« January 2008 | Main | March 2008 »
Grand Prairie is celebrating Texas SmartScape® month by holding events and classes to educate the public about the economic, aesthetic, and ecological benefits of Texas SmartScape®. This year's theme encourages North Texans to "Be Bloomin' Creative... Plant Native!"
This month two programs are being offered:
For Details/registration contact Selena Jackson (972) 237-8377.
Grand Prairie Youth Football Association (GPYFA) is conducting Football and Cheer registration for the 2008 season on March 1, between 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 503 W. Church St.
GPYFA is one of the oldest leagues in Grand Prairie with 32 football teams and cheer squads, along with 4 Flag football teams.
All games are played at Parkhill Park in Grand Prairie every Saturday for 9 weeks beginning in late August, followed by 2 weeks of play-off games and a Championship Day/Cheer Competition.
All players and cheerleaders must be a resident of Grand Prairie.
For more information on registration and cost you may visit the web site or call the hot line at 972-237-5919.
Grand Prairie's American Idol, Jason Yeager, got eliminated from the Fox Network reality show's competion tonight.
Despite a strong performance singing the Doobie Brothers' "Long Train Running," Jason fell short in the nationwide voting and was eliminated from going on to the next round.
Fred Clausen, Grand Prairie Independent School District Athletic Director, named Rob Davies as the new head football coach and campus athletic coordinator for South Grand Prairie High School Warriors.
Davies the Warriors’ defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the past seven years will replace former head coach David Fisher, who resigned on Monday.
Along with his new coaching duties, Davies will oversee all athletics at South Grand Prairie High School, Clausen said.
After announcing Fisher’s resignation on Monday, Clausen said he would first look for a replacement among the talented coaches within the district before searching outside.
Clausen also announced that South Grand Prairie High School Assistant Principal Tim Harkrider will be the school’s interim baseball coach replacing J. T. Herak, who resigned from his coaching duties for personal reasons.
Harkrider a two-time All-American shortstop for the University of Texas, former professional player in the Los Angeles Angels organization, and former head baseball coach for Fort Worth Brewer High School will lead the Warriors for the remainder of the season.
If you wonder why models look too young to wear a prom dress…If you eat more salmon than your cat because you heard it prevents wrinkles…Or if you ever thought it was “too late” to pursue a dream…Then you’ll love singer/comedian Laura Ainsworth’s “My Ship Has Sailed!” Featuring outrageous humor, gorgeous music and hilarious lyrics all about “the last big culturally-acceptable bias: looking over 30.”
Ms. Ainsworth preaches that "life doesn't happen on a timetable" and people should pursue their dreams at any age. But even she admits she is amazed at how quickly so many of her long-delayed dreams are coming true. "I started doing this show in 2003 on a zero budget in a tiny club where there were sometimes about 15 people in the audience," Ms Ainsworth recalls.
Since that humble beginning, Ainsworth has played to sell-out crowds in top supper clubs and theaters and garnered rave reviews, including one critic who dubbed her show "a potential cult phenomenon." "My Ship" has become a Dallas cable TV special; and she and musical partner Brian Piper have played at the First Annual Dallas Comedy Festival and on the largest stage at the prestigious "Out-Of-The-Loop" Independent Theatre Festival.
“I am especially thrilled to be bringing my show to Grand Prairie,” she said. “I grew up in Grand Prairie, graduating from Grand Prairie High School, but have never had the opportunity to perform in my hometown.”
The Comedy Dessert Theatre will be hosted in the Woman’s Club of Grand Prairie, at 1 Park Square North, on March 27, 28 & 29 at 7:30 P.M. and March 30 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets are $15 each, dessert and beverage concessions will be available, and casual or dressy attire is welcome.
Tickets may be purchased with a charge card by calling the Arts Council at 972-642-2787. The following ticket outlets will be open, beginning March 10, and accept cash and checks:
For more information on the show contact GPAC at 972-642-2787 or go online to the GPAC web site.
For more information on Laura Ainsworth, visit her web site.
If you wonder why models look too young to wear a prom dress…If you eat more salmon than your cat because you heard it prevents wrinkles…Or if you ever thought it was “too late” to pursue a dream…Then you’ll love singer/comedian Laura Ainsworth’s “My Ship Has Sailed!” Featuring outrageous humor, gorgeous music and hilarious lyrics all about “the last big culturally-acceptable bias: looking over 30.”
Ms. Ainsworth preaches that "life doesn't happen on a timetable" and people should pursue their dreams at any age. But even she admits she is amazed at how quickly so many of her long-delayed dreams are coming true. "I started doing this show in 2003 on a zero budget in a tiny club where there were sometimes about 15 people in the audience," Ms Ainsworth recalls.
Since that humble beginning, Ainsworth has played to sell-out crowds in top supper clubs and theaters and garnered rave reviews, including one critic who dubbed her show "a potential cult phenomenon." "My Ship" has become a Dallas cable TV special; and she and musical partner Brian Piper have played at the First Annual Dallas Comedy Festival and on the largest stage at the prestigious "Out-Of-The-Loop" Independent Theatre Festival.
“I am especially thrilled to be bringing my show to Grand Prairie,” she said. “I grew up in Grand Prairie, graduating from Grand Prairie High School, but have never had the opportunity to perform in my hometown.”
The Comedy Dessert Theatre will be hosted in the Woman’s Club of Grand Prairie, at 1 Park Square North, on March 27, 28 & 29 at 7:30 P.M. and March 30 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets are $15 each, dessert and beverage concessions will be available, and casual or dressy attire is welcome.
Tickets may be purchased with a charge card by calling the Arts Council at 972-642-2787. The following ticket outlets will be open, beginning March 10, and accept cash and checks:
For more information on the show contact GPAC at 972-642-2787 or go online to the GPAC web site.
For more information on Laura Ainsworth, visit her web site.
A ground breaking for two new buildings at the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex to housing units from U. S. Army Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard was held Tuesday.
The Army Corps of Engineers said the new buildings in total will cover 225,000 square feet at a cost of $31 million and will facilitate 1,000 soldiers. One of the buildings is to be used as a training facility and the other a shop.
An Army Reserve facility in Fort Worth will be transferred to the Veterans Administration and Texas National Guard buildings in Arlington and Irving will be closed. All the Army Reserve and National Guard personnel at these locations will be relocated to the Grand Prairie complex.
Roger Manaugh, Base Transition Coordinator, said that since its opening the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex, formerly the Naval Air Station, has brought between 500 – 1,000 new jobs to the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Ruthe Jackson gave the crowd a history lesson when she told the crowd that in her youth she lived near the location of the two new buildings.
