Grand Prairie Reporter

The dramatic Christmas musical set in the 40’s in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is a story of love and sacrifice filled with upbeat, big band arrangements, and carols.

Continue reading "Woods United Methodist Church presents Christmas musical" »

Posted by Editor at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police have not confirmed the identity of a man killed Monday morning in a one-car accident at the intersection of Grand Prairie Road and SE 14th.

Sergeant Eric Hansen, Traffic Division, said the accident happened at 12:45 am when a 2008 Dodge pickup traveling eastbound on Grand Prairie Road failed to stop for the stop sign at SE 14th.

The truck went through intersection, left the roadway, crashed through a fence, and struck a stationary box car on a railroad track on the Vought Aircraft Industries property.

Continue reading "Man dies in one-car accident" »

Posted by Editor at 09:34 AM | Permalink

While many were still enjoying their Thanksgiving meal or watching football, dozens of dedicated bargain hunters lined up outside retail stores to be one of the first inside to pick up some of the special sale items on the day retailers call, Black Friday.

With the temperature in the thirty’s and stores not opening until 3-4 a.m. Friday, shoppers started showing up as early as 5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving evening to make sure they got their special item.

Continue reading "Shoppers brave cold weather for discounts" »

Posted by Editor at 04:20 AM | Permalink

Grand Prairie Fire Stations
Grand Prairie Police Department, 1525 Arkansas Lane
Grand Prairie City Hall, 317 College St.
Grand Prairie Libraries Main Library, 901 Conover Drive
Warmack Branch Library, 760 Bardin Road
Bowles Branch Library, 2750 Graham St.

Continue reading "Donations Needed for Santa Cop, Santa Spot" »

Posted by Editor at 04:05 AM | Permalink

File photo - ©2010 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

Prairie Lights 2010, the must see, drive-thru holiday light park in Texa, opens Thanksgiving night through New Years Eve.

World's longest light tunnel
4 Million lights
Hundreds of new displays
All new Holiday Magic light show
New Walk-through lighted displays
Pictures with Santa
Seasonal food and family fun

Continue reading "Prairie Lights opens Thanksgiving night" »

Posted by Editor at 12:10 AM | Permalink

City Hall, Marketing Department
317 College St.
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tourist Center
2170 N. Belt Line Road
Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun 1-5 p.m.

Continue reading "City’s 2010 holiday ornament celebrates opening of Central Park" »

Posted by Editor at 12:03 AM | Permalink

The 94.9 KLTY Christmas Wish ™ started eight years ago to help the less fortunate. Through the generosity of its listeners, Christmas Wish™ has given an estimated $3.5 million back into the D/FW area.

Christmas Wish™ works by asking the 94.9 KLTY listening audience to submit a story about a friend, family member, co-worker, or someone that they know of that needs help.

Continue reading "94.9 KLTY kicks off Christmas Wish ™ Live Broadcasts in Grand Prairie" »

Posted by Editor at 06:45 AM | Permalink

Courtesy National Weather Service - Fort Worth

The travel forecast for Grand Prairie and the North Texas area through Thanksgiving day calls for a weak front and disturbance to move across today, resulting in isolated showers and thunderstorms over eastern North Texas.

The same front will move back north as a warm front across the Red River Valley tonight and Wednesday. Best chances for rain and a few thunderstorms will occur near Paris and Sulphur Springs.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving weather outlook" »

Posted by Editor at 08:13 AM | Permalink

The accident that occurred at about 1:30 a.m. in the westbound lane near State Highway 161, shut down the westbound lanes of the freeway for about five hours while police investigated the accident.

Police said Noel Romero, 31, of Arlington was driving a 2000 GMC pickup when he ran into the back of a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Maria Rangel, 22, of Arlington.

Continue reading "One year-old killed in crash with suspected drunk driver" »

Posted by Editor at 09:47 AM | Permalink

Hundreds of runners and walkers got an early, up-close and personal look at Prairie Lights’ new displays Sunday night at the 2nd Annual Sneak-a-Peek 5k Fun Run.

The run/walk took participants through some of the two miles of paths at Lynn Creek Park to view a portion of the 4 million lights in this year’s display.

Continue reading "Runners/walkers get early look at Prairie Lights" »

Posted by Editor at 10:21 PM | Permalink

To celebrate 100 years of Scouting, Boy Scouts from across Grand Prairie setup displays and various activities Saturday at Central Park to present the Scouting Experience. The event attracted hundreds of youth interested in what Scouting has to offer.

Councilman Greg Giessner delivered a proclamation to Randy White, District Chairman Mountain Lake District, from Mayor Charles England declaring Saturday as Boy Scouts of America Day in Grand Prairie.

