Month: July 2025

Adrik Vargas

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Somerton welcomed people across the county for its annual Fourth of July celebration, one of Yuma County’s biggest summer events.

The free, family-friendly festival included live music by local bands, giant outdoor games, waterslides, a photo area, and what organizers say was the largest water balloon fight in Yuma County.

The evening closed with a drone light show, lighting up the sky in celebration of Independence Day.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – It was a powerful and emotional morning at Yuma Armed Forced Park Friday, from the respectful retirement of a worn American flag to honoring local military heroes.

The Caballeros De Yuma hosted their 39th Annual Flag-Raising Ceremony at Yuma Armed Forces Park, but before it was raised, it was first retired, marking the end of service for a weathered American flag. Colonel John Nelson says its a meaningful, strict tradition. 

“It’s a very precious thing, our flag, so we have to take care of it when we retire it. The special procedure: Can’t let it touch the ground, never separate the union from itself, and always separate the strips before you burn it and dispose of it properly,” says Col. Nelson.

For those who’ve worn the uniform, the moment brought back powerful emotions. 

Bob Engelhardt, a U.S. Navy Veteran says, “Those of us that have been through that…it brings emotions, a lot of tears and emotions. To respect and retire our flag properly.”

The ceremony also honored enlisted personnel from Yumas military installations, recognizing their service to the nation.  

“Every service, they’re out there supporting us, making sure we have combined celebrations, and they’re recognizing the service of our soldiers, civilians, and Marines,” says Nelson.

With patriotic songs and a rising flag one veteran says its a reminder of what the fourth of July is really about. 

Roy Davis, a U.S. Army Veteran says, “We’re celebrating our nation and our freedom here. And without the military, we wouldn’t have those freedoms, so it’s definitely an honor to be here and be apart of this ceremony.”

From honoring those in uniform to retiring the flag with dignity, the ceremony offered more than celebration. It offered gratitude.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows parents to opt their children out of public school lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs.

While some parents welcome the decision, others worry it could limit what students are exposed to in the classroom, especially when it comes to topics like gender, identity, and health.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne supports the ruling. But youth advocacy organizations, including Phoenix-based group One∙n∙Ten, say the change could leave some students without important information.

“I would love for Superintendent Horne to speak to members of our community and seek to better understand what is so important about inclusive education and how it changes a young person’s ability to make smart decisions for themselves,” said Nate Rhoton, CEO of One∙n∙Ten.

Some parents, like Ian Cammon, believe the decision supports parental rights in education.

“I think parents have the choice to parent their kids, and it’s not up to the schools, and I think all course content in schools should be related to all ethnic and religious backgrounds,” Cammon said.

Advocates say rural communities like Yuma could feel a greater impact if inclusive lessons are scaled back.

“I think it’s incredibly harmful to all students, at the end of the day, we’re taking away the decision from the young person,” said Rhoton.

“When students really learn about diverse people and families, it normalizes differences and reduces stigma and bullying that results from it,” he added.

The ruling does not change what schools can teach, but it does raise new questions about how schools across Arizona will respond to future opt-out requests.

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Abraham Retana

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Several Imperial Valley girls are getting ready to compete in a nationwide pageant.

The 2025-2026 California Cinderella teen and woman are ready to represent Imperial County in the national Cinderella Pageant in Dallas.

The local “Cinderellas” hope they can help motivate the new generation.

“I hope to continue to inspire these little young girls and continue to push for doing things for your dreams and that anything is possible,” said Chloe Mulvihill, California Cinderella teen.

“And it’s a big honor to represent not just my family but everyone else’s families in dallas texas because it’s once in a lifetime opportunity,” expressed Samantha Castañeda, California Cinderella woman.

There will be cash prizes and scholarships for the winners in each category.

The pageant runs from July 19 through the 26.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local non-profit is accepting water and food donations to keep providing services through the summer.

The Crossroads Mission shelter and its thrift store are official cooling centers in Yuma.

But with the extreme weather, they need the community’s support to have enough supplies to keep feeding people in need.

“We are running low. We have about 220 that eat lunch here, have about 140 or 150 that eat dinner here,” said Myra Garlit, Crossroads Mission Executive Director.

You can make your donation to Crossroads Mission located on 10th Street and Walnut Avenue in Yuma.

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Adrik Vargas

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Thousands gathered at Joe Orduño Park in San Luis for the city’s annual Fourth of July Freedom Celebration, one of its largest community events of the year.

Families enjoyed a festive evening packed with food, music, and entertainment. More than 50 vendors offered everything from tacos to tortas, while kids cooled off at the park’s activity zone.

“Tonight, we have one of the best fireworks shows in Yuma County and a great lineup for the community,” said Francia Alonso with the City of San Luis.

That lineup included a performance from Ronda Machetera and a headlining concert by the Kumbia Kingz, lighting up the stage just before the fireworks finale.

Organizers say the night was a celebration of not just Independence Day, but the local community itself.

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