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101 Year Young Veteran Stays Active Writing Children's Stories; Gilbert Planning Steep Increases to Water Billls in 2023

Issue #013

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 13, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🪖101-year-old veteran stays active as a children's book author

📦These are this year's holiday shipping deadlines ahead of the festive season

 🪖Arizona has more than 470,000 veterans. Here's what to know about them

 💔2-vehicle collision kills 9-year-old waiting to cross Chandler street

🚔Queen Creek Police Department investigate teen’s death as homicide

👮‍♂️Gilbert Police Seek Public Help to Identify Woman Involved in Assault at Local Goodwill Store

 🫶Gilbert 'Giving Machine' opens Nov. 17 to aid East Valley charities

 🪖Gilbert vet’s nonprofit a lifeline for other veteran

 🚿Gilbert water bills could soar next year

 🏐O'Connor caps dominant season as Arizona's best volleyball team

 🏈Campo Verde Triumphs Over Cactus in Emotional Upset

Upcoming Events in Gilbert and Surrounding Areas

November 13th

November 14th (Veterans Day)

November 15th

November 16th

November 17th

November 18th

November 19th

101-year-old veteran stays active as a children's book author

101-year-old Sam Baker, a World War II veteran and former NOAA member, has become a children's storybook author, with three published books aimed at improving kids' reading skills and instilling good values. Concerned about the declining reading comprehension in the U.S., Baker is dedicated to making a positive impact through his storytelling. His books, filled with imaginative characters and situations, are inspired by events from his life, including his military service. Baker's stories emphasize love, kindness, and the importance of friendship and companionship, values he upheld throughout his life and career. With a lifelong emphasis on education, he hopes his books will ignite children's imagination and encourage them to read. Read Full Story

These are this year's holiday shipping deadlines ahead of the festive season

As the holiday season approaches, including Hanukkah (Dec. 7-15), Christmas (Dec. 25), and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1), shoppers should be aware of the shipping deadlines set by major carriers. The U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx have all released their deadline dates to help individuals plan their holiday shopping and shipping efficiently during this busy period.

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for the lower 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii):

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail (including greeting cards): Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 18

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Alaska:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 18

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Hawaii:

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 16

  • Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For items to arrive by Dec. 25 for Air/Army Post Office (APO), Fleet Post Office (FPO), Diplomatic Post Office (DPO):

  • USPS Ground Advantage: Nov. 6

  • First-Class Mail: Dec. 9

  • Priority Mail: Dec. 9

  • Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 15 (option not available for APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIPs 093)

Arizona has more than 470,000 veterans. Here's what to know about them

Arizona is home to 471,924 veterans, representing 8.7% of the state's adult population. Maricopa County has the largest number of veterans (245,171), but Cochise County has the highest percentage (19.1%) of veterans. Arizona ranks high nationally in veteran population density, with the majority of its veterans aged between 65 to 74 years old, followed by those 75 or older. The state has a smaller proportion of younger veterans aged 18 to 34. Data is sourced from the Housing Assistance Council and the U.S. Census Bureau.

2-vehicle collision kills 9-year-old waiting to cross Chandler street

A 9-year-old boy tragically died and a man is in critical condition after a two-vehicle collision at Ray Road and Coronado Street on November 11. The crash led one of the vehicles to veer onto the sidewalk, striking both pedestrians as they waited to cross the street. No impairment is suspected in the incident. Police are withholding the identities of the victims until family members are notified.

Queen Creek Police Department investigate teen’s death as homicide

The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is investigating the beating death of 16-year-old Combs High School student Preston Lord at a Halloween party on October 28. The incident has shocked the relatively safe community of Queen Creek. Police Chief Randy Brice emphasizes the department's experienced approach and reliance on community involvement in policing. No arrests have been made, and the department encourages anyone with information to contact them directly instead of using social media. This case is especially challenging as it involves the youth of the community. The QCPD, a recently formed department, is utilizing its partnerships with other agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

Gilbert Police Seek Public Help to Identify Woman Involved in Assault at Local Goodwill Store

The Gilbert Police Department is seeking the public's help to identify a woman involved in a violent incident at a Goodwill store in Arizona on October 28, 2023. The woman reportedly assaulted a 12-year-old after approaching three children in the store. The attack was captured on camera, showing the suspect leaving in a silver Nissan sedan. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gilbert Police Department at 480-503-6500, referencing case number 23-162858.

Gilbert 'Giving Machine' opens Nov. 17 to aid East Valley charities

Gilbert will host The Giving Machine from Nov. 17 to Dec. 31 at the Gilbert Water Tower Plaza, where people can donate items to both local and global charities. Part of the #LightTheWorld initiative that has raised over $22 million since 2017, these "vending machines" offer a way for users to buy and donate essential items such as food, clothing, livestock, and more, with prices ranging from $5 to $250. Local charities benefitting include ASA Now, Chandler Care Center, Manes & Miracles, Winged Hope, and Care for Life. Donations can also be made online for those who can't visit in person, with 100% of donations going to the charities.

Gilbert vet’s nonprofit a lifeline for other veterans

Mesa Police Sgt. Marcus Brown, a Gilbert resident and Marine Corps veteran, founded Veterans5-9, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans outside normal business hours. The organization assists with substance abuse, mental health treatment, food, lodging, employment, and transportation. It addresses challenges like eviction and homelessness, which are prevalent among veterans in Arizona. Since February 2020, Brown has aided over 580 veterans and their families. The nonprofit also collaborates with local law enforcement and the criminal justice system to provide support to veterans involved in legal issues. Veterans5-9 is funded through donations and grants, and it is hosting a fundraising event at Raising Cane’s in Mesa. For more information or to support the cause, visit veterans5-9.com.

Gilbert water bills could soar next year

Gilbert, Arizona, is considering substantial rate hikes for water and waste services due to various financial pressures. The most significant proposed increase is for water, with two options under consideration: a 130% immediate increase or a gradual increase totaling 134% over two years. The rate hikes are driven by the rising cost of raw water, increased construction costs for capital projects, and the need to replenish the Water Replacement Fund. Additionally, a solid waste and recycling rate increase of an average $8.50 per month for residential customers is proposed, influenced by higher trash production, landfill tipping fees, and aging fleet maintenance costs. The final decision on rates will be made by the Town Council, with a public hearing scheduled for February 6, 2024. Read Full Story

O'Connor caps dominant season as Arizona's best volleyball team

Gilbert Perry's volleyball team achieved the rare feat of winning a set against the #1 seed O'Connor during the 6A state volleyball title game. However, O'Connor (34-1) won their first state title in school history with a final score of 25-19, 18-25, 25-17, 25-16. O'Connor's head coach Amanda Burbridge praised the team's unity and versatility. The Eagles had previously beaten every team that made the 6A quarterfinals except for #2 seed Phoenix Xavier Prep. Junior outside hitter Devyn Wiest led O'Connor's balanced attack with 17 kills, while seniors Piper Rama and Kinsley Singleton excelled in the back row with 19 and 18 digs, respectively. The win was particularly significant for O'Connor, marking their first ever state title and a moment of triumph for players who were part of the 2021 team that lost in the finals.

Campo Verde Triumphs Over Cactus in Emotional Upset

Campo Verde coach Ryan Freeman doesn't like to use his daughter, 9-year-old Brylee and her battle with Ewing's sarcoma (bone cancer), to fire up his team. Brylee underwent surgery last week after having hip and femur replacement surgery and was released from the hospital Wednesday, a day before No. 13 Campo's stunning 28-21 win at No. 4 Glendale Cactus in the first round of the 5A playoffs.