Near Record High Temperatures Expected in Upcoming Week
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Grand Prairie effective from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening. It has also issued a Heat Advisory until 7:00 a.m. Tuesday
Continue reading "Near Record High Temperatures Expected in Upcoming Week" »
Grand Prairie United Charities Receives Donation
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| Richard Whitman (left) delivers a check from Dallas Children's Charities to Debbie Blubaugh (right) Grand Prairie United Charities, Executive Director. |
On Friday, Debbie Blubaugh, Grand Prairie United Charities (GPUC), Executive Director, received a donation from Dallas Children’s Charities to help with GPUC’s mission to provide emergency relief to Grand Prairie residents who are experiencing financial setbacks.
Founded in 1955, GPUC believes that prompt intervention in the form of emergency assistance can ward off a potential crisis and prevent the family or individual from being without shelter, food or utilities.
Dallas Children’s Charities is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1977 that serves community groups that work with underprivileged children.
Saltdogs cruise past AirHogs
On Friday, Lincoln Saltdogs manager Marty Scott was ejected in the top of the first inning for arguing that Phil Hawke was safe on a play at home plate. Saturday night, Scott kept that argument up, as he was ejected during the home plate meeting before the game. But after losing to the Grand Prairie AirHogs 11-4 on Friday, the manager-less Saltdogs had plenty of everything on Saturday, beating the AirHogs 13-1 in front of 2,678 at QuikTrip Park.
The professional debut of righty Trent Montgomery (0-1) was not very auspicious, as he allowed the first five men to reach, surrendering three runs in the first. After giving up a two-run homer to Gavin Dickey in the second, the rookie from Kansas Wesleyan settled down a bit and pitched two scoreless frames, before being lifted after giving up a leadoff home run to Pat Trettel in the fifth.
Lincoln (35-37) scored two more runs after that in the fifth, and added three in the sixth and two in the eighth, as the lead was never in doubt.
Starter Tim Brown (7-6) made sure of that, as he worked seven innings of one-run baseball, allowing seven hits and a walk while striking out one. He got four double plays and faced the minimum in his other three innings, keeping the AirHogs (44-27) off balance all night.
Jordan Stern and Santo Luis each pitched a scoreless inning for Lincoln to finish things off, forcing a rubber match on Sunday.
July 29, 2011
School District’s Rating Drops to Academically Acceptable
The Grand Prairie Independent School District’s rating dropped from Recognized in 2010 to Academically Acceptable.
In 2010 the district had fifteen Exemplary schools, this year that dropped to seven:
Continue reading "School District’s Rating Drops to Academically Acceptable" »
Tropical Storm Not Expected to Bring Relief to Area
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At midday, the outer rain bands from Tropical Storm Don were nearing the lower Texas coastline. The storm's center is located about 165 miles east of Brownsville. Maximum sustained winds remain at 50 mph, though some slight strengthening is still possible before it makes landfall late tonight or early Saturday.
Continue reading "Tropical Storm Not Expected to Bring Relief to Area" »
Cool Off with Watermelon at Farmers Market
Enjoy fresh watermelons, watermelon wine and watermelon ice cream bars for sale. Watermelon seed spitting contests are scheduled at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
Also available weekly: Fresh fruits and vegetables, beef, poultry, eggs, canned jellies and relishes, herbs, handcrafted soaps and candles, and more. All products are home grown, raised, produced or made by vendors.
Come early for the best selections 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Market Square, 120 W. Main St.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Hatch Chile Festival and Art Walk Hits Downtown
Continue reading "Hatch Chile Festival and Art Walk Hits Downtown" »
Big Hit Eludes AirHogs as Trip Concludes With Loss
The short-handed Grand Prairie AirHogs took a run at playing more small ball on Thursday night, but their 11 singles and one double were not enough to get them the runs they needed to avoid a 5-4 loss to the Shreveport-Bossier Captains at Fair Grounds Field, ending their longest road trip of the year at 2-7.
The AirHogs (43-26) did not have a single 1-2-3 inning thrown against them, but they only managed to score in three frames, leaving nine men on base, hitting into three double plays, having one runner caught stealing and one more thrown out at the plate.
