The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched its Light the World Giving Machines in Gilbert, raising over $50 million globally since 2017. This year, 126 cities will host the machines, offering donations to seven local and international charities. Last year, Gilbert alone contributed 135,000 items, with United Food Bank being the most popular charity.
Parents expressed anger and sorrow over Gilbert Public School's plan to close Pioneer Elementary due to declining enrollment, which currently stands at 268 students. Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord cited factors such as a declining birth rate and high housing costs as reasons for the drop in student numbers, while the closure could save the district $2.5 million in operational costs.
The Gilbert Town Council approved two controversial developments, Aura San Tan and Willowbrook, after public debate. Aura San Tan will feature 357 apartments and office space on 14 acres, while Willowbrook will consist of 91 single-family homes on 26 acres. Both projects faced opposition but ultimately received council approval.
Gilbert residents expressed concerns over rising water bills during two listening sessions with council members and town officials. The town hired Kimley-Horn and Associates to audit the new water metering system, which many believe inaccurately records usage. Complaints include billing spikes and lack of access to historical data.
Gilbert Public Schools' Future Farmers of America (FFA) students earned accolades at the 98th Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, including a Silver ranking in the Meat Evaluation event. The Gilbert High School Chapter received a Three-Star National Chapter Award, while seven students were honored with the American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest individual recognition.
Gilbert, Arizona, features attractions like Cosmo Dog Park and Freestone Park, offering diverse outdoor activities. Cactus Yards presents youth baseball games in scaled-down replicas of iconic ballparks, while the Hale Centre Theatre showcases a range of performances. Stargazers can enjoy views through a telescope at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory.
More than 35 residents of Gilbert confronted town officials over high water bills and questionable meters during an Oct. 14 council meeting. The town announced a water meter audit and a moratorium on disconnections in response to the complaints.
Retired Major Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck reflects on her unconventional path to military service, sparked by a desire for teamwork after her athletic career ended. After serving over two decades in various roles, including as adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard, she returned to her previous position as a criminal justice studies instructor at Mesa Community College. Muehlenbeck emphasizes the adaptability and diverse experiences the military offered her.
Richard Kreiberg, a retired Command Sergeant Major, dedicated 35 years to the Army and now advocates for senior veterans through his nonprofit, Veterans Affinity. This Veterans Day, he will serve as one of the grand marshals at the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, highlighting his commitment to supporting pre-9/11 veterans, particularly those from the Vietnam War era.
Home prices and sales in metro Phoenix increased in September, defying a seasonal slowdown. Despite a rise in homes falling out of escrow, preliminary sales data for October suggests continued strength in the housing market.
Chandler Unified School District's Governing Board voted 3-2 to use a Google survey for input on the superintendent search, avoiding a costly option from the hired firm. The decision aims to ensure broader language accessibility, as parents have requested translations into 64 languages. Public engagement will continue until early November, with the new superintendent expected to be announced by January.
Dorean Taylor led Mesa Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury in a recall election, capturing 52.78% of the votes as of Tuesday evening. The recall stemmed from Spilsbury's controversial votes, including the approval of an emergency homeless shelter.
The Gilbert Town Council postponed contracts for the Freestone Park pickleball complex and Desert Sky Park to reassess project priorities. Councilman Jim Torgeson expressed concerns over funding allocations amidst rising infrastructure costs, highlighting the need for more discussion before committing over $5 million to these projects. Councilwoman Yung Koprowski opposed the delay, citing prior discussions and staff direction.
Gilbert residents are protesting rising water bills, prompting the town to schedule listening sessions and conduct a third-party audit. The town attributes the increases to carryover balances and higher summertime usage, while residents demand an investigation into potential faulty meter readings. Mayor Scott Anderson announced updates during a recent council meeting, indicating a vendor selection for the audit is imminent.
Gilbert residents have demanded a state investigation into unexpected water bill increases, prompting town officials to respond with an audit and customer service enhancements. The town plans to hold listening sessions starting in November to address community concerns.
A Gilbert nonprofit, Natural Restorations, plans to replant saguaros in the Tonto National Forest on Nov. 8 after the 2020 Bush Fire devastated the area. Volunteers will relocate 148 young cacti to restore the desert landscape, as saguaros do not regenerate naturally after fires. The event emphasizes community involvement and environmental stewardship.
Sixteen-year-old Preston Lord faced a brutal attack by a gang known as the "Gilbert Goons" two years ago during a Halloween party in Queen Creek. The incident left him severely injured and raised concerns about gang violence among local teenagers. The ongoing murder case has drawn significant attention from the community.
Gilbert Town Manager Patrick Banger announced his departure to become city manager in Glendale, effective January 12. He cited the desire for new challenges as a motivating factor, leaving behind a town facing rising utility bills and budget deficits. Banger emphasized the importance of addressing Gilbert's capital projects and water resiliency as the town nears complete build-out.
Three new dining establishments are set to open in the metro Phoenix area, including Angry Crab Shack, a seafood boil restaurant expanding in the southeast Valley. Paris Baguette, a French-inspired Korean bakery, will establish a location in downtown Scottsdale, while a southern fried chicken restaurant will debut in Arizona.
Gilbert police arrested Robert Byrd, 40, for threatening Town Council members via social media. Officers acted swiftly after receiving a report about the message on October 15, apprehending Byrd the next day. The incident raises concerns about public safety and the implications of online threats.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested after stealing his mother's SUV and driving it at speeds exceeding 100 mph through Gilbert and Mesa early on October 20. The Mesa Police Department's air unit tracked the black Chevrolet Tahoe before police apprehended the teen.
Gilbert residents criticized the town council for a 75% increase in water bills, with some facing costs in the thousands. Officials announced a third-party audit of water meters but confirmed the rate hike would remain.
Glendale appointed Patrick Banger, the longtime Gilbert town manager, as its new city manager with a salary of $400,000 per year. The Glendale City Council unanimously approved the employment agreement during its meeting on October 14, and Banger is set to begin on January 12.
Gilbert resident Amy Bejarano discovered her water bill reflected over 50,000 gallons of usage monthly, far exceeding the average of 20,000 gallons. A subsequent inspection revealed that an automated water meter had malfunctioned since its installation nearly a year ago.
