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July 31, 2008

Lemonade for LifeLine Shelter

Keller Williams Realty, 3121 S. Carrier Parkway, is hosting Lemonade for LifeLine on August 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Proceeds will be used by LifeLine Shelter to help purchase school supplies for homeless children within the Grand Prairie Independent School District.

Donations can also be made at Keller Williams Realty or by mail to their office, please note LifeLine on the envelope. 

For more information on this event, call Lisa Creed at 972-602-1005 or visit www. DFWGrandPrairie.com.

Grand Prairie to spray for west nile virus

One mosquito sample has tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease West Nile Virus in Grand Prairie.  

The city’s Environmental Services staff will spray the area from 11 p.m., Aug. 2, to 5 a.m. Aug. 3.  The area is bound by Rock Island Rd. on the north, Belt Line Rd.on the east, Shady Grove on the south and S. Gilbert Rd/Circle on the west. Residents in this area are advised to stay indoors, keep pets inside and cover fish ponds during those times.  Spraying will be rescheduled if wind speeds are above 10 mph or in the event of rain.

All Grand Prairie residents are asked to help eliminate the areas that mosquitoes need to breed by emptying, removing or covering any receptacle that can hold water.  To prevent mosquito bites, residents are advised to use an insect repellent containing at least 30 percent DEET (lower concentration for children) and stay indoors at dawn and dusk. 

The City of Grand Prairie conducts regular tests on mosquito samples throughout the city as part of its West Nile Virus surveillance program.

 

Guns, hoses and baseball

Zack Wilfong, left, and Patrick McCully, right, with the Garland Police try to tag out David Carpenter, Grand Prairie Fire, as he steals second base in Monday's first round game of the 1st Annual DFW Public Safety Baseball Tournament held at QuikTrip Park.   ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

The 1st Annual DFW Public Safety Baseball tournament began Thursday morning with ten area public safety teams competing in the double elimination tournament that runs through Sunday at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie.  Chad Cribbs, Grand Prairie police, makes a throw to first base from his knees after fielding a ground ball at third base during Monday's game of the 1st Annual DFW Public Safety Baseball Tournament held at QuikTrip Park.  ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

One of the event organizers, Grand Prairie Police Association President, Detective Heath Wester, said the tournament is a benefit for the Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas whose mission is to provide monetary support for families of fallen police and firefighters.

Detective Wester said he already has plans for next year’s event and hopes to have enough teams competing that he will need two ball fields.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Richardson Fire Department catcher, Michael Lang, tags out Luke Cribbs, Grand Prairie police, as he tries to steal home in the first game of the 1st Annual DFW Public Safety Baseball Tournament that began play Monday at QuikTrip Park.   ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

 

 

July 30, 2008

Call for entries – art show and sale

The Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) will hold their 2008 Open Juried Art Show and Sale September 14-16 at the Grand Prairie Memorial Library, 901 Conover Drive.

With over $3,000 in cash prizes to be awarded, the show is open to all artists age 18 and over. Entries must be original, unpublished and executed within the last two years. Entries must not have been previously exhibited in a GPAC Exhibition.

All media will be considered. Including, but not limited to oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, 3-dimensional, photography, drawing-all media, etc.

Calendar:

  • Exhibit dates: September 14 – 26
  • Postmark date: August 18
  • Acceptance Letters Mailed: August 25
  • Accepted Artwork Intake: September 12 – 13
  • Award Receptions/Exhibit Opening: September 14
  • Artwork Return: September 27

Entries and Fees:

  • $30 – Each artist may submit up to three entries

A show brochure and entry form is available online.  For more information call the Grand Prairie Arts Council at 972-642-2787 

 

Boat accident kills Grand Prairie man

Johnny Brown, 25, died Monday evening of injuries he suffered in a boating accident Saturday night at Joe Pool Lake.

Detective John Brimmer, Grand Prairie police spokesman, said police and fire/rescue were called to the Lynn Creek Marina, 5700 Lakeridge Parkway, around 11:00 p.m. Saturday night. 

Witness told police that Brown was standing on the bow of a boat and fell into the water when the boat’s pilot made an evasive move to avoid collision with another boat.

 

As the boat passed over Brown, the motor’s propeller apparently struck him causing a severe head injury, Detective Brimmer said.

 

Brown was transported to Medical Center of Arlington and then taken to John Peter Smith in Fort Worth.

