Interview with Police Chief - Part 3
Part 3 of a 5 part series of an interview on 2/24 with Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye. In this segment Chief Dye talks about some the new programs at the department.
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February 29, 2012
South Grand Prairie Seniors Test Water Quality at Kirby Creek
Seniors from South Grand Prairie High School took part in the General Motors Global Rivers Enviornmental Education Network (GREEN) program Tuesday at Kirby Creek Nature Center. The students tested the water quality of Kirby Creek.
February 28, 2012
Interview with Police Chief – Part 2
The second of five videos of an interview with Grand Prairie Police Chief Steve Dye on February 24.
In this video, Chief Dye talks about the some of the changes he has made and how the department is addressing crime problems.
Lock, Take & Hide Comes to Grand Prairie
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) has joined with the Grand Prairie Police Department in a crime prevention campaign aimed at preventing auto thefts and auto burglaries. The program involves the funding and distribution of signs that read, “LOCK your car, TAKE your keys and HIDE your belongings.”
Grand Prairie Chief of Police Steve Dye said the crime prevention program will make a difference in his city.
“The Lock, Take and Hide program is a proactive community policing opportunity to partner with the public in helping to educate them on how to better secure their vehicles when parked and unattended,” Chief Dye said. “By working together with our community members toward reducing suitable targets for criminal offenses, we are confident the occurrences of crime will decrease and make our community even safer.”
In Texas, 68,000 vehicles are stolen and more than 250,000 vehicles are burglarized each year. It is also estimated that half of the vehicles stolen had the drivers’ keys left in the ignition and/or unlocked doors.
Chief Dye said the signs will be placed in large public and private parking areas such as shopping malls, city parks, restaurants, apartment complexes and other areas where there is parking congestion.
Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) spokesman Mark Hanna said law enforcement officials welcome deterrents for criminals as well as good advice for drivers. “Police departments and several Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority programs all over Texas have turned to ICT requesting these signs,” said Hanna. “The signs offer a simple message and best of all, they’ve proven successful in reducing crime.”
ICT initially started the crime prevention program in Austin on March 2, 2005, and has since begun similar programs in Round Rock, Garland, Mesquite, Frisco, Celina, Del Rio, Houston, Laredo, Brownsville, Highland Village, Beaumont, Galveston, El Paso, College Station, Travis County, Lubbock, and Waco.
Source: Insurance Council of Texas
February 27, 2012
Police Chief Talks about Vision and Future Plans for Department
On February 24, the Grand Prairie Reporter interviewed Police Chief Steve Dye to get his views after six months as chief.
This is the first in a series of five short videos of the lengthy interview that Chief Dye talks about his new programs, his vision and future plans for the police department.
In the first video, Chief Dye talks about why he wanted to come to Grand Prairie and about the shooting a few weeks after becoming chief that killed six at a skate rink.
Free Open House Event Previews Uptown Theater Season
Preview the Uptown Theater’s exciting new season at “Uptown Exposed” on Thursday, March 15, at 7 p.m.
This free open house will showcase upcoming events at the Uptown Theater and feature special performances by Double Ace, the Dallas Summer Musicals Academy, Texas Family Musicals, a performance by the Grand Prairie Arts Council and multiple talents that will be featured in the upcoming Studio Sounds cabaret series. Please RSVP to Doug Voet at 972-237-8409 or dvoet@gptx.org.
Season tickets and premium packages will be available. The Uptown Theater is located at 120 E. Main St. For more information, visit www.uptowntheatergp.com or call 972-237-8786.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Texas Prepaid Tuition Program Enrollment Deadline Approaches
Texas families still have time to lock in costs at Texas public colleges and universities at today’s prices and avoid future increases in tuition and required fees. Comptroller Susan Combs reminds families they can do so by enrolling their children in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund®, the state’s prepaid college tuition program. The current annual enrollment period ends Feb. 29.