Louisville Ladder, one of the nations leading manufacturers of ladders, will move their regional distribution center to Grand Prairie.
Enith Hauenstein, Marketing Director, said Louisville Ladder signed a lease on a 65,000 square foot warehouse in the Parkway Distribution Center, 823 Heinz Way. She said the company plans to close their Dallas location and begin regional distribution operations in Grand Prairie on March 3.
Mr. Kenneth King’s second period math class at Grand Prairie ISD's Bill Arnold Middle School accomplished an amazing feat – they pulled together to win a national math competition – beating out 400 other schools across the United States for a chance to donate $1,000 to the charity of their choosing.
Apangea Learning, a leading provider of online supplemental math instruction, conducted this national contest. The contest’s goal was to encourage students to learn math outside of the classroom, especially during their personal time (nights and weekends). Over 10,000 students competed to have Apangea Learning donate $1,000 to the charity of choice for the class that successfully completed the most math problems over a two-day period.
Mr. King’s students, who are a mix of 7th and 8th graders and are below basic proficiency level, completed the most problems for this national contest -- choosing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society North Dallas Chapter as their charity of choice.
Today Mr. King's class presented the $1,000 check to Stacey Russell, Campaign Director, with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“Mr. King’s students have accomplished something great today and they should feel very proud knowing that their hard work, determination and altruistic spirit will help those suffering from leukemia and lymphoma,” stated Apangea Learning CEO Louis Piconi.
Co-workers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Mark Juvette were concerned because their fellow agent had not been heard from for a week and called Grand Prairie police to check on his welfare.
Grand Prairie police responded to Juvette’s apartment located at 2301 Avenue H around 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and made several attempts to get him to the door, but had to resort to a pass key from the apartment manager. As officers attempted to enter the apartment several shots were fired through the door at them. Fortunately, none of the officers were struck.
The officers pulled back and called for the department’s Tactical Team and Hostage Negotiators.
Negotiators made many attempts to contact Juvette but got no response from inside the apartment. With the help of a pole mounted camera, police found Juvette lying on a sofa and appeared to be dead.
Tactical officer then made entry into the apartment and confirmed Juvette was dead from an apparent self-inflicted head wound.
Carl Rusnok, spokesman for the U. S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), said Mark Juvette was an Immigration Enforcement Agent with the Dallas Office of Detention and Removal Operations. He began working with the then Immigration and Naturalization Service in June 1998 as a Detention Enforcement Officer. He received promotions after ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were created in 2003.Grand Prairie police are continuing their investigation.
Lone Star Park held their 12th annual National Anthem auditions today as they continue to get ready for the rapidly approaching April 10th opening race.
The more than 100 performers had to fight the cold wind as they auditioned near the winner’s circle for their chance to sing on one of the race days.
Darren Rogers, Director of Communications, said that in past years only one third of the participants make the cut.
Slideshow of the Taste and Tour of Grand Prairie sponsored by the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce held Tuesday at the Ruthe Jackson Center.
Slideshow music courtesy Kevin MacLeod
South Grand Prairie’s head football coach David Fisher cited personal reasons for his resignation which was announced Monday.
In the seven years as head coach Fisher has taken the Warriors to three district playoffs.
Grand Prairie ISD Communications Director Sam Buchmeyer said district athletic director Fred Clausen named Rob Davies as the interim coach. He said athletic director Clausen will take the time to closley look over candidates within the district before making a decision on a replacement for Fisher.
Monday evening the South Grand Prairie Student Council held a gala Disney World send-off party for 5-year-old Kaitlyn Kalvig for her up coming trip sponsored by the Student Council.
The Student Council learned of Kaitlyn’s desire to visit the world famous theme park through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Kaitlyn suffers from a life threatening heart condition.
In December the Student Council hosted a charity basketball game billed as “Make a Swish for Make-A-Wish” to raise money for the trip. The game which pitted faculty members against students brought in more than the necessary $6,000.
Student Council sponsor Debbie Beaudin said the students planned and prepared Monday’s send-off party that treated Kaitlyn with a limousine ride to South Grand Prairie High school where she was greeted by heralding trumpets and students dressed as Disney characters. Kaitlyn got to eat pizza and cake and received a tub of gifts. Cosmetology students gave Kaitlyn a complete make-over.
Kaitlyn embarks upon her dream trip Thursday.
As part of the U. S. Army’s reorganization and realignment program designed to shift the Army Reserve from a technically focused force to a trained and ready force, the 493rd Engineer Group (Combat) of Grand Prairie was de-activated.
The Inactivation Ceremony held Sunday at the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex, featured speeches from Brigadier General Philip Harahan, Commanding General 90th Regional Readiness Command, Colonel Mark Williams, 493rd Engineer Group Commander, and Ruthe Jackson, Grand Prairie Mayor Pro Tem.
The unit was originally activated on December 15, 1967 in Dallas, Texas and has a rich history of service with joint operations in Honduras, Belize, and El Salvador as well as several within the United States.
The unit was mobilized in March 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was deployed to Iraq to support the 1st Armored Division in the Baghdad area. The 493rd was de-mobilized in May 2004.
Current members of the 493rd will be re-assigned to other Army Reserve units.
The Grand Prairie Storytellers Guild presented an afternoon of stories and folktales at the Fourth Annual Celebration of African-American Heritage held Sunday at the Betty Warmack Library.
John and Ellen Armstrong, Dorothy Anthony and Mel Davenport captivated the audience with their favorite tales of African-American heritage.
On February 25 the South Grand Prairie Student Council will send-off a 5-year-old girl to visit Disney World.
Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation the Student Council was connected to Caitlyn whose wish is to visit theme park.
In December the Student Council hosted a charity basketball game pitting faculty members against students raising $6,000 in ticket sales to the game billed as “Make a Swish for Make-A-Wish.”
The send-off celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Keel Theater at South Grand Prairie High School.
"Severe Weather Awareness Week reminds Texans that dangerous climate conditions can develop quickly, so it’s vital that we plan ahead for such threatening situations," Perry said. “By building a culture of preparedness, we can take steps to reduce risk, ensure safety and ultimately save lives."
During Severe Weather Awareness Week Texans are advised to assemble a "readiness kit" of important emergency supplies including a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food; and are encouraged to keep a battery-operated radio or television set to receive important information during storms, designate a place to go in case of evacuation, and develop an emergency plan for communicating with relatives and friends.
