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  • 🔫Gilbert Police Warn of Risks 🕵️Search Intensifies for Convicted Child Offender 🏠📦Community Rallies to Gift Custom Home

🔫Gilbert Police Warn of Risks 🕵️Search Intensifies for Convicted Child Offender 🏠📦Community Rallies to Gift Custom Home

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #021

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 23, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

👮‍♀️🔫Gilbert Police Warn of Risks in 'Assassin' Game Involving Realistic Water Guns

 🐕‍🦺Gilbert Police Department's K-9 Team Takes Top Honors at Statewide Trials

🕵️Search Intensifies for Convicted Child Offender in Gilbert

🙅‍♂️No Changes Planned for Arizona's 100-Year Water Law, Says Senate President

 📖Higley Unified School District presents new course guides

🏗️Why William Johnston is happy the Epicenter development in Gilbert didn’t go as planned

 🐔🏠Backyard Elegance: Gilbert's Handcrafted Coops Turn Heads and House Hens

🏠📦Community Rallies to Gift Custom Home to Wounded Veteran in Gilbert

 💃❄️HALE CENTRE THEATRE - A CHRISTMAS CAROL

November 23rd

November 24th

Gilbert Police Warn of Risks in 'Assassin' Game Involving Realistic Water Guns

The Gilbert Police Department is alerting the community about the risks of the "Assassin" game, where teenagers use water guns that closely resemble real firearms. This warning follows an incident where police responded to a report of a person with a gun, only to find teenagers playing this game. The police emphasize the potential dangers of mistaking these toy guns for real weapons and are encouraging awareness and caution among the community.

Gilbert Police Department's K-9 Team Takes Top Honors at Statewide Trials

The Gilbert Police Department's K-9 team achieved remarkable success at the 2023 Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association Desert Dog K-9 Trials held in Scottsdale. The team earned the prestigious title of overall first place agency, standing out among 42 participating teams. Officers Keegan Smith and Jared Cooke, along with their K-9 partners Vader and Rico respectively, demonstrated exceptional skills in various trials, including building and area searches, detection, patrol, and explosives detection (EOD).

The team's accomplishments include winning the first place team award and the Top Dog award for Officer Smith and K-9 Vader. Additionally, Officer Smith garnered first place in Narcotics Detection, while Officer Cooke secured third place in the same category. K-9 Sgt. Michael Stracke expressed pride in the team's dedication and hard work, highlighting their extensive training of 20-30 hours per month to excel in narcotics detection, search operations, and high-risk tactical operations.

Search Intensifies for Convicted Child Offender in Gilbert

The Gilbert Police Department is actively searching for Paul Kimball Nelson, a man convicted of multiple child sex offenses, following his absence at the verdict announcement. Nelson, found guilty on November 15th as a result of a 2021 investigation by Gilbert police, failed to show up in court, prompting Judge Mark Brain to issue an arrest warrant.

Nelson, who may be armed and is considered potentially suicidal, has an unpredictable appearance, as he may be with or without hair. He is believed to be possibly traveling in a gray 2010 Honda Accord, license plate BEE9946, or a white 2003 Nissan Xterra, license plate ATX4498, although there's a possibility of altered or switched plates.

The charges against Nelson, as per Maricopa County Superior Court records, include two counts of child molestation and one count each of sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and sexual conduct with a minor. Gilbert Police Department urges anyone with information regarding Nelson's whereabouts to contact them at 480-503-6500.

No Changes Planned for Arizona's 100-Year Water Law, Says Senate President

Senate President Warren Petersen of Gilbert has stated he has no intention of introducing legislation to revise the 1980 law governing Arizona's water supply assurances for new developments. Despite labeling the century-long assurance requirement as arbitrary and suggesting a shorter duration might suffice, akin to California's 25-year standard, Petersen's stance remains firm against legislative changes. His critique stems from the halted construction in parts of Phoenix due to water supply concerns, yet he acknowledges the predominant use of Arizona's water goes to agriculture, not residential needs. Petersen advocates for broader conservation efforts beyond housing, which is already stringently regulated, questioning why agriculture isn't held to the same 100-year standard. Though he recognizes the need for agricultural water use reform, details on achieving this remain unclear. Senator Sine Kerr, who chairs the Senate Committee on Natural Resource, Energy and Water, is expected to address this issue with practical solutions.

Higley Unified School District presents new course guides

The Higley Unified School District is set to present updated course guides for its secondary educational institutions, scheduled to coincide with the spring registration period. Pending governing board approval, the updated guides exhibit minimal alterations from the current offerings, as indicated by Secondary Education Executive Director David Loutzenheiser.

