Grand Prairie Reporter

Ballots for City Council and School Board elections:

City Council

District 1

Mark Hepworth – Incumbent
Unopposed

District 3

Bill Thorn – Incumbent
Bill Ray Nash

Place 7 - At Large

Ruthe Jackson - Incumbent
Unopposed

Continue reading "Chamber's Voter’s Guide for May 14 elections" »

Posted by Editor at 10:02 AM | Permalink

About 1,000 Grand Prairie ISD students at the South Grand Prairie High School Performing Arts Theatre Wednesday learned how they can help conserve one of the world’s most precious natural resources, wildlife.

Grand Prairie, one of only eight schools state-wide selected, hosted SeaWorld’s conservation educational outreach program, SeaWorld Cares.

Continue reading "SeaWorld’s conservation program visits school" »

Posted by Editor at 10:05 PM | Permalink

GPUC serves as a lifeline to Grand Prairie residents in times of personal or family difficulty. Last year the charity helped more than 21,000 individuals residing in Grand Prairie.

“We provide a web of support services in addition to the food that helps prevent hunger or financial assistance to prevent homelessness,” Debra Blubaugh, GPUC Executive Director said. “This reinforces the idea of a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’ with the ultimate goal being to empower people’s ability to care for themselves and their families.”

Continue reading "Foundation will match donations to Grand Prairie United Charities" »

Posted by Editor at 11:21 PM | Permalink

Out of the 18 students that competed, 14 advanced to the quarterfinal round, 8 advanced to the semifinal round and 4 students "broke" to the final round.

Continue reading "GPHS CAPERS Forensic Squad Wins at State" »

Posted by Editor at 12:00 AM | Permalink

The Grand Prairie Arts Council presents A Murder Mystery Whodunit’ – Deadman of the Wild West. When Dudley Deadman is named the new Sheriff of Blood’n’Guts, Texas, he’s issued a badge with a bull’s eye on it. But when Colonel Hoofinmouth, the evil cattle baron, notorious for murdering every Sheriff in Blood’n’Guts, is murdered himself, it’s up to Dudley to find out who murdered the murderer. Look, listen and laugh along as the klutziest gun in the west tries to find out who killed Colonel Hoofinmouth.

Continue reading "Arts Council presents a wild-west mystery melodrama" »

Posted by Editor at 11:28 PM | Permalink

Texas Trust Credit Union, 425 W. Jefferson, hosted its Grand Prairie Spirit night Thursday to unveil the winning entries to its GPISD High School Spirit Card Design Contest.

The contest that drew 132 entries allowed students at each of the four high schools to submit their own design which they felt captured the true spirit of their school. The winning entries were selected by a panel of judges consisting of GPISD teachers, Texas Trust Credit Union Marketing staff, community partners, and the general public through a Facebook voting application.

Continue reading "Texas Trust announces winners of High School Spirit Card Design Contest" »

Posted by Editor at 12:20 AM | Permalink

This informational forum provides interested students grades eight through twelve an opportunity to learn more about our nation's service academies, requirements for admission and the selection process.

Continue reading "North Texas U.S. Service Academies Forum" »

Posted by Editor at 02:04 PM | Permalink

Updated: 3/24/2011

Grand Prairie police arrested a South Grand Prairie High School coach Tuesday for allegedly having an improper relationship with a student.

Kevin Garrett, 30, was arrested by police at the Grand Prairie ISD Administration building.

Detective John Brimmer, police spokesman, said investigators are expected to file a case later this week with the Dallas County District Attorney charging Garrett with Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, a Second Degree Felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Continue reading "Coach arrested for improper relationship" »

Posted by Editor at 10:45 AM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police Wednesday released store surveillance photos of a suspect or suspects wanted in connection with the theft of credit cards stolen in a series of vehicle burglaries. Investigators are unsure if it is the same person in all the photos.

Detective John Brimmer, police spokesman, said that on October 30, 2010 in the 4600 block of South Highway 360 at about 6:45pm a vehicle was burglarized and a purse containing a credit cards was stolen.

A woman attempted to use the credit card at a Target store and a Shell station. The suspect is described as a white female with a pony tail and walks with a limp.

Continue reading "Police investigates auto burglaries-ID thefts" »

Posted by Editor at 11:09 PM | Permalink

Police said Neri was driving a 1999 Buick Century westbound on I-30 at about 7:50 p.m. He exited onto the northbound frontage road of Highway 161 striking a 2006 Mazada stopped at the traffic signal.

Continue reading "Grand Prairie man killed fleeing accident" »

Posted by Editor at 02:48 PM | Permalink

Detective John Brimmer, police spokesman, said Jose Abel Navarro, 27, of Grand Prairie was arrested and charged with Manslaughter. Navarro is currently in jail with bond set at $150,000.

Continue reading "Police arrest suspect in nightclub fight death" »

Posted by Editor at 04:04 PM | Permalink

Representative Anderson will give a short legislative update , then take questions from the audience.