Shreveport-Bossier (33-37) scored all their runs in the first two innings against John Brownell (8-3), who was dominant afterwards. But the Captains' 2-3-4 hitters did the damage, with Robert Perry, Bryan Sabatella and Palmer Karr combining for four hits, four RBIs and all five runs scored.
Brownell allowed four more hits the rest of the way, including striking out nine out of 12 hitters (and six in a row at one point) from the fifth until he tired with two outs in the eighth, giving up back-to-back singles. But Bo Schultz bailed him out with a strikeout to give the AirHogs a chance in the ninth down by one.
But like the first eight innings, ultimate success was just out of the AirHogs' reach. They hit into inning-ending double plays in the second and third against Jack Strawn (1-0), and had the first three runners reach in the sixth. But after Tyler Henley's second sacrifice fly of the night made it 5-4, Jeremy Sauceda grounded one to short with the infield in, and John Johnson just got Zane Chavez at home for the third out.
The AirHogs had a one-out walk in the seventh, and two singles in the eighth, but Jameson Maj got a four-out save, getting a double play in the ninth and a lineout from Chris McMurray to end it despite giving up two hits and a hit batter to the six men he faced.
The AirHogs return home to start a three-game series at QuikTrip Park on Friday against the Lincoln Saltdogs at 7:05 p.m.
July 28, 2011
“Tip a Cop” at Texas Roadhouse
Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run is a year-round movement that provides sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Police Department Accepting Applications for Citizen Police Academy
The training program is a series of 13 classes, held on Thursday evenings (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and two Saturdays (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the police station. To graduate, each participant is required to attend at least 10 of the 13 classes.
There is no cost for the academy. Graduates of the Grand Prairie Citizens Police Academy are not trained to be police officers or vigilantes. The purpose of the academy is to provide information to attendees to allow them to make informed judgments about the police department.
Residents who live or work in Grand Prairie are invited to apply. Participants must agree to a background criminal history check, be 18 years old or older and not convicted of a felony.
For more information, call Jennifer Rachels by phone 972-237-8724 or email JRachels@gptx.org.
Fall 2011 Class begins Thursday, Sept. 1. Deadline for registration is Monday, August 22.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Animal Shelter Says Extreme Heat Responsible for Dogs Death
“These are not cases of negligence,” said Shelter Manager Patricia Redfearn. “In all cases the owners were distraught and would never have intentionally hurt their animals.”
However, such is the reality of leaving your pet outside during 100+ degree-days with little shade and less water.
Continue reading "Animal Shelter Says Extreme Heat Responsible for Dogs Death" »
AirHogs Survive to Beat Captains
Without three regulars in the lineup, the Grand Prairie AirHogs used a combination of small ball and long ball on Wednesday night to outlast the Shreveport-Bossier Captains 7-5 in 10 innings at Fair Grounds Field, ending a season-high-tying four-game losing streak.
Jon Hunton (5-1), who blew his third save of the year in the ninth inning, worked around a leadoff walk in the 10th to retire the Captains (32-37), getting Joe Urtuzuastegui to ground into a 5-4-3 double play to end it.
Hunton was given the lead again in the 10th on a throwing error by third baseman Andres Rodriguez on Guillermo Martinez's sacrifice bunt, which followed a leadoff single by Chris McMurray and a bunt single by Jake Taylor. Zane Chavez's sacrifice fly gave the AirHogs (43-25) their insurance run, and this time Hunton made it stand up.
In the ninth inning, David Espinosa hit a 3-2, two-out pitch from Mark Haynes (0-2) over the wall in right for his third homer of the year to give Grand Prairie a 5-4 lead, but Hunton hit Urtuzuastegui to start the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Captains hope. A sacrifice bunt and a single moved him to third with one out, and John Johnson beat out a potential game-ending double play grounder to tie the game.
The AirHogs had taken the lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by John Alonso against starter Ryan DiPietro, and answered single runs by the Captains in the first and third with runs in the third and seventh - David Thomas hitting his second home run this year off DiPietro in the seventh inning to make it 4-2.
But after Jason Jennings departed after seven strong innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out eight, Jon Fulton gave up a two-out, two-strike, two-run home run to Palmer Karr in the eighth inning to tie the game.
