Month: June 2025

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma community had some fun in the sun with a purpose as the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance hosted the 2025 Water Safety Day this weekend.

The event, which started at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at the Valley Aquatic Center, featured free water safety and rescue lessons like learning to throw rescue bags, free CPR classes and lifejacket fittings.

For the entire day, the center was free for children and their families.

Captain Aaron Wonders with the Yuma Fire Department reminds the public of the importance of water safety, especially as summer gets underway.

“Always supervise your children when around a body of water. If they do not know how to swim, either keep them away from the water, make sure they’re in a life vest,” Captain Wonders explained. “We have a lot of waterways, the canals, we have the Colorado River that runs through the City of Yuma, and a lot of pools. So it’s very important that all the safety measures are in place to prevent any accidents.”

In case you missed the event, and would like to learn about these water safety lessons, click here.

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Samuel Kirk

Construction underway at Avenue B and 32nd Street locations

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Shoppers in Yuma will soon be able to fill up their tanks at Walmart. Construction has officially started on two brand-new fuel stations at the Avenue B and 32nd Street Walmart locations.

Contractors say both stations should be completed within about 20 weeks. Once they open, the pumps will be available to customers who join the Walmart Rewards program.

For many regular shoppers, the construction is hard to miss. Yuma local Alexis Escobedo said she usually shops at Walmart and thinks the gas stations “look interesting.”

She added, “I might consider it actually. If it’s this close by and the price is good, I might consider signing up for whatever rewards program Walmart has.”

However, not everyone is sold on the change. Paul Phillips, another Yuma resident, pointed out that the construction is taking up a lot of space.

“I think people should realize that they are using more space probably than what the station will take up,” he said.

Others believe that gas prices and brand loyalty will ultimately be more important than convenience alone.

Larry Smith, also from Yuma, said, “Walmart has their faithful, Circle K has their faithful, and probably gas prices won’t be that different anyway.”

Phillips added that while he doesn’t normally buy gas at Walmart, he’s open to seeing how it turns out.

“I don’t personally buy my gas at Walmart, but I don’t know. I guess only time will tell,” he said.

For now, traffic in the parking lots may be a little slower as construction continues. But Walmart hopes the fuel stations will add more value for its customers once they’re finished.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local business is hosting a card show at the Yuma Civic Center.

Trading card games, such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, have been gaining popularity in recent years, inviting collectors and casual buyers to get into the hobby.

The Yuma Card Show will be held on July 26 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Yuma Civic Center.

The event is free to the public.

Vendors can sign up here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – State and local agencies hosted an event to keep workplaces free of accidents.

Local businesses learned about fall prevention, heat illnesses and how to communicate when facing a hazard.

“It’s one of those things that we come to work safe and we want to go home safe… This would definitely make a difference, it will give you the knowledge and understanding of how conduct yourself safely at your work area and at home,” said Carlos Marquez, Yuma County safety and security coordinator.

The event was put on by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health, Yuma County and the City of Yuma.

All classes and training workshops were free.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A quiet walk along the trail at Yuma’s West Wetlands Park turned into a rare wildlife moment when a bobcat was spotted roaming just off the path.

While the sighting may seem unusual for a park that sees constant foot traffic from families and retirees, wildlife experts say it’s nothing to be alarmed about.

Bobcats are native to the region and tend to keep to themselves, typically staying hidden in brush or desert washes and mostly active at night. But as more green space and water sources become available near urban areas, their presence becomes slightly more visible.

“You’re going to get higher or lower densities depending on the habitat,” said David Kuhn with Arizona Game & Fish. “West Wetlands has a lot more cover, more food sources, and a water supply right there, so it’s a place where bobcats might pass through.”

Yuma local Raymond Redd says he was surprised to hear one had been spotted in such a populated area.

“They’re very elusive. Bobcats are cool, but there’s a lot of kids and different groups that come out here. A lot of elderly groups from retirement homes use the trails,” Redd shared.

Despite the concern, experts stress that bobcats rarely pose a threat to people. They’re shy by nature and tend to avoid confrontation, especially when left alone.

“They won’t usually bother you,” said longtime Yuma resident Tim Segrest. “They’re looking for mice and whatever else is over there. You leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.”

However, small pets could be at some risk, especially in quieter, brushy areas. Kuhn advises pet owners to keep animals on leashes and avoid leaving food or water dishes outdoors.

“Next to humans, I wouldn’t worry about them coming up and trying to snatch something. Unlike mountain lions or coyotes, they don’t get that bold,” he added.

The Arizona Game & Fish Department encourages anyone who spots a bobcat to admire it from a distance, avoid feeding wildlife, and never attempt to interact.

The bobcat seen this week has not caused any issues, and so far, there’s no indication it’s lingering in the area.

But for those walking the trail, it was a powerful reminder that even in the heart of Yuma, wild nature isn’t far away.

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Samuel Kirk

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Six people have been arrested in connection to the murder of Jacob Sims, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.

The following people have been formally charged:

Gabriel Mills Jr.

Daniel Gavino Martinez

Gabriel Mills Sr.

Sadie Hiatt

Carla Gilmore

Lavonne HIll

Charges include murder, torture, robbery, aggravated kidnapping and conspiracy to commit crime.

Gilmore and Hill were charged with knowledge of crime.

23-year-old Jacob Sims was initially missing from Yuma but his remains were found in a bonfire on November 15, 2024 in Winterhaven.

A candlelight vigil was held for Sims at the end of 2024 as his family calls for justice.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation continues to remain active.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Investigator Victor Torres at (442) 265-2052.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office officially unveiled a new logo, as well as a new mission statement.

The new logo focuses on the iconic Lady Justice in front of Imperial County’s diverse geography.

Local artist Mercy Aldrete helped in the development of the logo, contributing to its artistic depth and regional significance.

“This new identity reflects not only the principles our office stands for—justice, fairness, and integrity—but also the unique beauty, culture, and history of the people we serve,” said District Attorney George Marquez.

The Attorney’s Office’s new statement is written below.

“The District Attorney pursues justice and the safety of our community by safeguarding the rights of all people through the transparent enforcement of laws with integrity and fairness.”

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