Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
Good morning, Mesa.
Mesa is hosting a processional for firefighter Mark Keller, who died early Tuesday on duty during a May 6 shift—he served with the East Valley agency since 1990.
City officials said no cause was disclosed and Mayor Mark Freeman extended condolences, noting that Keller’s legacy will continue to inspire the community.
The Desert Financial Foundation awarded $198,000 in scholarships to 62 Arizona students, including five Mesa students who each received $3,000 through adult learner or community service awards.
The Mesa recipients include two high school seniors headed to ASU and three adult learners advancing their studies (celebrated on May 7 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix).
Retired Army Capt. Clayton Burkhardt, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor and underwent three brain surgeries including one while awake, graduated from ASU on Thursday with a degree in electrical engineering—he will return next year for a master’s degree to help improve brain cancer imaging.
The City of Mesa will hold a public hearing on its Five-Year Capital Program covering fiscal years 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 on June 2, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. in the Mesa City Council Chambers—residents may review the program online.
Grand Canyon University cut its top-ranked men's volleyball program in late April to reallocate resources from the sport, leaving local athletes and recruits without an in-state Division I option.
Local sports figures expressed concerns that similar cuts may affect other small programs — discussions are ongoing about a possible new team at Arizona State University.
Big Patio Party: Live Music with KAILIN Kentigian Duo
2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy a spacious brewery atmosphere while listening to live music from the KAILIN Kentigian Duo.
Sunday Evening Recital Featuring Britney Freeman
6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lovely evening of vocal performance by Britney Freeman.
AGG 2025 Conference
7 AM – 1 PM — Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa — Early Bird rates available — Engage in a week of education, excellence, and community in sunny Mesa, Arizona.
Public Serpents: Live Music by TOB
7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Free entry — Enjoy a dynamic blend of punk, grunge, reggae, ska, rock, and hip-hop from Phoenix's own Thomas O'Brien.
Mesa Arts Chamber Concerts: Chamber Strings
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of curated chamber music performed by small ensembles.
Deafheaven Concert
6-11 p.m. — Nile Theater — $100/ea — Catch Deafheaven live in Mesa for an unforgettable night of music.
Big Patio Party with Live Music by Jacobe
2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy spacious outdoor vibes with live tunes and craft brews in Downtown Mesa.
Perfect Pooch Alumni Social Event
7:45-9:00 a.m. — Red Mountain Park — Free entry — Enjoy a group walk with fellow dog lovers to reinforce training skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Engineering for Kids Summer STEM Camp
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Slick City Action Park — Price varies — Explore the fun of design and physics in creative 3D printing and theme park management activities.
Mesa Business Networking Event
10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Summit at Sunland Springs Assisted Living — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and amplify your business growth in a supportive community.
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