Trout Fishing in America at the Uptown
Trout Fishing in America, the thirty year musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet performed Friday night at the Uptown Theater.
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July 30, 2010
Grand Prairie ISD named Recognized District
On Friday, the Texas Education Agency released its 2010 accountability ratings naming the Grand Prairie Independent School District as a Recognized District, the second highest rating for the agency.
More rigorous standards were implemented this year to determine the state’s Recognized rating. The new standards require 80 percent of all students and each evaluated student group to pass the TAKS, compared to 75 percent in previous years. Additionally, the school or district must achieve an 85 percent completion rate and must now have an annual seventh and eighth-grade dropout rate of 1.8 percent or below. The previous seventh and eighth-grade dropout rate requirement was 2 percent.
Continue reading "Grand Prairie ISD named Recognized District" »
July 29, 2010
Taste of Grand Prairie to serve plenty of food
The Taste of Grand Prairie returns to QuikTrip Park on September 23 for what promises to be the premiere food tasting and community business spotlight event in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Sponsored by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce and the City of Grand Prairie, the second annual Taste of Grand Prairie is a fun-filled night of entertainment for the entire family featuring food from the menus of area restaurants along with local businesses showing off their products and services.
Chamber president Lynn McGinley, said this year’s Taste of Grand Prairie will be much bigger than last year’s with more exhibitors and it’s expected to draw about 2,500 visitors.
Continue reading "Taste of Grand Prairie to serve plenty of food" »
July 27, 2010
Krystal Restaurants to give away burgers
Krystal is hosting a Free Krystal Burgers Day at all three of its locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Saturday, August 7 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The give-away is to celebrate Krystal’s new restaurant in Burleson as well as the 4-year anniversary of its Grand Prairie location, 3051 Mayfield Rd., and the success of its Fort Worth restaurant on Beach Street.
All guests who visits one, two or all three of these Dallas/Ft. Worth area Krystal locations on August 7 will receive one free Krystal Burger and one free Cheese Krystal Burger to enjoy - no purchase necessary.
Continue reading "Krystal Restaurants to give away burgers" »
July 23, 2010
Tip a cop for Special Olympics Texas
Get ready to tip one of Grand Prairie’s finest July 27 at the Texas Roadhouse, 2536 W. Interstate 20, as police officers spend the day in aprons, greeting and serving patrons for tips for The Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics Texas (SOTX).
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation. In the last decade, Torch Run has contributed over $11 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX. The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 36,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
July 22, 2010
Peach festival at Farmers Market - Saturday
Fresh peaches, peach recipes, and a peach cobbler contest highlights Saturday at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market.
Visitors to the market will get to taste test peach cobblers prepared by farmers and chefs going head-to-head for the Best Cobbler honor. Cobbler tasting will be from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with the winner to be announced at 11:30 a.m.
Continue reading "Peach festival at Farmers Market - Saturday" »
Art Explosion at the Uptown - July 26-30
The Grand Prairie Arts Council’s Art Explosion begins July 26 at the Uptown Theater. The week long art workshop for students who have completed the first grade through age fifteen, is taught by GPISD Art Teacher Kelly Giessner.
Projects include:
Ceramics painting
Screen printing
3-D Plaster self-portraits
Bowls and sculptures created from paper-mache`
Continue reading "Art Explosion at the Uptown - July 26-30" »
July 21, 2010
City opens holiday ornament design contest
This year, the City of Grand Prairie is calling on its residents to design the annual holiday ornament.
First Lady Janice England created the ornament project as a way to celebrate Grand Prairie and raise money for charity. Proceeds from the ornaments go to the Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation, which gives grants to Grand Prairie charities.
The winning entry will be selected by a panel and will be featured as the official 2010 Holiday Ornament for the City of Grand Prairie. There is no cash prize, but the winner will receive one complimentary ornament.
Continue reading "City opens holiday ornament design contest" »
July 20, 2010
Westchester HOA holds town hall meeting on gas drilling
A near capacity crowd filled the Oaks Baptist Church Monday night for the Westchester Homeowners Association’s town hall meeting about the gas drilling in the Westchester area.