At the high school level, students can anticipate the introduction of a new CTE Internship for Digital Photography and an Honors Aerospace Engineering course. However, they will see the removal of Honors Civil Engineering and Architecture, Astronomy, and Oceanography from the curriculum. Additionally, dance course fees will see an increment from $25 to $50.

Middle school students can look forward to several new offerings, including Advanced Applied Technology and Robotics, Graphic Design A and B, and Photography A and B. For students enrolled in the Higley Virtual Academy, new courses such as Visual Arts I and II, Quantitative Reasoning, Physical Science, Sociology, and Peer Counseling/College and Career Readiness will be available. Conversely, Business Keyboarding for middle school will be discontinued. The fee for a seventh class has been raised from $160 to $175.

Board Member Anna Van Hoek raised queries about two continuing courses—a social media course in the Higley Virtual Academy and a special education communications course. Loutzenheiser defended the relevance of the social media course, citing the practicality and job prospects in the field. As for the special education class, despite Van Hoek's concerns regarding the course provider, Loutzenheiser assured that it has proven beneficial within the district.

Why William Johnston is happy the Epicenter development in Gilbert didn’t go as planned

William Johnston, CEO of Johnston & Co., reflects positively on the delays experienced during the development of the Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert, attributing the setbacks to enhancing the project's outcome. This new mixed-use hub, which combines 320 luxury residential units with 49,000 square feet of prime retail space, has recently completed construction. The space efficiency is exemplified by signing 20 high-profile tenants, effectively turning the area into a daily hub for residents.

The Tyler, the apartment complex within Epicenter, boasts an 85% leasing rate and is on track for full occupancy by early 2024. The vision for Epicenter, resembling a downtown area within the Agritopia neighborhood, was conceived back in 2001. It took shape in 2017 after overcoming partnership setbacks and a slow-down during the COVID-19 pandemic's onset. The patience paid off, yielding a superior tenant lineup than initially anticipated, attracting high-caliber restaurants and retailers.

One retail space is still open, with negotiations underway to maintain the quality of the Epicenter's offerings. With Epicenter's completion, the Johnston family is taking a moment to assess future opportunities, considering this the conclusion of the Agritopia chapter. Although they still own land in the vicinity, there are no immediate plans for further development, choosing instead to see what the market will bring. Yet, the Johnston legacy in East Valley development is well noted, and they are already being sought for advice on similar projects in other Valley cities.

Backyard Elegance: Gilbert's Handcrafted Coops Turn Heads and House Hens

Alex Verkruijsse from Gilbert has transformed his talent for building into a thriving business, Chick Inn Coop, which crafts bespoke chicken coops. With six models available, including the popular Homesteader Coop and the upscale Nantucket Coop, Verkruijsse offers a range of options that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. The business began from personal need and has grown through family involvement and customer customization. Verkruijsse's venture reflects a growing trend in keeping backyard chickens and has now expanded to include playhouses for children.

Community Rallies to Gift Custom Home to Wounded Veteran in Gilbert

Retired Army Sergeant Brent Bretz, an Iraq war veteran and double amputee, exemplifies the selflessness common among veterans who rarely prioritize their own needs. This holiday season, however, he welcomes a new chapter in Gilbert, Arizona, in a custom-built home specially designed for his needs—a gesture of gratitude he initially found difficult to accept.

Bretz, who served as a fire team leader and sniper in Iraq, was severely injured in 2004 when his vehicle was struck by an IED outside of Mosul, leading to the loss of his legs. After waking from a coma and enduring extensive recovery and rehabilitation, he was honorably discharged in 2007. Since then, Bretz has dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans through his nonprofit, the Patriot Project Foundation, which aims to establish a community of tiny homes for homeless veterans in Arizona.

His advocacy and service led him to "Helping a Hero," an organization that provides adapted homes for wounded military personnel. Thanks to their efforts, alongside contributions from Lennar Homes, Capital One, and others, Bretz now enjoys a residence equipped with features like a secure bench in the shower and a layout tailored for safety and accessibility.

Beyond the practical amenities, Bretz's new home is a symbol of hope and community. It's a space where he envisions hosting friends and continuing his impactful work, surrounded by a supportive network. For more information or to support the cause, visit Helping a Hero's website at https://helpingahero.org.

HALE CENTRE THEATRE - A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A Hale Holiday Classic! Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 21st year in Gilbert!

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