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🚑 Survivor of Arizona hot air balloon crash 🔑 Unlock career potential with SCC's Fast Track Certificates 🎉 Chip Cookies ready for grand opening and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #077

Author

Lloyd Heath
February 01, 2024

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

😢 It's been 3 months since Preston Lord died. Why have there been no arrests?

😲 This dog got stuck in a car engine chasing a cat in Phoenix

🚑 Survivor of Arizona hot air balloon crash on 'long road of rehabilitation,' parents say

🗳️ Election drama prompts bill by Gilbert lawmaker

🔑 Unlock career potential with SCC's Fast Track Certificates in 2024

📚 Arizona schools chief promotes conservative, 'woke'-free classroom resources

🎉 Chip Cookies ready for grand opening in Gilbert

Upcoming and Ongoing

It's been 3 months since Preston Lord died. Why have there been no arrests?

The tragic death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, following a brutal beating outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek, continues to resonate in the southeast Valley. Three months after the incident, the community remains vocal in seeking justice, with the hashtag #Justice4PrestonLord gaining traction across social media, marches, and city council meetings.

The Queen Creek Police Department, facing its first homicide investigation, has yet to arrest any suspects. However, in late December, charges were referred for seven individuals, including both adults and juveniles, to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review. The process is expected to be lengthy due to the complexity of the case.

Lord's death has unveiled a pattern of teen violence in the area, with a gang known as the "Gilbert Goons," reportedly involved in multiple group attacks. Following a detailed report by The Arizona Republic, Gilbert police have ramped up their investigations, resulting in numerous arrests linked to teen violence, some of which are connected to Lord's case.

The extensive nature of the case is highlighted by the submission of a 2,000-page police report by the Queen Creek Police Department, along with over 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos, to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the complexity of the case, noting the necessity of thorough review and preparation for potential contradictions in court. She reassured the public that despite the time required for a comprehensive review, this should not be seen as a reprieve by the perpetrators, as the investigation is meticulously progressing.

This dog got stuck in a car engine chasing a cat in Phoenix

In a remarkable rescue earlier this month, emergency medical technicians from the Arizona Humane Society saved a 49-pound Weimaraner named Nova, who found herself trapped in a car engine while pursuing a cat. The incident occurred near 67th Avenue and Camelback Road in Phoenix.

Technicians discovered Nova wedged in the tight confines of an old Chevy Nova's engine. It took them about 15 minutes of careful maneuvering to ensure her limbs were not injured before they could safely extricate her. Tracey Miiller, the Humane Society's Director of Field Operations, described Nova as initially scared and slightly aggressive during the rescue. However, her demeanor transformed into one of joy and affection once she was freed, eagerly showing gratitude to her rescuers.

Interestingly, Nova was initially named Princess upon her arrival at the shelter, but Miiller later renamed her after the model of the car where she was found. The occurrence of a dog, especially one as large as Nova, getting trapped in such a small space is rare. Miiller noted that while rescuing cats from engines is common, this was the first time in decades that they had to extricate a dog.

After her rescue, Nova was taken to the Humane Society's trauma hospital. She was treated for minor ear wounds but was otherwise in good health. Following medical observation and a spay surgery, Nova was made available for adoption. Miiller commented on Nova's sweet and docile nature with other dogs at the shelter, humorously noting that they avoid introducing her to cats due to her known penchant for chasing them.

Survivor of Arizona hot air balloon crash on 'long road of rehabilitation,' parents say

In a heartfelt response to a tragic incident, the parents of Valerie Stutterheim, a 23-year-old Scottsdale resident, have established a GoFundMe campaign to support her recovery. Valerie was critically injured in a hot air balloon crash in Eloy on January 14, which claimed the lives of four other passengers.

Valerie suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones, necessitating several surgeries. The long-term effects of her injuries remain uncertain, with significant concerns about her mobility and speech. The GoFundMe page, created by her parents Martha and Tony Stutterheim, aims to raise $100,000 for her rehabilitation and ongoing care, highlighting the long and challenging journey ahead for Valerie.

The crash, involving a balloon operated by Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides, occurred due to an unspecified problem with the balloon's envelope. The pilot, Cornelius van der Walt, and three passengers, Chayton Wiescholek, Kaitlynn Bartrom, and Atahan Kiliccote, tragically lost their lives in the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report indicating that the balloon was already deflated with the burner on before it hit the ground.

This devastating event came as Valerie was still grappling with the loss of her brother Ian less than two years ago. Described as an extraordinary, kind-hearted, empathetic, witty, responsible, and creative individual, Valerie has been a source of strength and resilience for her family. She is also a skilled woodworker, teaching the craft at the Phoenix Forge in Phoenix, and recently became a pet parent to a kitten.

As of Wednesday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had raised almost $57,000 of its $100,000 goal, reflecting the community's support and solidarity in the face of this tragedy.