Continue reading "Central Park gets the Scouting Experience" »

Posted by Editor at 12:51 AM | Permalink

Courtesy National Weather Service - Fort Worth

Posted by Editor at 11:32 PM | Permalink

City Manager Tom Hart favored the moratorium fearing an influx of gas well applications trying to get a “grandfather clause” before the City Council could act on proposed changes for a more restrictive gas well ordinance.

With more than 30 changes to the current ordinance that was passed in 2006, Mayor Charles England said, “We’ve learned a lot in the last four years.”

Continue reading "Council passes gas well permit moratorium" »

Posted by Editor at 08:15 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police tactical officers ended a standoff Thursday morning at an apartment in the 1200 block of East Marshall where it was reported hostages were being held.

The incident began at 3:45 a.m. when a man told police the occupants inside the apartment were playing a game of “Russian Roulette.” He added that he was told to get $200 or someone would be shot.

Responding officers could not get an answer at the door and called for a police tactical team.

Continue reading "Police end hostage standoff" »

Posted by Editor at 11:52 AM | Permalink

With 325 families to help with food this Thanksgiving, the Grand Prairie United Charities (GPUC) got some much needed assistance Wednesday morning from the Primrose School of Grand Peninsula.

Twelve Pre-K students with help from three teachers, brought in 370 can goods the school collected during this month’s “Can-a-Thon.”

Continue reading "Grand Prairie United Charities gets Thanksgiving help" »

Posted by Editor at 03:49 PM | Permalink

Advanced Art Placement Students at South Grand Prairie High School have almost completed a mural on a wall at the intake office of Prairie Paws Adoption Center.

The project, developed to give a nice background for the Prairie Paws staff to photograph pets ready for adoption, is part of each student’s National Art Honors Society's community service requirement.

Continue reading "Students paint mural at Prairie Paws Adoption Center" »

Posted by Editor at 07:06 PM | Permalink

Officer Edward Rahman, who was not on a call at the time, was traveling westbound on East Main Street at NE 19th Street when a 1986 Chevrolet pickup driven by Juan Galvan, 56, of Grand Prairie going eastbound, turned north at the intersection striking Officer Rahman’s squad car on driver’s side door. The impact drove the squad car’s outside rearview mirror into Officer Raman’s face requiring several stitches.

Continue reading "Officer injured when hit by suspected drunk driver" »

Posted by Editor at 06:22 PM | Permalink

File photo - ©2009 Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

The Grand Prairie Arts Council’s GobFest 2010 – 3rd Annual Gobs of Talent, Variety Show will be Saturday, November 13 at the Uptown Theater at 120 East Main Street in Grand Prairie.

GobFest 2010 is the Arts Council’s Annual Fundraiser; the evening will begin with a Patrons Reception at 7 pm featuring entertainment, a silent auction, refreshments and a cash bar. The evening then moves into the theater for the Variety/Talent Show at 8 pm.

Continue reading "GobFest 2010 – at the Uptown Saturday" »

Posted by Editor at 08:16 AM | Permalink

Undefeated Euless Trinity proved to be too much for the South Grand Prairie Warriors winning Friday night's playoff game 36-16 in North Richland Hills.

Continue reading "Warriors lose playoff game to Euless Trinity" »

Posted by Editor at 12:15 AM | Permalink

Continue reading "Powell Elementary makes 2010 TBEC Honor Roll" »

Posted by Editor at 04:50 PM | Permalink

For the fourth consecutive Veterans Day, students and faculty at Zavala Elementary school invited Grand Prairie and surrounding area veterans to the school for breakfast.

The dozens of veterans that came to the school not only got a good breakfast, they were individually recognized by students at a school assembly.

Continue reading "Zavala Elementary honors veterans with breakfast" »

Posted by Editor at 08:50 PM | Permalink

Posted by Editor at 08:09 PM | Permalink

Chase Bank surveillance photo – Courtesy Grand Prairie Police Department

Grand Prairie police are investigating the robbery of the Chase Bank, 700 East Main, where a lone suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said a lone suspect approached a teller at about 9:50 a.m. Wednesday and handed a note demanding money. The teller gave up the money and managed to activate the banks alarm system.

Continue reading "Suspect sought in Chase Bank robbery" »

Posted by Editor at 04:34 PM | Permalink

“What better way to bring parents in than food,” said Dr. Jerry Burkett, Principal of Johnson Elementary school as hundreds showed up for the school’s PTA meeting Tuesday night to sample the wide variety of chili types at its first annual chili cook-off.

In his first year as principal of Johnson Elementary, Burkett said the staff came up with the idea of the chili cook-off as a fun way to get parents into the school to mix, mingle, and meet one another and to be more involved in their children's education.

Continue reading "Johnson Elementary holds school’s first chili cook-off" »

Posted by Editor at 10:18 PM | Permalink

ICAA leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry. Recognizing creativity and excellence in active aging, ICAA’s annual awards program honors innovations that are leading the way, setting new standards and making a difference in the lives of older adults. These efforts support healthier, more vital living by targeting any or all of the seven dimensions of wellness (social, emotional, vocational, spiritual, intellectual, physical and environmental).