The Texas Tuition Promise Fund allows participants to lock in the cost of undergraduate tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities based on current prices.
“Families can invest in the Promise Fund and ease their concern about rising college costs,” Combs said. “The program also gives parents the flexibility of choosing how much prepaid tuition they want to buy and different payment options as they plan ahead for their children’s education.”
Under the plan, families can prepay tuition and required fees for a four-year degree, two years of community college or just a few semesters at Texas public colleges and universities by purchasing tuition units.
Continue reading "Texas Prepaid Tuition Program Enrollment Deadline Approaches" »
YMCA to Host Community-wide Prayer Breakfast
The Grand Prairie Family YMCA invites the public to its inaugural Christian Leadership Breakfast on March 29 at 7:30 a.m.
Keynote speaker will be Dr. John C. Holbert, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.
The cost is $10 and includes a hot breakfast buffet.
Reservation deadline is March 20, for more information contact Melisa Smith at msmith@ymcadallas.org or 972-642-9632.
February 26, 2012
The Coasters Play to a Packed Uptown
The Coasters featuring Carl Gardner, Jr., son of founder and lead singer of the Coasters, played to sell out crowd Saturday night at the Uptown Theater. Shake Rattle & Roll, nationally and locally recognized '50s and '60s group, opened the show.
World War II Tuskegee Airman Visits Betty Warmack Branch Library
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| © 2012- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Claude R. Platte, a former World War II Tuskegee Airman, spoke to a standing room only crowd Saturday at the Betty Warmack Branch Library.
Platte spoke of the hardships and racial discrimination the airmen had to overcome to become the first African-American aviators in the racially segregated United States armed forces in World War II.
As a instructor, Platte trained over 300 African-American airmen to fly.
February 25, 2012
Dubiski Students Selected as Finalists in Teen Safe Driving T-shirt Contest
Dubiski Career High School was selected from more than 200 schools around the country as a top 25 finalist in the national Act Out Loud “Safe-Tee Shirt Design” Contest to raise awareness about the dangers of using cell phones while driving. The public is invited to vote for their favorite T-shirt design at the Act Out Loud Facebook page from February 24-29, 2012.
Act Out Loud, sponsored by The Allstate Foundation and National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) is a school-based, teen-led competition to raise awareness about youth traffic safety and empower teens to take on the issue locally.
The top 25 T-shirt designs were selected by a panel of judges, including The Allstate Foundation, NOYS and Threadless. The winners of the Safe-Tee Shirt Design Contest will receive up to 500 T-shirts with their winning design, and earn points toward a $10,000 grand prize.
Continue reading "Dubiski Students Selected as Finalists in Teen Safe Driving T-shirt Contest" »
Arts Council Announces April Concerts in the Park Series Lineup
The Grand Prairie Arts Council announced the lineup for its 12th Annual April Concerts in the Park Series that will be held each Friday in April at 7:00 p.m., rain or shine, at The Summit Garden, 2975 Esplanade, overlooking the lake in Grand Prairie’s Central Park.
Sponsored by the Arts Council and the City of Grand Prairie Parks Department, all ages are welcome to the free concerts. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs, but no outside food or drinks is allowed. Full concessions are available for purchase on site including beer and wine, grilled foods, nachos and more.