While dangerous storms can strike at any time of year, March, April and May bring the greatest potential for violent weather events in Texas, including damaging thunderstorms, hail storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. According to the National Weather Service, Texas leads the nation with an average of 139 tornado strikes per year and often suffers the highest resulting death toll of any other state. Additionally, Texas endures the second-highest level of lightning fatalities and often leads in the number of flash flood deaths per year. A majority of these victims suffer due to failure to take proper precautions in such emergencies.
For more information about Severe Weather Awareness Week, please visit the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management Web site and the National Weather Service Southern Region Headquarters Web site.
Nympha Romero, 64, of Irving, was killed this morning in a single car accident in the 1000 block of MacArthur Blvd. near Interstate 30.
Romero was driving southbound on MacArthur about 8:00 a.m. when she lost control of her 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, spun off the roadway, and struck a utility pole. Trapped in the vehicle, she had to be extricated by firefighters.
Romero was transported by ambulance to Methodist Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Sergeant Eric Hansen, Traffic Division, said Romero is Grand Prairie’s third traffic fatality this year.
Grand Prairie fire investigators with the assistance of the Arlington Fire Department’s Bomb Squad exploded a suspected pipe bomb found at a City of Grand Prairie facility located in the 1400 block of Skyline Road.
Lieutenant Randy Willis, Arson Investigator, said about 8:30 a.m. Friday morning employees of the facility were cleaning up and found the device.
After investigators confirmed that it was a suspected bomb, the Arlington Fire Department’s Bomb Squad was called to the scene. The bomb squad also examined the device and later exploded it in a parking lot of the facility.
Lt. Willis said Friday morning that the investigation was just beginning and investigators are currently trying to identify the device's type.
Grand Prairie police arrested Rojelio “Roger” Webber, 30, of Grand Prairie on three charges of sexual assault of a child. He is currently being held in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, Dallas, with a $600,000 bond.
Webber, a tattoo and body piercing artist, advertised his services over the internet listing his home on Cranbrook Lane as his place of business.
He is charged with molesting a fourteen year old girl over a four month period and assaulting a seventeen year old girl that came to his home for body piercing.
Police spokesman Detective John Brimmer said there may be more juvenile victims and is asking anyone that may have been assaulted by Webber to contact Detective Tracy Hinson at 972-237-8777.
Police promise not to reveal the identity of victims.
The results are in - the viewers of the Fox Network reality show American Idol voted Grand Prairie's Idol, Jason Yeager, on to the next round.
Yeager's next appearance will be February 26.
Grand Prairie based Site Concrete, Inc. pleaded guilty in United States District Court to making false statements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was sentenced to five years probation and fined $30,000.
Site Concrete operated a construction project that installed drinking water lines in the Collin County town of Fairview.
To prove the safety of the water lines the EPA required Site Concrete to provide water samples for microbiological analysis. Several samples submitted to the EPA lab prior to May 6, 2006 showed microbiological contamination.
Site Concrete admitted it later provided uncontaminated water samples to the EPA that was obtained from other water sources.
Updated 2/20/08: Grapevine police provided the photos at the bottom of a robbery suspect and his vehicle that may be the same suspect as the Grand Prairie robberies.
Grand Prairie police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a robbery suspect in two separate robberies.
On February 14 at about 6:05 p.m., a Hispanic male, between 23 and 25 years of age, 5’08” tall, and weighing about 145 pounds, wearing a black hat, shirt, and jeans robbed the Diamond Shamrock store at 1622 N. Hwy 360 after threatening to shoot the clerk. The suspect fled in a gold, Chrysler Sebring 4 door.
On February 16 at about 1:37 p.m., a Hispanic male, 20-25 years of age, 5’10”, about 160 pounds, wearing a black “hoodie” and what appears to be eye glasses, robbed the Racetrack gas station at 4010 S. Belt Line Rd. after threatening to shoot the clerk. The suspect vehicle is described as a “possibly” gray, 4 door, and Dodge style vehicle.
Anyone with information should call the Grand Prairie Police Department at 972-237-8790 or Crime Stoppers at 972-988-TIPS
Dr. Denise Rodrique, President of the Grand Prairie Arts Council, was recently selected as the Outstanding Adjunct in the Dallas County Community College District for 2007-2008, recognizing her sixty consecutive semesters as an adjunct speech communication instructor at Mountain View College.
Dr. Rodrique retired from the Grand Prairie ISD in 2006 where she served as a teacher, theater director, and fine arts coordinator at South Grand Prairie High School. She also was an assistant principle at Austin and Powell elementary schools.
“I retired from Grand Prairie but did not want to give up teaching,” Dr. Rodrique explained. “It’s the hands-on work with students in the classroom that I enjoy most. I am a teacher, and that’s what I do. I love it.”
Her passion for teaching is reflected in her no-nonsense, high energy level approach when interacting with students.
Norman Carros, a speech communication student said, “Dr. Rodrique is extremely creative, gives us lots of valuable information, and she has made me a better speaker and writer.”
Along with teaching at Mountain View College and involvement in the community theater in Grand Prairie, Dr. Rodrique is also a consultant for iTeachTexas, an educational firm that offers degreed individuals a state approved alternative route to full teacher certification.
She said helping others enter a teaching career is her way of giving back to the profession that means so much to her.
The Visiting Nurse Association needs Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in the Grand Prairie area who want to help the homebound frail elderly, sick, and disabled.
Meals on Wheels volunteer training will take place Monday, March 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth floor of the VNA headquarters at 1600 Viceroy Drive in Dallas. The training will be repeated on Monday, March 17 at the same time. There is no cost to attend.
For additional information, contact Betsy Cox, VNA Director of Volunteers, at (214) 689-2210 or coxbe@vnatexas.org.
The Grand Prairie AirHogs of the American Association of Professional Baseball will be holding an open house at their brand new ballpark in Grand Prairie every Sunday afternoon from 11 A.M. until 3 P.M.
Each Sunday this off-season fans can get a first-hand look at the ballpark, which will feature: a sports themed restaurant, cigar bar, state-of-the-art kids zone, and much more. There will also be opportunities to claim season tickets and meet the front office staff.
The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association baseball season starts on May 8, 2008, with the home opener on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at their brand-new stadium located at Lone Star Park. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.
In a ceremony held Monday morning at the Charles V. England Public Safety Training building, Grand Prairie Mayor Charles England and Gueishan, Taiwan Mayor Lu Hsueh-chi signed a Memorandum of Understand towards a sister city agreement.
Gueishan is a city of more than 131,000 in Taoyuan County which is in the northern part of Taiwan. The beautiful city is a leader in the science and technology industry.
