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Free Movie Theatre Nov 16, 80 year old Apache Junction Woman charged in cold case murder, Gilbert's 100 year water plan

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #014

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 15, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🍿Tempe theater gets in holiday spirit early with free Christmas movies Nov. 16

👮‍♂️Gilbert chief pitches need for crime lab

 🌿This Arizona City Has the Highest Marijuana Consumption Rate in the U.S.

🦹‍♀️Apache Junction woman, 80, charged in Wisconsin cold case murder

👮‍♂️Police identify 'multiple' persons of interest in Queen Creek teen death; FBI offering reward

🏃‍♀️Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

 🌊Gilbert's 100-year assured water supply plan up for renewal

 🌼Weed business blooms at The Flower Shop

 🙌New Gilbert business celebrates Gilbert, state

 🍪Old classmates’ cookie business a sweet gig

 🏈From the Knights to the Broncos: Higley High School alum living NFL dream

 🏈Chandler football teams ready for the Open Division

Tempe theater gets in holiday spirit early with free Christmas movies Nov. 16

Holiday lights and Christmas movies will be featured Thursday, Nov. 16, at Pollack Tempe Cinemas on the corner of the McClintock Drive and Elliot Road.

Owner Michael Pollack will begin the festivities at 5:30 p.m. when more than 500,000 lights are turned on and four free movies begin, a release stated.

"It's a Wonderful Life," "Home Alone," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "The Santa Clause" will be shown.

Seating is limited, according to the release.

November 15th

November 16th

November 17th

November 18th

November 19th

Gilbert chief pitches need for crime lab

Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg is advocating for the construction of a $53.3 million crime lab in Gilbert, Arizona. Currently, Gilbert Police rely on Mesa Police for crime lab services, but concerns about cost control, evidence processing efficiency, and long-term sustainability of this arrangement have prompted the proposal for an independent Gilbert facility. The report by consultants McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc., commissioned for $99,311 in June 2020, highlights issues with current partnerships and the growing need for Gilbert to manage its own crime lab services. The consultant's report suggests improved efficiencies and reduced processing times with a Gilbert-owned lab and notes that other agencies showed interest in contracting services from such a facility. The lab would require a 21,439-square-foot space and could expand to 47,323 square feet with regional partners. Operational costs are estimated at $3.3 million, with the lab potentially being located near the police evidence facility on Williams Field Road or the central station on Civic Center Drive. Further discussion on this project is set for a workshop on December 11. Read Full Story.

This Arizona City Has the Highest Marijuana Consumption Rate in the U.S.

Phoenix, Arizona, stands out as the city with the highest consumption of marijuana in the state. In 2022, recreational marijuana sales in Phoenix surpassed $1 billion, representing nearly a quarter of Arizona's total recreational marijuana sales. A survey in 2022 found that 42% of Phoenix residents used marijuana in the past month, more than double the national average. This high rate of consumption is attributed to Arizona's permissive marijuana laws, which legalized recreational marijuana for adults over 21 in 2020, and the city's demographics, including a large young adult population and a growing Hispanic community that has historically been more supportive of marijuana legalization.

Apache Junction woman, 80, charged in Wisconsin cold case murder

Mary Josephine Bailey, an 80-year-old woman from Apache Junction, Arizona, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a cold case dating back to 1985 in Wisconsin. The victim, 45-year-old Yvonne Menke, was fatally shot in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. The case involved a "love triangle" between Menke, Bailey (then known as Mary Jo Lunsmann), and Menke's boyfriend, Jack Owen. The case was reopened in late 2021, leading to Bailey's recent arrest. The charge is based on the history of the "love triangle," witness statements, Bailey's alleged animosity towards Menke, and physical evidence, including boot prints at the crime scene matching boots owned by Bailey.

Police identify 'multiple' persons of interest in Queen Creek teen death; FBI offering reward

The FBI is now involved in the investigation of the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord in Queen Creek, who died following an assault after a Halloween party on October 28. The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) has identified multiple persons of interest but no arrests have been made yet. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and/or conviction. The QCPD and FBI urge parents to speak with their children if they were present at the party or witnessed the incident, emphasizing the importance of coming forward with any evidence or information. The FBI has set up a toll-free tipline (1-800-CALL-FBI) and a link for submitting photos or video evidence to aid in the investigation.

Verde at Cooley Station hosts Gilbert races

The 10th Anniversary of the Gilbert Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place at Verde at Cooley Station on Saturday, Nov. 18, starting at 7 a.m. This year's event will also feature a new Kids Dash, making it a family-friendly occasion. Local tenants at Verde are contributing to a festive atmosphere for both participants and spectators. Special offerings include $1 mimosas at Sip and Shop, bags from OHM Fitness, free water from Coach Pain Academy, and discounted menu items at selected Verde restaurants. This collaborative effort aims to support runners and create an engaging community experience.

