Author: KYMA

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a two-vehicle crash which left a man injured Friday morning.

According to a press release, the crash happened at around 10:35 a.m. in the area of Laguna Dam Road and County 5 1/2 Street.

YCSO says a 2007 Dodge Dakota was driving northbound on Laguna Dam Road while a 2001 Ford Ranger was driving east on a dirt road.

For unknown reasons, YCSO says the driver of the Ford attempted a wide turn in front of the Dodge, resulting in the Dodge to crash into the front passenger side of the Ford.

As a result, YCSO says the driver of the Ford, a 67-year-old man from Yuma, was trapped inside the vehicle, and says “life saving measures were performed by medical personnel on scene.”

YCSO says the man was taken to Onvida Health for serious injuries.

While alcohol did not factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) arrested a teen they say is connected to vehicle burglaries in Yuma.

YPD said early Friday morning, shortly before 4:30 a.m., officers responded to the area of W. 14th Street and S. 35th Drive.

Officers say a homeowner saw the suspect, a 13-year-old boy, partially inside his car, and says when the homeowner confronted the teen, the latter threatened the former with a handgun and then fled the area.

YPD says the teen entered or attempted to enter 25 vehicles in the neighborhood, and says investigators later served a search warrant at the teen’s home and found a firearm stolen during one of the burglaries and other crime-related evidence.

The teen, according to YPD, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center for numerous felony charges, which includes aggravated assault burglary, attempted burglary, assisting a criminal street gang and theft.

If anyone has information regarding the case, or if anyone believes their vehicle may have been broken into, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Aggravated Assault-Vehicle Burglaries 25-66569Download

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Joaquin Hight

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Brawley Post Office, located on 401 Street, had its name changed in honor of Walter Francis Ulloa.

The post office will now be known as “The Walter Francis Ulloa Memorial Post Office Building.” A commemorative plaque was built and installed in the lobby of the facility, which visitors can see at any time.

Congressman Raul Ruiz hosted the ceremony outside the post office to officially change the name.

Brawley Mayor Gil Rebollar shares more on Ulloa’s impact.

“A man born and raised in Brawley, who went on to found Spanish-language media platforms, that was transforming. He was essentially a pioneer for the media industry,” Mayor Rebollar spoke.

Ulloa co-founded and built his own company, Entravision, which diversified media by acquiring more Spanish-language media across the country.

For his work, he was appointed to the Kennedy Center Honors by President Barack Obama.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On October 24, the Yuma campus of Arizona Western College held the Fourth Annual Hispanics Serving Institutions (HSI) summit.

The conference invited Hispanic students and leaders from other universities throughout Arizona to collaborate and give advice for new Hispanic students.

Mara Lopez, Inaugural Director for the HSI Research Center, explains more about the summit.

“We’re bringing together people from all across the state of Arizona that are representing levels of administration, staff, faculty, even a lot of our students, coming from all over the state,” Lopez shared.

A small pre-conference event was also held on the Yuma Campus in the 3C Breezeway on Thursday, October 23, and allowed students and staff to network and collaborate before the summit.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – 19-year-old Juan Figueroa is back in court Friday morning for a case management conference.

Juan is charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder after allegedly accidentally running over his brother, 17-year-old Javier Figueroa, while trying to hit a 36-year-old man during a physical altercation.

According to official court documents in a Conditions of Release Hearing, earlier this month, the alleged 36-year-old victim says he does not consider himself a victim, and disagrees with Juan being prosecuted for offenses in which the 36-year-old is labeled as a victim.

During the same hearing, Juan had his bond reduced from $500,000 to $100,000, and has since posted bail.

Joseph Figeruoa, the father of the two brothers, is thankful that Judge Claudia Gonzales gave Juan the opportunity to attend his brother’s funeral and grieve with his family.

“[She] Gave me at least time for me to grieve with my son, and my dead son, and my other son, and he got to see him, and it was priceless,” Joseph says.

However, despite the recent developments, the state is still looking to prosecute Juan.

He is scheduled to be back in court for a Final Management Conference on November 21.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Community Food Bank is preparing to help more locals as the government shutdown continues.

