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Finishing touches are being put on a brand-new Gila River Casino under the San Tan Mountains in Chandler. By the end of June, the noise of construction will be replaced by the sounds of more than 800 slot machines across more than 33,000 square feet of gaming floor. ”Personally I believe Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, San Tan Valley, need that entertainment, need this destination,” said Blake Katsnelson, general manager.

CHANDLER, AZ — Finishing touches are being put on a brand-new Gila River Casino under the San Tan Mountains in Chandler.

By the end of June, the noise of construction will be replaced by the sounds of more than 800 slot machines across more than 33,000 square feet of gaming floor.

”Personally I believe Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, San Tan Valley, need that entertainment, need this destination,” said Blake Katsnelson, the general manager.

During an inside look at the fourth Gila River casino in Arizona, Katsnelson touted one of its main attractions, the restaurant on the northwest side of the property named Honey and Vine.

The hope for Honey and Vine is that the flavor of locally sourced food will be a priority for guests.

”It’s not an afterthought,” said Katsnelson, hoping guests will come for the food and consider gaming after the fact.

Among the thoughtful details throughout the 160-acre property near East Hunt Highway and Gilbert Road are chandeliers at each entrance that were designed by a local artist.

The overhead racetrack design looks like wood, but it’s hand-painted.

In the high-limit gambling space, a listening microphone adjusts the music volume according to the ambient noise in the room, which sits in a space that’s shared with a one-of-one roulette table for the U.S., originally from Europe.

”A white roulette table, historically they’re black or dark brown,” said Katsnelson.

The outdoor garden space has a great view of the San Tan Mountains and is available for weddings and events. Plus, the indoor ballroom can fit 800-900 hundred people in it.

The 7,000-square-foot sports book is the largest for a casino in the state which includes a spot for a DJ when games aren’t happening.

Most casinos are known to not have any windows at all, but this casino has large, floor-to-ceiling sage glass across multiple entrances.

The $180-million development that broke ground in 2021 is slated to open on June 30. Right now there are no hotels in the area.

Until the opening, Gila River is looking to fill about 700 jobs, especially cooks at all levels.

“This property is not anything you will see in the state of Arizona. This property is breaking the boundaries for what traditional gaming is,” said Katsnelson.

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CHANDLER, Ariz. – The City of Chandler is preparing to rehabilitate or repair sewer pipe and six manholes near the intersection of Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard, and in Dobson Road to just north of Galveston Street. The City is also preparing to install new waterline and service connections on Chandler Boulevard from Dobson Road to Chippewa Place on the north side of Chandler Boulevard and from Dobson Road to Meadows Drive on the south side of Chandler Boulevard.

Construction is currently scheduled to begin mid-May 2023 with an anticipated completion date of August 2024.

This area was studied by the City’s Wastewater Sewer Assessment Program that evaluates, prioritizes and makes needed repairs to sewer pipes and manholes. The assessment program identified the need for improvements near Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard, which has infrastructure ranging from 35 to 50 years in age. In addition, water mains prioritized for replacement in the 2018 Water Master Plan will also be replaced from west of Dobson on Chandler Boulevard east to Chippewa Place.

During construction, roads are expected to remain open for travel with lane or turn restrictions where needed. Traffic control is expected to remain in place 24/7 to protect the work zone.

Where possible, the rehabilitation will include the installation of a lining within the existing sewer pipe. This process will reduce construction impacts to nearby businesses and eliminate the need for excavation. In some segments, the replacement and relocation of sewer pipe and manholes, along with the abandonment of the old structures, will require trenching and installing the pipeline. Bypass pumps and piping will be operated and monitored 24/7 during the sewer rehabilitation and replacement.

Water main replacement will take place by trenching and installing pipeline. Should disruptions to business or residential water service be needed, those impacted will be notified in advance.

Access to residences and businesses will be maintained during construction. There may be a need for driveway restrictions to businesses; however, the contractor will ensure there are alternate driveways open for access during any restrictions.

For more details about this project, visit the Sewer & Water Improvements: Dobson Rd. and Chandler Blvd. Project or call the project hotline at 480-898-4060.

Media contact: Toni Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager 480-782-2701

Daiso, a Japanese value store that sells a variety of lifestyle products and snacks, is making its highly anticipated debut in Arizona this March.

The 8,236-square-foot shop opens on March 4 at the Chandler Ranch shopping plaza, which is located at the northeast corner of Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road. It's the 90th Daiso in the U.S., and another 25-30 locations are anticipated to open across the country this year, according to a press release. There are more than 5,500 Daiso stores across the world.

Here's what you should know about what it's like to shop at Daiso, including the types of products that are on sale and how much they cost.

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What does Daiso sell?

At Daiso, you'll find both Western and Asian snacks, décor, kitchenware, beauty supplies, stationery, gift wrap, greeting cards, electronics accessories, organizing and home goods.

There is also official branded merchandise with characters from Disney, Sanrio, BT21 and Rilakkuma.

Here's how products are categorized in the store:

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Is everything a dollar at Daiso?

Though Daiso was originally founded in Japan as a 100-yen store — the equivalent of a dollar store — its prices have since increased. Products have a range of prices, so make sure to look closely when you pick products off the shelves.

The relatively low price point is due to "high volume purchases — in the millions for a single product," according to Daiso's press release.

"With the continuing increase in the cost of living, Daiso's mission is to help consumers maintain a high standard of living without spending more," the company said.

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How much do Daiso products cost?

