Author: KYMA

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Over the weekend, community spirit was on full display as Fort Yuma Rotary partnered with JCPenney for their annual initiative, “Shop with a Child: Dressing Our Future for Tomorrow.”

Together, they outfitted 56 local children with $200 each in school clothes, shoes, essentials and even fresh haircuts.

Allo Fiber not only sponsored the haircuts, but their team shopped side-by-side with the kids during the event.

Thanks to additional sponsors, the organization said they were able to support 30 more children, kids who otherwise may not have received this helping hand.

In addition, the Yuma Police Department made a surprise appearance during the event, bringing smiles, stickers, and a sense of joy and safety to everyone involved.

Organizers say it was a day filled with gratitude, love and hope. A powerful reminder to these children that their community believes in them.

Click here to follow the original article.

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The RBI Arizona Diamondbacks, with five Yuma County athletes, continued its terrific performance in Seattle on Saturday.

The team made up of some of Arizona’s best high school baseball players pulled out a 12-2 win in the morning to advance to the west regional semifinal game.

Kofa High School shortstop Julio Reina led the way going 3-for-3 with a single, double and triple.

In the semifinal game, the D-Backs did not show any signs of regression. Behind a complete game shutout and massive offensive production, led by San Luis’ own Carlos Gonzalez – who registered an RBI-single and a walk – the Diamondbacks smoked the RBI Colorado Rockies 12-0.

RBI Diamondbacks coach and Gila Ridge High School head coach James Kuzniak took a look at the bigger picture of the tournament.

“It’s a really cool, eye opening experience for them of seeing what baseball is like on the next level, while getting to compete and make friends,” he said.

And the experience isn’t over yet. The team will play the RBI Seattle Mariners, who they beat earlier in the tournament, in the championship game tomorrow at 11 a.m.

You can tune in on the live stream on gamechanger.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Collectors and card game fans came together to attend the Yuma Card and Collectibles Show Saturday.

The event took place at the Yuma Civic Center at noon and was free and open to the public. Dozens of vendors were on-hand featuring everything from Pokémon and Magic to vintage sports cards.

Organizers say the show is family-friendly, with activities for kids, including free spin-wheel prizes like trading cards, packs, and plush toys.

“Just the whole time, it’s been fun communicating with everybody, meeting new people. It’s been fun,” said Brandon Flores, a vendor.

The event was hosted by KCS Nerd Shack and also features giveaways and vendor raffles throughout the afternoon.

The event lasted until 5:00 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Paul Vozzella

MARTINEZ LAKE, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local lake resort is using its platform to raise money for a family mourning the loss of a loved one.

Fisher’s Landing hosted the 29th annual Horseshoe Tournament and rang a great cause to the event.

Over 60 teams competed on the Lake Ferguson sandbar in an effort to benefit Amberly’s Place, along with raising money for the family of recent drowning victim, Jeff Brady.

Scott Anderson, the bar manager at Fisher’s Landing, shared insight on Brady and the tournament.

“I didn’t know the man, unfortunately, and I hear nothing but great about him. The competition is pretty stiff. There’s some teams here from Yuma, teams from San Diego, and they go head-to-head. It’s been a pits battle for many, many decades,” Anderson expressed.

Proceeds from T-shirt sales and 50/50 raffle went to the Brady family, and Fisher’s Landing intends to extend the tournament to its 30th year next year.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Rural Metro Fire, along with the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), battled an RV fire Saturday afternoon.

According to Rural Metro, they received a call at around 12:15 p.m. about an RV fire at the OG RV Park off of Eighth Street.

When fire crews arrived, Rural Metro said they found a fully-involved RV on fire, which then extended into a park model, prompting crews to perform a quick knockdown of the fire.

Rural Metro said YFD responded shortly after and took over.

While there were no injuries reported, the RV and park model was deemed a total loss, according to Rural Metro.

They also said YFD remained on scene to check for hot spots.

Click here to follow the original article.

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A major push to grow innovation and entrepreneurship is underway in Yuma, where Elevate Southwest is launching a new startup and research ecosystem aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape over the next 15 years.

Appearing on Sunrise, Elevate Southwest leaders Jerry Cabrera and Aaron Ruiz shared the details of the project, which they say goes far beyond a traditional startup incubator.

The plan includes the creation of a 60,000-square-foot research facility, built in partnership with the City of Yuma, and an expansive 65-acre innovation park to support the entire lifecycle of STEM-based ideas, from concept to commercialization.

“It’s a whole ecosystem to actually increase the diversity of the economy,” said Cabrera. “We’re looking at about 1,500 jobs within the next 15 years. This is a call to action…not just to innovators, but to venture capitalists who can help make these ideas a reality.”

The initiative is deeply rooted in community partnerships, including collaborations with Arizona Western College and all three of Arizona’s public universities.

According to Cabrera, the foundation is being laid for Yuma’s students to gain hands-on opportunities in fields like aerospace, clean energy, ag-tech, and biotech…without needing to leave the region.

Ruiz emphasized the importance of both funding and mentorship in helping local innovators bring their ideas to life.