2012 Lineup:
April 6 - Andrew Delaney & The Horse You Rode In On Americana / Folk Rock
Andrew Delaney is a classic storyteller who depicts the American landscape, and particularly the American West, in a warts-and-all cinematic style. Delaney's third self-released album "Would I Lie To You?", won him entry into the finals of the prestigious Grassy Hills New Folk Competition at the 2010 Kerrville Folk Festival. His band, Andrew Delaney & The Horse You Rode In On has shared stages with modern Americana greats like Walt Wilkins, Corb Lund, and Junior Brown.April 13 - Cervantes Orquestra Latin Jazz and Salsa
A professional Latin variety band guaranteed to make your hips swing! Orquesta Cervantes play Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue and Latin pop dance music. By combining a top shelf horn section with Afro-Cuban percussion, the Cervantes Orchestra plays something for everyone. The result is lively dance music that features fiery horn solos and hip shaking grooves guaranteed to please audience-goers of all ages and backgrounds.April 20 - The We-uns 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Rock-n-Roll and Country Tribute Band
The We-uns are a Quartet that has had the honor of being part of the opening acts for Johnny Lee (Urban Cowboy Fame) and Chubby Checker (Thanks to GPAC) for Grand Prairie's 100th Anniversary; as well as, Six Flags Over Texas on several occasions. “We know You-uns will enjoy We-uns!”April 27 - Mood Swings Big Band Swing and Jazz
The big band sounds of Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Irving Berlin. Come listen to the sounds of the 40’s and 50’s! Bring your dancing shoes! Under the direction of local musical favorite, Cody Schwartz.
February 24, 2012
Relay For Life Gears up for 2012 Event
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| File photo/2010 Relay for Life - © 2010- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
The American Cancer Society needs you for its 2012 Relay For Life of Grand Prairie at South Grand Prairie High School Warrior Field on May 11-12.
Relay For Life is a 12-hour event with teams of people (family, friends, co-workers, church groups, etc.) participating in a celebration of cancer survivors, cancer awareness, entertainment, camping-out, and raising money to help the American Cancer Society find a cure.
Be a part of a bigger movement and help create "a world with more birthdays."
Continue reading "Relay For Life Gears up for 2012 Event" »
Ribbon Cutting for Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home's New Location
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| Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson (center) cuts the ribbon at Thursday's grand opening ceremony at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home's new location at 2951 South Belt Line. The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony. © 2012- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
February 23, 2012
Neighborhood Credit Union Breaks Ground for New Grand Prairie Branch
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| City and state officials along with directors of Neighborhood Credit Union break ground on a new branch under construction near the intersection of Bardin Road and Great Southwest Parkway. © 2012- Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
Neighborhood Credit Union, the oldest credit union in Dallas, held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for its new banking center located at 2525 W. Bardin Road at Great Southwest Parkway.
Chet Kimmell, president and CEO of Neighborhood Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institute, said the new Grand Prairie branch will not only offer friendly, affordable financial services to families, students and businesses, it will also focus on engaging students to establish a firm financial foundation for their future.
“This groundbreaking is symbolic of what we hope is a trend: the decision by companies and organizations to invest in Grand Prairie and be part of this neighborhood,” said Kimmel. “We believe Grand Prairie is going places, given its forward-thinking leadership and the community’s focus on growth and economic development.”
Continue reading "Neighborhood Credit Union Breaks Ground for New Grand Prairie Branch" »
Grand Opening of Shape Motion Nutrition Club
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| Michael Mann (center) prepares to cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony hosted by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons at Shape Motion Nutrition Club. © 2012 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Branding Irons Wednesday hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at Shape Motion Nutrition Club, 1700 W. Polo Road #108.
Shape Notion is a health and nutrition business dedicated to improving and educating people about health issues.
As a Herbalife International distributor, Shape Motion offers a full line of services and nutrition products.
February 22, 2012
Childrens' Lighthouse Mardi Gras Parade
Texas Family Musicals Moves to Grand Prairie’s Uptown Theater
Texas Family Musicals (TFM) will present their 2012 season at Grand Prairie’s Uptown Theater for the first time. TFM produced musicals in Galveston for 20 years and most recently in the Granbury Opera House. The 2012 Grand Prairie season includes the following shows:
A Tribute to Roy Rogers – starring Roy Rogers, Jr. and Dustin Rogers with the High Riders - Saturday, April 28 - 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.TFM is a non-profit organization with the mission of producing quality family-friendly Broadway-style musicals while helping launch careers of young professionals in musical theater. Everyone involved with TFM is actively pursuing a career in theater. A formal young professional program is in place during the summer to help make the cast more competitive in the world of theater. Since the beginning of the young professional program, more than 800 performers have worked with TFM. Thirty-two have made it to Broadway and more than 190 have joined national tours.
