Gilbert Daily Local Headlines: Missing man found, firefighter hiring closes, Town Council meets tonight
Gilbert, AZ – March 3, 2026 – Hiring closed for firefighters, a missing hiker was located, and Town Council meets tonight after a busy weekend.
Top local headlines
- Authorities say a missing 72-year-old Gilbert man has been found after a SAFE Alert.
- The latest firefighter hiring window closed Monday as the town looks ahead to its next recruit class.
- Town Council meets tonight, with a study session and a student recognition ceremony on the same agenda.
Public safety update
Authorities reported that 72-year-old Larry Hochstetler, who had been listed in a SAFE Alert, was located after going missing for more than a day. He was later spotted on a hiking trail in Superior and was flown to a hospital to be checked out.
Workforce: firefighter recruiting closes
Gilbert’s current firefighter recruitment cycle wrapped up Monday afternoon. Town officials said the hiring process feeds upcoming training at the local public safety training facility and helps staff future academy classes as the community grows.
City Hall: what’s on the calendar
Gilbert’s Town Council schedule is packed this week, with a study session followed by a regular meeting tonight at the council chambers. A Student Citizen of the Month ceremony is also listed just ahead of the evening’s main meeting.
Looking one day ahead, the town calendar also lists a public hearing tied to the Community Development Block Grant annual action plan for Wednesday evening at the Southeast Regional Library.
Weekend wrap
If you were out and about Sunday, the town calendar included a Spring Fling market event in the morning hours. Even when events are short, they can create real traffic and parking pinch points near major gathering spots, so it’s worth checking the calendar before heading out.
