Cold Front Expected to Arrive Before New Year
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A strong cold front will arrive in Grand Prairie just before the New Year begins, ushering cooler and brisk conditions Saturday night.
Temperatures at midnight for the celebration will be in the mid and upper 30s northwest to the mid and upper 40s southeast (noted in yellow on the map). Winds will shift north at 15 to 20 mph behind the cold front as it moves through. Skies will be clear to partly cloudy with no rain expected.
Be sure to bring a coat before heading out for any activities Saturday night.
Source: National Weather Service
December 30, 2011
Police to Enforce DWI “No Refusal” Through New Year’s Day
During the “No Refusal” weekend, police will use search warrants to take blood specimens from people arrested for driving while intoxicated but refuse to take a breath or blood test.
Continue reading "Police to Enforce DWI “No Refusal” Through New Year’s Day" »
December 29, 2011
Six Selected to All-District Football Team, Gopher Devante Lacy Named Offensive Player of the Year
Gopher wide receiver Devante Lacy was named District 5-5A Offensive Player of the Year as six Grand Prairie ISD football players, four from Grand Prairie High and two from South Grand Prairie High, were selected to the 2011 All-District team.
Grand Prairie High School players:
Devante Lacy – Wide ReceiverSouth Grand Prairie High School players:
Ardarius Singleton – Wide Receiver
Jaylen Fails – Wide Receiver/Quarterback
Alex Rostro – Punter
Louis Dailey – Wide Receiver
McQuintin Grant – Cornerback
December 28, 2011
Warmer Weather until New Year’s Day
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After today, sunny skies and southerly winds are expected to bring temperatures above normal through the end of 2011.
A strong cold front is expected to move south through the Southern Plains on New Year's Day bringing much cooler weather to the region. Windy conditions are expected on New Year's day, just behind the cold front.
Continue reading "Warmer Weather until New Year’s Day" »
December 27, 2011
City Offers Christmas Tree Recycling
Residents can drop your tree off at the following locations:
- Home Depot Parking Lot: 3850 Carrier Parkway
- Home Depot Parking Lot: 5280 SH 360
- Grand Prairie Landfill: 1102 MacArthur Blvd
December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Thanks to all my readers and advertisers for making 2011 a very successful year for the Grand Prairie Reporter. I want to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas!
Take a few minutes and watch this moving video shot at the Uptown Theater in November of former Grand Prairie resident Kraig Parker singing O Holy Night.
Bob Fitch
December 23, 2011
Chance of Snow on Christmas Eve
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Grand Prairie could see a mix of rain and snow during the day on Saturday that could linger into Christmas morning as a strong low pressure system moves into the area from the southwest.
Light accumulations of snow are expected in the area west of Fort Worth on Christmas Eve with no accumulations anticipated in Grand Prairie.
However, the system has a potential to cause some travel impacts across the state, the Weather Service said. Persons in North Texas, especially those planning to travel, should monitor the forecast for the latest updates.
December 22, 2011
Grand Prairie Police Offers Lateral Entry Program
The Lateral Entry Program is a form of seniority pay, offering additional compensation for those qualified applicants who already have prior experience as peace officers with a comparable law enforcement agency. The lateral entry officers must complete the same steps in the Civil Service hiring process as applicants with no prior police experience. If hired, lateral entry officers may qualify for an abbreviated police academy and field training program.
“The Lateral Entry Program is an additional recruiting tool for us to continue drawing qualified applicants to our agency,” Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye said.
Continue reading "Grand Prairie Police Offers Lateral Entry Program" »
December 21, 2011
Snow Flurries Possible on Friday
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Grand Prairie could see a few snow flurries Friday night as an upper level system will bring a chance of snow to parts Oklahoma, New Mexico, and North Texas.
The system will not have a lot of moisture or lift associated with it, said the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, and any snow that falls in our area should be very light.
Little or no accumulation is expected in North Texas, and any impact from the system should be minor.
Dubiski Career High School Receives Grant to Support Family Engagement
"Take Your Family to School Week embodies PTA's legacy of building family-school partnerships. We're proud to provide these grants to PTAs at the grassroots level to ensure that our legacy lives, families are involved and students succeed," said Betsy Landers, National PTA President. "This special week also reminds us that now more than ever all families, schools and communities need to work together to increase student achievement as U.S. children are behind their counterparts around the world in English and math."
Continue reading "Dubiski Career High School Receives Grant to Support Family Engagement" »
December 19, 2011
Risk of Strong Storms on Monday
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Updated: 12/19/2011 @11:45 a.m.
A strong storm system will move through the Southern Plains and into Grand Prairie on Monday resulting in a good chance for showers and thunderstorms.
While additional beneficial rainfall is expected, severe thunderstorms are possible nearly everywhere across North Texas.