July 27, 2011
Chamber Hosts Christmas in July Scholars Luncheon
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| Scholarship winners and sponsors at the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commers First Annual Christmas in July luncheon held Wednesday at the Ruthe Jackson Center. |
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce hosted its 1st Annual Scholars Luncheon, “Christmas in July”, Wednesday, at the Ruthe Jackson Center. The luncheon honored individuals who were identified by the non-profit organizations Christian Women’s Job Corp, Grand Prairie Boys and Girls Club and Lifeline Shelter for Families, Inc. as candidates with high potential for success who need assistance in furthering their education in order to achieve their goals. Each winner received a $650 scholarship.
Continue reading "Chamber Hosts Christmas in July Scholars Luncheon" »
Pitney Bowes Opens New Mail Presort Facility
Company officials and city leaders took part in Wednesday’s official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 161,000 square-foot Pitney Bowes mail presorting facility located at 1101 Post and Paddock.
The facility that began operations in June replaced the company’s former facility nearby that was destroyed on February 7 by a fire that started at an adjoining business.
Continue reading "Pitney Bowes Opens New Mail Presort Facility" »
Two Drown in Jet Ski Accident
Sergeant Chris Chopin, Lake Patrol supervisor, said officers found a jet ski floating in the middle of the lake, north of Estes Point with no one around it at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. After about two hours of investigation, officers located family members and friends at Lynn Creek Park who reported Lara, a visitor on vacation from Mexico, and Carlos left the park earlier on the Jet Ski without wearing life jackets.
July 26, 2011
AirHogs Cannot Take Advantage of Wildness
The Grand Prairie AirHogs mustered just three hits on Tuesday night, but were issued 10 walks and a hit batter. However, the Shreveport-Bossier Captains pitching staff did enough to hold the AirHogs down, as they beat Grand Prairie 5-4 at Fair Grounds Field in the opener of their three-game series
The AirHogs (42-25) took the lead when Osvaldo Rodriguez was wild in the second inning. The Captains starter walked John Alonso, hit Zane Chavez and walked Guillermo Martinez to load the bases with one out, and Tyler Henley's single gave Grand Prairie a 1-0 advantage. However, the next two batters could not add to the AirHogs' lead, and the Captains 32-36) quickly erased it.
Lance Janke (2-2) walked Brian Peterson to start the second, and after Uriak Marquez singled and Mike Provencher bunted the runners over. Alex Cowart singled one in to tie the game, and after a walk to John Johnson, Robert Perry's two-run single up the middle gave Shreveport-Bossier the lead.
Uriak Marquez added a run with a solo homer in the third, and Brian Peterson's bunt single in the fifth made it 5-1.
Grand Prairie had a great chance to get back into the game in the fifth, with the bases loaded and one out, after Rodriguez was pulled from the game. But Jose Velazquez got Cesar Nicolas to hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. The AirHogs did get two back in the bottom of the sixth as Henley greeted Lee Henry with a two-run single to make it 5-3, but Henry got David Thomas to fly out to end the inning.
The Captains threatened with a double and a single sandwiched around a flyout in the sixth, but lefty Jason Moody relieved Janke by striking out Perry and Kyle Gunderson got a pop-out from Bryan Sabatella to end the inning.
In the seventh, Henry walked the first two hitters before a bunt by Jake Taylor and a sacrifice fly by John Alonso brought the AirHogs to within one. But that was the last baserunner Grand Prairie would get, as Jameson Maj (3-3) pitched two innings and Mark Haynes closed out the AirHogs in order for his fourth save.
More High Temperatures Expected This Week
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Grand Prairie can expect continued hot weather through midweek as a strong upper high remains anchored across the southern plains.
This pattern will keep North Texas very hot with high temperatures ranging from 99 to 108 degrees and heat index values exceeding 105 degrees again across many areas where a Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 pm Wednesday evening.
Moisture will swirl around the upper high with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible across parts of North Texas through sunset. Gusty winds will be possible in and near any thunderstorms.
