for the more than 27,000 children and adults in Texas with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Posted by Editor at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Grand Prairie Police Department released the recent updates to their Top Ten Most Wanted and Registered Sex Offenders lists.

View Most Wanted list

View Registered Sex Offender list for zip 75050

Posted by Editor at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U. S. Attorney Richard Roper of the Northern District of Texas announced Monday the federal grand jury indictment charging two sisters, Janie Heggins, 55, of Desoto and Paulette Heggins-Carter, 38, of Grand Prairie, with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and six counts of mail fraud relating to a scheme to defraud a Dallas business, ART Holding, Inc.

The indictment alleges that from November 2001 through June 2007, Janie Heggins, an employee of ART Holding, and Paulette Heggins-Carter, an employee of the U. S. Department of Transportation conspired to defraud and obtain approximately $469,000 from ART Holdings to pay creditors, themselves and a business the two owned.

If found guilty, Janie Heggins and Paulette Heggins-Carter face up to five years in prison and $250,000 on each conspiracy charge and up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine for each mail fraud count.

Arraignment for Janie Heggins and Paulette Heggins-Carter is set for June 17.

Posted by Editor at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

See the slideshow that’s won the hearts of many including radio talk show host Mark Davis and WBAP :                  View slideshow of Deployment Ceremony

Approximately 400 members of the National Guard’s 2^nd Battalion of the 149^th Aviation Brigade left Sunday morning for Fort Sill, Oklahoma to complete their training before deploying to Iraq.

Headquartered in Grand Prairie, the 2^nd Battalion, 149^th will combine with units from Minnesota, Oklahoma and South Carolina to comprise the battalion.  The battlion will be stationed in LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq until June 2009.  The battalion’s mission is to fly air assault, VIP transportation, heavy lifting and general air support missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The unit has a rich history in Grand Prairie with previous deployments:

• 1961 – Fort Polk, Louisiana - Cuban Missile Crisis
• 1990 – Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm
• 2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom
• The unit helped with rescue operations during the 500-year flood in Missouri, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and support of the 25^th Infantry Division during a non-combat evacuation training exercise.

A Departure Ceremony was held Saturday at Warrior Coliseum at South Grand Prairie High School where members, family and friends gathered for a day of fun, music and food along with a service to honor the soldiers. 

Featured speaker of the ceremony, columnist and radio personality, Mark Davis spoke to the soldiers thanking them and their families for their sacrifices.  He also reminded everyone of their responsibility to support our troops both at home and abroad.

On Sunday the battalion assembled at their facility and departed in buses for their trip to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 

Several chapters of the Patriot Guards provided a motorcycle escort to the convoy for the entire trip. 

Posted by Editor at 09:32 PM | Permalink |