Posted by Editor at 10:22 PM | Permalink

Incumbent Tim Johnson and Steve Pryor are candidates for the Place 3 position.

Incumbent John D. Stewart, Place 4, is unopposed.

Early voting begins May 2.

Posted by Editor at 09:34 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police were called to the El Toro Loco, 2515 W. Jefferson, around 1:15 a.m. after of a fight broke out inside the club.

Witnesses told police Salazar was struck in the head during the fight and later collapsed.

Continue reading "Grand Prairie man dies following nightclub fight" »

Posted by Editor at 09:16 AM | Permalink

File Photo - ©2007 Bob Fitch

Run For The Wall (RFTW), the annual cross-country motorcycle ride that honors all veterans, calls attention to prisoners of war, and those missing in action that for many years has attracted large groups of supporters and well-wishers as it passed through Grand Prairie on Interstate 20, now makes the city one of its stops on its the trip from California to Washington, DC to take part in Memorial Day celebrations.

Richard Moore, Southern Route Coordinator, said the ride made the change this year to stop in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the first time in the ride’s history because of requests from riders, veterans groups, and supporters.

Continue reading "Motorcycle ride honoring veterans to stop in city on May 21" »

Posted by Editor at 02:02 AM | Permalink

Friday night, Maren Morris, the talented singer/songwriter from Arlington, brought her unique style of music that transcends Rock, Country, Blues, and Pop to the Uptown Theater for a concert and CD release party.

Her concert featured many of the songs from her recently released CD titled “Live Wire,” an album she co-produced.

Continue reading "Maren Morris in concert at the Uptwon" »

Posted by Editor at 01:32 AM | Permalink

Individual ticket sales for the AirHogs 2011 season began today at QuikTrip Park with the St. Patty O’Party.

The free, day long festival featured fun for the entire family with events like Irish music, dunk tanks, bounce houses, fast pitch games and of course the kids got to run the bases at beautiful QuikTrip Park. For the adults, the NCAA Basketball Tournament was showing on the QuikTrip Park video board.

Continue reading "AirHogs kick off 2011 ticket sales with St. Patty O’Party" »

Posted by Editor at 04:51 PM | Permalink

Registration has begun for teams to be a part of the friendly competition in events like seen on the television shows, Survivor and The Amazing Race. The cost for team participants is $50.00 per person. Teams can be from 4 - 6 players, age 18 and up.

Continue reading "Games of Grand Prairie set for April 16" »

Posted by Editor at 08:34 AM | Permalink

This spring’s elections will feature 2 contested races:

• District 3 incumbent Bill Thorn faces Billy Ray Nash
• Place 7 at large incumbent Ruthe Jackson faces R. J. DiLena

Continue reading "Ballot set for May 14 City Council elections" »

Posted by Editor at 01:28 PM | Permalink

Throw popcorn and boo the villain, cheer the hero, enjoy a western sing-a-long, participate in audience sound cues, and possibly become part of the story! Then try your hand at figuring out whodunit' and win prizes! Light dinner & dessert concessions available for purchase, cash bar serving alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages available.

Continue reading "Arts Council presents old-fashioned, wild-west, melodrama" »

Posted by Editor at 07:27 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Grand Prairie Police Department

Grand Prairie Police released a composite sketch of the suspect accused of sexually assaulting a woman on March 9 around 11:30 a.m. at the Clairborne Apartments located in the 2300 block of North Highway 360.

Police said the suspect posed as a maintenance man in order to get the victim to open her door. He then forced his way into the apartment where he assaulted her.

The suspect was seen in the area a couple of days prior to the attack.

Continue reading "Police search for sexual assault suspect" »

Posted by Editor at 12:02 AM | Permalink

The awards were:

Facility/Design Award for The Summit – “Best New Recreation Facility”
Planning Award for Central Park – “Best New Planned Park Site”
Lone Star Programming Award for Step Up to Health Regional Day Camp Development – “Best New Recreation Program in State”

Continue reading "Parks Department wins three awards at state conference" »

Posted by Editor at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Held each Friday night in April, rain or shine, the concerts move into The Summit Ballroom should it rain.

All ages are welcome to the free concerts that begin at 7:00 p.m.

Continue reading "April Concerts in the Park moves to Central Park" »

Posted by Editor at 09:58 AM | Permalink

With the spring severe weather season approaching, the National Weather Service in Fort Worth advised there is a threat of severe thunderstorms for Grand Prairie on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Atmospheric conditions are coming together as an upper lever disturbance moves across the region. The best chance of rain and storms will be east of the I-35 corridor.

Stay tuned to the latest forecasts over the next couple days for any updates on this threat.

Posted by Editor at 10:02 AM | Permalink

With cold weather still hanging on, the Grand Prairie Farmers Market ended its winter break Saturday, opening for the 2011 season.

Despite the chill, hundreds of customers came out to pick up some of the fresh vegetables, baked goods, sauces, seasonings, meats, and other goods sold by local businesses.