Election drama prompts bill by Gilbert lawmaker

Former Gilbert Councilman Laurin Hendrix, who once took legal action to claim his council seat earlier than scheduled, has now, as a state representative, introduced House Bill 2080. This bill proposes that winners of primary elections for mayor or council positions, replacing an appointee, should assume office immediately after the election results are certified.

Hendrix, speaking at the House Committee on Municipal Oversight and Elections on January 24, emphasized that this bill transcends party lines. It aims to ensure that elected officials, chosen by the voters, take office as soon as the election results are confirmed and any challenges resolved.

Reflecting on his experience in the 2020 primary, Hendrix, a Republican, highlighted the tendency of councils to appoint individuals who share their political leanings. He cited his own situation and another case where councils were reluctant to seat elected candidates earlier than required.

Hendrix's lawsuit in 2020 led to a judge ruling that he should assume office immediately after the general election, despite the town's preference for the appointed councilman to complete his term. This legal battle and the subsequent challenges in being sworn in, which even involved a state Supreme Court Judge, underscore the tensions in such situations.

The bill, which Hendrix is open to amending, has sparked opposition from the Arizona League of Cities and Towns. They raise concerns about the timing of seating elected members and the potential conflict with state laws regarding council terms. Despite this, discussions for possible amendments are underway.

The bill has passed the committee stage with an 8-1 vote and is expected to be discussed by the entire House in the coming weeks. Gilbert's Intergovernmental Relations Director, Rob Bohr, indicated that the town has not taken a position on the bill.

Unlock career potential with SCC's Fast Track Certificates in 2024

The increasing demand for rapid skill acquisition in today's fast-paced job market is leading more career-focused individuals to seek micro-credentials. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is at the forefront of this trend, offering Fast Track Certificates that prepare students for the workforce in six months or less.

In a world where career paths are constantly changing, the ability to quickly adapt and acquire new skills is essential for professional growth. SCC's Fast Track Certificates cater to this need by providing an accelerated, focused curriculum in key areas like business, IT, and healthcare. These programs are designed by industry experts and align with Scottsdale's five-year workforce development plan, ensuring relevance to the city's business landscape.

Lee Sera, a former sales professional who transitioned to finance through SCC's Security Industry Essentials course, praises the college for its dedicated teachers and effective programs. SCC's proximity to Scottsdale's business hub further enhances the practicality of its curriculum.

Apart from business, IT, and healthcare, SCC also offers certifications in behavioral science, human services, and the visual and performing arts. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed by Scottsdale's leading employers, reflecting the city's strategic workforce development initiatives.

Fast Track Certificates provide a unique opportunity for students to learn from experienced professionals and gain practical experience, enabling them to enter the job market quickly and confidently. For more information, interested individuals can visit SCC's website.

Arizona schools chief promotes conservative, 'woke'-free classroom resources

The Arizona Department of Education has recently announced a partnership with the Prager University Foundation, a conservative nonprofit known for its educational videos, to provide free supplemental resources for K-12 classrooms in the state. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne made this announcement, highlighting that while the PragerU classroom resources are already available for free online, this partnership represents a symbolic endorsement and aims to make these materials more accessible by posting them on the Education Department's website.

Horne emphasized that the use of these curricula at the district level remains at the discretion of the school districts themselves. PragerU Kids offers a range of children’s shows, books, magazines, and worksheets, which, according to its website, are devoid of "woke culture or agendas." Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, mentioned that the creation of school partnerships and curriculum was in response to the perceived politicization of education.

The PragerU website describes its content as a pro-American alternative to the prevailing left-wing ideology in culture, media, and education, with contributions from well-known conservative figures such as Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens. Several states, including Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana, have reportedly approved PragerU as an official public school vendor, although Texas education officials have disputed this claim. New Hampshire has also recognized PragerU's financial literacy module for school credit.

However, this partnership has faced criticism. Critics have accused PragerU of promoting contentious viewpoints on climate change, LGBTQ+ issues, and American history. Representative Raúl Grijalva, D-Ariz., joined these critics, condemning the partnership and labeling PragerU's materials as unaccredited right-wing propaganda aimed at indoctrinating children with disinformation and a whitewashed version of history.

Chip Cookies ready for grand opening in Gilbert

Gilbert, Arizona, is set to welcome a delightful addition to its culinary scene. Chip Cookies, a gourmet cookie delivery service, is opening its doors on February 3 at 1805 E. Williams Field Road, Suite A102. This unique establishment offers a tempting proposition for cookie lovers: the delivery of boxes filled with four large, handpicked gourmet cookies, accompanied by ice cold milk, directly to customers' homes.

Renowned for its mouthwatering selection, Chip Cookies has already made a name for itself in seven states. The Gilbert location marks the brand's first venture into Arizona, expanding its footprint and bringing its delicious offerings to a new audience. Not only does Chip Cookies cater to local cravings, but it also serves cookie enthusiasts nationwide with its shipping and delivery services. Those interested can explore more about their gourmet cookies and services at their website, www.chipcookies.co/pages/gourmet-cookies-in-gilbert-az.

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