The Foreigner – Larry Shue’s hilarious award-winning play – starring Johnny Crawford from The Rifleman - Sunday, June 10
America the Beautiful 2012 – A dose of pure optimism - Wednesday, July 4; Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14
The Night the Music Died – The last concert of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper - Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29
Rocky Mountain High – The World of John Denver - A new musical paying tribute to the music of John Denver - Sunday, Aug. 26
British Invasion – The Beatles Arrive in America on the Ed Sullivan Show - Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1
The Uptown Theater is located at 120 E. Main St. For tickets, visit www.uptowntheatergp.com or call 972-237-8786.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
February 21, 2012
Prescribed Burn at Cedar Hill State Park to Take Place on Tuesday
Columns of smoke will be visible today in the area of Cedar Hill State Park/Lake Joe Pool from about 10 a.m.-4 p.m. due to a prescribed burn of around 50 acres near Belt Line Road and Old Belt Line near the antenna farm.
The burn, conducted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Forest Service, will help restore natural ecological conditions to control native tall grasses and prairie grasses around the lake.
City Reminds Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather
As the city of Grand Prairie joins the state of Texas to observe Severe Weather Awareness week February 19-25, the key message for residents and businesses is to be prepared.
"It’s important for citizens to prepare for severe weather especially in Texas where tornadoes, hail, flash floods, wildfires and even ice storms can hit us hard," said Tonya Hunter, City of Grand Prairie Emergency Management Coordinator. "Just last month areas of city roads flooded after nearly five inches of rainfall. Weather can turn severe quickly, and residents must learn how to protect themselves and their families."
For more information about emergency preparedness, outdoor warning sirens and to register for the city of Grand Prairie’s “Reverse 911” emergency notification system, visit www.gptx.org/disasters.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
February 20, 2012
Weather Service Issues Wind Advisory for Monday Afternoon
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The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Grand Prairie from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today.
A strong storm system will lift out of the Rockies and over the central and southern plains Monday bringing south winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts in excess of 35 mph to most of North Texas by this afternoon.
The winds will diminish and turn to the west early this evening when a Pacific cold front moves through the area.
Continue reading "Weather Service Issues Wind Advisory for Monday Afternoon" »
February 18, 2012
Andrew Delaney In Concert at the Uptown
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| Andrew Delaney and his band The Horse You Rode In On played his punchy, no frills, country/rock style of music Friday night at the Uptown Theater. © 2012 - Bob Fitch/Grand Prairie Reporter |
February 17, 2012
Grand Re-Opening for Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home’s New Location
Dignity Memorial and Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home announced the Grand Re-Opening of their additional location, a beautiful property located on two acres at the corner of Warrior and Beltline in Grand Prairie.
Built in 2007, the funeral home located near Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens was designed with the goal of serving families in one beautiful and modern location with all of their funeral needs. Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home, who has served families in the Grand Prairie area for over 27 years, acquired the property in July of 2011.
A Grand Re-Opening Event is planned for Thursday, February 23. An Open House will begin at 2:00 PM, with several activities planned throughout the day. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce will be at 5:00 PM and the festivities will conclude with appetizers and refreshments for the “Business after Hours” for the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce until 7:00 PM. The public is welcome.
February 16, 2012
Police Officer Shoots Attacking Dog
Tuesday afternoon a Grand Prairie police officer shot and killed a pit bull that charged him as he got out of his patrol car to investigate a report of aggressive dogs.
Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said the incident began around 2:45 p.m. when police were called to the 1100 block of Skyline Rd. to check on a 62 year-old man who had to climb an electrical utility box to escape two attacking pit bulls. The dogs had gotten out of an unsecured house in the area.