July 24, 2011
Six Killed in Shooting at Skate Rink Birthday Party
Police were notified at about 7:10 p.m. of a shooting at the skate rink. Officers arrived on scene a short time later and located five deceased victims, the suspected gunman with a wound to the head and four other victims with non-life threatening injuries.
Continue reading "Six Killed in Shooting at Skate Rink Birthday Party" »
Hot Weather to Continue This Week, Heat Advisory Extended
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has extended its Heat Advisory for Grand Prairie through 9:00 p.m. (or near sunset) Monday evening. There is a possibility the advisory could be extended into Tuesday if the oppressive, very hot conditions persist.
Six Killed in Shooting at Roller Rink
Grand Prairie police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said police received a call about the active shooting in the roller rink around 7:15 p.m. He said officers arrived about two minutes later to find the victims.
Hot Weather, Drought Conditions to Continue This Week
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The hot weather will continue through the upcoming week with little chance for rainfall. Highs will be in the low 100s with overnight lows near 80.
Extreme drought conditions persist across much of the Southern Plains and parts of the South.
July 23, 2011
Late Runs Send AirHogs to Defeat
Once again the Grand Prairie AirHogs could not get the runs they needed late, as the Amarillo Sox got a two-out, two-run single by Kevin Butler in the bottom of the eighth to send the AirHogs to a 3-2 defeat at Sox Stadium on Saturday night.
Butler did not even start the game, but entered as a pinch-runner when Alex Chavez was hit in the chin with a pitch in the fifth inning. Butler went on to score the first Amarillo run on a sacrifice fly by Fehlandt Lentini, before singling in his next at bat in the bottom of the seventh against AirHogs starter John Brownell. After Jason White singled after Butler, Brownell departed for Bo Schultz (2-3), who got a double play from Lentini on the first pitch and a groundout by Adam De La Garza on the second pitch of his at-bat to quickly retire the side.
But Schultz allowed singles to the first two batters of the eighth before Van Pope's sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third. After Tim Alberts was intentionally walked, Schultz struck out Benji Johnson before Butler's single to right-center on the first pitch he saw.
Cody Evans came on in the top of the ninth to close the game out, and blew the three AirHogs hitters away on 12 pitches, with 10 strikes and just three balls even fouled off to get his first save of the season.
The AirHogs (42-23) took the lead in the third inning on a long home run by Bryan Frichter, his first with Grand Prairie, well over the centerfield wall. But the Sox (31-35) tied it on Lentini's sac fly in the fifth. Davis Espinosa's RBI single in the top of the seventh off starter Justin Garcia gave the AirHogs the lead again, before Chad Povich (4-2) held the AirHogs off the board in the eighth and the Sox got the winning runs in the ninth.
Trout Fishing in America Plays to Sellout Crowd
Trout Fishing in America, the three decade musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet, made a return to the Uptown Theater Friday night playing before a sellout crowd.
This outstanding duo played their mix of folk/pop and family music enriched by the influences of reggae, Latin, blues, jazz and classical music.
Continue reading "Trout Fishing in America Plays to Sellout Crowd" »
July 22, 2011
Homer Beats AirHogs in Ninth
For the second time in three days, the Grand Prairie AirHogs were beaten on a home run with two outs in the final inning, as they lost their fifth straight series opener on the Amarillo Sox's Jason White's three-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to win 7-4 at Sox Stadium.
The AirHogs (42-22) probably would have forced extra innings if not for a critical error earlier in the inning. After Jon Fulton (2-2) walked Van Pope to start the inning, Tim Alberts struck out on a 3-2 pitch with the runner going. Catcher Chris McMurray made a strong throw to second, and Alberts decided to turn back to first and get into a rundown. Shortstop Guillermo Martinez's throw then hit Alberts and went into foul territory, allowing Alberts to go to second.
Fulton then intentionally walked Kevin Butler, and struck out Alex Chavez for the second out. But White turned on the first pitch he saw just past Tyler Henley's leap in right to send the home crowd home happy.
White's hit was the first for Amarillo (30-35) since his triple in the fifth, as Jason Jennings worked eight strong innings after giving up four early runs. The Sox took the lead with a pair of home runs - a two-run homer by Cyle Hankerd in the first and a solo shot by Chavez in the second, along with an RBI groundout by Hankerd in the third.
