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August 31, 2010

City services Labor Day schedule

In observance of Labor Day, the City of Grand Prairie administrative offices will be closed Monday, September, 6.

Labor Day hours for other city services are as follows:

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August 30, 2010

Officer injured working accident on I-30

A Grand Prairie police officer was injured Sunday about 4:15 a.m. when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the rear of the officer’s squad car.

Sergeant Eric Hansen, Traffic Divison, said Officer Hunter Dell was blocking traffic on Interstate 30 at Highway 161 near the scene of a major accident when a 2005 GMC pickup driven by Jose Martinez, 26, of Arlington collided with another pickup and then struck the officer’s 2006 Ford Crown Victoria squad car.

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Teen killed driving wrong way on I-30

A Grand Prairie teen driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 30 early Sunday morning died after his car collided head-on with a pickup truck near the MacArthur exit.

Sergeant Eric Hansen, Traffic Division, said Daniel Solis, 19, was driving a 2000 Toyota Celica in the wrong direction on I-30 when he collided with a 2006 Dodge pickup. A 2002 Jaguar travelling behind pickup collided with the truck and struck the center wall.

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August 29, 2010

Art sculpture lights up the night at Central Park

Thousands of visitors lined the banks of the lakes at Central Park Saturday night to watch the fireworks and the lighting of Grand Prairie’s latest piece of art, the Willow Tree.

The event staged on the grounds of The Summit featured food, beverages, entertainment for visitors of all ages that included the sounds of Grammy Award winning band Brave Combo

But the star of the night was the 30 foot tall, 40 foot wide Willow Tree art sculpture by artists Andy Cao and Xavier Perrot of Cao-Perrot Studios in Los Angeles and Paris, France.

The metal sculpture weighing 15,000 pounds with its 8 inch trunk, fifteen main limbs that sweep and arch downward, contains hundreds of twigs, branches and leaves is set in the lake outside The Summit.

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August 28, 2010

School zone time changes

All Elementary Schools:
7:15am to 8:30am
3:00pm to 4:00pm

All Middle Schools:

8:00am to 9:00 am
3:45pm to 4:45pm

All High Schools:

7:00am to 7:45am
2:30pm to 3:15pm

Exceptions: Corn Valley Road and Royal Valley Road (Zavala Elementary and Jackson Middle)

7:15am to 9:00am
3:00pm to 4:45pm

School Board passes budget

The Grand Prairie Independent Scholl District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2010-2011 District budget at a Special Meeting held August 26.

The $230,990,811budget provides for items necessary to fund the District’s instructional programs for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The budget will allow the District to continue to provide the programs necessary to provide students a quality education. The budget includes the District’s debt service requirements and Food Service budget.

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Gophers win thriller in season opener

The never give-up Grand Prairie Gophers won Friday night’s season opener in the Gopher-Warrior with a last second, come-from-behind 42-41 victory over the Lewisville Farmers.

With time out on the game clock, quarterback Tommy Alvarez threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Devante Lacy to tie the game. For Lacy, it was his third touchdown on the night. Alex Rostro then came on to kick the extra point for the win.

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August 26, 2010

Grand Prairie Arts Council presents "Little Women, the Musical"

Based on Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women, which follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. Now, this wonderful narrative is brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart; featuring all of the original characters and an all-star regional cast on the Uptown Theater stage. Little Women, the Musical is an adventure in theatre for the entire family!

Performances are September 23-25, Sept. 30 – October 2 at 8 pm and Sept. 26 & Oct. 3 at 2 pm at the Uptown Theater, 120 East Main Street, Grand Prairie, 75050. Tickets are $10, $15 and $20 with $2 discount for ages 1-21, seniors 55 - up and groups of 10 or more.

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Main Library to host “Nunsense”

The Grand Prairie Main Library will host the Theatre Arlington Guild (TAG) Players on September 23, at 7 p.m.

TAG Players will perform selections from the musical comedy, Nunsense.

When the Little Sisters of Hoboken find they are short of funds to pay for emergency funerals, they display their divine talents in a zany fundraising revue. Mother Superior and her order of eccentric and endearing nuns show the lighter side of being Catholic.

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August 24, 2010

Police enforcement operation targets railroad crossings

In an effort to help raise awareness of train safety and reduce crossing accidents, the Grand Prairie police partnered with Arlington and Union Pacific police on Tuesday for “CARE” or Crossing Accident Reduction Enforcement.