Detective Brimmer said when the officer arrived the dogs were back in their unsecure house, unattended. As he exited his car to investigate the incident, the dogs attacked the officer. To protect himself, the officer had to shoot one of the attacking dogs. The uninjured dog fled back into the house.
February 14, 2012
Prescribed Burn Planned for Cedar Hill State Park
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) plans to conduct a prescribed burn this week, weather conditions permitting, of about fifty acres in the Cedar Hill State Park area of Joe Pool Like.
The TPWD said it hopes that notifying the public in advance of the burn will reduce the number of 911 calls from people who see the columns of smoke in the southern sector of the city.
Prescribed burns are a land management tool conducted by specially trained TPWD employees to restore natural ecological conditions, control native tall grasses and prairie grasses and reduce wild fire fuel potential.
Continue reading "Prescribed Burn Planned for Cedar Hill State Park" »
February 13, 2012
Fog Expected to Develop This Evening
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The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said this afternoon that atmospheric conditions are favorable for fog to develop over Grand Prairie this evening. The fog may become dense and linger into the morning hours on Tuesday.
If you have travel plans late tonight, you may wish to allow a little extra time to reach your destination.
The Tuesday morning rush hour and any air travel plans may also be impacted depending on how dense the fog gets.
Alcohol Maybe a Factor in Crash that Killed Arlington Man
Alcohol may have played a role in a traffic accident on Interstate 30 Sunday night that killed Misael Gomez, 33, of Arlington.
Sergeant Eric Hansen, Grand Prairie Police Traffic Division, said the accident occurred at about 11:10 p.m. Sunday on westbound I-30 near MacArthur Blvd.
He said the 1996 Ford pickup Gomez was driving drifted off the road, onto the grass, and struck a construction sign before colliding with an unoccupied Chevrolet Suburban that was parked on the right shoulder.
Continue reading "Alcohol Maybe a Factor in Crash that Killed Arlington Man" »
February 11, 2012
Wintry Mix Possible Sunday Night and Into Monday
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Grand Prairie could see some wintry precipitation Sunday night into Monday as an upper level system moves through the North Texas area.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Saturday that although there is a lot of uncertainty in the forecast, Grand Prairie could see a mix of sleet, snow and cold rain before changing over to all rain later Monday morning. A few thunderstorms are possible on Monday as temperatures warm.
Continue reading "Wintry Mix Possible Sunday Night and Into Monday" »
2012 Lone Star Music Series at Lone Star Park to Feature Nine Concerts
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie’s fourth consecutive Lone Star Music Series line-up includes nine concerts during the 2012 Spring Thoroughbred Season, an addition of two shows over the 2011 Season. Opening weekend features appearances by the popular Randy Rogers Band, Friday, April 13 and Gary Allan on Saturday, April 14.
The series also includes the Casey Donahew Band on Friday, April 20, Ted Nugent on Saturday, April 21, Stoney LaRue on Friday, May 11, the Eli Young Band on Friday, June 8, Pat Green on Tuesday, July 3, plus closing weekend performances by the Josh Abbott Band on Friday, July 6 and a to-be-announced act on Saturday, July 7.
The stage for each concert will be situated outdoors, just outside the racing surface, in front of the sun-shaded Courtyard of Champions. The lawn area is standing room only and there is limited patio table seating in the Courtyard.
The concerts will be free with the regular $5 general admission charge before 9 p.m. on Friday nights and 5 p.m. on Saturday nights. Admission is $20 after 9 p.m. on Friday nights and 5 p.m. on Saturday nights. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday nights and the first live race is at 6:35 p.m. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and first live race is at 1:35 p.m.
The Pat Green concert will be part of a two-day special twilight racing program for the July 4th holiday. The concert will be free will the regular $5 general admission charge before 7 p.m., $20 after 7 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m. and the first live race will be at 5 p.m.