But Jennings allowed one hit and two walks the rest of the way, as the AirHogs battled back against Matt Elliott with some long balls of their own in the fifth. John Alonso led off with a home run, and with one out, David Thomas tripled, McMurray homered and Tyler Henley made it back-to-back with his second long ball of the year to tie the game.
Elliott settled down after that and allowed one more baserunner in his seven innings. Three Amarillo relievers, LaCurtis Mayes, Jacob Wortham and Austin Chambliss (1-3) held the AirHogs to one hit and three walks the rest of the way as the Sox got their winning runs to end the game.
Chamber of Commerce hosts "Striking Up Business"
Steady Onslaught Helps AirHogs Salvage Series
The last time the Grand Prairie AirHogs faced El Paso Diablos starter Colin Allen, they scored eight runs without recording an out, while Allen still pitched for the Amarillo Sox. In his first start as a Diablo, Allen gave up nine runs to the AirHogs, albeit in 3 1/3 innings, as Grand Prairie jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 14-6 win at Cohen Stadium to salvage the three-game series.
Continue reading "Steady Onslaught Helps AirHogs Salvage Series" »
July 21, 2011
Children First Counseling Center Receives Donation
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| Richard Whitman with Dallas Children's Charities delivers a check to Darcy Harris with Children First Counseling Center on Thursday. Also pictured is Roy Whitfill (center) with Dallas Children's Charities and the Children First Counseling Center Board of Directors. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Richard Whitman and Roy Whitfill with Dallas Children’s Charities delivered a generous donation to Children First Counseling Center’s Executive Dirictor Darcy Harris at the center’s office on Thursday.
Continue reading "Children First Counseling Center Receives Donation" »
Chamber Welcomes New Assisted Living Home to City
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| PBH Residential Care Homes Owner David Green (center) cuts the ribbon at Thursday's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and home tour for PBH Residential Care Homes’ flagship aging-in-place home PBH Residential Care Homes Keith Heights on Thursday.
Continue reading "Chamber Welcomes New Assisted Living Home to City" »
Espinosa Slams AirHogs in 11th
The Grand Prairie AirHogs lost another close game, as Alberto Espinosa's two-out grand slam in the 11th inning gave the El Paso Diablos an 11-7 win at Cohen Stadium on Wednesday night.
July 20, 2011
Council Removes Board No Term Limit Proposal
Currently, board and commission members are appointed by the council to a two-year term. Members can be re-appointed up to three consecutive terms. Exempted are appointees to the Grand Prairie Housing Finance Corporation, Grand Prairie Industrial Development Authority and the Grand Prairie Sports Facilities Development Corporation, Inc. which all have no term limits.
Continue reading "Council Removes Board No Term Limit Proposal" »
Kaminsky Sends AirHogs to Another Series-Opening Loss
For the fourth straight series, the Grand Prairie AirHogs were beaten in the first game of a series, as they were defeated 17-8 by the El Paso Diablos at Cohen Stadium on Tuesday.
Diablos starter Alex Kaminsky (3-1) gave up five runs in the first three innings, but one in his last three, as the El Paso offense peppered Josh Rainwater (10-3) for 15 hits and 12 runs (nine earned) to go on top. The onslaught began with three runs in the second, and although Greg Porter's two-run double restored the AirHogs' lead, it was short-lived.
Continue reading "Kaminsky Sends AirHogs to Another Series-Opening Loss" »
July 19, 2011
Road Closures for SH 161 Construction
The crossover between the two SH 161 frontage roads at Dickey and SW 14th Street will be closed Wednesday, July 20, starting at 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. Thursday morning. The two left lanes of the frontage roads will also be closed during these operations, to allow the setting of bridge beams over the roadway. This will be repeated next week, starting on Monday, July 25, at 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. the next day, nightly through Friday, July 29.
Minor delays are expected and alternate routes should be used. Click for map.
July 17, 2011
Heat to Linger Through This Week
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Grand Prairie can expect to experience continued hot temperatures with low chances of rain this week.
North Texas remains on the southern edge of a persistent upper level high pressure currently centered over the Central Plains. This pattern results in low chances of rain and extended period of hot temperatures.