 

Brown’s death is the eighth fatal accident at Joe Pool Lake since April

July 29, 2008

Oscar De La Hoya's first annual Fight Night at QuikTrip Park

Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions brings an exciting night of boxing to QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie on September 12.

 

Spectators will get to see a night of boxing action with a seven fight card that begins at 6:30 p.m.

 

Beginning August 1, free General Admission tickets are available at any participating QuikTrip store in the Dallas/Fort Worth area or at QuikTrip Park during AirHogs baseball games.

 

On fight night tickets at the gate cost:

  • $10 – General Admission
  • $15 – Reserved Seating
  • $50 – VIP Field Seating

For more information, including the fight card, go to the AirHogs website.

GPISD Athletic Director named Athletic Director of the Year

Submitted photo At Sunday’s Texas High School Athletic Directors Association (THSADA) banquet held in San Antonio, Grand Prairie Independent School District Director of Athletics, Fred Clausen, was named the high school Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Texas.  The award cites Coach Clausen for his outstanding work and contributions to high school athletics at the district, regional, state and national levels.

Coach Clausen has served the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association in many capacities and honored several times for his work.  Some of his accomplishments include:

  • Served as THSADA President during the 2007-2008 year
  • Served on the THSADA Board of Directors for seven years as President, Vice-President, and Membership Chairman
  • Served on the State Leadership Training faculty for eight years
  • Awarded the Texas State Award of Merit by the THSADA and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) in 2005
  • Texas State nominee for the 2007 NIAAA National Citation Award

The Texas High School Athletic Directors Association is the nation’s largest group of Interscholastic Athletic Directors with a membership of over 400 directors and coordinators serving school districts across the state of Texas.

Man killed at birthday party

 Updated 7/29/08

Grand Prairie police arrested Christopher Lee Heck, 21, in connection with the Sunday night shooting death of  his mother’s boyfriend, thirty-six year-old Donald Lee Cates.

Detective John Brimmer, spokesman for Grand Prairie police, said officers were called to a residence in the 400 block of NW 20th Street around 11:45 p.m. to investigate a shooting where officers found Cates outside the residence dead with gun shot wounds to his chest and head.  A handgun was found near the shooting scene.

Witnesses told investigators, Heck, who will turn 22 on Tuesday, was celebrating with a birthday party at the residence.  During the party, Heck became involved in an altercation with Cates.  Cates struck Heck in the mouth breaking a tooth. 

Heck then retrieved a handgun from inside the residence, confronted the unarmed Cates and shot him multiple times with a 380 caliber handgun.

Detective Brimmer said both men had been drinking.  

About 45 minutes later officers located Heck walking along NW 19th Street at Interstate 30.  Officers arrested Heck without incident.    

Heck is currently in the Dallas County Jail charged with First Degree Murder and is being held on a $250,000 bond.  

July 28, 2008

Lone Star Park's average daily attendance increases in 2008

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie concluded their 65-day, 2008 Spring Thoroughbred racing season on Sunday recording increases in both daily average and overall attendance.

Despite the two fewer racing days to the 2008 season, average daily attendance rose 5.2 percent over the 2007 season which breaks the old record of 1.5 percent increase set in 2002.  The park’s daily average attendance this year was 7,500.  Overall attendance increased nearly 10,000 from 475,097 in 2007 to 484,879 in 2008.

"We are extremely pleased with the growth in attendance during our 2008 meet and would like to thank all of our loyal customers who came out to Lone Star Park," said Lone Star Park President and General Manager Drew Shubeck. "In addition to the live racing, our big event days and a very successful concert series, as well as Big Brown's exciting run at the Triple Crown, provided our fans with great entertainment throughout the meet. The growth in attendance during these difficult economic times demonstrates that Lone Star Park remains one of the best and most affordable entertainment values in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area."

Average daily wagering on Lone Star Park's live racing, both on and off track, slipped 2.3 percent to $1.63 million from $1.67 million in 2007. In addition, average daily on-track wagering, which includes betting by on-track customers on both Lone Star Park's live races and simulcast races imported by the track, was $1.03 million, a 6.1-percent decrease from $1.09 million last year.

In 2008, the All-Sources average daily handle slipped to $2.25 million compared to last year's $2.34 million, a 3.7-percent decline.