“Anyone can have a great idea, but without the resources to build a prototype, conduct R&D, or bring it to market, it’s hard to succeed,” he said. “That’s why we’re actively looking for regional venture capitalists and mentors to join the ecosystem and support the next generation of innovators.”

How to get involved

Local residents with a STEM-related idea, whether a product or service, are encouraged to apply online at ElevateSouthwest.org. Interested participants can fill out a quick startup questionnaire or reach out via email or phone.

For direct inquiries, the office can be reached at 928-247-9948.

A vision for the future

With long-term goals including $2 billion in economic impact, Elevate Southwest is betting big on the idea that Yuma can be a national leader in STEM innovation while also keeping talent local.

“We want to make sure our students stay here and don’t have to leave for opportunities,” said Cabrera. “We’re building something that benefits not just Yuma, but the entire region and beyond.”

As the program takes root, leaders say the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with support from local governments, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders all aligned behind the vision.

“This is about creating lasting change — and it starts right here in Yuma,” he said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A homegrown passion project is now hitting the airwaves. Yuma resident Jonny Porter has officially launched his new radio show “What’s Up Yuma,” a daily radio show spotlighting the people, businesses, and stories that make Yuma unique.

What began as a social media series highlighting local businesses and hidden gems on Instagram and Facebook has grown into a full-fledged radio show airing Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on KOFA 94.7 FM.

“It kind of blew up online,” said Porter. “Then a friend of mine encouraged me to pitch it to the folks at KAWC and KOFA Border Radio. I thought they wouldn’t go for it, but I gave it a shot — and they loved it.”

Now, “What’s Up Yuma””is bringing local voices and stories to a broader audience. From interviews with rising athletes, like UFC Hall of Famer Kelvin Gastelum and a local boxer fresh off his first pro win, to features on small business owners and community changemakers, the show aims to uplift and inform.

“I want to highlight people who made it — and those who are on their way,” Porter said. “Whether it’s someone raising money for charity or just making a difference in their own way, they deserve the spotlight.”

The show also tackles practical, community-focused topics. Porter teased an upcoming segment on rattlesnake safety, a must-know for outdoor enthusiasts in the area.

“That’s what this show is all about…things that matter to Yuma,” he said. “I was born and raised here. I want to make it here and make it happen here.”

If you or someone you know has a story worth sharing, Porter encourages reaching out through Instagram or Facebook at @whatsupyuma. He’s always looking for guests, and you might even catch a giveaway or contest while you’re there.

“Send me a DM,” Porter said. “You never know…you might end up on the air.”

Catch “What’s Up Yuma” Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on Border Radio 94.7 FM KOFA.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local radio station was recognized nationally for telling stories about life on the border.

KAWC received a journalism award from the Public Media Journalists Association for episodes from their program Arizona Edition.

Their stories highlighted news around Somerton and San Luis, Arizona, with interviews from KAWC News Director Lou Gum and Reporter Victor Calderón.

“To be recognized for the work we do by a national organization like PMJA for these very local stories is really gratifying,” Gum said. “I know the values and hard work behind the effort public media journalists put in from across the nation and I am really proud to count KAWC reporters among them. The stories we get recognized for tend to be really deep dives into community and border life.”

The episode that earned them an award was when Calderón visited Somerton and spoke with the Regional Center for Border Health about its impact with migrants. You can listen to that episode here.

Another story that earned them the second-place award was Calderón interviewing an ag-pilot, as well as a pastor from San Luis, Arizona.

Click here to follow the original article.

Marcos Icahuate

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A home was destroyed after catching fire in Wellton, according to the Wellton Fire Department (WFD).

At about 10:12 a.m. on Friday, the Wellton Fire Department responded to a fire on County 11th Street.

WFD says a single-family home was fire and spread to nearby trailers.

No injuries have been reported and affected homes were empty at the time of the fire.

One home had severe damage and nearby homes had heat damage, according to WFD.

Firefighters say the fire may have started in a bedroom but the cause is under investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The “Character Does Matter” Program provide volunteers that help teach youth life skills to become successful individuals at schools around Yuma like Cibola High School. 

“The program talks about positive psychology, character strengths, you know different life skills really to help youth be all around more resilient, capable, and successful individuals,” says Dale Dumo, Travis Manion Foundation Veteran Youth Mentor.

The Travis Manion Foundation’s (TMF) mission is to empower Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. 

According to the TMF website, more than one in three young people report they have never had a positive role model or mentor. 

The CDM program helps to fix that problem. 

Dumo says, “We want to be a positive source, not only for the youth, but set the example for everyone.”

The Yuma Chapter of TMF is requesting money from the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) to help provide free resources to the yuma youth.

“Books, supplies, things that we can give to them, you know beef up our ability to you know to do our youth engagement and mentorship. TMF is only so many limited budgets for local programs, so you know trying to look for other ways to collaborate, partner with other organizations, and look for these grants that way we can provide these resources for free,” says Dumo.

The Yuma Chapter of TMF will also be hosting a Back-to-School Success Workshop, where youth can receive free resources after the event on August 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Lab, on Avenue B near 32nd Street.

Click here to follow the original article.