Body Found in Gilbert Canal Sparks Joint Police Investigation

In Gilbert, the discovery of a man's body in a canal early Saturday morning has prompted a joint investigation by local law enforcement. The body was spotted floating in the water near Lindsay and Baseline roads around 7 a.m., leading to a swift response from the Gilbert Police Department and fire personnel who retrieved the deceased man from the canal.

Initial findings at the scene, including clothes and a bicycle found on the north side of Baseline Road, suggest that the individual may have entered the water from the Mesa side of the canal.

This detail has led authorities to treat the death as suspicious. The Mesa Police Department has taken the lead on the investigation, with assistance from the Gilbert Police Department, as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

As of Saturday afternoon, the man's identity had not been disclosed as next of kin notifications were still pending. This incident has stirred concerns within the community, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

From Stylist to Designer: Katie Anderson Debuts Sustainable Fashion Line in Gilbert

In Gilbert, Arizona, Katie Anderson is infusing her burgeoning fashion line, GÄRB, with a blend of personal style and sustainable practices. A stylist turned designer, Anderson has channeled her lifelong passion for fashion into creating a brand that reflects not only a unique moto-rocker aesthetic but also a commitment to ethical production and environmental stewardship.

Anderson’s journey into fashion began in childhood, modifying her own clothes and dreaming of one day launching her brand. This dream took a concrete shape after her relocation to the Valley, where she started a styling company focused on helping women rebuild their wardrobes and boost their self-esteem. Her experiences with clients, coupled with a trip to New York Fashion Week, propelled her to transition from styling to designing in October 2023.

GÄRB stands out with its edgy designs, including leather vests and denim trench coats adorned with exposed zippers, all embodying a fierce moto-rocker vibe. Beyond its bold looks, GÄRB promotes themes of self-liberation and authenticity, encouraging women to embrace self-love and individuality through its garments and social media messaging.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Anderson’s brand philosophy. GÄRB is committed to ethical manufacturing practices, sourcing materials responsibly, and ensuring that production partners align with the brand’s values. A portion of the sales supports Transform and Illuminate, an initiative aimed at conserving the Amazon Rainforest.

Anderson's hands-on approach extends to every aspect of garment production, from design sketches to selecting fabrics and crafting prototypes alongside her local seamstress. Her involvement in every step underscores her dedication to quality and sustainability.

Recently, Anderson's efforts were spotlighted at Phoenix Fashion Week's Emerging Designer Bootcamp, where she emerged as the Outstanding Digital Designer. This recognition followed her successful presentation of GÄRB's business plan and brand philosophy to a panel of judges, emphasizing her vision for a fashion line that transcends aesthetic appeal to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

Looking forward, Anderson plans to expand GÄRB's availability both in local Valley retailers and online, aiming to make her designs accessible to a broader audience by the end of March.

More Info: https://www.garbstylez.com/

Swim Season Scholarships Available to Gilbert Youth, Application Details Inside

Gilbert's youth and those participating in adaptive recreation are invited to apply for the 2024 SRP Aquatics Scholarship, aimed at facilitating access to various aquatic programs. This scholarship opportunity, available to residents aged 17 and under, provides a substantial reduction in the cost of enrolling in aquatic activities offered by Gilbert Parks and Recreation.

Starting May 25, the Greenfield, Mesquite, Perry, and Williams Field pools will open for the season, hosting a range of programs that cater to all ages and abilities. Offerings include swimming lessons, aquatic exercise classes, and diving, among others. Interested parties can view a complete list of available programs and register online at gilbertrecreation.com.

Those selected for the scholarship will receive a 90% discount on program registration fees for the duration of the aquatic season. Scholarship recipients are required to cover the remaining 10% of the registration cost.

Application Process:

Applicants are urged to complete the 2024 SRP Aquatics Scholarship application available online at https://glbrt.is/AquaticsScholarship. Additionally, they must provide documentation demonstrating eligibility such as a current Eligibility Notification Letter from either Gilbert Public Schools or Higley Unified Schools Food Service Department for participants in the Free Lunch Program, or verification of government assistance such as unemployment, nutrition assistance, or WIC benefits.

All personal information submitted will be treated with confidentiality. Applications, along with the required documentation, can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

Gilbert Parks and Recreation
Aquatics Scholarship Application
90 E Civic Center Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296

The approval process is swift, with eligibility confirmations sent via email within five business days. Upon acceptance, payment of the discounted fee is required at the time of registration.

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