Councilman Richard Fregoe, who headed Grand Prairie’s effort, said today’s signing, is the result of a coalition which included County Commissioner Ken Mayfield, County Judge Jim Foster, the DFW Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, and delegates of Guishan.
Gueishan Mayor Lu Hsueh-chi thanked those involved for their interest in foreign affairs. “Even though this is only the beginning part of our sisters coming together, I have confidence that this will have a great future,” he said.
Councilman Fregoe said the sister city agreement is very important and giant step forward. “We certainly go well beyond our boundaries to try and work with other people, other nations, and form a basis for friendship. To me, the ultimate goal would be unity and peace,” he said.
He said that the two cities will exchange ideas, learn about each other’s culture, and the partnership could have an economic impact on both cities.
Any qualified Dallas County voter may vote in person in Grand Prairie at the Grand Prairie Development Center, 206 W. Church, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.
Dates and times for early voting:
“Gone to Texas”—often written simply as the letters G.T.T.—was a shorthand forwarding address left by settlers hurriedly departing for Texas in the 19th century. There’s now a “G.T.T.” on the doors of Washington presidential campaign offices as they scour Texas for votes in our March 4 primary elections.
Early settlers came here for many reasons, noble and ignoble. Their experiences, blending opportunity with hardship, helped create the Texas mystique that still fascinates people around the globe.
“The story and idea of Texas appeal to millions of people, many of whom have never been anywhere near the state. Somehow their imaginations have ‘Gone to Texas’ and liked what they found there,” writes Randolph B. Campbell in Gone to Texas: A History of the Lone Star State.
Texas’s population has increased in every decade since the days of the Republic. But the rapid growth in the years before the Civil War put an indelible stamp on our state. The people who were lured here then, and their experiences, created the foundation for the legend of Texas.
At the beginning of the 1800s, Native Americans outnumbered all others in Texas. When Texas achieved independence in 1836, the estimated population here exceeded 50,000, and the majority group was Anglos. That number quadrupled by the 1850 census, just after Texas became a state.
A decision to move to Texas in those days required a willingness to face danger, drudgery and deprivation. But all that paled when compared to the incredible promise Texas offered for a better life. That drew thousands of settlers who’d scrawled “G.T.T.” on the doors or floors of their cabins in Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas and other places.
Most newcomers came by their own free choice. Economic opportunity—primarily cheap and plentiful land—topped the list of reasons for moving to Texas. Some settlers came to escape debt, a failed business, legal problems, or what one writer calls “rascality.” For others, there was no choice at all—they came here as chattel. In 1850, there were an estimated 58,000 slaves in Texas.
The journey to Texas required determination and endurance during a weeks-long journey by wagon, horseback, ship or on foot. Virtually everyone came knowing they faced hard work and uncertain futures, and one writer described them as “toil-worn people.”
The collective impact of these newcomers in the mid-1800s is well described by writer J. Frank Dobie: “The very qualities that made many of the Texas pioneers rebels to society and forced not a few of them to quit it between sun and sun without leaving cards engraved with their new addresses fitted them to conquer the wilderness—qualities of daring bravery, reckless abandon, heavy self-assertiveness.”
Now, more than 170 years later, the unique combination of bravery, risk-taking and optimism is still embedded in the character of Texas. We are known and admired for that well beyond our borders.
A report from United Van Lines indicates that Texas continues to be among the nation’s leaders in attracting new residents and creating new jobs. Now, as in the past, we are attracting freedom-loving people seeking an opportunity to be successful.
As the political campaigners travel our state—and watch as we celebrate Texas Independence Day March 2—let’s hope they absorb the distinctiveness of the Lone Star State, the reasons for it and our pride in being Texans. The entire country can learn from the values we cherish in Texas.
Nothing goes better with a rainy day than a good book.
Forget about half price books - brave the weather today and you can get a book for only 25 cents.
The Friends of the Libray have a clearance sale today from 9 - 6 at the Grand Prairie Main Libray, 901 Conover Dr., with all items just 25 cents.
The Grand Prairie Police Department released updates to their Registered Sex Offender list.
“We don’t believe Jessica was bad luck to the Cowboys in the playoffs, and we’re going to prove it with our guarantee,” said Burke. “Fans are also going to enjoy an unforgettable night at the ballpark.”
As part of the promotion, the entire stadium will take on a Jessica Simpson-themed atmosphere. This will include the distribution of Jessica masks, her music and reality show highlights playing throughout the game, two-dollar margaritas in the stadium’s restaurant, and a special prize awarded to the biggest Jessica Simpson fan in attendance.
Free admission will be offered to spectators who enter the stadium dressed in Jessica’s likeness. This includes any fan who wears a pink Dallas Cowboys jersey.
In honor of Jessica’s affinity for dogs, the game will also serve as “Bring Your Dog to the Stadium Night” for the AirHogs. Any fan who brings their dog to the ballpark will have their pet gain free entrance.
The Grand Prairie AirHogs’ inaugural American Association season starts on May 8, 2008, with the home opener on Friday, May 16, against the Wichita Wingnuts at the club’s brand-new stadium located at Lone Star Park. For season and group ticket information, contact the AirHogs at (972) 504-9383.
Afraid you won’t get them before May 12th? Don’t fret. The Postal Service has sold 5 billion Forever Stamps since the launch last April and plans to have an additional 5 billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change.
New prices for shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, will be announced in March. Prices for all postal products and services are available at usps.com/prices
A cold front will slide south across North Texas late tonight into early Saturday with temperatures expected to drop into the 30s and 40s behind the front. Some light rainfall is expected on Friday... but the heavier rainfall is expected by early Saturday as the upper level storm system approaches.
Widespread rain and embedded thunderstorms will develop late Friday night and persist across the region through the day Saturday. Some areas of North Texas could receive 2 to 4 inches of rainfall through Saturday night. In addition, some of the storms Saturday along and south of Interstate 20 could become strong to severe with large hail and frequent lightning.
Residents of North Texas should continue to monitor this developing weather situation closely for the possibility of severe weather and heavy rainfall. Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or go to the National Weather Service web site for the latest forecast information.
Betos Mexican Restaurant hosted family, friends, and members of the Jason Yeager Fan Club Wednesday night for an “American Idol” watch party to see if the Grand Prairie “Idol” would be selected as one of the show’s twelve male finalists.
The boisterous crowd filled the main dining area and yelled at each appearance of Yeager on the big screen TV Betos’ set-up for the party.
