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  • 🚚 Arizona Wilderness Gilbert location re-opens after semi-truck crash 🚆🐈 Model Train Magic and Feline Fancy: and more...

🚚 Arizona Wilderness Gilbert location re-opens after semi-truck crash 🚆🐈 Model Train Magic and Feline Fancy: and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #035

Author

Lloyd Heath
December 09, 2023

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In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 🌐 High-Speed Internet on the Horizon for Queen Creek Residents

 🙌🏻 Last complaint against Gilbert council member recommended for dismissal

 🚚 Arizona Wilderness Gilbert location re-opens after semi-truck crash

🏞️ Gilbert's Riparian Preserve Lights Up the Night with Holiday Cheer

 🚆🐈 Model Train Magic and Feline Fancy: Mesa's Unique Holiday Attractions

December 9th Ongoing

December 8 - 19 Upcoming

High-Speed Internet on the Horizon for Queen Creek Residents

Queen Creek Embarks on a High-Speed Journey with Google Fiber

In a move set to revolutionize its digital landscape, Queen Creek has officially partnered with Google Fiber Arizona. This landmark agreement paves the way for the installation of cutting-edge fiber optic infrastructure throughout the town. This strategic collaboration is expected to significantly boost internet speeds and connectivity, marking a pivotal step in Queen Creek's technological advancement and internet accessibility.

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Last complaint against Gilbert council member recommended for dismissal

Bill Spence

The final ethics complaint filed against Gilbert Town Council members, primarily focusing on Council Member Jim Torgeson, is recommended for dismissal. The complaint, filed by former Council Member Bill Spence, was deemed unsubstantiated by independent investigator Sarah Barnes. While Spence criticized the investigation for not interviewing key witnesses, Torgeson defended his conduct. Barnes's report advised Torgeson to behave more statesmanlike but found no ethical violations in the seven allegations raised. Council members have expressed concerns over the resources used for the investigation, with Spence urging the council to reject the findings due to investigation inadequacies.

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Arizona Wilderness Gilbert location re-opens after semi-truck crash

In a surprising turn of events, Arizona Wilderness' Gilbert location has reopened its doors following a significant incident where a semi-truck crashed into the building. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in extensive damage to both the exterior and interior of the brewery. This unexpected event forced the brewery to cease operations for the remainder of the day.

Further complicating matters, the collision led to a water main leak, adding to the challenges faced by the establishment. Despite these setbacks, the brewery made a resilient comeback, announcing its reopening the next day. Patrons of Arizona Wilderness in Gilbert should anticipate ongoing construction work as repairs are made to the damaged areas.

Gilbert's Riparian Preserve Lights Up the Night with Holiday Cheer

Gilbert's beloved holiday event, "Riparian After Dark," returns, transforming the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch into a festive wonderland. From December 8-19, visitors can wander 1.5 miles of beautifully lit trails each evening from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. Admission is $5 online or $10 at the event, with free entry for children under three. While enjoying the light displays, attendees can indulge in hot beverages from an on-site truck, though other food services are not available. Accessible by strollers and wheelchairs, the event also allows leashed pets. Alongside the festive cheer, the town collects pet supplies for local animal rescues.

Model Train Magic and Feline Fancy: Mesa's Unique Holiday Attractions

Train and cat lovers alike, this weekend and next in and around Mesa, Arizona, will be a treat for model train enthusiasts and cat lovers alike. The East Valley chapter of the Arizona Big Trains Operators is inviting the public to their homes to showcase their spectacular model train displays. Concurrently, the Phoenix Feline Fanciers are hosting one of Arizona's largest cat shows at the Mesa Convention Center on December 10th and 11th.

The cat show will feature over 40 different breeds from across the United States, including Siamese, Sphynx, Abyssinian, Maine Coons, and Persian cats. In addition to the cat judging, there will be a range of activities, such as a market selling cat supplies and gifts, a raffle, and even a costume contest for the cats with audience voting.

The show at the Mesa Convention Center, located at 263 North Center Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 9th and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 10th. Ticket prices vary from $8 for children to $10-$12 for adults. More information can be found at phxfeline.

Meanwhile, the model train displays are set to be open in Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction, and San Tan Valley from 4-8 p.m. over the next two weekends. Not all homes will be open on all four days, but a full schedule is available at azbigtrains. Mesa resident Don Sorenson, a member of the organization since 2006, shared that the joy their displays bring to visitors is unparalleled.

These elaborate train setups feature cars that are approximately 4 1/2 inches tall and 24 inches long, running on tracks that can extend up to 500 linear feet. They often include detailed villages with railyards, tunnels, ponds, and festive holiday lighting. Setting up these displays is a labor of love, beginning as early as June, and can take several weeks to complete.

The Arizona Big Trains Operators, a nonprofit organization, holds seven public events yearly, with the Christmas Open House being their most significant. Sorenson emphasizes the importance of trains in American history and the group's commitment to sharing this heritage, especially with younger generations.

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