🌱 Mayor's Constitution Contest + Gym Locker Theft Suspect Arrested

Welcome back, neighbors! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including...

• Mayor David D. Ortega invites Scottsdale students to showcase their American pride.
• A series of events, including some help from a SPD K-9, end with a suspect in custody.
• Scottsdale resident arrested on charges of multiple gym locker thefts and credit card fraud.

But first, your local weather: It will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 109 and low of 88.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. To commemorate the Sept. 17, 1797, signing of the U.S. Constitution, Mayor David D. Ortega is hosting a "We The People Constitution Day Contest!" Students can showcase their American pride by creating a piece of art in any medium, composing an essay, producing a podcast, or writing, performing, and videotaping an original act or song. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 29 by 5 p.m., and you can find more information here. (City of Scottsdale)
2. Joshua Laurent was arrested on charges related to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer after a series of events this past weekend. First, on Friday, Laurent was found unconscious in his vehicle with the engine running near Ellsworth Road and University Drive. When a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputy went to check on him and reached into the vehicle to turn off the ignition, Laurent woke up, put the vehicle in reverse, and drove off while the deputy was briefly stuck in the vehicle. The deputy was treated at a hospital for minor injuries. Then, on Saturday, MCSO and the Scottsdale Police Department were looking for Laurent at the Motel 6 near 68th Street and Camelback Road, but he fled from officials on an electric scooter toward Scottsdale Fashion Square. He was then found trying to open a window at a nearby Scottsdale apartment complex, but an SPD K-9 bit him and he was treated at a hospital prior to being booked into jail on the charges. (Arizona's Family)
3. Natasha Streeter, a Scottsdale resident, has been arrested on charges related to multiple gym locker thefts. Streeter is accused of stealing more than $10K from multiple gyms in Scottsdale, including EOS Fitness at Frank Lloyd Wright and the Loop 101, two LA Fitness locations, and Planet Fitness. Reports indicate that she used bolt cutters to break into the lockers and steal valuables and credit cards, and she then used those credit cards to buy thousands of dollars' worth of prepaid gift cards at nearby grocery stores. Streeter is accused of committing similar crimes in other areas of the Valley and across the country. (NewsBreak)

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Tomorrow in Scottsdale:

Thursday, August 31

• Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. Guests can enjoy "a fun festival which will provide a variety of sewing, needle-art, and craft supply exhibits from many quality companies." (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Western Movie Matinees: "Rio Bravo" at Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. Purchase tickets online. (2:00 PM)
• Carolina's Chocolate + Wine Pairing at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 104. "During the event, you'll have the opportunity to savor four premium Arizona wines thoughtfully paired with four of Carolina's delectable chocolates." Contact 480-912-1746, and admission is $30. (5:30 PM)
• Passport de Agave at Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila, 7228 E. 1st Ave. "Embark on a remarkable adventure through the heart of Tequila, Mexico, with our signature agave-tasting event." Contact 480-970-9002 or [email protected], and admission is $20. (6:30 PM - 9:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Scottsdale? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• "We are hiring for the role of Police Records Supervisor! Learn more about the job functions, education, experience requirements and benefits package offered by the @scottsdaleazgov at https://buff.ly/44nTGGM." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Have you ever seen the Trolley in Old Town Scottsdale? Fun fact: It was started in 1980 by a baseball player named Scott Merrill. Revived in 1991, it's now a piece of our history!" (Old Town Scottsdale via Facebook)
• "Vote now for the Best 80s Video Game... Leave a comment with your pick and stay tuned for the champion to be announced later this week. And don’t miss your chance to play all the classic games with StarFighters Arcade at 80s Night this Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center." (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• "Traffic Engineering and @ScottsdalePD use technology to educate and enforce speeding and red light running to make our streets safer." Video at the link! (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Congratulations to the 2023 Sterling Award Finalists in the Micro Business Category: Anticus - Fine Art, Books, Jewelry, and Design, SpeedPro Scottsdale, and Suzi Glover - State Farm Insurance Agent. Join us Nov. 9 as we celebrate these businesses and announce the Honoree. Tickets and great sponsorships still available, learn more at: https://bit.ly/3qQcLn9" (Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• "Are you interested in one of the following openings: Airport Advisory Commission (two openings), Building Advisory Board of Appeals (one opening), Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (three openings), Human Relations Commission (two openings), Library Board (one opening), Loss Trust Fund Board (one opening), Neighborhood Advisory Commission (two openings), Paths and Trails Subcommittee (one opening), Planning Commission (three openings), Transportation Commission (one opening). Residents who want to institute positive change in the community are invited to apply by Aug. 31. ScottsdaleAZ.gov/boards/vacancies" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Estate Planning Seminar at Venue8600 (August 31)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]