A panel of city officials, an industry representative, and gas drilling activist were available to answer questions and provide input on citizens concerns and questions. The panel included:
Continue reading "Westchester HOA holds town hall meeting on gas drilling" »
July 19, 2010
Lone Star Park’s thoroughbred season ends - draws more than 400,000
Despite a national trend of diminishing attendance at most other racetracks across the country, Lone Star Park ended its 60-day, 2010 Spring Thoroughbred Meet with a 1-percent increase in average daily attendance.
Average daily attendance increased to 6,952 compared to 6,883 for 65 days in 2009. Overall, 417,096 racing fans came through the turnstiles during the meet, which was run from Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, July 18. Last year, 447,426 attended the 65-day meet.
Despite the increase in attendance, wagering was down across the board:
Continue reading "Lone Star Park’s thoroughbred season ends - draws more than 400,000" »
July 18, 2010
Arts Council presents summer theatre production
The Grand Prairie Arts Council in conjunction with the Missoula Children’s Theater presented two performances Saturday at the Uptown Theater of Betty Lou and the Country Beat, a country western musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, as a part of its July at the Uptown, Summer in the Arts 2010.
Missoula Children’s Theater provided the set, the props, the script, and costumes for the thirty student actors featured in the production.
Continue reading "Arts Council presents summer theatre production" »
July 16, 2010
Man shoots burglary suspect at sister’s home
View Burglary suspect shot in a larger map
A resident in the 2100 block of Rosewood shot a burglary suspect Friday morning during a fight after he caught the suspect burglarizing his sister’s home.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when the man, who police declined to identify, was alerted by his sister who saw a white male remove a screen and enter her home.
The brother armed himself with a handgun, walked to his sister’s house that is in the same block on Rosewood, and confronted the suspect, Thomas Haney, 18, as he exited the home. A fight ensued and when Haney picked up a brick and swung it, the brother fired his gun striking Haney twice in the leg.
Continue reading "Man shoots burglary suspect at sister’s home" »
Disabled woman dies in house fire
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| Grand Prairie firefighters work to put out a house fire in the 700 block of Finland that killed a disabled women Friday morning. ©2010-Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Fire investigators were still on the scene Friday afternoon investigating the cause of a house fire in the 700 block of Finland that killed a disabled woman.
The Grand Prairie Fire Department was called around 10:00 a.m. when neighbors saw smoke and flames coming out of a window of the residence.
Continue reading "Disabled woman dies in house fire" »
July 15, 2010
City’s annual photo contest accepting entries
Amateur and professional photographers who live in Grand Prairie are invited to enter the 2011 City Calendar Photo Contest. Entries accepted through Oct. 1, 2010. A panel of judges will select photos most appropriate for the 2011 City Calendar.
Photo must feature Grand Prairie:
Entertainment attractions, parks, events
City services, facilities, programs, employees at work
Pretty places in Grand Prairie
GPISD students, facilities, activities (only one month in calendar may feature the schools)
Continue reading "City’s annual photo contest accepting entries" »
Airport to get new terminal
The old terminal and flight school building at the Grand Prairie Municipal Airport were torn down in May to make way for a new 7,000-square-foot facility set to be completed in summer 2011.
The new $1.3 million terminal will feature offices for four full-time staff, one part-time staff member and the city’s emergency operations coordinator. It will also include space for a pilot’s lounge, general terminal waiting area and snack bar.
July 14, 2010
Heat advisory in effect until Thursday
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued a heat advisory today for Grand Prairie that remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. Thursday.
A hot and humid air mass will become settled in across much of the Southern Plains and mid Mississippi Valley over the next several days. Afternoon high temperatures across North Texas will be in the upper 90s to near 100 degrees through Thursday. In addition, humidity values will remain high during the peak heating hours of afternoon resulting in heat index values above 105 degrees. Wind speeds will be considerably lighter on Thursday adding to the discomfort and limiting the cooling ability of those involved in vigorous outdoor activities. The hot weather is expected to continue into the upcoming weekend and the advisory may be extended beyond Thursday.
Continue reading "Heat advisory in effect until Thursday" »
July 13, 2010
Arts Council presents student musical at the Uptown
The Grand Prairie Arts Council presents Beauty Lou and the Country Beast as a part of its July at the Uptown, Summer in the Arts 2010.
In conjunction with Missoula Children’s Theatre, this fresh look at a favorite story features 30 local students in a country western musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
Performance date and times:
Continue reading "Arts Council presents student musical at the Uptown" »
July 12, 2010
One dead, one injured in Sunday morning shooting
View shooting in a larger map
Grand Prairie police are investigating the early Sunday morning shooting at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Great Southwest Parkway that killed Eric Murphy and wounded Winde Hayden.
