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  • 📈 Gilbert Residents Brace for Potential Steep Hike 👮 Gilbert police make arrest in man's death 🏊 Kids In The Water and more...

📈 Gilbert Residents Brace for Potential Steep Hike 👮 Gilbert police make arrest in man's death 🏊 Kids In The Water and more...

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #026

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 29, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

 📈 Gilbert Residents Brace for Potential Steep Hike in Utility Rates

🛣️ Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

 👮 Gilbert police make arrest in man's death

 👮 Gilbert police make arrests in weekend homicides

🏊 Kids In The Water

☕ Gilbert getting its first Ziggi's Coffee

🐈 Gilbert woman’s tireless efforts saving stray, abandoned cats

 🚓 Gilbert police engage public at 'Coffee with a Cop' events

🏌️‍♀️ Indiana State Sycamores, Coach Towne announce 2024 Signing Class

 🏈 Mike Zdebski steps down as Hamilton High School football coach

November 30th

December 2nd

December 8 - 19

Gilbert Residents Brace for Potential Steep Hike in Utility Rates

The Gilbert Town Council is poised to vote on major utility rate increases at its November 28 meeting, due to shrinking water supplies, rising costs, and the need to maintain minimum fund balances. They will decide between a 130% immediate cash option increase and a gradual cash/bond option spread over three years. The rate hike is necessary to address market forces, EPA requirements, and infrastructure maintenance. Solid waste and recycling fees will also increase, influenced by higher vehicle costs and growing trash volumes. The council plans a comprehensive communication campaign post-notice and is exploring relief options for affected residents. A public hearing on increased system development fees is also on the agenda.

Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

The Heritage Trail near Elliot in Gilbert, Arizona, is slated for partial closure due to railroad construction by Union Pacific Railroad. This construction involves replacing an existing timber deck bridge with a new steel structure. The first phase of this project is scheduled for early December, specifically starting on December 2 at 9:00 PM and ending on December 3 at 3:00 PM. During this time, the trail and levee road just south of Elliot and Lindsay Roads will be closed. The construction activities will occur mainly during evening and early morning hours to reduce the impact on railroad operations. Residents in the vicinity can expect to experience noise disturbances from the construction equipment and additional lighting for the crews. The Town of Gilbert will release more details about the second phase of the Union Pacific Railroad construction as soon as they become available​

Gilbert police make arrest in man's death

In a recent development in Gilbert, Arizona, police have apprehended 51-year-old Ivanka Koleva for her involvement in the demise of her husband, 49-year-old Stefan Kolev. The incident unfolded at their home located near Guadalupe and Recker roads. Stefan was discovered deceased on November 22 following a request for a residential walk through, which police conducted with consent. The arrest was the culmination of a thorough investigation by Gilbert police detectives, who were prompted by the suspicious nature of Stefan’s death. Ivanka Koleva is currently facing a charge of second-degree murder and is in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gilbert police make arrests in weekend homicides

In a span of just over an hour on the early morning of June 18, two fatal incidents occurred in Gilbert, leading to the arrest of two individuals. The first incident, a stabbing, resulted in the death of 22-year-old Isaiah Panez. Dennis Fernando Pacheco, aged 36, was arrested on June 20 for his alleged involvement in Panez's death. The altercation took place in a parking lot at the intersection of North Ash Street and West Vaughn Avenue, where Panez suffered multiple stab wounds and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Pacheco faces a charge of second-degree murder.

The second incident, a fatal shooting, occurred at a small house party in the 100 block of West Moore Avenue. Eighteen-year-old Jacob Carlson was shot in the chest and upper torso following an altercation and later died in the hospital. A juvenile suspect was apprehended on the evening of June 19 in connection with this case. Due to the suspect's age, their identity remains undisclosed. The juvenile faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, misconduct involving weapons, and first-degree burglary.