With officers in cars and on motorcycles posted at crossings along the Union Pacific track, an officer with the police Traffic Division rode in the cab of a locomotive and alerted the officers at the crossings of any motorists not obeying the signs, lights, or crossing gates.

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August 23, 2010

Lone Star Ride fighting AIDS rolls into Grand Prairie

The Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS (LSRFA) will roll through Grand Prairie on Sunday, September 26, 2010. David Daniels Elementary Academy at 801 SW 19th Street, Kidd Academy at 5555 Lakeridge Parkway and Parkhill Park at 5101 South Robinson Road will all serve as pit stop locations during the two-day bicycling event. Now in its tenth year, LSRFA raises money for three organizations supporting North Texans impacted by HIV/AIDS: AIDS Outreach Center of Tarrant County, AIDS Services of Dallas and Resource Center Dallas.

“Nearly 200 hundred riders will cycle as much as 150 miles over two days and they will enjoy some well deserved time off their bikes in Grand Prairie on the second day of LSRFA,” said John Tripp, LSRFA co-chair. “David Daniels Elementary Academy will serve as both the first and last pit stops of the day, so returning there Sunday afternoon will be an important milestone of the day. Kidd Academy and Parkhill Park will offer places for riders to relax as they continue their bicycling journey through North Texas on the LSRFA.”

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August 22, 2010

Hatch Chiles Festival draws large crowd

Chile peppers were hot items Saturday with 1,500 pounds of the “World’s Best Chile Pepper” sold at the City of Grand Prairie’s inaugural Hatch Chile Festival at Market Square.

With Main Street closed, dozens of vendors lined the street, and a stage was setup for the bands Eden and Veronica Y Avance to entertain the large crowd, Market Square was packed with merchants selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, bread and other products. Dread Head Chef Michael Weinstein gave two cooking demonstrations using recipes that featured Hatch Chiles.

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Tools for School gets students ready for school

A line of students, and families stretched for a block outside Inglewood Baptist Church Saturday morning to pick up the necessary school supplies to start school on Monday.

Grand Prairie United Charities held its third annual Tools for School, handing out supplies and an outfit to make sure needy student in the Grand Prairie ISD are ready to start school on time.

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August 21, 2010

Warriors final scrimmage - season begins August 27

The South Grand Prairie Warriors held their final scrimmage game Friday night taking on Arlington at the Gopher-Warrior Bowl.

The Warriors open their football season August 27 in Arlington against Arlington Lamar.

August 20, 2010

City named a “Playful City USA” by KaBOOM! for third consecutive year

The city of Grand Prairie has been named a “Playful City USA” by Non-Profit Organization KaBOOM! for the third year in a row. The city was one of 118 communities throughout the United States honored for prioritizing play despite budget setbacks.

“We are one of the few cities in America that has been designated a Playful City USA for the third straight year,” said Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation Director Rick Herold. “This honor reconfirms Grand Prairie’s desire to create play opportunities for youth throughout our city.”

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August 18, 2010

Lake Parks Operations Center ribbon cutting ceremony

The City of Grand Prairie held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday at its new 26,500 square foot, $5.8 million Lake Parks Operations Center located at 5610 Lake Ridge Parkway.

Mayor Charles England said in his speech, what started out to be a replacement for Fire Station 7 on Matthew Road, turned into a city service center housing fire, police, and parks employees. The center gives city employees working in the southern sector a place to use a work desk, a phone, log onto a computer, and get their vehicle serviced. Residents can make inquiries about city utilities and services without driving to city hall.

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August 17, 2010

"Suite Deal" at Quick Trip Park

Children First Counseling Center is having a fundraiser August 19 at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie.

For only $10 you can watch the AirHogs beat the El Paso Diablos in the air conditioned comfort of the Admiral Suite on the stadium's second floor with both indoor and outdoor seating, purchase food and drinks from the nearby concession stand, and that night is also Thirsty Thursday Dollar Beer Night.

With only sixty seats available, ticket can be purchased online with a portion of the ticket price donated to Children First Counseling Center.

Special link to purchase tickets (use password: mingle).

Sales tax holiday starts Friday

Texas’ annual Sales Tax Holiday arrives this weekend, just in time for families to save money on clothes and supplies for the new school year.