SCHEDULE

7 a.m. Half-marathon start

7:20 a.m. 10K start

7:40 a.m. 5K start

9:30 a.m. Kids Dash/Buddy Run start

Information and registration: www.gilberthalfmarathon.org

Verde at Cooley Station
3975 E. Williams Field Road
Gilbert, AZ 85295
View larger map

Gilbert's 100-year assured water supply plan up for renewal

The Gilbert Town Council, in its meeting on November 14, will discuss the renewal of the town's Designation of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) with the Arizona Department of Water Resources. This renewal, required under the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, ensures that Gilbert has a 100-year assured water supply for its current and future residents. The town's current DAWS, obtained in 2010 and valid until December 31, 2025, needs to be renewed by December 31, 2023, for state review. The council will also review updates to its ethics handbook and code of conduct, consider a liquor license for Thanksabrunch, and address a continuance request for a public hearing related to the Trax at Cooley Station apartment development. The meeting will follow an executive session where the council will receive legal advice on various matters, including a lawsuit against the town.

Weed business blooms at The Flower Shop

The Flower Shop, located just off I-10 on Elliot Road in Ahwatukee, is more than a cannabis dispensary. It's a 16,000-square-foot facility that includes a retail space and a manufacturing hub where tens of thousands of cannabis products like gummies, mints, vape cartridges, and joints are produced daily. The Flower Shop, with locations in Mesa, Phoenix, and Utah, aims to destigmatize cannabis use with its approachable name and customer-friendly environment. It has gained popularity, especially among women, with its proprietary product lines like Ladylike. The company focuses on innovative and appealing packaging and design to stay competitive in the growing market. All their marijuana is grown in San Manuel, northeast of Tucson, and they manufacture about 35% of the products on their shelves. The facility also features high-tech machinery for efficient production of various cannabis-infused products.

New Gilbert business celebrates Gilbert, state

"Why I Love Where I Live" is more than just a store; it's a movement founded by Alex and Kristin Tovar, aimed at cultivating love and appreciation for one's community. Located in Epicenter Agritopia in Gilbert, this business offers clothing, books, toys, home decor, and accessories, all curated to inspire people to love and invest in their communities. The Tovars started this venture in Tucson in 2018 and it has grown into a successful platform that combines a physical store with community events, social media, and creative engagement. They see their business as a way to encourage people to appreciate the beauty and address the challenges of their surroundings, ultimately leading to a more connected and vibrant community.

Old classmates’ cookie business a sweet gig

Ryan Palmer and Kurtis Toolson, friends since junior high, are the co-owners of Chunk Cookies, a business that delivers freshly baked, giant cookies to your doorstep. Starting as an online venture by Toolson, the business expanded to brick-and-mortar stores in Tempe and Gilbert, with another opening soon in Queen Creek. Their cookies are known for being big, chunky, and often filled with delicious flavors like chocolate chip and biscoff. The pandemic initially helped their delivery service, and later their physical stores became popular for date nights and outings. Their focus on using real ingredients without preservatives sets them apart. Beyond providing tasty cookies, they aim to make people's days better and encourage acts of service and kindness. They also offer corporate catering and special events services. Palmer's personal experience with cancer also shaped the company's emphasis on the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.

From the Knights to the Broncos: Higley High School alum living NFL dream

Quinn Bailey, a former Higley Knight, is now in his fifth season with the Denver Broncos as an offensive tackle. His football journey began at Higley High School in the East Valley, where his coach, Eddy Zubey, recognized his potential. Bailey continued to play at Arizona State University and, despite not initially aiming for an NFL career, he turned professional in 2019. Starting as an undrafted free agent on the Denver Broncos practice squad, Bailey worked his way up and was eventually activated to the roster. He describes his NFL career as an amazing experience that many dream of.

Chandler football teams ready for the Open Division

The Open Division football playoff in Arizona is gaining national attention as one of the toughest high school football tournaments, rivaling those in states like California, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. With rising competition levels from teams like Chandler, Hamilton, Basha, Saguaro, and Liberty, this year's Open Division showcases a mix of regular contenders and first-time entrants. The tournament is seen as a significant challenge to crown the state's true high school football champion. Teams like Basha, Chandler, and Hamilton are adapting to changes and overcoming adversities to compete at their best. Liberty, particularly, stands out this season for its exceptional performance, dominating almost every Arizona opponent. The Open Division playoff is shaping up to be a premier event in high school football.