"While more people attended the races at Lone Star Park this year, the economy clearly had an negative impact on how much they had to spend when they were here," added Shubeck. "In addition, the loss of wagering from the Account Deposit Wagering companies also contributed to our lower handle figures."

2008 top honors include:

  • Leading jockey - Cliff Berry with 91 victories
  • Leading Trainer - Steve Asmussen with 78 wins
  • Leading Owner - Tom Durant with 17 wins
  • Horse of the Meet - Monterey Jazz winner of the Grade 3, $300,000 Texas Mile

     

SGPHS to host girls softball camp August 4-7

South Grand Prairie High School will hold a softball camp for girls in grades 1-9, August 4-7 at the campus.
  • Camp Dates: August 4-7
  • Time: 5-8 pm
  • Location: South Grand Prairie High School
  • Cost: $55
  • Ages: Girls entering 1st through entering 9th grade

For more information, please contact Coach Jonathan Rogers at jonathan.rogers@gpisd.org or by phone at 214-952-2888.

 

Musician injured in accident after playing in Grand Prairie

Austin CBS television station KEYE, Channel 42, reports that Austin musician Jon Dee Graham was injured and remains hospitalized as a result of an automobile accident Friday night returning to Austin after playing in Grand Prairie.

KEYE CBS 42's web site has more information on the story. 

July 27, 2008

Dangerous heat conditions for Grand Prairie

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory through 7:00 p.m. Monday for Grand Prairie.
 
High afternoon temperatures between 100 and 105 degrees will contribute to dangerous heat conditions across parts of North Texas. Relative humidity values may fall into the 15 to 25 percent range on Monday afternoon, but the hot temperatures will still pose a potentially dangerous heat situation.

Some heat safety precautions include:

  1. Be sure to check on persons with health problems and the elderly as they are the most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  2. Persons involved in outdoor activities are urged to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing.
  3. Never leave young children or pets in an enclosed vehicle, even for a short time.  Temperatures can quickly rise to life threatening levels.

The National Weather Service has more information on how you can prepare yourself for a heat wave.

 

July 26, 2008

Grand Prairie ISD set to open Crosswinds High School

On July 29-31 the Grand Prairie Independent School District will hold on-site registration for the new Crosswinds High School, 1082 North Carrier Parkway that is scheduled to open in August.

Crosswinds High School with its alternative learning environment is designed to address the needs of non-traditional students.  It offers a second chance for students that were not successful at one of the traditional high school.  With its unique accelerated schedule, Crosswinds High School will enable students to graduate in a time frame close to their original graduation date.  Also, an evening program gives dropouts an opportunity to obtain their high school diploma.

“We are committed to all of our students,” said GPISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Simpson. “Everyone learns in a different way and on different schedules, yet all are entitled to a high quality high school education. The individualization Crosswinds students receive will help to ensure their success and accelerate their learning enabling them to graduate and pursue productive post-graduate goals.”

Students and parents are encouraged to come to the registration that will be held in the school parking lot from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (except for lunch time).   Staff members will be present to explain more about the campus, provide assistance and register students.

For more information about Crosswinds High School or to register, please contact Crosswinds Principal Craig Spears at (972) 237-5304 or by e-mail at craig.spears@gpisd.org.

July 25, 2008

Week three for the Guitars & BBQ series

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jon Dee Graham performed Friday night at the Guitars & BBQ at Prairie Lakes Pavilion.  ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved   Singer, songwriter, guitarist and Texas native Jon Dee Graham with a deep, eclectic musical history, played Friday night at Guitars and BBQ at Prairie Lakes. 

Graham with his cracked and raspy entertained the crowd with his blend of music.  

Shades of Gray will close out the Guitars & BBQ series next Friday night as they present just good old rock & roll.

Updated information:

Austin CBS television station KEYE, Cannel 42, reports that Graham was injured in an automobile accident Friday night returning to Austin after playing in Grand Prairie.

Grand Prairie Allstate Agent awarded for volunteerism

Anita Embry received the Agency Hands in the Community award for her commitment to volunteering in the Grand Prairie community. With this award comes a $500 grant from The Allstate Foundation for Brighter Tomorrows, which Embry has passionately supported.

“Allstate believes it is very important for corporations to take an active interest in the communities they serve,” said Embry.  “Allstate and my agency are proud to support such a worthwhile cause through the Allstate Foundation. The grant from the Allstate Foundation will provide much needed support for the work of Brighter Tomorrows and the deserving families it serves.”  Recovery from domestic violence is a signature program for The Allstate Foundation.