Continue reading "Heat to Linger Through This Week" »
Jennings Gives AirHogs Series Win
Jason Jennings celebrated his 33rd birthday in style, pitching seven shutout innings to help the Grand Prairie AirHogs defeat the Wichita Wingnuts 4-0 in front of 2,508 fans at QuikTrip Park, avenging an earlier loss to Wichita starter Derek Blacksher.
Brownell, Bullpen Beat Wingnuts
Saturday's game at QuikTrip Park looked just like Friday's, with the team in red scoring early and getting great starting pitching to beat the team wearing black. The only difference is that on Saturday night it was the Grand Prairie AirHogs who were dressed in red, and beat the Wichita Wingnuts 6-3 in front of 3,172 fans.
July 16, 2011
Belfast Connection Plays the Uptown
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| Laine Walker, a former Grand Prairie resident, plays with the Belfast Connection Saturday night at the Uptown Theater. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Saturday night, the Belfast Connection entertained a near packed Uptown Theater with a blend of traditional and original Irish music.
Continue reading "Belfast Connection Plays the Uptown" »
Grand Prairie’s Prairie Paws Holds ‘Mutts For Muggles’ Adoption Special
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| Casey, a Terrier mix, adopted from Prairie Paws Adoption Center on April 26 by Bob and Vinita Fitch. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
In honor of the release of the eighth and final installment of the Harry Potter series, Prairie Paws Adoption Center, 2222 W. Warrior Trail, is running a special on all dogs that are not “pureblood.” During the “Mutts for Muggles” event, prospective owners can bring in their Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II ticket stubs to receive a $20 discount on dogs of mixed breed. The discount will be good through Wednesday, August 31.
Continue reading "Grand Prairie’s Prairie Paws Holds ‘Mutts For Muggles’ Adoption Special" »
Hinson Shoots Down AirHogs in Series Opener
After three Wichita Wingnuts combined for a no-hitter in their last game on Wednesday, the Wingnuts continued their hot pitching on Friday night, as three more hurlers led by lefty Ryan Hinson combined to shut out the Grand Prairie AirHogs 5-0 in front of 1,567 fans at QuikTrip Park.
Continue reading "Hinson Shoots Down AirHogs in Series Opener" »
July 14, 2011
Power Watch - Energy Conservation Encouraged 3-7 p.m. Today
“We are expecting the statewide power supplies to be very tight over peak today, primarily due to the forecast for continued temperature extremes which causes higher than normal electricity use, and because of unexpected unit outages,” said Kent Saathoff, vice president of grid operations and system planning.
Continue reading "Power Watch - Energy Conservation Encouraged 3-7 p.m. Today" »
Four from Grand Prairie Arrested in Federal Drug Case
According to the federal criminal complaints that were for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, and conspiring to commit money laundering, some or all of the defendants were involved in running large scale drug trafficking organizations by transporting the drugs from Mexico into the metroplex, and throughout North Texas and elsewhere, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Nashville.
Continue reading "Four from Grand Prairie Arrested in Federal Drug Case" »
Rainwater Throws Complete Game, Airhogs Win Series
In his last start, Josh Rainwater threw 8 2/3 shutout innings before tiring in the ninth against Amarillo. On Wednesday, he finished what he started, helping the Grand Prairie AirHogs to an 11-4 win over the Fort Worth Cats in front of 2,298 fans at QuikTrip Park with a complete game effort.
Rainwater (10-2), the American Association's first double-digit winner this season, induced a game-ending 6-4-3 double play from Butch Ballez on his 107th pitch of the night as the AirHogs (39-18) scored the game's final nine runs to move a season-high 21 games over .500.
Continue reading "Rainwater Throws Complete Game, Airhogs Win Series" »
July 13, 2011
Police Asks Public’s Help in Teen's Murder Case
River Kristof Patino
Photo Courtesy Grand Prairie Police
On Tuesday, the Grand Prairie Police appealed for the public’s help in solving the murder of River Kristof Patino, 19, who was shot during an altercation with four Hispanic males on Lakeview Drive on June 16.