Severe weather will be possible roughly south of a line from Bowie to Emory. Damaging winds and hail to the size of quarters or half-dollars will be possible. There is also a risk of tornadoes in the severe weather risk area. The highest potential for rotating supercells and tornadoes will be south and east of a line from Copperas Cove, to Waco, to Mexia, to Centerville.
Thunderstorms are expected to be fast moving with storm movement likely in excess of 50 mph.
Continue reading "Risk of Strong Storms on Monday" »
Grand Prairie City Services Holiday Schedule
- Main Library – Closed Dec. 23-25 and Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Items can be renewed online at library.gptx.org or by calling 972-237-5700 during library hours.
- Betty Warmack Branch Library – Closed Dec. 23-25 and Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Items can be renewed online at library.gptx.org or by calling 972-237-5700 during library hours.
- Bowles Branch Library – Closed Dec. 23-25 and Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Items can be renewed online at library.gptx.org or by calling 972-237-5700 during library hours.
- Water bill payment offices – Closed Dec. 23-26 and Jan. 2
- The Summit 50+ Adult Activity Center – Closed Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 1
- Charley Taylor and Dalworth Recreation Centers – Closed Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 1
- Bowles Life Center – Closed Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 1
- Prairie Lakes Golf Course – Closed Dec. 25
- Tangle Ridge Golf Club – Closed Dec. 25
- Kirby Creek Indoor Pool – Closed Dec. 23-25, Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Open swim Dec. 19-Jan. 2, 1-6 p.m.
- Garbage Collection/Recycling – Normal collection
- Landfill – Open 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24 and Dec. 31
- Animal Shelter – Closed Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 2
- Tourist Information Center – Closed Dec. 24-25, Jan.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
December 17, 2011
Credit Union's Grand Prairie Branch Collects more than Five Thousand Pounds of Food
Jim Minge, president of Texas Trust Credit Union, today presented a check to Jan Pruitt, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, along with all of the non-perishable food the credit union collected.
The Together We Can Feed More food drive was an initiative driven by the employees of Texas Trust, a non-profit financial cooperative serving members in Dallas, Tarrant, Ellis, Johnson and Henderson counties. Members, employees, and the community came together to collect food and money to provide 95,279 meals to feed the hungry this Holiday season.
December 16, 2011
Santa Cop and Santa Spot Deliver Toys and Food for Christmas
December 15, 2011
Investigation under way after Arson Attack
Lieutenant Randy Willis, Fire Investigator, said at around 10:30 p.m. a Molotov cocktail was thrown through a bedroom window of the house. It started a small fire inside the room.
Everyone inside the house managed to safely escape.
Upon arrival, firefighters quickly extinguished the fire that caused an estimated $3,500 in damages.
Continue reading "Investigation under way after Arson Attack" »
Holiday Basket Raffle Raises over $4 Thousand for Local Charities
The City of Grand Prairie's annual Holiday Basket Raffle raised $4,354 for the Lone Star Park Charitable Foundation, that distributes to many Grand Prairie charities.
City employees from various departments contributed a fabulous assortment of holiday gift baskets packed full of goodies that included restaurant gift cards, Xbox gaming system, tools and much more.
2011 winners:
Continue reading "Holiday Basket Raffle Raises over $4 Thousand for Local Charities" »
December 13, 2011
Active Weather Day Expected on Wednesday
Grand Prairie could see a few severe thunderstorms on Wednesday as an upper level system moves in from the west.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said beneficial rainfall is expected to begin Tuesday night when more humid and unstable air moves in from the Gulf of Mexico that could set off a few severe storms Wednesday afternoon and evening as the system from the west moves through the area. The main threat will be damaging winds to 60 mph, hail to 1-inch and frequent cloud-to-ground lightening.
Rainfall in North Texas will last through Thursday. Many locations should see amounts between 1/2 and 1 1/2 inches with some localized rainfall in excess of 2-inches.
Police Receive Grant Funding for Traffic Enforcement
While some of the funding can be used for training, the bulk of it goes to pay officers overtime to conduct traffic enforcement with the focus on speed, seatbelt, and DWI enforcement.
"This is important to note, since most officers on the street are answering calls for service and often don't have the time to focus on traffic enforcement. This allows for additional resources to patrol specifically for these types of violations," said Sgt Eric Hansen, Traffic Section Supervisor.
Continue reading "Police Receive Grant Funding for Traffic Enforcement" »
December 12, 2011
Local Coast Guard Auxiliary Installs New Officers
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| Taking Their Oath – (L-R) Jon Raden and Dave Brown are sworn in as the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 5-01 Vice Commander and Flotilla Commander during a Change of Watch ceremony Saturday. Submitted photo |
Lake Joe Pool Flotilla 5-01 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary held its annual Change of Watch ceremony December 3 at Spring Creek Barbeque in Grand Prairie.