Continue reading "The Summit wins 2010 ICAA Innovators Award" »

Posted by Editor at 03:00 PM | Permalink

Fifty Grand Prairie ISD high school students Monday got an inside look at careers in the aviation industry courtesy of Grand Prairie based American Eurocopter.

Andrea Winning, Manager of Public Relations Delivery Center, said the career fair is part of EADS’, the parent company of American Eurocopter, world-wide effort to introduce aviation career opportunities to local students.

Continue reading "Students get inside look at aviation industry" »

Posted by Editor at 11:15 PM | Permalink

“This funding provides the building blocks needed to improve communities,” said Donovan. “Now, more than ever, these grants promote neighborhood development, produce affordable housing, and help extremely low-income persons find their place in their communities.”

Continue reading "HUD announces grant for development and affordable housing" »

Posted by Editor at 11:12 PM | Permalink

Walter Butler (48) leaps for a pass in the 50-7 win Friday night over Grand Prairie to put the South Grand Prairie Warriors into the playoffs. ©2010 – Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) released its football playoff schedule that matches South Grand Prairie (6-4) against undefeated Trinity Euless (10-0), Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletic Complex.

Posted by Editor at 10:28 AM | Permalink

Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie honored its Girl of the Month at Saturday's ceremony. (L-R) Liz Paynes, Debbie Bailey, Alanna Viejo, Susie Presley, Jordan Liles, and Angela Giessner. ©2010 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

Saturday, the Soroptimist Club recognized nine high school and middle school girls in the Grand Prairie ISD for their outstanding character, community service and leadership.

Continue reading "Soroptimist Girl of the Month selections for October" »

Posted by Editor at 07:10 PM | Permalink

The South Grand Prairie Warriors clinched a playoff spot Friday nigth beating its crosstown rival Grand Prairie High School 50-7 in the Gopher-Warrior Bowl.

Continue reading "Warriors beat Gophers - clinch playoff spot" »

Posted by Editor at 01:36 AM | Permalink

The 10th annual nationwide “Shoes for Orphan Souls” shoe drive that kicked off on November 1 is seeking to collect more than 250,000 pairs of new shoes, socks and shoestrings.

Since 1999, Buckner has sent more than 1.9 million pairs of new shoes to at-risk children in the United States and in more than 68 other countries around the globe.

Continue reading "Shoe drive collects new shoes for orphans" »

Posted by Editor at 11:00 PM | Permalink

File photo - ©Grand Prairie Reporter

Santa Cop/Santa Spot was recently notified by the company that for the past four years has graciously provided warehouse space for storage, it now needs the space and Santa Cop/Santa Spot will have to move out after the first of next year.

The non-profit organization, operated by Grand Prairie police officers and firefighters to provide toys and food to deserving Grand Prairie families, helped 455 needy families last year.

Continue reading "Santa Cop /Santa Spot needs warehouse space" »

Posted by Editor at 09:37 AM | Permalink

All Counties

U. S. Congressional, District 24

Kenny Marchant (R) – 99,891
David Sparks (L) – 22,504

Continue reading "Election results - 2010 General Election" »

Posted by Editor at 07:42 AM | Permalink

At Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, two individuals were recognized for their outstanding actions.

Police Officer Lena Aguayo was awarded the city’s Employee of the Month Award and William Pursley was given the Civilian Life Saving Award.

Continue reading "Police Officer Employee of the Month – Civilian Life Saving Award presented" »

Posted by Editor at 12:11 AM | Permalink

The ‘Reporter’ launched on November 1, 2007 with a goal to provide the most reliable and complete coverage of Grand Prairie news events.

Although there has been many changes since 2007 within the media business, newspapers going out of business, cut backs at large newspapers, and of course more news shifting from print to online, the ‘Reporter’ has consistently provided the best community news coverage in Grand Prairie. Publishing more than 1,500 articles, the ‘Reporter’ is Grand Prairie’s number one source of local, community news.

Continue reading "Grand Prairie Reporter – three years old" »

Posted by Editor at 03:21 PM | Permalink

It was standing room only in the Ruthe Jackson Center Sunday afternoon as dignitaries, friends, family, and well wishers came to celebrate Grand Prairie’s Mayor Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson’s 90th birthday.

State Representative Kirk England, County Commissioner Ken Mayfield , and Matt Jack from the office U. S. Congressman Kenny Marchant, all read proclamations honoring Jackson who has been a City Council member for the past 23 years.

Jackson, who recalled about forty years ago being called “a civic minded busy body” by a city staff member, was named Grand Prairie Citizen of the Century in a proclamation read by Mayor Charles England.

Continue reading "Ruthe Jackson celebrates birthday" »

Posted by Editor at 12:34 AM | Permalink