Although rumored for several weeks by entertainment news web sites to be one of the twelve male finalists, the crowd erupted at the show’s announcement that Yeager was a finalist.
Yeager a former Grand Prairie resident and graduate of South Grand Prairie High School now lives in Branson, Missouri. His parents, David and Lisa Creed, reside in Grand Prairie.
His next appearance on “American Idol” is February 19 when it’s up to the viewers to vote for their favorite. The announcement of who survives and who goes home is on February 21.
Open call for MEN ONLY ***No appt. necessary ***
Monday, Feb. 18 - 7:30pm
Casting:
2 men - need to look 20-25 years old, apt at Physical comedy & quick dialogue.
Location:
Grand Prairie Woman’s Club Building - 1 Park Square North, Grand Prairie, 75050
Show Synopsis:
Andy and Norman are two earnest young men using their apartment to publish a "protest" magazine in San Francisco. Sophie, an Olympic swimmer and all-American girl, moves into another apartment on the same floor. Her charm leaves Norman hopelessly smitten, with the humor of it heightened by her frantic rejection of him. She is convinced that they are editing a dangerously subversive magazine, but soon finds that her real source of annoyance is that the wrong man is pressing his attentions on her.
Auditions, rehearsals and performances will be in the auditorium of the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club Building - 1 Park Square North, Grand Prairie, 75050.
Rehearsal schedule is available online at www.artsgp.com on the auditions page, Non-Equity Theatre.
Performances:
Thursday, March 27 – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 28 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 pm
For more information contact the Grand Prairie Arts Council: 972-642-2787 or Show Director, Amy Jackson at 214-557-0981.
Open call for MEN ONLY ***No appt. necessary ***
Monday, Feb. 18 - 7:30pm
Casting:
2 men - need to look 20-25 years old, apt at Physical comedy & quick dialogue.
Location:
Grand Prairie Woman’s Club Building - 1 Park Square North, Grand Prairie, 75050
Show Synopsis:
Andy and Norman are two earnest young men using their apartment to publish a "protest" magazine in San Francisco. Sophie, an Olympic swimmer and all-American girl, moves into another apartment on the same floor. Her charm leaves Norman hopelessly smitten, with the humor of it heightened by her frantic rejection of him. She is convinced that they are editing a dangerously subversive magazine, but soon finds that her real source of annoyance is that the wrong man is pressing his attentions on her.
Auditions, rehearsals and performances will be in the auditorium of the Grand Prairie Woman’s Club Building - 1 Park Square North, Grand Prairie, 75050.
Rehearsal schedule is available online at www.artsgp.com on the auditions page, Non-Equity Theatre.
Performances:
Thursday, March 27 – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 28 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 pm
For more information contact the Grand Prairie Arts Council: 972-642-2787 or Show Director, Amy Jackson at 214-557-0981.
Grand Prairie High School's first annual Heritage Health Fair will be held February 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Sponsors of the fair include:
Some of the services provided:
The theme of this year's showcase is “A Lasting Mark” and is free to the public.
Local and regional authors will be on hand to discuss and sign copies of their works:Cheryl Lacey-Donovan · “Women What … Are You Thinking”
For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve table seating, please visit us online www.AuthorShowCaseEvents.org or call (214) 868-2016.
"Nata" Ortiz got to do what most boys world-wide wish, tour a fire station and eat with the firefighters.
The firefighters on "C" Shift - Station 1 Sunday prepared a hearty firehouse meal for "Nata" and his grandmother Victoria Rodriguez along with Miss Florida, Kylie Williams, before their tour of the station and trying out all of the firefighting gear.
"Nata" is a burn victim from El Salvador who was brought to Grand Prairie by Orphans of the World, Metro Rotary Club of Grand Prairie, and Airline Ambassadors for treatment later this month at the Shriners Hospital for Burned Children in Galveston.
Until "Nata" leaves for Galveston he will be busy taking in the sights of Texas, parties, and attending events.
The South Grand Prairie High School Chey-Anne (Varsity) and Indi-Anne (Junior Varsity) Teams are preparing for try-outs for the 2008-09 school year.
A try-out information meeting is scheduled for February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the library of South Grand Prairie High School for parents or guardians to learn about membership requirements for students and costs. Parents or guardians must attend the meeting with the student.
The Chey-Anne Drill team is a performance dance team that supports and promotes school spirit at South Grand Prairie High School. The Chey-Anne Drill team performs at pep rallies, football games, basketball games, parades and other school sponsored events.
Membership on the Chey-Anne and Indi-Anne Drill Teams is open to freshman through seniors planning to attend South Grand Prairie High School in 2008-09. A panel of judges selects team members and placement is based on skill level.
For additional information contact Drill Team Director, Sandy Morton at 972-343-1500.
Auditions for the Grand Prairie Arts Council's Spring Communtiy Theatre Production, "Star-Spangled Girl," began Monday night.
Performances of the Neil Simon comedy are March 27-30 at the Grand Prairie Woman's Club building, 1 Park Square North.
Tickets go on sale in March and can be purchased online. Visit the Grand Prairie Arts Council's web site for additional information or call 972-642-3787.
Get your resume prepared and be rady for an interview February 28 at the Community Diversity Job Fair.
The Event will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the South Grand Prairie High School cafeteria and coliseum.
The fair, diverse in both careers being offered and in the applicants attending, is hosted by:
If you would like to be an exhibitor at the job fair, access the online Exhibitor Registration Form. Deadline to register as an exhibitor is February 13.
Courtesy Grand Prairie ISD
On February 14, the Grand Prairie Independent School District will receive a check for $ 14,730 from the Oncor SCORE Program for energy efficient lighting upgrades in their libraries at Crockett, Daniels, Moore and Whitt Elementary schools, as well as new construction at Moseley Elementary. The new construction project incorporated both high efficient lighting and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The EPA Energy Star program will also award the district the Energy Star label for all 37 schools in Grand Prairie ISD.
The Texas Schools Conserving Resources (SCORE) Program is a pilot program being sponsored by Oncor Electric Delivery for select school districts to help improve energy efficiency and reduce schools’ energy operating costs. The district is awarded incentives for reducing their peak demand energy needs through facility upgrades and efficient new construction. Organizations earn the ENERGY STAR Award by being a top performer within EPA’s national energy performance rating system. Grand Prairie ISD joins approximately 3,200 buildings nationwide that have earned the ENERGY STAR Award.
“The SCORE Program has helped us to realize that our buildings were eligible for the ENERGY STAR label. We are grateful that our efforts in energy management have allowed us to achieve this distinguished honor. This is a recognition shared by all district staff and students who have adopted a culture of energy awareness. Efficient use of our financial resources is a benefit to our entire community,” said Grand Prairie ISD Executive Director of Facilities Greg Vernon.