Through the Agency Hands in the Community grant program, Allstate agents and financial specialists are recognized for outstanding commitment to community service with a $500 donation to the charitable organization where they volunteer. To qualify for the grant, agents must show evidence of volunteer work that has had a positive impact on the local community.

Allstate Insurance Company’s Texas Region supports a network of agencies that serve households throughout the state. Agents and employees of the Texas Region have a long, proud history of supporting the communities where they live and do business through volunteerism and charitable contributions. Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations that seek to improve the quality of life in communities across the country.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation partners with non-profit organizations on community initiatives that promote “safe and vital communities,” “tolerance, inclusion, and diversity,” and “economic empowerment.” Teen driving and empowering victims of domestic violence have been priorities for the Foundation since 2005.  

 

Grand Prairie girl performs in Fort Worth musical

Photo courtesy of Altre MediaEmily Ludlow of Grand Prairie will perform in the world premiere of Kids Who Care’s Let My Heart Sing musical at the Scott Theatre July 31-August 3, 2008. Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, Kids Who Care is a non-profit international theatre company based in Fort Worth.
 
Let My Heart Sing takes the audience on a journey into a pop-up book to find the hidden answers to some of life's most difficult questions.  In true Kids Who Care style, Let My Heart Sing will have audiences laughing, crying and leaping to their feet.  

Close to 30 international students have joined local children from Texas this summer to train and be part of the July summer company and premiere of Let My Heart Sing.  They traveled from Albania, Scotland, Italy and Israel in order to train and perform with Kids Who Care.

Let My Heart Sing runs July 31-August 3, 2008 at The Scott Theatre, 1300 Gendy St.in Fort Worth.  Performance times are Thursday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, August 2 at 2:00 p.m., Saturday August 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets cost $12-$18, with special pricing of $10 each for groups of 10 or more.  Tickets for the Saturday, August 2 evening show are $15-$18 and include admission to the cast party after the show.  There will also be a special 10 a.m. matinee Friday, August 1 for day camps and other youth organizations (call for group ticket prices).  For more information, please call 817.737.5437 or go to  www.kidswhocare.org.

 

 

 

July 24, 2008

American Eurocopter awarded Homeland Security contract

Photo courtesy American Eurocopter

Grand Prairie based American Eurocopter announced Wednesday that it has been awarded a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to provide U. S. Customs and Border Protection with additional AS350B3s helicopters.

American Eurocopter expects orders of up to 50 AS350B3s helicopters to the U. S. Customs and Border Protection through the life of the contract.  The contract has the potential to total over $150 million

 “We are extremely pleased to have been chosen to expand our long standing relationship with the Department of Homeland Security,” said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO.  “This award shows confidence in the performance and reliability of our AS350B3 and our company.  We are proud to provide aircraft to the U. S. Customs and Border Protection, the U. S. Army and other federal, state and local agencies tasked with protecting our country and its citizens.”

The AS350B3s is to be manufactured in American Eurocopter’s Columbus, Mississippi plant.

Minyard sells Grand Prairie's two Carnival Food Markets

Minyard Food Stores, Inc. announced Wednesday the sale of 37 Carnival Super Markets to Houston based Grocers Supply Co., Inc. The sale includes the Grand Prairie stores at 1713 South Belt Line and 2500 S. Carrier Parkway.

Grocers Supply, a family owned business started in 1923, is one of the largest food wholesalers in the southwest and owns Fiesta Mart, a supermarket chain of 50 stores serving Latino and multi-ethnic communities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Houston and Austin markets.

Minyard management stated that Grocers Supply’s decision to acquire the Carnival brand and stores confirms Fiesta Mart’s strategic focus on the burgeoning Latino food market. 

It is expected that Fiesta Mart will acquire 11 of the 37 stores and other retail customers of Grocers Supply will acquire the remaining stores.  The acquisitions affect approximately 2,500 employees and are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

“Grocers Supply and its retail customers need experienced workers to operate the stores, and Fiesta and the other buyers are committed to interviewing our store associates for hire in the stores they acquire,” Minyard President and CEO Michael D. Byars said.  “Our management team will work to address affected communities’ concerns and assist associates with the transition.  In addition, we will absorb as many associates as possible into our other stores.”

Grocers Supply’s only statement on the acquisition was a prepared press release by Don Bersterman, Director of Area Operations for Fiesta Mart, Inc.