Police were sent to the complex around 12:30 a.m. after several callers reported numerous shots being fired.
According to police, Murphy shot at Hayden several times, striking her in the leg. Murphy was then shot and killed by a friend of Hayden who police did not identify.
Continue reading "One dead, one injured in Sunday morning shooting" »
Aloha from Hawaii comes to Uptown
World renowned Elvis tribute artist Kraig Parker performed his re-creation of Elvis Presley's musical concert Aloha from Hawaii to a sold out crowd Saturday night at the Uptown Theater.
The concert complete with hula dancers, a Hawaii themed stage set, and leis for the spectators featured a first set with music from Presley’s 1961 movie, Blue Hawaii followed by the main act, a replication of the world-wide, satellite broadcast concert live from Hawaii.
July 10, 2010
One man sentenced to prison, another guilty in unrelated child pornography cases
In unrelated child pornography cases in the U. S. District Court, Northern District of Texas in Dallas, Jason Andrew Watkins, 27, was sentenced to more than seventeen years in federal for receiving child pornography and James Cagle, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of transporting and shipping child pornography. Both men reside in Grand Prairie.
Watkins who pleaded guilty on March 26 was sentenced Friday by Chief U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 210 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas. Judge Fitzwater ordered that Watkins surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on August 24, 2010.
Lone Star Park cancel three races due to tote board malfunction
Lone Star Park was forced to cancel the last three races Friday night due to a malfunction with the tote board, the computerized display of odds and payoff. The problem was caused when the primary and backup phone lines went down prior to the sixth race.
After a 19-minute delay, the sixth race was run and payouts were calculated manually. The source of the problem with the phone lines had not been identified when the remaining races were cancelled.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park cancel three races due to tote board malfunction" »
Upcoming events at the Grand Prairie Libraries
Grand Prairie Genealogical Society
Volunteers from the Grand Prairie Genealogical Society will be available at the Main Library's Local History Room, 901 Conover Drive to assist with family history research. Just starting out? Learn basic researching skills to get started. More experienced? Brainstorm with other researchers for new ideas and approaches. This service is available on the second Monday of the month, from 1pm to 3 pm, and the third Thursday of the month, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Genealogical Society holds their monthly meeting at the Library at 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month.
Learn Chess
Wednesdays from 5 to 6 pm. Learn the rules of chess and practice playing at this free class each Wednesday from 5 to 6 pm. Ages five & up (adults welcome, too!). No signup required.
Bowles Branch Library
2750 Graham St.
Continue reading "Upcoming events at the Grand Prairie Libraries" »
July 09, 2010
Five AirHogs named all-stars
Field Manager Pete Incaviglia and the Grand Prairie AirHogs announced Thursday the selection of five AirHogs players to the 2010 American Association South Division All-Star team.
The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball 2010 All-Star Game will be held on July 27 in Wichita, KS and feature the South Division All-Stars against the North Division All-Stars.
Dalworth Recreation Center to host free health fair
Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Star Lodge Number 413 and Daughters Love Number Eleven Order of the Eastern Star will host a Community Health Fair and Blood Drive:
July 24, 2010
12:00-6:00 PM
Dalworth Recreation Center
2012 Spikes Street
Continue reading "Dalworth Recreation Center to host free health fair" »
City shows sales tax gain
Grand Prairie sales tax revenue in June registered a 9.60 percent increase compared with June 2009, according to figures released Thursday by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. For the year, city sales tax revenue is down slightly from 2009.
|
Net Payment |
Comparable Payment |
% Change |
2010 Payments |
2009 Payments |
% Change |
|
2,830,535.16 |
2,582,435.66 |
9.60% |
20,354,281.76 |
20,527,021.57 |
-0.84% |
July 08, 2010
One Texas most wanted has Grand Prairie link
Jose Luis Lopez
One person on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list released Wednesday by the Texas Department of Public Safety was last known to be in Grand Prairie.
Jose Luis Lopez, 61, has been wanted by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register as a sex offender since 2003. Lopez is considered to be armed and dangerous.
More information about Lopez is available on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website.