Since the government shutdown started, the food bank has seen an increase in people needing assistance, along with plenty of calls.

The food bank says they might no longer receive federal funding if the shutdown continues, meaning they would struggle to buy extra food.

While they still have supplies to give out right now, those are dwindling.

“Our mission is to provide for our Yuma Community. If people have needs because of the shutdown, or for whatever reason, come see us, we’re going to try to help in whatever way we can,” said Andy Robinson the CEO and President of the Yuma Community Food Bank.

The food bank, along with millions of others, could lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP, if the shutdown is not over soon.

Robinson shares just how crucial the money for the federal government is to their operation.

“It’s hard to say the amount we get, but it’s significant that it’s going to affect us longterm if the shutdown doesn’t get handled soon,” Robinson says.

The Yuma Community Food Bank shares how you can help.

“We are emergency prepared so we have a backup, but as this continues our backup will dwindle, so anything that people can help us with, food donations, anything like that would be greatly appreciated,” says Robinson.

If you would like to receive help from the food bank, all you have to do is show up and bring an ID.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The girls brought in a check for $2,062 and gave it to Wendy McKay of Bridget’s Gift just before their home game.

Gila Ridge Booster Club President Joely Beck explains how important this donation is for the girls on the team.

“Skill and athleticism can go a long way. But to become a good human, you really have to have compassion and empathy. So they have really encouraged the girls to get involved with the community,” Beck shared.

The team was proud to make such a donation for a great cause.

Bridget’s Gift will be hosting their 13th Annual Western Dance and BBQ event this Saturday, October 25, at the Cocopah Casino, located on South Avenue B in Somerton.

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Joaquin Hight

Yuma, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Crossroads Mission in Yuma has revealed its needs list ahead of the holidays.

The crossroads mission aims to provide families with the resources they need for everyday use.

The list includes meats, seasonings, vegetables, and canned goods.

Public relations director Sassa Culver shares how busy the holidays are for the mission.

“We feed a little over 5 thousand people for the three days of Thanksgiving and the three days of Christmas.”

Culver also notes that people can contribute their time to the mission.

“If you’re looking to volunteer for the three days of Thanksgiving, come down. We always need help with delivering and just serving people here.”

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If you would like to help the Crossroads Mission, drop off your donations at the mission.. Located on 10th Street just east of First Avenue.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – It’s National Principal Month, and we recognize a local leader making a positive impact on education in the community.

Ed Pastor Principal Maritza Mares has been serving in the Gadsden Elementary School District for over two decades.

Under the leadership of her and her staff, Ed Pastor student literacy grew 18% in one year. She says one of her favorite parts of the job is seeing students and staff excited to come to school.

“I hope that what we’re building now…the culture that we’re working so hard on building is rooted on excellence and empowerment for our teachers, for our students, and our families so that that impact continues even after I leave,” said Principal Mares.

The state of Arizona also recognized Ed Pastor as a national distinguished school.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Wheezy’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in the Yuma foothills hosted the Bridget’s Gift Pink Party Takeover.

All profits from this event will go directly to Bridget’s Gift in support of breast cancer awareness.

Wheezy’s owner Elene MacAdam shares about the importance of people knowing about breast cancer.

“We also want to help bring awareness to breast cancer so people do their monthly checks. Because it doesn’t matter what age you are, breast cancer can come,” MacAdam expressed.

The event featured auctions and raffles.

Rural metro PIO Sarina Kissel shares why this feels personal to her.

“My grandmother was diagnosed this year with breast cancer, so, it hits a little bit different. I mean, I’m very passionate about anyone who has it. But when it’s in the family, it hits a little bit harder,” MacAdam shared.

Breast cancer patient and Wheezy’s co-owner Maria Steffanakos also shares her story.

“Breast cancer is near and dear to our hearts. I’m just now coming up on a three-year completion, and I’m back out into society, and what a better way than to sponsor and be apart of such a lovely foundation?” Steffanakos remarked.

From survivors to supporters, everyone involved with Bridget’s Gift this year is proud to be apart of such a good cause.

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