“Fiesta is excited about this new opportunity to expand its business in the DFW market,” Bersterman said.   “We take pride in serving the wants and needs of the consumers in the neighborhoods that we serve.  We have acquired several stores and are interested in interviewing any employee in those stores who would be interested in furthering their grocery career with Fiesta.”

July 23, 2008

1st annual public safety baseball tournament at QuikTrip

July 31 – August 3, the Grand Prairie Police Association is hosting the 1st Annual DFW Public Safety Baseball Tournament at beautiful QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, home of the AirHogs.

The tournament will feature ten teams from area police and fire departments with all the proceeds going to benefit Guns and Hoses Foundation of North Texas which raises funds for the youth in the community and provides monetary support to families of fallen fire and police officers.

The price of admission is $5 per game or a tournament pass is available for $25.  There will also be a limited number tournament t-shirts available for $10.

The first round of the tournament begins on July 31 with:

  1. Richardson Fire vs Grand Prairie Police – Game time 8:00 a.m.
  2. Garland Fire vs Arlington Police – Game time 10:30 a.m.
  3. Grand Prairie Fire vs Garland Police – Game time 1:00 p.m.
  4. North Richland Hills vs Dallas Sheriff’s Office – Game time 3:30 p.m.

Watauga and Dallas Police do not play in the first round.

 

The Woods UMC announces Beach Party VBS

The Woods United Methodist Church, 4501 Matthew Road, will hold a “Beach Party” Vacation Bible School on August 4-8, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

The “Beach Party” Vacation Bible School will include “scripture surfing,” crafts, games, along with food and is open to children of all ages.   

For more information call the church office at 972-262-1456.

 

July 22, 2008

Grand Prairie Police Most Wanted list updated

The Grand Prairie police released their updated "Top 10 Most Wanted" list.

Reporter poll

Last week the California Board of Parole denied the compassionate release of Susan Atkins a follower of Charles Manson that was convicted to life in prison for the 1969 stabbing death of actress Sharon Tate.

Ms Atkins’ doctors and officials at the prison where she is being held made the request in March because of her deteriorating health due to brain cancer. Atkins' left leg had to be amputated and she is paralyzed on her right side.

Her lawyer said Atkins is no longer a threat and releasing her would save California an estimated $1.4 million for medical care and security.

Participate in this poll:

Body recovered from pond near Joe Pool Lake

Grand Prairie police and fire/rescue recovered the body of Stephen Guiry, 42, of Euless from an overflow retention pond near the Joe Pool Lake Dam around 9:00 p.m. Monday night.

 

Grand Prairie Police spokesman, Detective John Brimmer said police were called to the 5400 block of Robinson Road around 8:38 p.m. A person walking his dog spotted Guiry's body floating in the pond and notified police, he said.

 

Sergeant Chris Chopin, Grand Prairie Police Lake Patrol, said the drowning appears accidental.  There was no sign of a struggle or trauma and several fishing poles, tackle, bait along with Guiry's car were all found nearby.

“It appeared that he [Guiry] fell in the water and drowned,” Sergeant Chopin said.

Guiry’s body was taken by the Dallas County Medical examiner to determine the exact cause of death.

July 19, 2008

Jockey injured Saturday at Lone Star Park

Jockey Tony McNeil was injured in the 11th and final race Saturday at Grand Prairie Lone Star Park. 

Dan Leary, Lone Star Park Director of Communications, said McNeil jumped from his mount Mr. Smee when the five-year-old gelding began running erratically in the backstretch. 

McNeil was conscious and alert after the fall and was transported to Dallas Methodist Medical Center with an injury to his wrist, Leary said.

Lend a Helping Hand - car wash

Lanny Ford, Director of Lend a Helping Hand, sprays water on a car at Saturday's car wash at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4279 South Carrier Pkwy.  Donations at the fund raiser go to help the organization's mission to help the homeless, handicapped and elderly.    ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

Lend a Helping Hand held a car wash Saturday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4729 South Carrier Parkway, to raise money to help support the organization's mission to help the homeless, handicapped and elderly.

Arts Council's Summer Theater - "The Little Mermaid"

Dress rehearsal of the Grand Prairie Arts Council's Summer Theater production of "The Little Mermaid" held at South Park Baptist Church.    ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

The Grand Prairie Arts Council in conjunction with the Missoula Children’s Theatre presented two performances of “The Little Mermaid” Saturday afternoon at the South Park Baptist Church.