New this year, Lone Star Park will enforce an 18 years of age and older policy for all concerts. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Lone Star Park’s 53-day 2012 Spring Thoroughbred Season opens Thursday, April 12 and concludes Sunday, July 8.
For more information on Lone Star Park visit LoneStarPark.com
Source: Lone Star Park
February 10, 2012
Annual "Soup’s on for Love" Benefits LifeLine Shelter
Soup’s on for Love, the annual fund raiser benefiting LifeLine Shelter, brought in more than $2 thousand to help LifeLine Shelter reduce homelessness among families of Grand Prairie ISD students.
A record number attended the annual event held at the Grand Prairie ISD administration building on Friday to taste the wide variety of soups from various businesses and organizations.
Texas Trust Credit Union’s Taco Soup was voted this year’s best soup.
Moseley Elementary Students Raise $3 Thousand for Leukemia & Lymphoma
Students at Moseley Elementary school got a special treat Friday when teachers made good on their promise to dance in tutus if the school raised more than $3 thousand for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
The school-wide donation drive, named Pasta for Pennies because the class that raised the most money gets a pasta party courtesy Olive Garden, began on January 13. Ms. Wood’s kindergarten class took the top prize this year, raising more than $419.
Rheatore Terry, Counselor, said the school began raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2008 when a former teacher at the school was diagnosed with lymphoma. She said each year a different incentive is used to reward the students for their generosity.
Terry said this year the school set a record, raising $3,725.20.
Grand Prairie ISD Completes its Seventeenth Outdoor Learning Center
The Grand Prairie ISD in partnership with Triumph Group, Real School Gardens, UAW 828, Chesapeake Energy and the City of Grand Prairie completed its 17th Outdoor Learning Center on Thursday at Travis Elementary School, 525 NE 15th.
February 09, 2012
Grand Prairie Housing and Neighborhood Services Habitat Home Build
Grand Prairie Housing and Neighborhood Services needs help with its next Habitat for Humanity build at 1653 Ruea on February 8-25.
Volunteers can assist in building decent affordable homes for families in need.
Eligible homeowners must invest hours of their own “sweat equity” into building their Habitat house.
Continue reading "Grand Prairie Housing and Neighborhood Services Habitat Home Build" »
City Reminds Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather
As the city of Grand Prairie joins the state of Texas to observe Severe Weather Awareness week February 19-25, the key message for residents and businesses is to be prepared.
“It’s important for citizens to prepare for severe weather especially in Texas where tornadoes, hail, flash floods, wildfires and even ice storms can hit us hard,” said Tonya Hunter, City of Grand Prairie Emergency Management Coordinator. “Just last month areas of city roads flooded after nearly five inches of rainfall. Weather can turn severe quickly, and residents must learn how to protect themselves and their families.”
For more information about emergency preparedness, outdoor warning sirens and to register for the city of Grand Prairie’s “Reverse 911” emergency notification system, visit www.gptx.org/disasters.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Doo Wop is Alive and Well at Uptown Theater
The Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie will be rockin’ the night away at 8 p.m. on February 25 with the head-boppin’ sounds of The Coasters featuring Carl Gardner Jr. and Curly Palmer, A Tribute: The Legacy Continues with special guests Shake, Rattle & Roll, the unique all-female East Texas show group.
Texas native Carl Gardner Jr. was born in Bullard on April 29 — a birth date he shared with his father, Carl Gardner Sr., the originator of The Coasters. They not only shared the same birth date, but for more than a decade, Jr. and Sr. performed side by side with (his father’s group) The Coasters. Several years in advance of his June 2011 passing, Carl Gardner Sr. officially handed over the reins of lead vocalist to his son at a 2005 Retirement Party. Although Carl Jr. received critical acclaim as lead singer of The Coasters, he and the group parted ways in July 2011. With Thomas “Curly” Palmer, (the guitarist and music director for The Coasters for the past 50 years) remaining as the only original member in the group Carl had just left, it wasn’t long before Carl Jr. knew he had to fulfill the wishes of his father to continue the legacy. Curly Palmer knew this as well, and in August 2011 joined forces with Carl Gardner Jr. They brought in tenor/baritone singer Erik Glenn, tenor/baritone singer L. Montrell and bass singer Elbert Kendrick. Thus, The Coasters featuring Carl Gardner Jr. and Curly Palmer, A Tribute: The Legacy Continues began. Carl and Curly provide the heart and soul of the music made famous around the world – we dare you to sit still once the group hits the stage with hits like "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown" and "Along Came Jones!"
