Month: May 2025

Jailene Aguilera

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Watermelons are officially in season!

If you’re looking for something to take to your next barbecue, here is the perfect most refreshing watermelon salad to wow your guests.

Ingredients:

4 cups of watermelon ,cubed

1 cup of queso fresco crumbled

1-2 fresh jalapenos, sliced (adjust based on your spice preference)

3tablespoons of olive oil

Juice of 2 limes

Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (about 1/4 cup)

Celtic salt, to taste

Optional: fresh ground black pepper, to taste.

Instructions

(Infuse the Olive oil) in a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the sliced Jalapenos and let them infuse for about 10-15 minutes, making sure the oil dosen’t smoke. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain out the jalapenos if you prefer a milder oil.

(Prepare the Watermelon) In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon. Chill it in the refigerator for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.

(Make the dressing) In a small bowl, whisk together the jalapeno-infused olive oil and lime juice. Season with a pinch of Celtic salt and black pepper if desired.

(Assemble the salad) Pour the jalapeno dressing over the watermelon and gently toss to coat the cubes evenly.

(Add the cheese and mint) sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco and chopped mint leaves over the top of the salad. Lightly toss again to mix.

(Serve) Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Finish with and extra sprinkle of Celtic salt and a few mint leaves for garnish. Serve immediately for the best flavor. Enjoy!

Tune in ever Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on 13 on your side for more food recipes from Chef Jonathan.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The flags were flying at half-staff at the Yuma Border Sector Headquarters, where emotions ran high during the ceremony remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The memorial service brought together law enforcement, elected officials, and families as they all gathered to honor fallen heroes.

Assistant Chief Michael Wisniewski with the Yuma Sector Border Patrol says, “It is immensely important to recognized the sacrifice they gave to our country, to the state, to the community, and to the Border Patrol in helping protect our nation.”

Among those remembered, Border Patrol Agent Luis “Louie” Dominguez, who died in 2021.

His wife Brenda Dominguez says he always dreamed of serving, “He lived his dream to be a Border Patrol agent. Ever since he was young, he would always express to me that he wanted to be an agent and he made that possible. Unfortunately, he passed away but it was doing what he loved.” Assistant Chief Wisniewski says Border Patrol agents recognize the dangers of the job. By honoring those who protect our country, we make sure they are never forgotten.

“With the threats we face on a daily basis we need to make sure we honor and recognize those who put on the uniform and protects our borders and protects this country,” said Wisniewski

For the families who lost loved ones, the memorial is a reminder of the courage it takes to serve.

“Every agent here, every officer that died in the line of duty died keeping us safe, keeping us at peace when it comes to protecting our nation,” said Dominguez.

While the watch of the 13 fallen agents has ended, those who gathered said their memory will never fade.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma Art Center offers creative summer camp for kids.

As summer break begins, Yuma Art Center is launching its art smart camp to help kids stay creative and engaged.

Starting June 3, the camp runs for three weeks and is open to kids ages 6 to 15. Activities include painting, sculpture, messy art, and a special “museum in a box” project where kids build their own mini museum and learn about art history.

“We want to provide an art-focused camp where all they do is just art,” said Cassandra Contreras, the Arts Program Supervisor. “It’s a great chance for kids who don’t have art in school to experience it.”

In addition to the camp, the center is offering youth painting, drawing, and sculpture classes.

For more information on how you can sign up, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Graduation season is underway, and high school seniors across Yuma County are being celebrated for their hard work.

At Yuma Catholic High School, students gathered for a special senior awards ceremony where they were presented with scholarships to help launch their futures.

“They worked hard, and this graduation opens doors for better jobs and more education,” said Rita Rivera, a YCR scholarship presenter.

In total, more than $21 million in scholarships have been awarded so far.

Senior award ceremonies continue this week with Cibola High School on Thursday, followed by Yuma and Antelope next week.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In a press conference Thursday morning, Border Patrol sent a firm warning to migrants trying to enter the U.S. Illegally.

The message from Border Patrol is clear: Illegal entry doesn’t just lead to deportation. It could mean jail time and daily fines. Officials say the legal way is the only secure way to enter the U.S.

U.S. Custom and Border Protections (CBP) held a press conference Thursday laying out the new reality for migrants who try to cross into the U.S. Illegally. 

Agents say it’ll allow them to shift their focus back to enforcement at the border itself.

“We’ve been able to get our agents back on the field away from processing so now there is a lot less entry so we can expedite when people do come in illegally,” says Special Operations Supervisor Agent Fidel Cabrera

According to CBP, in fiscal year 2024, in Yuma, there were over 39,000 illegal encounters. In fiscal year 2025 there were just under 7,000 encounters. Showing an 82% decrease. 

Some locals say they’re glad to see a tougher stance from federal agents.

Local resident Marinell Baird says, “I am all for it! I think it’s way overdue.”

“I don’t have a problem with anyone coming into this country as long as its legally,” says Barbra Coppe, another local resident.

Agent Cabera says criminal networks exploit migrants for profit and warns they offer false promises.

“Don’t use cartels…They’re just there to exploit and take your money. There’s other ways to do things. There’s a correct way to so it,” said Cabera. 

Baird says these changes help her feel safer, “Absolutely, I live five miles from the border, yes! Way safer!”

Border Patrol agents say this strategy is already increasing control along the southern border. They say anyone considering crossing the border illegally the risks far out weight the chances.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- As temperatures begin to rise, so does insect activity.

As spring heats up, you may notice more creepy crawlers in and around your home. Experts say that’s no coincidence and there are a few things you can do now to stay ahead of the bug boom.

Its a seasonal pattern pest control experts know too well.

James Rodriguez, owner of Empire Pest says, “We just had a burst of heat within the last month and we’ve already seen a massive up flow in incoming calls regarding pest control.”

Spring and early summer marks the start of increased bug activity. Insects become more mobile looking for food, water, and shelter.

Rodriguez says the most venerable parts of your home are the yard and garage seals: “At the base of the seals, you can always see light, and at night time, when the lights are on, that’s like a huge sign to an insect that says ‘Come eat at my house!'”

Daniela Hammond says she’s already noticed an influx in pests adding, “I’ve seen a lot of ants and mostly geckos and a lot of flies recently.”

Experts recommend removing lingering debris around your home like cardboard boxes, plants, or wood piles.

“Those create natural harborage areas for any insect whether it be an insect or a snake. They just get in there and hang out,” says Rodriguez.

Rodriguez adds keeping as much clutter off the floor can save you a trip to the hospital: “Don’t leave piles of laundry on the floor because scorpions love that. Scorpions will get into the laundry. Next thing you know, you’re picking it up and you’re going to the hospital.”

Whether it’s a can of spray or calling the pros, now is the time to act before pest settle in.

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