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  • 🔐 Unintentional Mistake Leads Gilbert Man to Prolonged Mexican Jail Term 🤑 IRS to waive $1 billion in penalties ⛳ Golf Event: Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps and more...

🔐 Unintentional Mistake Leads Gilbert Man to Prolonged Mexican Jail Term 🤑 IRS to waive $1 billion in penalties ⛳ Golf Event: Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #044

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 20, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🔐 Unintentional Mistake Leads Gilbert Man to Prolonged Mexican Jail Term

 🤑 IRS to waive $1 billion in penalties for people and firms owing back taxes for 2020 or 2021

 🎫 Lottery ticket buyers in Phoenix, Queen Creek win nearly $6M

 🐝 East Valley students can compete in National Civics Bee

 🦷 Same-Day Crowns in Gilbert, AZ, Offered Without Needing Impressions or Temporary Crowns

 🦋 Glistening Gardens: an illuminated holiday display in a ‘rainforest’ with butterflies

⚾ Gilbert Softball LL open for registration on spring season

⛳ Golf Event: Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps

December Ongoing

December Upcoming Events

Unintentional Mistake Leads Gilbert Man to Prolonged Mexican Jail Term

In Gilbert, a father clings to hope as his son, 36-year-old Andrew Harrison, faces the possibility of years in a Mexican prison. The ordeal began in May last year when Andrew was detained at the border after guns were found in his car, which he claims was an unintentional error. Andrew, his fiancée, and their three children were en route to Mexico for a vacation when the incident occurred.

Andrew's father, Tony Harrison, explains that the weapons were in a locked compartment in the car, a place where Andrew stored them because they weren't allowed in the house. At the border, Andrew immediately admitted to having the guns, stating he had forgotten about them. Since then, he's been waiting for a trial.

During the 17 months of Andrew's incarceration, he has missed significant moments in his children's lives, including his youngest son's first and second birthdays. The family is now fervently hoping for a "Christmas miracle" for Andrew's release. According to the laws, if Andrew doesn't receive a trial by the time he completes two years in jail, he should be eligible for release.

IRS to waive $1 billion in penalties for people and firms owing back taxes for 2020 or 2021

In a significant move, the IRS has announced its decision to waive penalties for taxpayers who have outstanding back taxes of less than $100,000 per year for the tax years 2020 and 2021. This decision, set to benefit nearly 5 million individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations, most earning under $400,000 annually, represents a total relief of approximately $1 billion.

This action follows the temporary suspension of automated reminders for overdue tax bills, initiated in February 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS acknowledges that the pandemic's impact led to the decision to forgive these failure-to-pay penalties. Although penalties continued to accrue after the initial notice, the absence of reminder notices influenced this relief measure.

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel emphasized the unique circumstances of the pandemic, necessitating this extraordinary step. The relief will be automatic for many, requiring no additional action from taxpayers. Those eligible include those who filed specific tax forms (Form 1040, 1041, 1120 series, or Form 990-T) for 2020 or 2021, owe less than $100,000 per year in back taxes, and received an initial balance-due notice within the specified period.

Additionally, those who have already paid the failure-to-pay penalty will receive a refund. Werfel's statement, "People need to know the IRS is on their side," underscores the agency's intent to support taxpayers during these challenging times. While normal collection notices are set to resume, this announcement serves as a one-time relief gesture due to the pandemic's unprecedented disruptions.

Lottery ticket buyers in Phoenix, Queen Creek win nearly $6M

A lucky individual in Phoenix, Arizona, has struck fortune with a Set for Life lottery ticket worth a staggering $5 million, purchased at a 7-Eleven store located at 4511 N. 24th St. This life-changing win was announced by lottery officials on Monday, marking a significant moment for the winner.

In addition to this grand prize, another substantial win was recorded with a 100X ticket valued at $500,000, bought at the QuikTrip on 321 W. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Furthermore, the Fantasy 5 draw on Sunday revealed a ticket worth $313,000, sold at the Walmart in Queen Creek at 21055 E. Rittenhouse.

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East Valley students can compete in National Civics Bee

The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce is excitedly preparing to host the National Civics Bee, a distinguished competition designed to inspire East Valley middle schoolers in their understanding of government at various levels. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Chris Clark, the organization's leader, is enthusiastic about the opportunity to enrich the students' knowledge of governmental operations.

Students from grades six through eight, encompassing public, private, charter, and homeschooling backgrounds, are welcomed to enter the competition. It begins with a 500-word essay, where students delve into a community issue, analyze it through civic principles, and draw upon primary documents like the U.S. Constitution for support. The submission deadline for this essay is January 8.