The magical music of the '50s and '60s is reborn through the unique all-female East Texas show group called Shake, Rattle & Roll. This group of five friends, Tavie Spivey, Brenda Spencer, Kathy Sutton, LeAnn Bemis and Brenda Buck, are seasoned showbiz vets and are also known as "the pride of East Texas." Shake, Rattle & Roll is nationally and locally recognized for their '50s and '60s sound – they will make you stop, drop and roll with laughter as they take you back to a time of innocence with their beautiful harmonies, choreographed moves, comedy and hula hooping skills.
Tickets are $25 and available online at www.uptowntheatergp.com or at the Uptown Theater Box Office, 972-237-8786.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
February 08, 2012
Police Chase Ends When Suspect Stops at Jail
There was an unusual ending to a police chase Monday night when the driver, Stephen Esquival, 28, who Grand Prairie police were pursuing, stopped his vehicle at the police entrance to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas.
The chase began around 6:30 p.m. near Corn Valley and Parkvale when Esquival fled after an officer stopped the car he was driving.
The pursuit went east on Pioneer Parkway, over the Mountain Lake toll bridge, into Dallas and eventually making its way to the Dallas County Jail.
Continue reading "Police Chase Ends When Suspect Stops at Jail" »
Methodist Family Health Center Physicians Recognized for Excellent Patient Care
Six physicians practicing at Methodist Family Health Centers in Grand Prairie have been recognized by the Bridges to Excellence (BTE) program for delivering superior diabetes care. BTE place a special emphasis on managing patients with chronic conditions, who are most at risk of incurring potentially avoidable complications. All BTE recognition programs are based on nationally accepted measures, with an emphasis on intermediate outcomes where available.
“Patients with chronic conditions treated by physicians who participate in the BTE program generally had fewer hospital admissions and were healthier on average, says Melissa Gerdes, MD, ABFM, FAAFP, AVP and CMO of outpatient services and accountable care organization strategy at Methodist Health System. “In addition, recognized practices reported a higher level of shared accountability between patients and providers. As a result, these patients are better managed and incur fewer potentially avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits.”
Continue reading "Methodist Family Health Center Physicians Recognized for Excellent Patient Care" »
February 06, 2012
Soroptimist Girl of the Month for January Ceremony
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| Soroptimist Girl of the Month for January ceremony held Saturday. (L-R)Terri Dirba, Chabryan Brown, Sierra Prempey, Jacqueline Sanchez, Adenike Olabode, Alyssa Hutchinson, Dinorah Navarro, and Debbie Bailey. |
On 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.
February 05, 2012
The Kildares Play to a Sold Out Uptown Theater
The Kildares, one of the hottest, cutting edge bands in music today, played their brand of hard-driving, alternative Celtic rock music to a sold out Uptown Theater Saturday night.
February 04, 2012
School District Hosts Community Health and Education Fair
With more than 100 exhibitors, the Grand Prairie Independent School hosted its 11th Annual Title I Community Health and Education Fair on Saturday at the Grand Prairie High School 9th Grade Center.
February 03, 2012
Spring-Like Storms Possible on Friday
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Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop along a cold front as it moves through Grand Prairie on Friday evening. While individual storms will be moving quickly, storms may train over one another bringing heavy rain and localized flooding.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said that due to the spring-like air mass in place over the region, a few storms may become strong to severe with large hail and damaging winds the most likely hazards, isolated tornadoes are also possible.