A witness who was a passenger in River’s car told police all the suspects appeared to be between 16 and 18-years-old. The witness described the shooter as:
- Hispanic male
- 16-18 years-old
- Bald headed
- Wearing a white t-shirt and khaki shorts
All the suspects were seen fleeing north on Aggie Dr.
Continue reading "Police Asks Public’s Help in Teen's Murder Case" »
AirHogs Win on Error in 12th
The ageless baseball axiom says to never make the first or third out of an inning at third base. With the game tied at 6-6 in the bottom of the 12th inning on Tuesday, the Grand Prairie AirHogs' Chris McMurray took off for third after the Fort Worth Cats rightfielder Ryan Patterson caught the second out of the inning. Patterson's throw looked like it had a good chance to beat a sliding McMurray for the final out of the frame, but it bounced and hit the AirHogs catcher in the leg, caroming by third baseman Butch Ballez and pitcher Nick DeBarr backing up. McMurray sprung to his feet and dashed home, as DeBarr was unable to pick the ball up along the bullpen railing, with McMurray sliding in to score the winning run of a 7-6 thriller at QuikTrip Park.
July 12, 2011
Beat the Heat, Check the Backseat!
The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in an hour- even when outside air temperatures are in the 70's! The inside of a car acts like a greenhouse, where actual temperatures inside the vehicle can reach 120°F in minutes and approach 150°F in as little as an hour! This can cause hyperthermia (heat stroke) in only minutes, particularly in children, whose body temperatures warm at a rate three to five times faster than an adult. Studies have shown that "cracking the windows" provides little (if any) relief.
Friends of the Library Clearance Sale
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| File Photo |
The next Friends of the Library Clearance Sale will be at the Main Library on Saturday, July 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Great bargains, everything's a quarter.
Area Under Heat Advisor Through Wednesday
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a Heat Advisory for Grand Prairie until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Persistent high pressure and abundant low level moisture will result in hot and humid conditions across North Texas the remainder of the week. Overnight lows across Tarrant county and Dallas county will only cool into the upper 70s to lower 80s Tuesday night and afternoon heat index values Tuesday and Wednesday will reach or exceed 105.
Continue reading "Area Under Heat Advisor Through Wednesday" »
Cats Beat AirHogs 14-1 at QuikTrip
It took the Grand Prairie AirHogs six innings to get their first hit Monday night, while the Fort Worth Cats had no such trouble, trouncing the AirHogs 14-1 in front of 710 at QuikTrip Park behind a complete game, three-hitter by righty Dwayne Pollok.
July 11, 2011
Lone Star Park’s Thoroughbred Season Ends with Record Attendance Increase
Average daily attendance increased to 7,621 from 6,952 for 60 days in 2010. Overall, 396,281 fans came through the turnstiles for live thoroughbred racing at Lone Star Park in 2011, which was conducted from Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, July 10.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park’s Thoroughbred Season Ends with Record Attendance Increase" »
Bullpen Gives Airhogs Series Win
Danny Figueroa tied an American Association record with a six-hit game, going 6-for-6 with four runs scored and an RBI, while the Grand Prairie AirHogs' bullpen bailed out starter Lance Janke by throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings, as the AirHogs scored the final eight runs to come back and beat the Amarillo Sox 12-8 on Sunday, winning the final three games of the four game series at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium.
July 10, 2011
Huge First Gives AirHogs Another Blowout Win
It did not take long for the Grand Prairie AirHogs to take the lead for good on Saturday night (as was the case in their 14-2 win on Friday), but this time the AirHogs blew the game open right off the bat, getting eight runs before making an out as they thrashed the Amarillo Sox 17-9 at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium.
Continue reading "Huge First Gives AirHogs Another Blowout Win" »
July 09, 2011
AirHogs Offense Breaks Out in Rout of Sox
The struggling Grand Prairie AirHogs did a number on Amarillo Sox ace Ryan Mitchell and three relievers on Friday, while Josh Rainwater came within an out of a shutout, as the AirHgs crushed the Sox 14-2 at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium.
Continue reading "AirHogs Offense Breaks Out in Rout of Sox" »
July 08, 2011
City Officials Break Ground on New Outlet Center
Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England, members of the City Council, and Mr. Robert Brvenik, Principal, Paragon Outlet Partners, officially broke ground Friday morning for the open-air styled outlet shopping center located near Great Southwest Parkway and Interstate 20. The 420,000 square foot outlet shopping destination is slated to open to shoppers in August, 2012.