Jerry Palermo, Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations, oversees the energy management program in the district. He has been a big supporter of saving energy within the district and mentioned that “the money saved can be reinvested directly back into our classrooms, and by being energy efficient we are setting a good example for students, teachers and staff.” Staff are reminded of their energy efficiency with a yellow card thanking them for turning off computers and monitors for the night while a blue card serves as a friendly reminder to power down each evening.
As part of being a SCORE program participant, the district has also developed an energy master plan so they can continue to take the best approach toward reducing the district’s energy bills. Vernon recognized that “the incentives motivated us (to do the projects), but the long-term financial savings to our district over the coming years will be even more valuable.”
“Oncor Electric Delivery is proud to offer a unique program that serves the vital needs of Texas public schools. We are committed to the future of our local communities and our children,” said Jeff Reed, SCORE Program Manager for Oncor Electric Delivery. “The SCORE Program provides comprehensive tools and incentive dollars to help districts manage their energy use so that more of their budget dollars end up in the classroom for students.”
The SCORE Program is administered by CLEAResult Consulting. For more information about the SCORE Program please visit CLEAResults Consulting.
Oncor Electric Delivery operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to three million homes and businesses, and operates more than 115,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas. Information about Oncor Electric Delivery can be obtained by going directly to ONCOR.
Grand Prairie rolled out the welcome mat Saturday afternoon for ten year old Nataniel “Nata” Ortiz with a reception at Cameron Gray’s home, headquarters for Orphans of the World, Inc. "Nata" is a burn victim from El Salvador.
Thanks to the joint effort of Orphans of the World, Metro Rotary Club of Grand Prairie, and Airline Ambassadors, “Nata” was brought to Grand Prairie along with his grandmother, Victoria Rodriguez, for treatment at the Shriners Hospital for Burned Children in Galveston.
“Nata” was working in a bakery fifteen months ago in El Salvador when he was burned over 80 percent of his body by a gas explosion. He lost most of the fingers on both hands.
Kylie Williams, Miss Florida and a 2008 Miss America contestant, was a special guest at the reception. Williams is also a burn victim, when at age 15 “the top three layers were burned completely off of my face” from an explosion. “I never thought I would hear the word beauty much less be a beauty queen,” Williams said.
She said she hopes to teach “Nata” that “perseverance is the way and believing in yourself and prayer and that things happen for a reason.”
Cameron Gray said it is unknown how long “Nata” will be in the United States for treatment. It could take up to two years. During “Nata’s” stay the doctors will address both his physical and physiological needs and he will be educated so that when he returns to El Salvador he will be a productive citizen.
During his stay in Grand Prairie “Nata” will not be bored. There are many activities planned including sporting events, parties, and lunch Sunday with the firefighters at Station 1.
Grand Prairie firefighters put a house fire in the 4600 block of Pendleton Ct. around 10:00 p.m Friday night.
There was a tense moment for firefighters when told that a five year old was on the second floor of the home. After a search the home's interior, the child was found outside the house with a parent.
The fire displaced the family of nine.
Preservation Texas released its fifth annual List of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places today, listing the Grand Prairie landmark Livestone Lodge #152 as one of its three sites in the metroplex.
Livestone Lodge #152 was originally built east of Grand Prairie in the African American Community known as “The Line” which was a row of homesteads owned by recently freed slaves. Livestone Lodge #152 was granted a charter on July 24, 1903 by the Prince Hall Masons of Texas.
The building was moved in 1944 from “The Line” to it present location, 1802 Beaumont, in the Dalworth Community on land purchased for $200. At that time the Dalworth Community was one of the few areas where African Americans were allowed to buy property.
The Livestone Lodge #152 was a center for community gatherings in the Dalworth Community in addition to the lodge meetings. It was used by African American community leaders in Grand Prairie for public meetings. At times the building was also used as a church and a school.
Preservation Texas, a private, non-profit, state wide preservation organization, said the Livestone Lodge #152 suffers from neglect and lacks the funds needed to preserve the building.
The other sites in the metroplex:
Come join Lend a Helping Hand February 9 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Bowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St. for an interactive presentation, “The Art of Caring.”
Writer and public speaker John Thomas Ford will take you on a journey into why people care along with suggestions as to why people become indifferent or removed from caring.
Refreshments are provided.
Courtesy Grand Prairie Independent School District
The Grand Prairie Independent School District has earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR Building ® label from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at all of its eligible schools. The District’s voluntary participation in the ENERGY STAR program means that they have taken an organization-wide energy management approach that will help to reduce energy use and energy costs. The dollars saved through reduced energy bills can now be redirected to improving Grand Prairie schools.
Last year Grand Prairie ISD joined the Texas Schools Conserving Resources (SCORE) Program, a pilot program being sponsored by Oncor Electric Delivery for select school districts to help improve energy efficiency and reduce schools’ energy operating costs. As part of the program, the District was able to benchmark all of its buildings and from those results realized that all of their buildings were performing in the top 75 percentile of school buildings in the nation. On average, these top-performing ENERGY STAR labeled schools cost forty cents per square foot less to operate than the average performers.
The EPA awarded GPISD with a certificate and letter acknowledging its efforts and formally recognizing the District’s accomplishments. The GPISD also will be listed as an ENERGY STAR Building partner at www.energystar.gov, joining approximately 4,057 buildings nationwide that have also earned the ENERGY STAR label.
ENERGY STAR Building is a program available through the US EPA that helps businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. In 2006 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $14 billion and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 25 million vehicles.
Schools displaying the ENERGY STAR label meet indoor air quality targets, which impacts the health and comfort of students and teachers. Improved indoor air quality may contribute to more effective learning and higher productivity in the classroom, which can in turn affect student performance and achievement. Earning these prominent awards from US EPA is evidence of Grand Prairie ISD’s commitment to superior management and social responsibility to the community and their organization’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.
Nationally, these award-winning buildings represent almost 575 million square feet, save an estimated $600 million annually in lower energy bills, and prevent almost 11 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equal to emissions from almost 900,000 vehicles. Energy Star is “brightening our nation's future, and I applaud these buildings for being America’s energy all-stars,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars — while reducing your carbon footprint — just makes sense.”
There will be a traffic switch from the temporary road surface to the new permanent pavement on Belt Line Road between Small Hill and Grand Prairie Road starting at 7:00 a.m. Saturday.