Dress rehearsal of the Grand Prairie Arts Council's Summer Theater production of "The Little Mermaid" held at South Park Baptist Church.    ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

The performances were the culmination of a week long residency with the Missoula Children’s Theater for a cast of 64 local student actors ages 5-18.  The cast was selected through an open audition on Monday and rehearsed throughout the week, learning lines, song and choreography to perform as an ensemble in the full-length musical.

Missoula Children’s Theater is a non-profit organization.  Its mission is to develop life skills in children through participation in the performing arts. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dress rehearsal of the Grand Prairie Arts Council's Summer Theater production of "The Little Mermaid" held at South Park Baptist Church.    ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

July 18, 2008

Eighteen wheeler overturns on Hwy 161 bridge

An eighteen wheeler overturned on the State Highway 161 bridge over Interstate 20 when its load shifted while making a turn.   ©Bob Fitch - 2008/All rights reserved

An eighteen wheeler overturned Friday afternoon on the south bound lane of the Highway 161 bridge over Interstate 30. 

The rig carrying rolls of paper was turning a corner when apparently the load shifted causing the trailer to overturn.  A portion of the tractor and trailer were hanging over the bridge rail.

Crews had to unload the trailer before the rig could be up righted and towed. 

July 17, 2008

MedVance Institute names director of education

Submitted photoMedVance Institute, a leading healthcare career training provider, has announced the appointment of Raul Hernandez as director of education for its recently-opened Grand Prairie campus. In his role, Hernandez will be responsible for curriculum and faculty development, training and management at the campus.

Hernandez has more than 25 years of experience in education. Prior to joining MedVance Institute, he was a bilingual/ ESL, social studies and science substitute teacher for intermediate and middle schools in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Texas.

Previously, Hernandez served as an educational consultant for Lippert College & Associates in Dallas, providing developmental staff training and support for school districts focusing on the development of second-language learners and applied linguistics.  He’s also worked as director of the Lippert Court Reporting College in Plainview , Texas and the American Commercial College in Odessa , Texas , where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations at each campus. 

“Raul is dedicated to providing a superior educational platform for the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said MedVance Institute CEO John Hopkins. “His extensive experience in education will assist us in finding the best instructors, developing the best curriculum and providing the best career training experience for our students.”

Hernandez received his Associate’s Degree in Human Services from South Plains College, his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Technology from Wayland Baptist University and his master’s degree in Education/Counseling from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.  He has received his principal and school counselor certification (EC-12) and is certified to teach elementary self-contained and elementary bilingual/ESL classes for grades 1 to 8.

MedVance Institute, which has nine schools in Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, begins classes at a tenth campus this month in Grand Prairie.

For more information about MedVance Institute, call 866-86-GO-MED (866-864-6633) or go online at www.medvance.edu.

 

Thoroughbred racing at Lone Star Park about to end

With only two weeks of thoroughbred racing left, Lone Star Park has some great entertainment planned to close out this memorable season.

July 18 & 25 - "Party at the Park"
Features live performances by some of North Texas' best-known bands such as The Roof Raisers, performing July 18  and King Cone and the Tailgate Philharmonic playing July 25.  The performances are from 7 to 11 p.m.  Also, look for the "Party at the Park" great drink specials from 7 to 11 p.m.

July 20 - Senior Citizens' Day:
Seniors 62 years or older, with valid ID, will receive a coupon for Free General Admission.

July 23 - Free General Admission:
Star Player Rewards members receive Free General Admission on Opening Day at  Saratoga, July 23.

July 26 - Star Player Rewards Handicapping Championship Series:                                                                                                                                                                    Don't miss the last tournament to qualify for the October Championship! The top six finishers from the final Championship in October will represent Lone Star Park at the 2009 DRF/NTRA Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas.

July 26 - Fan Appreciation Day:
Fan Appreciation Day at Lone Star Park where you can enter to win great prizes like gas cards, iPods, iPhones, cash and more from Lone Star Park and partners in Fan Appreciation Day Drawing! Just deposit your entry form July 26, by the 2 p.m. for your opportunity to win. Plus, enjoy live music by Mars Hill on the Courtyard of Champions Stage and at Family Fun Park look for activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, and bounce houses from noon to 4 p.m.