Texas Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a Texas Top 10 Sex Offender. Anyone with information about Lopez or any of the others on the wanted list is asked to call Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
July 07, 2010
Senior center to become veterans center
Parks and Recreation Director Rick Herold announced at Tuesday’s City Council Briefing session that the former Senior Citizens Center, 925 Conover, will become a center for veterans.
The building, located near the Veterans Memorial, recently became an unused building with the opening of The Summit at Central Park.
Herold said the city’s various veteran groups will use the center free of charge for their meetings and functions. The center will be decorated in a military theme using artifacts and memorabilia the groups have stored.
Continue reading "Senior center to become veterans center" »
Eagle Scout and city employee honored at council meeting
At Tuesday’s Grand Prairie City Council meeting, two individuals were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
Mayor Charles England honored Kyle Gordon for attaining the highest Boy Scouting rank, the coveted Eagle Scout. Kyle, a recent graduate from South Grand Prairie High School, is the son of Chuck and Lisa Gordon of Grand Prairie.
Continue reading "Eagle Scout and city employee honored at council meeting" »
July 06, 2010
Storm causes damages to northwest section of city
A brief, yet strong storm Tuesday evening caused localized damages in the area of West North Carrier and North Highway 360.
The storm that rolled through the area after 4:00 p.m. had wind gusts estimated by the National Weather Service at between 60-70 miles per hour that damaged roofs of several businesses, uprooted trees and caused widespread power outages.
Continue reading "Storm causes damages to northwest section of city" »
July 05, 2010
Guardians - protect and preserve Central Park
The Central Park Guardian fund was founded on May 22, 2010 to provide a meaningful way for citizens and guests to leave their footprint on the splendor of Central Park. Resources generated through the Central Park Guardian fund will help improve and enhance the natural beauty of Central Park. This 172 -acre gem stands as a tribute to the passionate citizens of Grand Prairie who have a long heritage of supporting quality of life issues in their community.
The first anchors of Central Park are “The Summit”, the innovative state-of-the-art center for those 50 +, and the breathtaking Public Safety Building. Future anchors will include the Grand Lawn Amphitheater, the Central Park Aquaventure Water Park, and the Recreation Center. In addition, the park will provide miles of trails, ample refection space along the series of five lakes, a trail of art to cultivate and enhance the senses, and environmentally friendly Texas landscape. Further plans include retail development, restaurants and other complimentary private developments.
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Tropical system could bring more rain to North Texas
A tropical wave in the Northwest Caribbean will be one to watch as it enters the Gulf this week. Tropical development may occur with this system. This system is expected to bring good chances of rain to North Texas Thursday and Friday.
Source: National Weather Service-Fort Worth
July 04, 2010
AirHogs take two from the Cats
Trailing most of the game, Grand Prairie plated five in the bottom of the seventh to score a walk-off 6-5 win in game one of Saturday night’s doubleheader against Fort Worth at QuikTrip Park.
The five-run rally started with an RBI single by LF Aaron Garza, and the AirHogs won the game when 2B Chris Brown knocked in the go-ahead run.
July 02, 2010
Fireworks to light up Grand Prairie
To celebrate the Independence Day weekend, Grand Prairie will have two spectacular fireworks displays to light up the Fourth of July.
Fireworks Spectacular at Lynn Creek Park - July 4
Chesapeake Energy presents Fireworks Spectacular at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake, 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway. The park opens at 6 a.m. and closes after the fireworks show. Admission is $15 for all vehicles. Information: 817-467-2104, www.GrandFunGP.com
AirHogs outlast Cats 2-1
The AirHogs scored once in each of the first two innings and relied on a stellar pitching performance by Luke Prihoda to down Fort Worth 2-1 Thursday night at QuikTrip Park.
Grand Prairie 1B Greg Porter and 2B Chris Brown each contributed RBI hits early, and from there, Prihoda allowed just one run over seven innings to hold off the Cats. He scattered five hits en route to his fourth win of the season, and Geivy Garcia pitched two hitless frames out of the bullpen to tally his sixth save.
July 01, 2010
Suits vs. Silks rescheduled for July 6
The 2nd Annual Lone Star Park Jockey Charity Softball Game that was cancelled on June 29 due to weather has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. on July 6, at QuikTrip Park.
The benefit will pit the Lone Star Park jockeys against a team of track employees and media in a doubleheader that is open to the public. All proceeds will benefit the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, which assists injured and disabled jockeys and their families.