Kids In The Water

Gilbert’s Mikaela Rice is the founder and creator of Kids in the Water, a new online course with step-by-step video tutorials designed to show parents how to teach their children to swim confidently and safely. “I created Kids in the Water because I want parents to be more actively involved in teaching their children how to swim–not as a replacement for swim lessons and swim schools–but as an additional and powerful resource to support their children in learning how to swim.” Read Full Story

Gilbert getting its first Ziggi's Coffee

Ziggi's Coffee is expanding its presence in Arizona with the opening of its first Gilbert location at 860 E. Williams Field Road, set to launch on December 5. This marks the sixth Arizona location for the chain and the first entrepreneurial venture in the area for local residents Thaddeus and Alyssa Langenwalter. The drive-thru only coffee shop will also feature a walk-up window and a patio area for customers. The grand opening event on December 16 will offer guests a free 16-ounce drink of their choice. The menu includes a variety of handcrafted beverages and food options, along with a kid-friendly selection.

Gilbert woman’s tireless efforts saving stray, abandoned cats

Cathy Talbot's dedication to helping cats has led to the success of Purrfect Endings Feline Rescue, a non-profit in Gilbert. Driven by a deep love for cats, especially those abandoned or neglected, Cathy devotes her time and resources to their care. Her daughter, Laura Johnson, highlights Cathy's tireless efforts in organizing weekly adoption events and caring for sick cats. The non-profit, focused on re-homing and providing care for cats until they are ready for adoption, currently has over 40 cats looking for homes. This inspiring story of community service and animal welfare is a beacon of positivity, with the organization continually seeking volunteers and foster homes.

Gilbert police engage public at 'Coffee with a Cop' events

The Gilbert Police Department is taking innovative steps to strengthen community engagement beyond traditional law enforcement interactions. They are collaborating with local businesses and organizations to host friendly, informal events like Coffee With a Cop, Chill With a Cop, and Gelato With a Cop. Partners include Black Rifle Coffee Company, Power Ranch Homeowners Association, 212 Ice Cream, and Tifa Chocolate and Gelato.

Officer Levi Leyba emphasized that these events foster open communication and break down barriers between the police and the community. They provide a distraction-free environment for meaningful interactions. These initiatives are not only beneficial for community relations but also boost local businesses. For instance, Black Rifle Coffee Company experienced increased foot traffic during their event.

Originating from the West Coast, Coffee with a Cop has gained national momentum due to its positive impact. A recent joint event by the Gilbert and Mesa Police Departments at Black Rifle Coffee Company was a first of its kind and well-received, especially by families and children who enjoyed interacting with officers and seeing their vehicles.

Effective marketing, particularly through social media, plays a crucial role in the success of these events. They are promoted on the police department’s Instagram and Facebook pages, inviting broad participation. The Power Ranch Homeowners Association, for example, has been hosting Coffee with a Cop for five years, welcoming not just local residents but the entire Gilbert community.

The police department's community engagement unit, led by public information officers Leyba and Brenda Carrasco, facilitates these collaborations. A recent event at Alta Climbing, Climb With a Cop, was particularly successful, offering kids a chance to climb with local law enforcement officers.

These events, open to the public and advertised on social media, are an integral part of the police department's strategy to build stronger, more positive relationships with the community they serve.

Indiana State Sycamores, Coach Towne announce 2024 Signing Class

Gabby Cone joins the Sycamores by way of Perry High School in Gilbert, Ariz. A second generation Sycamore, Cone has highlighted her prep career by winning the 2022 PING Invitational, as well as finishing in the top-10 in the 2023 Arizona D1 State High School tournament. She was a three-time All-Districts selection and two-time All-Premier Region 1 team. In her spare time, Cone enjoys cross training, interior design, and paddle boarding.
 
Towne on Gabby Cone, "It says a lot about our school when you get a second-generation student but particularly an athlete. Gabby's family visited for the first time in years and were pleased with the beauty of the campus and the look of downtown.  Gabby has tremendous athleticism and drive.  I like the fact that she is coachable and eager to be the best golfer and student she can be."
 

Mike Zdebski steps down as Hamilton High School football coach

Mike Zdebski has resigned as head coach of Chandler Hamilton's football team after a transformative six-year stint. His tenure saw the team rebuild and gain respect regionally and statewide, including consistent appearances in the Open Division state playoffs. Zdebski, a Hall of Fame coach from Michigan, joined Hamilton during a turbulent period following a hazing scandal. Despite initial challenges, he successfully restored the team's pride and performance. Chandler Unified School District, acknowledging Zdebski's significant contributions, has commenced a national search for his replacement, with the football community and school administration expressing their gratitude and well wishes for his future.

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