Continue reading "Farmers Market opens new season" »

Posted by Editor at 09:34 AM | Permalink

Soroptimist Girl of the Month winners for January and February. (L-R)Elza Vu-Reagan Middle School, Jessica Barnes-Adams Middle School, Juiliana Adame-Arnold Middle School, Viridiana Delgado-Arnold Middle School, Samatha Edwards-Grand Prairie High School, Christina Ayala-Grand Prairie High School, Lydia Hernandez-Grand Prairie High School, Kelly Reyna-Kennedy Middle School, and Elizabeth Parks-Fannin Middle School. Back Row (L-R) Debbie Bailey and Angela Giessner. ©2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

Saturday, the Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie 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 ceremony" »

Posted by Editor at 03:55 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie police are searching for a van that left the scene of an accident Friday night that killed a motorcyclist on Interstate 20.

The accident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on westbound I-20 near Highway 161.

Police said a 2004 Honda motorcycle driven by Daniel Jarrod Kimber, 22, of Arlington was westbound on I-20 at a high speed when he hit the rear of what witnesses described as a maroon Dodge van.

Continue reading "Police investigate fatal motorcycle accident" »

Posted by Editor at 03:10 PM | Permalink

A two-year old boy is in critical condition in Cooks Children Hospital in Fort Worth after his father pulled the boy from the family swimming pool this morning.

Grand Prairie Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said police and fire/rescue were called to the 5000 of Oregon Court at 8:21 a.m.

Continue reading "Toddler in critical condition after pool accident" »

Posted by Editor at 09:01 AM | Permalink

Posted by Editor at 01:27 AM | Permalink

Friday night, the 7th annual fundraiser gospel concert to benefit LifeLine Shelter for Families was held at Calvary Baptist Church.

The concert featured local talents supporting LifeLine’s mission reduce homelessness by providing emergency assistance, temporary shelter, and life skills training to families of children enrolled in the Grand Prairie ISD.

Posted by Editor at 12:26 AM | Permalink

Whitson who comes from the Richardson ISD has been Richardson High School’s football coach for the past four seasons compiling an 18-24 record. After going 0-10 in his first season, Whitson took Richardson to the playoffs the last two seasons.

Continue reading "Warrior football coach named" »

Posted by Editor at 05:29 PM | Permalink

Grand Prairie Police Detective John Brimmer speaks at a press conference held Friday at the Public Safety Building asking for the public's help in solving the murder of Maurice Edwards on February 25. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter

At a press conference held today at the Public Safety Building, police spokesman Detective John Brimmer reached out to the public for assistance in the murder of Maurice Edwards, 27, outside his apartment in the 3000 block of Maine Anjou, the Prairie Ranch Apartments, on February 25.

Edwards, a husband and father of three school age children, moved to Grand Prairie from Marshall about three years ago.

Continue reading "Police search for witnesses in murder case" »

Posted by Editor at 04:17 PM | Permalink

In a move to help ease the financial strain on the Grand Prairie ISD caused by the state's budget deficit, the Board of Trustees Tuesday night approved a $70 million bond election set for May 14.

If approved by the voters, the monies would be used for:

Continue reading "School Board calls for $70 million bond election" »

Posted by Editor at 11:50 AM | Permalink

Photo courtesy Grand Prairie Police

Grand Prairie Police are asking the public for assistance in the murder investigation of Maurice Edwards, 27, who was found fatally wounded on February 25 at approximately 8:15 p.m. in the 3000 block of Maine Anjou.

Edwards’ car, a 2006, black, Ford Fusion, was stolen at the time of the murder. With the help of the car’s GPS device, it was found abandoned at 156 Eubank St. in Waxahachie, Texas.

Continue reading "Police seek public’s help in murder investigation" »

Posted by Editor at 04:34 PM | Permalink

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 "Annual photo contest now open for entries" »

Posted by Editor at 09:58 AM | Permalink

Members of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons held a ribbon-cutting Tuesday to celebrate the Grand Opening of Essential Dental Care at 2950 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #300.

The general and cosmetic dental clinic with award winning dentist Dr. Schubert Sapian provides services that include:

Continue reading "Chamber welcomes new dental clinic" »

Posted by Editor at 03:25 PM | Permalink

An 89-year-old Grand Prairie man died from injuries he suffered in a Sunday morning fire at his house in the 2100 block of Cottonwood.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner said today, Arthur Nolan died Monday at Parkland Hospital from smoke inhalation.

Continue reading "Elderly man dies from injuries suffered in Sunday’s fire" »

Posted by Editor at 03:17 PM | Permalink

At the meeting held at South Grand Prairie High School, Dr. Hull announced that unlike many school districts in Texas, GPISD will not have a teacher layoff. Although some teachers and administrators may have to relocate campuses, take on additional duties, or move into a different job, all current teachers, except those with performance issues, will be given a new contract.

Continue reading "No teacher layoff, Garner Elementary to remain open" »

Posted by Editor at 12:08 AM | Permalink