“This is the 12th straight year in which families will take advantage of sales tax savings,” Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said. “This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20–22, shoppers can stock up on tax-free school supplies, school backpacks and most children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced at less than $100.”

To help families plan to make the most of the Sales Tax Holiday, lists of tax-free apparel and school supplies can be found on the Comptroller’s website.

August 16, 2010

Police seek help locating missing person


Photo Courtesy Grand Prairie Police
The Grand Prairie Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Brett Burton Perry, a white male, born on 10/02/1989.

Perry was reported missing by his mother who stated he has been missing since July 1, 2010.

Perry left the house, from the 300 block of Sparks Dr. in Grand Prairie, with a friend to go to his father’s. He did arrive at his father’s house but has not been seen since then.

According to Perry’s mother, he is mentally challenged.

Anyone with information as to Perry’s where-a-bouts is asked to call the Grand Prairie Police Department Tip Line at 972-237-8877 or Crime Stoppers at 972-988-8477 (Tips).

Argument over debt leads to shooting


View Sequoia Forum shooting in a larger map

An argument over a debt, led to a shooting Saturday afternoon that critically wounded one man and slightly injured another.

It began around 2:40 p.m. at the Sequoia Forum at Grand Prairie apartments, 2650 South Forum Drive, when Spencer Bates, 21, confronted Vernell Board, 28, at his apartment to collect a debt.

At one point in an argument over the money, Bates lifted his shirt to reveal a handgun. A struggle ensued when Board grabbed the gun in Bates’ waistband. The weapon discharged during the struggle, striking Bates in the abdomen and slightly injuring Board’s thumb.

Bates was airlifted to Dallas Methodist Medical Center where at last report he was in critical condition after surgery.

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August 14, 2010

Warrior red-gold scrimmage

With Friday the first day of contact for high school football teams, the South Grand Prairie Warriors got in lots of hitting Saturday with their Red and Gold intrasquad scrimmage at Warrior Stadium.

A crowd of avid fans showed up for the 8:00 a.m. start time to cheer the team while Warrior coaches got their first real look this season of players in game like situations.

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August 13, 2010

Heat advisory in effect until Sunday

Courtesy National Weather Service

The high temperature in Grand Prairie is expected to range between 100 and 105 through Sunday with continued high humidity. This will put heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees during the afternoon hours.

Sunday will be the hottest day of the year, heat indices could be greater than 110. It is expected to be slightly cooler Monday, but if Sunday’s heat indices repeat on Monday, an excessive heat watch or warning will be issued.

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August 11, 2010

High school football teams and bands prepare for season

Although the high temperature was still above 100 degrees Monday, football was in the air as the Gopher and Warrior football players began summer workouts to prepare for their season openers on August 27.

With only three weeks to get ready for their first half-time routine, practice is in full swing for the bands also as they march in the morning heat to perfect their routines.

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August 10, 2010

Chamber hosts ribbon cutting ceremony at LaQuinta Inn

Nolen Millender, center, General Manager of the LaQuinta Inn, 2131 W. Interstate 20 cuts the ribbon at the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. © 2010 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Brand Irons hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday evening to celebrate the recent opening of the new 74 room, 17 suite La Quinta Inn & Suites at 2131 W. Interstate 20.

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August 09, 2010

Accident on Interstate 20 kills Dallas man

A Dallas man, Edgar Francisco Ramirez-Sanchez, 30, died Friday night at Charlton Methodist Medical Center in Dallas from injuries he sustained in a traffic accident at around 7:40 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Interstate 20.

Sergeant Eric Hansen, Grand Prairie Police traffic division, said Ramirez-Sanchez was traveling east bound when he lost control of his truck, and spun into the guard rail near the entrance ramp to Great Southwest Parkway. The impact of the crash caused the vehicle to flip onto the driver’s side.

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August 06, 2010

Krystal holds ribbon cutting on fourth anniversary

Zack Jabal, owner of 360 Food and Fuel, flanked by employees and members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons, cuts the ribbon to celebrate the store's fourth anniversary.

Zach Jabal said he joined the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce prior to the opening of his 360 Food and Fuel on the Run & Krystal Burger, 3051 Mayfield Road, in 2006, but with the chores of starting and operating the business, he said he just could not find the time for an official ribbon cutting.

On Friday, the eve of the store’s fourth anniversary, Jabal managed to set aside the time, get members of the Chamber’s Branding Irons, and put together a ribbon cutting and reception.