Continue reading "City Officials Break Ground on New Outlet Center" »
Mayor Swears in New Police Chief
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| Mayor Charles England (left) swears in new Police Chief Steve Dye (center) at Thursday's reception at the Public Safety Building. Looking on is the Chief's wife, Noemi. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Steve Dye was sworn in as the Chief of Police by Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England at a reception held Thursday at the Public Safety Building.
Looking on as Chief Dye took his oath of office was his wife Noemi who later pinned the chief’s badge on her husband’s uniform.
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July 07, 2011
Big Hit Eludes AirHogs in Ninth Again
For the second game in a row, the Grand Prairie AirHogs had the possible tying runs on base in the ninth inning with one of their two big hitters at the plate. But for the second game in a row, the AirHogs could not find the clutch hit needed for their first ninth-inning comeback of the year, as Greg Porter grounded out with the bases loaded to give the Amarillo Sox a 5-4 win on Thursday night at the Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium.
AirHogs Reliever Going to the Phillies
The Grand Prairie AirHogs' bullpen suffered a blow on Thursday, albeit one the team can be proud of, as set-up man Dustin Cameron was sold to the Philadelphia Phillies organization, the third AirHogs pitcher who has signed elsewhere during the 2011 season.
Push For a July 4th Parade and to Rename I-20
Using the social media Facebook, more than 600 supporters signed up the first day the pages were created.
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July 06, 2011
Lone Star Park Begins Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
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Body of Drowning Victim Recovered
Police said the body of Carlos Rios, 37, of Dallas was recovered at approximately 7:40 P.M. Tuesday near the area where he was last seen swimming.
Firefighter Selected as City’s Employee of The Month
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| Assistant City Manager Tom Cox (left) recognizes Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Powell (right) at Tuesday night's City Council Meeting. Powell was selected as the City of Grand Prairie Employee of the Month. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Mike Powell a firefighter/paramedic assigned to fire station number 8 was recognized as the City of Grand Prairie Employee of the Month for July at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting.
In his recommendation, Lieutenant R. Covington wrote Powell was the only paramedic on a crew that was the first to arrive at a call on May 19 where a man was having chest pains.
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July 05, 2011
Open Theatre Auditions For The Grand Prairie Arts Council’s production of "Rumors"
Chamber Of Commerce Places First in Three State Wide Competitions
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July 04, 2011
Uptown Theater to Host Lois Weber Film Festival
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AirHogs Edge Cats in Singles-Fest
After falling to El Paso in front of last Saturday night's big crowd at QuikTrip Park, the Grand Prairie AirHogs did not disappoint the throng of 4,894 on Sunday, beating the Fort Worth Cats 4-2 for their fifth straight win against the Cats overall and the third in a row in their Independence Day weekend series.
July 03, 2011
QuikTrip Park to Host Biker Fest to Benefit Children's Charity
Biker Fest begins at 11 a.m., and tickets start at $15. There will be a variety of biker-themed contests, including a beer keg roll, carburetor toss, best his and hers tattoos and of course a best bike contest.
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AirHogs Battery Combine to Beat Cats Again
Like Friday's series opener in Grand Prairie, both starting pitchers for the Grand Prairie AirHogs and Fort Worth Cats were very good. Also like Friday, Chris McMurray came through with the eventual game-winning hit, as the AirHogs beat the Cats. After Friday's 3-1 Grand Prairie win, the AirHogs took Saturday's contest 5-3 at LaGrave Field.
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July 02, 2011
AirHogs Score Late to Win
In an old-fashioned pitcher's duel, Jason Jennings battled through eight innings, while Wade Mackey was often overpowering through 7 1/3. But Jennings, who threw eight fewer pitches despite allowing three more baserunners and getting two more outs than his fellow Baylor grad, held the Fort Worth Cats to one run, while Mackey was charged with two as the Grand Prairie AirHogs came from behind to take a 3-1 win in front of 1,776 fans at QuikTrip Park on Friday.