At the Chandler Daiso, prices start at $1.75; items that are unmarked are $1.75. Otherwise, products range from $2.25-$15.25. Since prices are in Japanese yen, there are price conversion charts in each aisle to indicate how much customers can expect to pay in U.S. dollars.

No returns or exchanges are allowed. There is self-checkout and traditional manned registers.

Daiso's hours at Chandler Ranch

According to a store manager, Daiso's hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily as of opening day.

Daiso at Chandler Ranch

Details: 1860 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 602-894-6949, https://daisous.com.

Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.

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CHANDLER, Ariz. — Edwards, the leading supplier of vacuum and abatement services for the global semiconductor industry, is ready to serve Arizona’s fastest growing sector with the grand opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chandler, Arizona. The newly constructed 200,000 square foot facility, coined Chandler Connection, officially opened its doors on Thursday, April 20.

Edwards Chandler Connection features manufacturing facilities, factory areas, meeting rooms and a dedicated training center. The new facility brings approximately 500 new jobs to the area and room to grow with demand.

As part of the global Atlas Copco Group, Edwards is committed to working in collaboration with customers, partners and the local community, and was delighted to welcome students, educators, business organizations and local community leaders to the official opening of its Chandler facility. Guests toured the facility and heard about the partnerships Edwards is creating to help build a thriving semiconductor community in Arizona.

“I congratulate Edwards for its success and am confident that their innovative work will advance Arizona’s position as a leader in the semiconductor industry worldwide," said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. "Edwards is a critical component of our state’s booming technology ecosystem and I look forward to witnessing the growth of this facility and the positive impact it will have on the Arizona economy."

"We are delighted to open our service and manufacturing facility here in Chandler to support the new semiconductor fab investments being made by our customers," said Geert Follens, President of Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique. "Built to the highest environmental standards, this new facility will contribute to the safe, productive and sustainable manufacturing of semiconductors in North America, as well as provide exciting career opportunities for the local community."

“The City of Chandler is thrilled to see this impressive manufacturing facility begin operations in our burgeoning Airpark Area employment corridor," said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. "Chandler has been a national leader within the semiconductor industry for decades and we are excited to welcome another significant investment from a prominent company like Edwards.”

About Edwards Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. These are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells; are used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications, steel and other metallurgy, pharmaceutical and chemical; and for both scientific instruments and a wide range of R&D applications. Edwards has over 7,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment and has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America. Edwards is part of the Atlas Copco Group, based in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2022, Atlas Copco Group had revenues of BSEK 141 and at year end about 49 000 employees. Further information about can be found at Edwards Vacuum.

About the City of Chandler: Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth largest City with a population of more than 285,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with Chandler on social media.

Media contacts: Meccah Muhammad J2 Media 515-708-8076

Stephanie Romero City of Chandler 480-782-2231

The city reprimanded Chandler Fire Captain Ronnie Wetch for “inappropriately using City of Chandler resources to participate in a high school assassin game.”

CHANDLER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The city reprimanded Chandler Fire Captain Ronnie Wetch for “inappropriately using City of Chandler resources to participate in a high school assassin game.” The letter sent to Wetch says it serves as an initial step in the disciplinary process.

The letter claims on Jan. 27, 2023, Wetch was on duty as the Captain of Ladder 288. Wetch used the truck to partially block the “drive” at an apartment complex where two other participants of the game were living. As those two drove around the truck, Wetch stopped them and had them roll down their window. That’s when Wetch’s daughter used the truck’s pressurized water can to spray them. The city claims that it put the two people at risk of physical harm and damage to personal property.

The city sent us a statement saying, “Our community expects excellent service from first responders. Captain Wetch has a long, dedicated career of 25 years with the Chandler Fire Department, but this incident represents a rare lapse in sound judgement.”

Chandler Fire Letter of Reprimand

Contributed by Arizona's Family (Arizona's Family)

vate 02212023 72 To: Captain RonnieweetOX From: Battalion ChiefBlas word | Subject: Letter of Reprimand This Letter of Reprimand serves as written discipline as a result of you inappropriatelyusing City ofChandler resourcesand your rank as a Chandler Fire Department Captain to participate in a high school assassin game. This Letter of Reprimand will serve as an initial step in thedisciplinary process and is a result of violations ofpolicy and procedures. On 1/27/2023, while on duty and as the Captain of L288, you made the decision to use L288 to partiallyblock the drive at an apartment complex where two other participants of the assassin game were residing. As these two participants drove around L288, you stoppedthemand had them rolldowntheirwindow, atwhich time yourdaughter used the L288 pressurizedwatercan to spraythem. Your actions put these two individuals at possible risk of physical harm and damage to personal property. Your decisions and actions resulted in the following City ruleviolations: «PersonnelRuleS-Section5:(12):The employee has engaged in unauthorized activities which are notjob related on City time, or on City property, or has used Citypropertyforpersonalgain. + AdministrativeRegulationCM-12, IV.A: TheuseofCityequipmentor resources by City employees or any individual, company, firm or business isprohibited except as specifically providedfor in this regulation. B: Citygoods, materials, or services shallunder no circumstances be usedforpersonalbenefit «AdministrativeRegulationCM-36, 1V.D.1: City employees are prohibited from using Cityvehiclesforpersonal use. Required Corrective Action In the future, itis expected that you will not use yourpositionwithin the Chandler Fire Departmentto inappropriately engage with and/or direct membersofthe community. Additionally,that your use ofCity ofChandler equipment and/or

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