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August 05, 2010

Grand Prairie trucker pleads guilty to transporting 11 year old girl for sex

The United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announced Thursday the guilty plea of Elmer Zelaya-Robles, 41, of Grand Prairie, to transporting an 11 year-old girl from Maryland to engage in sex.

Zelaya-Robles who worked for a Maryland trucking company, at times resided with a relative in Virginia.

According to the plea agreement, the parents of an 11 year-old girl living in Prince George County, Maryland reported their daughter missing on February 13, 2010.

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August 04, 2010

City to host gas drilling ordinance public meeting

The City of Grand Prairie’s Environmental Services Department is hosting a public meeting on August 31 to solicit comments and input concerning the City’s gas drilling ordinance.

The ordinance is currently under review by City staff and the meeting is an opportunity for the public to provide information on issues related to gas drilling activities.

After presentations by City staff, the public will be allowed to make comments. Each speaker is limited to three minutes.

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Eurocopter receives order from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department


Photo courtesy American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie based American Eurocopter announced Tuesday that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has purchased 12 AS350 B2 helicopters. The helicopters will be placed into service with the department's Aero Bureau as part of an upgrade plan for its current fleet. The order also has provisions for options that would allow the department to add two additional helicopters in the future to meet the deployment levels needed to help ensure the safety of department personnel and the surrounding community.

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August 03, 2010

Patricia Redfearn – City Employee of the Month

Patricia Redfearn, center, who was named the City of Grand Prairie Employee of the Month, is congratulated by City Manager Tom Hart, right, at Tuesday night's City Council Meeting.
© 2010 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

At Tuesday’s Grand Prairie City Council meeting, Patricia Redfearn was announced as the city’s Employee of the Month for August.

Redfearn has been the Solid Waste Manager for the last three years overseeing the landfill operations and managing the solid waste contract with Republic Waste Services while also managing Animal Services.

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Dubiski cosmetology students take gold

(L-R) Bill Smith, Judge, Dallas ISD;
Cindy Espinoza and Veronica Juarez, Dubiski Career
High School; Post-Secondary winners, unidentified.
Photo by Larry Stephens/GPISD
A team of Cosmetology Students from Dubiski Cosmetology took the National Title in Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) competition at SkillsUSA held July 20-26 in Kansas City.

After the team of Cindy Espinoza, Maritza Montanez, and Veronica Juarez took fourth in last year’s completion, they came home determined to take the gold medal this year.

The team worked all year on their gold medal winning entry, a leather bound OSHA book that contained four separate projects on safety and sanitation designed to help fellow students, schools, and the entire community lead healthier and safer lives.

August 02, 2010

Train kills man crossing tracks

A Grand Prairie man was killed Saturday night by a train while crossing the tracks in the 2300 block of West Jefferson.

Police were called to the scene around 10:00 p.m. by a train crew who saw the victim, Raymundo Luna, 62, laying between the rails of the track with severe lacerations.

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Fort Worth teen drowns at Joe Pool Lake

Grand Prairie Fire Department divers recovered the body of Darrion Powell, 15, of Fort Worth, Saturday night at the Lynn Creek Park swim beach at Joe Pool Lake.

Police and fire were called to the park at 8:26 p.m. after witnesses reported seeing the youth go under the water while swimming back to shore.

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Heat Advisory in effect through Tuesday

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a heat advisory for Grand Prairie effective until 9:00 p.m. August 3.

A very hot air mass will remain over North Texas through the week. Although dewpoint values will be in the mid 50s to low 60s, afternoon high temperatures are expected to be near 105 with heat index values ranging from 105 to 108. Additionally, weak south winds will limit the cooling ability of those involved in outdoor activities.

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August 01, 2010

Two alarm fire damages home

A Grand Prairie firefighter extinguishes the last of the flames at a two alarm house fire in the 5400 block of Leon Dr. © 2010 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

The Grand Prairie Fire Department fought a two alarm fire around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night that heavily damaged a home in the 5400 block of Leon Dr.

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Very hot weather expected Sunday and Monday

An upper level high pressure will strengthen over North Texas Sunday and bring the hottest temperatures so far this summer.

High temperatures Sunday afternoon will range between 100 and 105 degrees. Highs on Monday will only be a degree or two cooler.

Continue reading "Very hot weather expected Sunday and Monday" »


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