Persons in North Texas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and watch for later statements.
February 02, 2012
Lone Star Park to Hold National Anthem Auditions
Oh, say, can you sing? Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will host its 16th annual National Anthem auditions on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting).
Soloists, duos, groups, choirs and instrumentalists are invited to try out for a chance to sing the National Anthem during one of Lone Star Park’s 79 live racing dates in 2012. The auditions will be held outdoors in close proximity to the winner’s circle, and performers will be shown and recorded on the racetrack’s infield JumboTron. Contestants will have two minutes to perform their version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" – a cappella for vocalists – and will be judged by Lone Star Park officials.
Walkups are welcome, but performers are encouraged to reserve an appointment by calling Lone Star Park at (972) 263-RACE. With 79 live dates in 2012 -- 53 during the Spring Thoroughbred Season that runs from April 12 - July 8, and 26 during the Fall Quarter Horse Meeting from Sept. 14 - Nov. 10 -- there are potentially 79 spots available.
Continue reading "Lone Star Park to Hold National Anthem Auditions" »
Daddy Daughter Dance on February 10
Daughters and fathers of all ages are invited to attend this special evening of dancing and dining on Friday, February 10, at Ruthe Jackson Center, 3113 S. Carrier Parkway. The cost is $40 per couple, and $15 for additional daughters. Limo rides: $10/person (15 minutes).
Dinner is 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and dancing is 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All participants will receive dinner and a memorable gift. A photographer will be on site to take pictures for an additional fee beginnign at 6 p.m.
Space is limited so sign up today at www.GrandFunGP.com or call the Charley Taylor Recreation Center at 972-264-6890.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Registration Opens for Upcoming Citizen Police Academy
Residents who live or work in Grand Prairie are invited to sign up and learn more about the Grand Prairie Police Department at the Citizen Police Academy.
The 13-week free course begins Thursday, March 15, and meets Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 1525 Arkansas Lane. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 27, 2012.
The Citizen Police Academy is an educational program designed to familiarize the public with the nature of police work. Participants must agree to a background criminal check, be 21 years old or older and not convicted of a felony.
Applications are available at www.grandprairiepolice.org/cpa. For more information call 972-237-8749 or e-mail icastillo@gptx.org.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
Valentine Luncheon Benefiting Grand Prairie United Charities
A Valentine luncheon benefiting the Grand Prairie United Charities (GPUC) will be held February 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse, 2536 W. Interstate 20.
Individual ticket price is $25. There are several sponsorship levels available and auction/raffle donations are accepted. All Sponsorships, donations, and table sales will be recognized in the program.
More information is available on the GPUC website or by calling 972-26202014 ext. 11.
Art Show Reception at the Uptown
Free reception for art show at Uptown Theater will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4, featuring artist Chanelle' Harris along with artists Maureen Larnard and Monica Markham. Wine: $4. Beer: $2.
The Killdares will be in concert following the art show reception. For concert tickets, visit www.uptowntheatergp.com or call 972-237-8786.
Source: City of Grand Prairie
February 01, 2012
City Council Defeats $1.6 Million Proposal for Improvements to QuikTrip
At a special meeting held Tuesday night, the Grand Prairie City Council voted down a $1.6 million proposal for improvements to QuikTrip that included the installation of synthetic turf, additional VIP parking and a pedestrian lift bridge over the field entrance on the side of the park.
In a presentation to the council, Scott Barry, Grand Prairie Baseball Club President, said the installation of synthetic turf would eliminate the drainage problem that currently plague the field. He said this would make QuikTrip more attractive to colleges and high schools for baseball tournaments.
Barry said the turf would make QuikTrip attractive to concert and event promoters because they would not have to make wet field contingency plans.
Additional baseball games, events and concerts at the park could generate more income, Barry said.
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