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  • 🚦 Light Rail Train in Mesa Runs Red Light, Collides with Garbage Truck 💪 Phoenix Student Overcomes Amputation After Dog Attack 💍 AZ Wedding Show Aims to Help and more...

🚦 Light Rail Train in Mesa Runs Red Light, Collides with Garbage Truck 💪 Phoenix Student Overcomes Amputation After Dog Attack 💍 AZ Wedding Show Aims to Help and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #066

Author

Lloyd Heath
January 19, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🚦 Light Rail Train in Mesa Runs Red Light, Collides with Garbage Truck

💪 Phoenix Student Overcomes Amputation After Dog Attack, Shares Inspirational Journey

👩‍💼 Leah Martineau Ascends to Role of Vice Mayor in Queen Creek

🚨 Youth Violence in Focus at Higley School Board Meeting

💍 AZ Wedding Show Aims to Help, Inspire Brides

🍔 Wayback Burgers Debuts in Arizona with New Gilbert Town Square Location

🤝 Gilbert Looking for Day of Service to Seniors Volunteers

🧑‍🔬 HD South's STEM Saturday: Unleashing Creativity with CNC Wood Art for Kids

Upcoming

Light Rail Train in Mesa Runs Red Light, Collides with Garbage Truck

In a startling incident captured on a Mesa city camera, a light rail train collided with a garbage truck at an intersection in Arizona. The accident occurred at the crossing of Main Street and Robson Road, near Country Club Drive. The footage reveals that the garbage truck was legally crossing the light rail tracks under a green light when the train, traveling west on Main Street, failed to stop at a red light and struck the truck.

Fortunately, the collision resulted in only minor injuries to the light rail operator. The passengers aboard the train and the garbage truck driver escaped unscathed. Mesa Police Detective Brandi Myers confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation, with no citations issued so far. The cause of the accident, including whether the light rail operator experienced a medical issue, remains uncertain.

Phoenix Student Overcomes Amputation After Dog Attack, Shares Inspirational Journey

In Phoenix, Arizona, 25-year-old Kalista Munoz is demonstrating remarkable resilience following a harrowing encounter with a dog that led to the amputation of part of her left arm. The incident occurred over the summer when Munoz, in a bid to separate a stray dog she was fostering from another of her pets, found herself trapped and under attack in her bathroom. Despite the severity of the situation, where she remained cornered for 30 minutes, Munoz maintained a belief in her survival.

The aftermath saw her hospitalized and in a coma for several days, followed by a series of 18 surgeries in an attempt to save her arm. Unfortunately, due to severe infection, amputation became a necessity. Throughout her challenging recovery, Munoz has shown an extraordinary absence of blame towards the dog, instead highlighting the impact of animal abuse and trauma in creating potentially dangerous behaviors in dogs.

Currently pursuing a master's degree at Arizona State University, Munoz's story is not just about her ordeal but also about her unwavering determination to continue her life without delay. She shares her experience with the intention of inspiring others facing long recoveries, emphasizing the potential for finding beauty and guidance in the midst of tragedy. Watch story.

Leah Martineau Ascends to Role of Vice Mayor in Queen Creek

Leah Martineau has been elected as the new Vice Mayor of Queen Creek, succeeding Jeff Brown. Martineau, who has served on the council since 2020, expressed her commitment to supporting the town and Mayor Julia Wheatley. She will serve a one-year term, acknowledging the significant contributions of her predecessor, Brown, who served during a challenging period following the passing of Mayor Gail Barney.

Youth Violence in Focus at Higley School Board Meeting

In a recent Higley Unified School District board meeting, members addressed the disturbing trend of youth violence, underscored by the death of Combs High School student Preston Lord. Led by outgoing President Tiffany Shultz, the board reviewed current programs fostering student character development and contemplated integrating the Upstander initiative, a new proposal by community advocate Katey McPherson.

Some board members, like Anna Van Hoek, voiced concerns about diverting resources from academics, emphasizing the enforcement of existing policies. In contrast, others, including Kristina Reese, showed enthusiasm for the Upstander program and advocated for reinvigorated community engagement, a practice that had waned post-pandemic.

AZ Wedding Show aims to help, inspire brides

In the bustling heart of Phoenix, the Arizona Wedding Show is poised to dazzle attendees with an array of wedding essentials. Master Wedding Planner and Ahwatukee resident Kim Horn, now the owner of this prestigious event, is handling the intricate preparations with remarkable poise. The event, scheduled for January 27th and 28th at the Phoenix Convention Center, promises to be a grand affair with over 200 wedding industry vendors. From cake bakers to bridal shops, and from DJs to caterers, the show offers an unparalleled opportunity for couples to meet and engage with service providers face-to-face.

Not just a vendor exhibition, the Arizona Wedding Show also showcases the latest in wedding fashion and trends, including bridal gowns and jewelry. Adding to the excitement, the event features numerous giveaways, including a luxury wedding package and other appealing prizes like massages and resort stays. A highlight of the show is the bridal gown fashion show, orchestrated by Horn's daughter, Alexa, with accompanying music by DJ Trego. This event aims to inspire attendees with fresh ideas and connections, offering a tactile and personal alternative to online planning.

The Arizona Wedding Show, requiring online registration and ticketing, operates from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, inviting couples to immerse themselves in a world of wedding planning resources and inspiration.

Wayback Burgers Debuts in Arizona with New Gilbert Town Square Location

The popular burger chain, Wayback Burgers, marked its expansion into Arizona with the opening of its newest location in Gilbert Town Square. Situated at 1110 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, the store commenced operations on January 12, adding to the company's already impressive portfolio of 156 locations. Originating as Jake's Hamburgers in Newark, Delaware, in 1991, Wayback Burgers has its headquarters in Cheshire, Connecticut, and has grown significantly over the years.

The Gilbert store stands out as the first foray of Wayback Burgers into the Arizona market. Renowned for its commitment to quality and taste, the chain offers a menu that includes handmade burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads, and a variety of regional selections, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The new Gilbert location is reachable at 480-892-1272 for more information or orders. Patrons can also explore more about Wayback Burgers and their offerings by visiting their website at https://waybackburgers.com.

Gilbert looking for Day of Service to Seniors volunteers

Gilbert is organizing a Day of Service to Seniors on January 20, where volunteers will assist senior residents with basic household tasks. The services include yard work, trash handling, cleaning, and minor maintenance. This initiative, in partnership with Weekly Collective, aims to help seniors facing financial or physical challenges. The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and volunteers can register on the town's day of service website.

HD South's STEM Saturday: Unleashing Creativity with CNC Wood Art for Kids

HD South

HD South is hosting a 'STEM Saturday' event for children 12 years and older, featuring a workshop led by local teacher Erik Gillman. The workshop focuses on creating wood art using computer numerical control (CNC), where participants will design on Chromebooks, convert designs into GCODE, and use a CNC router. The event is free but requires registration due to limited space, and participants need an email for an EASEL account. All supplies will be provided.

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