Flotilla Commander Dave Brown and Vice Flotilla Commander Jon Raden were sworn into their positions by Division 5 Commander Billy Buck and Division 5 Vice Commander Cole Fulks after reciting the Oath of Office.
After outgoing 2011 staff officers were given an engraved plaque for their contributions to the flotilla, the newly appointed staff officers were sworn into office.
Continue reading "Local Coast Guard Auxiliary Installs New Officers" »
December 10, 2011
Big Texas Toy Run to Bring Thousands of Bikers to QuikTrip Park
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| Submitted photo |
For the first time in its more than 25-year history, the Big Texas Toy Run is coming to QuikTrip Park on Sunday, December 18.
In 2011, both the Tarrant and Dallas County runs will conclude at the home of the Grand Prairie AirHogs, after each group of bikers makes their way across town. The Tarrant County side starts at Gateway Park in Fort Worth, while the Dallas County side begins at Parking Lot “E” of the Dallas Convention Center.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at each location, with the bike parade beginning at approximately 1 p.m. The cost to ride is one unwrapped toy and a $10 donation per bike. The proceeds benefit Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County and Dallas Metrocare Services.
Continue reading "Big Texas Toy Run to Bring Thousands of Bikers to QuikTrip Park" »
December 09, 2011
Firefighters Beat Police in Final Seconds of Benefit Basketball Game
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| Chad Watson, a firefighter at Station 8, sinks a free throw in the last few seconds of Thursday night's benefit basketball game to give the Grand Prairie Fire Department a 30-29 win over the Grand Prairie Police Deparment. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Grand Prairie Firefighters had to come from behind Thursday night at Grand Prairie High School’s Turner Gymnasium to beat the Grand Prairie Police Department 30-29 in the final seconds of a benefit basketball game for the Santa Spot charity.
Chad Watson, a firefighter assigned to Station 8, sank a free throw with seven seconds left in the game to give the Fire Department the win.
Continue reading "Firefighters Beat Police in Final Seconds of Benefit Basketball Game" »
Holiday Basket Raffle to Benefit Grand Prairie Charities is Underway
City employees from various departments have contributed a fabulous assortment of holiday gift baskets packed full of goodies including restaurant gift cards, Wii gaming system, tools and much more.
The public is invited to enter for a chance to win. Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and can be bought at the Grand Prairie Development Center, 206 W. Church St., until 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14.
Click of details and photos of the baskets.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
December 08, 2011
Police Officers to Face Firefighters in Benefit Basketball Game
Members of the Grand Prairie Police and Fire Departments will take it to the court December 8 at the Grand Prairie High School 9th Grade Center gym in a basketball game to benefit Santa Spot, the firefighters’ charity to assist families in need of food at Christmas.
The price of admission to see if the firefighters get “tased” or if the police offices get “hosed” is one non-perishable food item.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Grand Prairie High School Turner Gymnasium ,101 High School Dr
“Babes in Toyland” Opens Thursday at the Uptown
The Grand Prairie Arts Council’s spectacular Christmas production of Babes in Toyland opens Thursday night at the historic Uptown Theater. This updated stage adaptation is sure to be popular with children, teens and adults alike.
Performances are set for:
December 8-10 & 15-17 at 8:00 p.m.
December 11 & 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Continue reading "“Babes in Toyland” Opens Thursday at the Uptown" »
December 06, 2011
Cold Tonight with a Chance of Snow Flurries
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Temperatures across North Texas will be cold tonight, dropping into the 20s, the National Weather Service said today.
There is a chance Grand Prairie could see snow flurries or very light snow for late this afternoon through daybreak on Wednesday.
December 04, 2011
"Empty Bowls Project" Raises Money for Food Co-op
Students from Grand Prairie, South Grand Prairie and Dubiski Career High Schools partnered to sell ceramic bowls along with hot soup and chili on Saturday at Market Square to raise money for the Grand Prairie Food and Clothing Assistance Co-op.
Fireside Songs for the Soul – a Holiday Music Concert at Uptown Theater
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| Carolyn Wonderland in concert with Guy Forsyth Saturday night at the Uptown Theater. © 2011 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Guy Forsyth and Carolyn Wonderland combined their bands Saturday night for Fireside Songs for the Soul, a holiday music concert at the Uptown Theater.
The two Austin performers played a unique blend of blues, rock, folk, country and big band holiday hits along with many Christmas classics.
December 03, 2011
Weather Service Takes Snow out of Forecast
The best chance for a winter mix is predicted to be in an area along and northwest of a line from Eastland to Gainesville for late Sunday night and Monday morning.
With the warm surface temperatures, Grand Prairie can expect a cold rain Sunday night and Monday but little chance of freezing precipitation.
