Author: KYMA

Miriam Ordonez

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A family of five is without a home after an early morning fire in Yuma.

It happened at around 3:00 a.m. Sunday in the area of South Engler Avenue and East 15th Street.

Courtesy: Rural Metro Fire

Fire crews arrived to find a double-wide trailer fully engulfed with flames threatening nearby homes.

According to Rural Metro, the fire was quickly contained and no injuries were reported.

Courtesy: Rural Metro Fire

The Red Cross is helping the displaced family and their three dogs.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. To learn more about the story, click here.

The family has also made a gofundme page: https://gofund.me/76662f39

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Miriam Ordonez

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is recognizing the work of its field crews with Zanjero Appreciation Week, which is set for May 19 through May 25.

Zanjeros, or ditch riders, work around the clock to ensure Colorado River water is delivered to farms, businesses and communities across the Imperial Valley, according to IID.

Courtesy: Imperial Irrigation District

The district says these 129 employees are essential to keeping 2.6 million acre-feet of water flowing each year.

The appreciation week falls during the peak of water season and highlights the role these workers play in the face of drought challenges.

To learn more about this, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The San Luis Toastmasters Club of Arizona Western College (AWC) is hosting a Charter Ceremony this week.

AWC says the ceremony is taking place at their San Luis Learning Center, located at 1340 N. Eighth Avenue, on Thursday, May 15 at 12:05 p.m.

This is to announce its official charter with Toastmasters International and to mark “beginning of an exciting journey to empower local voices and build strong communicators and leaders in the community,” AWC says.

“We are excited to bring Toastmasters to San Luis,” said Maria Guzman, president of the San Luis Learners Toastmasters Club. “Our club offers a welcoming space for anyone looking to gain confidence, find their voice, and grow as a leader.”

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release below.

Students gain speaking skills through Toastmasters ClubDownload

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The welding and fabrication team at Arizona Western College’s (AWC) welding program are heading to nationals for the Skills USA competition.

AWC is the only college from Arizona heading to the event. 

The welding professor, Bobby Alvarado, says the competition produces welders for the future of America.

He describes what kind of chances this will give his students.

“Potential job opportunities, internships, this allows them to you know turn in their resumes to potential companies that are seeking welders for the future or once they graduate,” Alvarado said.

Alvarado shares how significant it is to make to nationals.

“Very special, because it’s a very rigorous competition, let a lone at the regional and state competition, so if you make it to nationals, you’re competing with the best within the nation,” he says.

The welding team is now working on fundraising and hoping to raise around $15,000 dollars ahead of their trip in June for travel expenses.

If you would like to donate to the groups GoFundMe, click the link HERE.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Woodard Junior High School in Yuma is celebrating a major academic milestone, retaining its status as an AVID National Demonstration School, a recognition given to only about 2% of AVID campuses nationwide.

Students and staff marched around the school Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the honor, with the Yuma Police Department on hand to assist with traffic and safety during the event.

AVID, short for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a national academic support program aimed at helping students reach college eligibility and success.

Woodard’s recognition highlights its commitment to creating a college-going culture and delivering consistent, high-quality instruction.

“That shows our community it’s not just, you know, pat yourself on the back,” said AVID teacher Chris Franey. “It is tons of outside agencies that recognize what’s going on. It validates those kids…when they know they come from Woodard, they are coming from greatness because they are greatness.”

The school has spent the past year working toward the goal and plans to continue building on that success.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local barber is taking steps to make haircuts less stressful for children with autism and sensory sensitivities.

Royalty Barber Studio, located at 1799 South First Avenue in Yuma, held a grand opening ceremony Saturday evening to unveil a newly designed sensory-friendly studio. The space is tailored to children who may be overwhelmed by the typical sights and sounds of a barbershop.

Owner Jose Landeros said the idea came from personal experience.

“I was inspired by my nephew and the challenges he faced during haircuts,” Landeros said. “I started thinking about what I could do to make the experience easier for parents and kids like him.”

Landeros said the sensory studio had been in development for several years, and he’s proud to finally bring the concept to life.

“Especially giving them an area where it’s judge-free – it’s what we’ve been wanting to do for a few years now,” he said. “We’re happy that we finally got the opportunity to do it.”

Landeros hopes the new space not only supports families in the community but also sets a new standard for inclusivity across Yuma’s barbershops.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Middle school students across Yuma got a taste of adulthood this week during the final BizKidz simulation of the school year, hosted by United Way of Yuma County.

The program, held Thursday, gave students a hands-on opportunity to role-play as adults, from managing monthly budgets to paying bills, and making real-world financial decisions.

“It’s just getting them ready and giving them some vision of what the real world is like,” said Karina Jones, CEO of United Way of Yuma County. “We want all of the kids at United Way to be as successful as they can be.”

BizKidz is part of a larger effort to prepare young people for life beyond the classroom by promoting financial literacy and career readiness.

Organizers say they plan to continue running the simulation in future school years.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A night of wine, music, and giving back brought the community together Thursday at City Hall.

Hosted by Yuma & Imperial Valley Wealth Management (YIVWM), the “Come Wine With Us” fundraiser benefited two local causes: The Hansen House and the Yuma County Burn Survivors Foundation.

Guests donated $50 each to attend the event, which featured wine tastings and a relaxed atmosphere with a charitable mission at the heart of it all.

“We typically have a lot of events and invite more nonprofits as much as we can,” said John Durazo with YIVWM. “It’s great to give back in this kind of way. We have a ton of people come and just have a really good time.”

Organizers say the goal is to raise both funds and awareness for burn survivors in Yuma County while supporting the ongoing work of The Hansen House, which offers recovery services for those in need.

The evening was a reminder that doing good can also bring people together for a night they won’t forget.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Helios Education Foundation awards $500,000 to Arizonans, including seven locals from Yuma County.

The seven Yuma recipients are:

Anjuly Gomez Calderon

Leeza Jones

Sheccid Ortiz

Damara Rodriguez

Yaquelin Garcia

Daniela Limon

Vladimir Gurrola

Each person received up to $20,000 for their education.

“Our journey over the past two decades would not have been possible without the numerous partners we’ve collaborated with over the years,” said Vince Roig, the founding board chair of Helios Education Foundation. “Our commitment to ensuring postsecondary success for all students remains just as strong as it was when we began — and will continue for generations to come.”

Helios has invested millions to recipients across Arizona.

You can read more about Helios Education Foundation here.

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A woman from Imperial County was found to have received thousands of dollars in fraud, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.

Multiple felony charges were made against Natalia Nicole Castro, who is alleged to have received over $16,000 in CalWORKS and CalFresh benefits.

The charges include:

Making multiple applications for aid with fake identities

Using someone else’s identifying information

Forging state-issued documents

“This case highlights the importance of integrity in our public assistance programs,” said District Attorney George Marquez. “Our Public Assistance Fraud Unit is committed to holding accountable those who exploit safety net systems meant to support vulnerable members of our community.”

The investigation was made by the District Attorney’s Public Assistance Fraud Unit.

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