July 27 - Closing Day:
Don't miss out on the last live thoroughbred racing action of the spring season. Reserve your seats today by calling (972) 263-PONY. Live thoroughbred racing comes to an end at Lone Star Park but the Post Time Pavilion will remain open seven days a week.

July 16, 2008

Lightning kills Fort Worth man at Joe Pool Lake

A family outing at Joe Pool Lake turned tragic Tuesday evening when a Fort Worth man was killed by a lightning strike from a storm that swept through the area around 7:00 p.m.

Dexter Leonard, 22, was at a picnic area in Lynn Creek Park when the storm moved through. 

Leonard who was wearing headphones and carrying a metal cooking utensil, rushed to remove food from a grill, Grand Prairie Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said.

Family members at the outing saw a flash, heard the thunder and found Leonard on the ground. They administered CPR to Leonard before paramedics arrived, he said.

Detective Brimmer said paramedics transported Leonard the Medical Center of Arlington where he was pronounced dead.

The National Weather has lightning safety tips on their web site.

Grand Prairie’s high school principals are heading to Harvard

Vicki Bridges, principal of South Grand Prairie High School, and Joseph Showell, principal of Grand Prairie High School were among 100 school principals from across Texas selected to attend The Summer Institute at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 

The Summer Institute will expose the two principals to national and international experts in the fields of education and leadership.  It will also offer them a hands-on opportunity to work alongside renowned educators from across the country.

Bridges and Showell were selected to participate in the leadership program organized and sponsored by Raise Your Hand Texas, an education coalition founded and supported by some of the state’s most influential business and community leaders.

“These one hundred principals represent our belief that quality campus leadership is crucial to the success of our public and public charter schools.  What these individuals learn at Harvard ultimately will have a positive impact in our classrooms,” said Bill Ratliff, former Lt. Governor of Texas and Raise Your Hand Texas Chairman.  “Our goal in making the selections was to achieve the best demographic mix we possible could, in order to achieve the maximum impact possible statewide.”

Duncan Klussmann, Ed.D., Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership volunteer chair and Superintendent of Spring Branch ISD said, “The Harvard Summer Institutes are widely recognized as the gold-standard of academic training, but it’s simply beyond the means of most school districts in our state to send their principals.”

Raise Your Hand Texas will cover entire cost for Bridges and Showell to attend the National Institute for Urban School Leaders seminar, July 20-25.  Bridges and Showell will also attend a statewide conference later this fall to share their experiences.

Ronnie Milsap to headline grand opening of Uptown Theater

Courtesy Ronnie Milsap

At Tuesday’s City Council Briefing Session, Elspeth McDonald, Uptown Theater Managing Director, announced November 8 as the grand opening for the Uptown Theater.

McDonald said the opening will be a spectacular, red carpet event that will feature Grammy Award winning country music legend, Ronnie Milsap.

Milsap, who has sold over 25 million records, won seven Grammy Awards and has 40 #1 hits, will fill the Uptown stage with his fourteen piece band and back-up singers. 

“Our stage, which is ample, is going to be very full,” McDonald said.  “It should be a memorable evening for us.”

The grand opening starts a week of celebrations and events at the renovated theater.  On November 15 Main Street will be closed for a 1950s themed street party.

More information about up coming events can be found on the Uptown Theater web site or by calling 972-237-8786.

July 15, 2008

Grand Prairie AirHogs announce A-Rod and Madonna night

The Grand Prairie AirHogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball has announced an "A-Rod & Madonna Night" promotion for Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. against the Shreveport Sports. The team will poke fun at the latest celebrity gossip which rumors the two mega-stars are romantically involved.

One dollar tickets will be offered to any couples coming to the game who claim to "share an agent." Fans will also receive dollar admission if they wear an Alex Rodriguez jersey (Texas or New York) or come dressed as any era of Madonna.

As part of the promotion, there will be between-inning contests to settle the divorce between our very own A-Rod and Cynthia Rodriguez look-alikes. They will compete in contests to see who gets to keep their home, car, and other lavish items.

The entire stadium will take on an A-Rod & Madonna-themed atmosphere. This will include a Madonna dance contest, as well as music and video clips from "A League of their Own" playing during the game, while A-Rod clips will be shown from his entire baseball career.

The AirHogs will also highlight their own third baseman, Edwin Maldonado, or "E-MAL" and his rumored sightings with various celebrities about town.

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