Also included in the construction is moving traffic signal heads and railroad crossing gates, delays are expected.
Grand Prairie police are investigating the Tuesday morning robbery of the Little Caesars Pizza, 2580 W. Camp Wisdom #500.
An employee told police that around 11:08 a.m. a male, 6’01” to 02”, wearing a gray Michigan “hoodie” sweatshirt, black ski mask, black sunglasses, and red gloves armed with a silver knife approached the cash register. The suspect gave the clerk a pillow case, not saying anything he pointed to the cash register and safe.
According to police the suspect never said anything and kept his face and hands concealed so the clerk was unable to determine the suspect’s race.
After taking a small amount of money, the suspect fled east on foot.
A witness saw the suspect get into a gray or silver, small, 2d car, and flee east on Camp Wisdom. The witness chased the car but lost it in the vicinity of W. Camp Wisdom and Aberdeen.
Another witness that was in an adjoining business to the Little Caesars Pizza said he observed a black male matching the description of the suspect standing outside prior to the robbery.
Police are reviewing surveillance videos and anyone with information can contact the Grand Prairie Police at 972-237-8790 or call Crime Stoppers at 972-988-TIPS.
Air crews in Grand Prairie are ready to answer the call for help in response to the threat of wildfires in areas across the state.
On January 30, Governor Rick Perry issued a disaster proclamation for 152 Texas counties in response to the threat posed by wildfires rapidly spreading due to the dry, windy conditions. The area covers mostly counties to the north and west of Grand Prairie.
Governor Perry authorized the activation of ten National Guard helicopters state wide for use in wildfire suppression. Two of the helicopters activated are staged in Grand Prairie.
Colonel Wayne Sinibaldi, Texas National Guard, said currently two CH-47 Chinook helicopters with twelve personnel from the 2-149th GSAB in Grand Prairie are on stand-by to fly wildfire suppression missions. Also staged in Grand Prairie are two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with 11 personnel from the Louisiana National Guard to assist. The CH-47’s utilize a 2000 gallon Bambi Bucket while the UH-60’s use a 600 gallon Bambi Bucket to dump water on fires, he said.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has also been alerted and in preparation. Aircrews have been selected for on-demand quick response to fly fire watch missions, said Capitan Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP.
Capitan Woodgate said the current situation “does not parallel 2005” when the CAP discovered 300 fires, mostly in thinly populated areas where early detection from the ground is extremely difficult.
He said Grand Prairie’s Crusader Composite Squadron is on stand-by and prepared to fly missions any where in the state should the State Operations Center request the CAP’s assistance.
At Tuesday night’s City Council Briefing Session, Beverly Grogan, Community Events Coordinator presented a plaque to Laura Jones with Chesapeake Energy in appreciation for their sponsorship of the 2007 Prairie Lights.
Grogan said their seed money helped make Prairie Lights a holiday spectacle and a show place for the metroplex.
Grogan told the city council that customer comments about the 2007 Prairie Lights were overwhelmingly positive.
“We had a guest book where we allowed people to write things and there was one word that must have been recorded about 40,000 times and it was ‘awesome.' So we love that word, one of our favorites,” she said. “One of the best comments is when other cities and park directors come to us and say ‘boy we’re envious of your show.’ So we love that status, to be able to give that to Grand Prairie.”
Grogan provided the City Council some important figures about the 2007 Prairie Lights:
Plans are already underway for the 2008 Prairie Lights which will have a new Holiday Magic show along with 70% of the light displays being different, Grogan said.
Courtesy The National Philanthropic Trust
The Dallas/Ft. Worth community will see thousands of people walking together Nov. 7-9 when the Breast Cancer 3-Day returns to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area as part of its 2008 series. This is the fourth year the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a three-day, 60-mile walk raising funds for and awareness of breast cancer, has been in Dallas/Ft. Worth.In 2007, more than 2,400 walkers participated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Breast Cancer 3-Day. Each walker commits to a fundraising a minimum of $2,200, helping to raise millions of dollars for beneficiaries Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Proceeds fund innovative and life-saving breast cancer research, education and community outreach programs.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a unique event because the walkers form a community among themselves from the moment they sign up through their last steps into closing ceremonies. Upon registration, participants are able to join teams, attend helpful meetings and meet new friends during training walks. The sense of community is only heightened on-event when the walkers spend all day together on the route and then return to camp, their home-away-from-home, and bond over hot meals, upbeat entertainment and cozy pink two-person sleeping tents.
In 2008, the Breast Cancer 3-Day series expanded into two new markets going from 12 to 14 events with the addition of the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C. Events will take place across the country the following dates:
About the Breast Cancer 3-Day Series
Participants travel an average of 20 miles a day during each Breast Cancer 3-Day event, raising awareness for breast cancer throughout the streets and the media nationwide. Participants are provided meals, snacks, liquids, mobile showers, safety guidelines, 24-hour medical support – all resources walkers need for a safe and memorable experience. Nationally, the events generate millions of dollars to fund critical breast cancer research and community outreach programs.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day is an opportunity to educate tens of thousands of people about breast health, including the importance of early detection. Proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefit the breast cancer movement, grassroots activism and community outreach programs of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Please visit www.The3Day.org, or call 1-800-996-3DAY for up-to-date information and a 2008 event schedule.
On February 7, 2008, Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) will join African American leaders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and organizations nationwide in observance of the eighth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
DCHHS will observe the day by offering free HIV testing at a number of locations, including its Stemmons location.
DCHHS Mobil Medical Clinic will partner with The Big T Bazaar Shopping Center to provide education, counseling, testing, and other medical services on Thursday, February 7, 2008 from 10 am – 5 pm. The Big T Bazaar is located at 4515 Village Fair, Dallas, Texas, 75216. Currently, this zip code has the highest morbidity in Dallas County. In addition, the DCHHS Mobile Medical Clinic will also conduct free routine screening on the campus of Paul Quinn University, 3837 Simpson Stuart Rd., Dallas, Texas, 75241, from 12:00 – 4:00pm on Saturday, February 9, 2008.
“Nationally, 72 African Americans are infected with HIV every day,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director. “While African Americans make up approximately 13 percent of the population of the United States, we represent almost half of the total AIDS cases reported in this country. DCHHS encourages citizens to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated,” Thompson continued. In 2006 in Dallas County, African Americans made up 46% of all new HIV/AIDS cases. African American women continue to be the most severely impacted group. African American women are 25 times more likely to be infected with HIV than White women and four times more likely than Hispanic women.