The NWS advised that persons in North Texas should still closely monitor weather conditions for a possible transition to freezing rain.
Soroptimist Girl of the Month for November Ceremony
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| Soroptimist Girl of the Month for November ceremony held Saturday. (L-R) Debbie Baily, Shea Smith, Karina Velazquez, Vivian Bui, Kelly Moses, Mickey Adams,Ruby Tristan, Madison Mangum, Gabriella Cooksie, and Angela Giessner. |
Saturday, the Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie recognized 10 high school and middle school girls in the Grand Prairie ISD for their outstanding character, community service and leadership.
Each month the Soroptimist Club honors the winners with a certificate and at the end of the year one girl from each high school is chosen Girl of the Year and awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The November selections:
Continue reading "Soroptimist Girl of the Month for November Ceremony" »
December 02, 2011
"Laudy, Laudy this is Gaudy" Wins Ugly Lamp Contest at Lit on Main
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| Lisa Flores (left) and Lori Martin (right) pose in front of "Laudy, Laudy this is Gaudy" the winner of the Ugly Lamp Constest held Saturday night at Lit on Main at the Uptwon Theater. Martin said there was no plan to the winning entry, they just glued a variety of items to the lamp "until it got uglier and uglier." |
Man Killed While Stringing Christmas Lights
Detective Lyle Gensler, police spokesman, said at about 10:00 a.m. Jens “Renee” Gardner, 51, was standing on the ground, moving a 40’ aluminum ladder he was using to hang Christmas lights on the two story building, when the ladder fell onto the power line.
Grand Prairie Fire/Rescue arrived on the scene within a few minutes and transported Gardner to a local hospital where he died of injuries.
Strong Cold Front Could Bring Wintry Mix on Monday
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| Sequence of weather maps through Monday |
Cold air will filter into Grand Prairie on Sunday behind a strong cold front that will bring a hard freeze on Monday.
The area could see some winter precipitation on Monday when an upper level disturbance moves across the region.
Rain is expected through Sunday afternoon. After midnight on Monday, rain could become mixed with freezing rain to the north and west of the DFW metroplex. During the day on Monday, as the cold air continues to filter into the area, a mixture of rain and freezing rain is possible. The rain/freezing rain mixture will be light, but a few areas could see some accumulations on elevated roadways.
Watch for updates over the weekend as the forecast can change quickly.
Grand Prairie Lights up Christmas Tree and Market Square
Grand Prairie held its Christmas tree lighting at City Hall Plaza Thursday night and added some new features, a candlelight procession to Market Square led by middle school carolers and the lighting of Main Street.
Choral groups from the Grand Prairie ISD kept the large crowd entertained with holiday music
Continue reading "Grand Prairie Lights up Christmas Tree and Market Square" »
December 01, 2011
Prairie Lights Display Illuminates the Holidays
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| Photo courtesy City of Grand Prairie |
Prairie Lights, the popular two-mile drive featuring four million lights that drew 120,000 visitors in 2010, is better than ever with all new displays this year. Located at 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway on Lake Joe Pool in Grand Prairie, Prairie Lights is open 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday non-holidays and 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and holidays, now-Dec. 31. Non-holiday Monday through Thursday, cars are $20. Holidays and Friday through Sunday, cars are $30. Rates for larger vehicles vary. Check www.prairielights.org for rates or call 972-237-GLOW (4569).
Continue reading "Prairie Lights Display Illuminates the Holidays" »
AirHogs Announce 2012 Home Schedule
The 2011 American Association Champion Grand Prairie AirHogs will begin the defense of their title on Thursday, May 17, against former manager Pete Incaviglia and the Laredo Lemurs, before returning to QuikTrip Park to raise the championship banner and get their rings on Monday, May 21, against the El Paso Diablos.
That is the first of the 50-game home schedule unveiled today as the AirHogs look to make it back-to-back crowns. Aside from facing the new Lemurs team (re-located from Shreveport-Bossier), the AirHogs will also welcome in the Can-Am League's Newark Bears for a three-game interleague series June 14-16 and the Kansas City T-Bones and Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks for each of those teams' first visit to QuikTrip Park.
American Association, Can-Am League to Join Forces for 2012 Season
Miles Wolff, Commissioner of the American Association and the Can-Am League, announced on Wednesday that the two leagues will play an interlocking schedule for the 2012 season.
The Can-Am League will adopt the AA’s 100-game schedule, with play starting May 17 and ending September 3. Five Can-Am teams will make one 10-game road trip to AA cities, and five AA teams will play 10 games each at Can-Am ballparks, for a total of 100 interleague games.
“We are excited to be able to bring both leagues together. It will provide new competition, and fans will be able to see a variety of teams from both the U.S. and Canada,” Wolff said.
Continue reading "American Association, Can-Am League to Join Forces for 2012 Season" »