Judges will evaluate these essays based on the students' understanding of civics, acknowledgment of differing viewpoints, the application of primary sources, and the innovation of their solutions. The top 20 students will advance to a live quiz on February 23 at the Combs Performing Arts Center in San Tan Valley, testing their knowledge of civics.

Prizes are on offer, with the first-place winner receiving $500, second place $250, and third place $125. Further details on the competition, including essay topics and rules, can be found at qcstudentchamber.com/national-civics-bee.

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Same-Day Crowns in Gilbert, AZ, Offered Without Needing Impressions or Temporary Crowns

In Gilbert, Arizona, a significant advancement in dental treatment has emerged with the introduction of same-day dental crowns at The Gilbert Dentist. This innovative approach, also known as CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns, has fundamentally altered the conventional method of dental crown procedures.

Traditionally, receiving a dental crown involved multiple appointments and wearing temporary crowns while waiting for the permanent crown to be manufactured at an external dental lab. This process was often lengthy and inconvenient for patients. However, The Gilbert Dentist's same-day crown service has streamlined this into a single visit, enhancing both convenience and efficiency.

The process begins with the creation of digital impressions of the patient's teeth using sophisticated CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) technology. This technology not only eliminates the need for the more cumbersome traditional impressions but also provides highly precise 3D images of the teeth. Utilizing these images, the dentist designs a custom crown that precisely matches the natural teeth in shape, size, and color.

Following the design phase, the CEREC milling machine carves the crown from a block of solid ceramic or composite material. Remarkably, this process is completed in just a few minutes, allowing patients to observe the creation of their crowns in real-time. The materials used are not only durable but also closely resemble the strength and aesthetics of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless integration with the patient's existing dental structure

Glistening Gardens: an illuminated holiday display in a ‘rainforest’ with butterflies

Butterfly Wonderland in the Valley presents a breathtaking holiday experience, "Glistening Gardens." This event is a fusion of nature and festivity, featuring thousands of butterflies amidst a dazzling light show. Derek Kellogg, the Director Of Animal Care, highlights the exhibit's dual focus on biological functionality and aesthetic beauty. With 3,000 to 4,000 butterflies flying around, visitors are immersed in a magical environment.

This indoor conservatory, one of the largest butterfly exhibits in the U.S., showcases not just the enchanting light displays but also the diverse beauty of nature. Visitors can appreciate the vibrant colors, the large exotic plants, and the astonishing variety of butterflies. Kellogg emphasizes the educational aspect of the exhibit, hoping to foster a connection between visitors and the importance of tropical rainforests.

Open from November 24 to January 7, 2024, at 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Butterfly Wonderland hosts 50 to 75 butterfly species at any given time, with around 200 species throughout the year. Kellogg shares fascinating insights into the Blue Morpho Butterfly, explaining the unique interaction of its scales with light to create a stunning blue hue.

Visitors are advised to interact respectfully with the butterflies, avoiding any harm to their delicate wings. The experience is designed to be interactive, allowing butterflies to land on visitors if they choose, especially in sunny spots during the morning and early afternoon.

Gilbert Softball LL open for registration on spring season

The Gilbert Softball Little League (GSLL) has announced the opening of its registration for the spring 2024 season, which will be open until January 21. This registration period is an opportunity for young players to join a league with a notable history of success, especially in the Little League All-Star competitions.

Mandatory evaluations for the major, minor, and junior divisions are scheduled for January 27, with practices set to commence on February 5. The league's opening day is planned for March 2, with a regular season extending until April 27. Following the regular season, a postseason tournament is slated from April 29 to May 10.

Highlighting the league's achievements, the GSLL's 8-10-year-old All-Stars clinched the state championship last summer, showcasing impressive performance with a 7-1 record in the All-Star competition and a decisive 14-4 victory over Sunnyside LL in the final.

GSLL is entirely volunteer-run, and the league is currently inviting individuals to register as board members, managers, team parents, assistant coaches, or junior coaches. Teenagers, aged 13 and above, are encouraged to register as junior coaches. All volunteers are required to undergo an active background check, valid for 12 months, to qualify. Prospective volunteers will receive a brief application via email shortly after registration. More information here.

Golf Event: Reid West Junior Golf Winter Camps

Bear Creek Junior Academy Winter Break Camp Age 9 and Under, Age 10 and older

Can sign up for one week or both weeks.

Dates: December 26-28 or January 2-4 1:00pm-5:00pm

Includes PGA instruction, snacks and lunch $179 per student per student per week, full payment must be paid 3 days before camp starts.

All payments will be through Reid West Golf Academies Call 623-687-4333 or visit registration site for more information.

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