The DCHHS STD Program offers rapid testing, treatment, and partner notification at its clinics located at 2377 North Stemmons Freeway, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call (214) 819-1819. DCHHS Mobile Medical Clinic travels to various locations around the County and offers free testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. HIV and Syphilis results are available within the hour. Treatment for syphilis and other STDs may be available on site. For more information on the Mobile Medical Clinic or for its schedule and locations, call (214) 819-2132.
Hatim Mahdi, Sr. IT Analyst/GIS is the City of Grand Prairie Employee of the Month for February.
Mahdi was recommended for the award by the police department in recognition of his work developing computer mapping.
Grand Prairie firefighters put out a fire in a home in the 400 block of West Ferndale about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.
A clothes dryer was the source of the fire.
Grand Prairie ISD became the largest school district to sign on to an internet based alert system that can quickly send emergency messages.
The company FlashAlert.net guarantees it will get an e-mail or cell phone text message to subscribers within five minutes.
Sam Buchmeyer, Director of Communications for GPISD, said the new alert system is an addition to the phone out notification system the district currently has in place. He said the district plans to continue to utilize the automated phone out system because it can be operated by staff and it has the ability to narrow notifications to small areas such as an individual school.
The new FlashAlert system is designed so the district could “push emergency and non-emergency information to the media” without making multiple calls, Buchmeyer said. As a side component, parents could sign up and receive the alerts, he said.
Grand Prairie ISD plans to use the system for district wide notifications of both emergency and non-emergency information such as school closing during inclement weather.
Buchmeyer said, “We would obviously be very judicious with what we put out.”
He said he does not want parent’s cell phones constantly ringing with messages about something that does not apply to them.
The district plans to begin testing the system soon and Buchmeyer said for those interested in subscribing to monitor the district’s web site for sign-up instructions.
The Summit Baptist Church which meets in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4729 S. Carrier Parkway, Grand Prairie, is sponsoring a Christian/Atheist Dialogue, February 9 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Dr. Derward Richards, pastor of Summit Baptist Church, has invited Mr. Terry McDonald, Chairman of the Metroplex Atheists to speak.
Seating is limited and reservations can be made by email to pastor@summitbc.org.
Diabetes is a devastating disease that can deteriorate an individual’s health, causing a lifetime of complications, including blindness, heightened susceptibility to infection and sickness, heart disease, and, in many cases, premature death. In our state, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death. It can also adversely affect a person’s quality of life, due to increased disabilities, lost wages, and diminished access to care. In 2006, the indirect cost of diabetes in Texas reached $4.3 billion. When added to the $8.1 billion in health care dollars associated with the illness, the total cost of diabetes in Texas soared to $12.46 billion.
On a broad level, Texas is leading research efforts to find a cure for diabetes. Last week, the National Institutes of Health designated the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston a Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center. Renowned for its worldwide leadership in the study of diabetes, the center will be one of 17 in the country and the only one in Texas. The work of this and other research institutions is critically important to Texas, which has a climbing obesity rate.
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), an advocacy organization that monitors health conditions in each state, recently placed Texas twelfth nationwide in obesity, reporting that approximately one in four adults in the state is considered clinically obese. It is projected that our state’s obese population will rise to a staggering 35.8 percent by 2040. And as Texans’ waistlines expand so will the diabetes epidemic in our state.
A new and alarming trend in diabetes is the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes among children. Formerly known as “adult onset,” the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in individuals under 20 has increased from less than 2 percent to as much as 45 percent over the last 20 years. In addition to fragile health and the potential for lifelong medical problems, children with diabetes are negatively impacted in other areas of their lives. Diabetic children are frequently absent from school, are more likely to have learning difficulties, and demonstrate poor academic performance over the course of their education. Since Texas ranks sixth nationwide in the percentage of obese youth (ages 10 – 17), we are faced with the major challenge of ensuring that the next generation of Texans are fit and healthy.
In Texas, we are not taking this challenge lightly.
Currently, Texas is one of only 17 states that require school breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to meet higher nutritional standards than the U.S. Department of Agriculture mandates. This is an important first step, but the foundation for a healthy lifestyle must be reinforced in the home. In the 2007 Farm Bill, I created an elementary school pilot program that encourages parents to participate in nutrition education with their children. Under this program, schools would be able to employ a nutrition coordinator to assist them in establishing a comprehensive nutrition and fitness program for parents and students alike. This program is one of the first of its kind and it will help prevent obesity and promote healthy lifestyles among families.
Congress recognizes the urgent need for diabetes research and efforts to find a cure. In late 2007, I cosponsored a bipartisan measure to fund clinical trials on new medications, identification of factors that place individuals at risk of developing the disease, and efforts to reduce health complications caused by diabetes.
Diabetes is a massive challenge that requires a comprehensive solution. From the family dinner table to the school cafeteria, and from the research lab to the halls of Congress, efforts to prevent diabetes must be a priority.
Recently several web sites and blogs that claim to have insider information report that former Grand Prairie resident Jason Yeager is one of the twenty-four finalists in season seven of the Fox Network reality show, “American Idol.”
Yeager, whose parents David and Lisa Creed, reside in Grand Prairie, is a 1997 graduate of South Grand Prairie High where he won All-State honors in choir. He currently lives in Branson, Missouri.
Yeager has been singing locally since his teens in church and at Six Flags Over Texas. Recently he performed with the Country Tonite and Soji Tabuchi shows in Branson. He was in the top 25 finalists on ABC's first season of "Making the Band."Fox Network was contacted for verification and information concerning Yeager’s status on “American Idol.” In an email response from the network’s public relations office, Fox refused to release information about his status.
It looks like we have to wait until the February 13 show when “American Idol” announces its twenty-four finalists to learn where Jason ranks.
Editor's note: GrandPrairieReporter.com normally links to web sites and blogs that it uses as reference, but on each the reference sites objectionable photos were found.
Grand Prairie continues to strengthen its position in the aviation industry market place as Sagem Avionics, Inc. headquarters moved into their new 66,000 square foot facility today located at 2802 Safran Drive.
The new facility is in response the Sagem Avionics’ sustained growth and the increasing demand for sales, support and service, and their ever expanding line of products. With the move Sagem Avionics expects to better meet the needs of its customers and provide them with improved support and service. The building will also house a production facility to support the current and future demands for avionics such as for the current Army Lakota LUH-72 program.
In July 2007 Sagem Avionics broke ground of the new facility and for the first time since its incorporation in 1989, the company will reside in its own facility.
Tax help sessions are held each Friday and Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. through April 15 at the Main Library.
Participants should bring with them:
For more information call 972-237-5700
