Author: KYMA

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Territorial Chapter of the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers Association (AOTFA) hosted the 49th Annual Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo Worthen Memorial Old Time Fiddlers Contest this weekend.

The contest, which kicked off Saturday, took place at Silver Spur Rodeo Clubhouse, located at 2577 E. County 14th Street, and was for contestants to showcase their talents to compete for cash and prizes in several categories.

There was also a silent auction during the contest, where people can bid on a variety of items, like a fiddle and a blanket.

Janet Shelby, Membership Secretary for the Territorial Chapter, shares how the contest benefits locals across Yuma County.

“It’s just…very encouraging for families and community. It’s a connection, musical connection, and really some great…discipline and skills that they’ll enjoy all of their lives,” Shelby explained.

According to Shelby, there were about 68 people who participated in the contest.

In addition to local and state talent, contestants from states like Idaho, Washington, Colorado and California also participated in the contest, Shelby said.

Shelby also said the winner of the Grand Champion Award went to Aaron Fewkes of Meridian, Idaho.

The contest wrapped up Sunday, but Shelby said this was the first of three fiddle contests AOTFA is hosting throughout the state of Arizona.

To learn more about those contests, click here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – A peaceful protest was held in Yuma Saturday at the sight of a recent hit and run.

Family and friends of Mariella Acosta gathered near the intersection of S. Avenue B and W. County 14th Street at 10:00 a.m.

Acosta was killed in a hit and run on December 6, 2025.

The person responsible, a 27-year-old man from Somerton, turned himself in and went to court, but was released because no charges were filed.

Now, the family is looking for a resolution.

“It’s really hard for us, I mean, being out here…fighting for her, and and nothing happens from the county. I mean nothing happened. Nobody did nothing about her, so she died here, and basically, nobody’s doing nothing about it, so…[we’re] just looking for answers,” said Alberto Ramirez, Acosta’s stepfather.

Acosta was 21-years-old.

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Carolina Garcia

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County residents protested against the installation of a data center in the county.

The protest was organized by the group “Not In My Backyard” and took place on Imperial Avenue in the City of El Centro Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.

Protesters said the project must be carefully studied due to the negative environmental impact it could have, as well as the heavy use of resources it may require.

“People live [here]…their families live there, there’s elementary schools there. We want to make sure that this project, that this moratorium protects all of us, because this rapidly increasing industry is the most rapidly increasing industry in the entire country, because there are so many data centers just being pushed in impoverished communities, just like this one, without really letting us know the long term impacts and effects.”

Gilberto Manzanarez, Calexico Resists founder

They also stated that the protests against the project will continue.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local and regional artists were invited to showcase and sell their artwork this weekend.

The Yuma Arts Center hosted the annual Art in the Park, which took place at Gateway Park on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Dozens of attendees were able to view the artists’ work at various booths across the park.

Ana Padilla, Arts & Culture Program Manager for the City of Yuma, shares how Art in the Park is different from seeing artwork at the Yuma Arts Center.

“This gives an opportunity to artists to showcase their work in a different setting, which is by the park,” Padilla explained. “[It also give those who attend the event] the opportunity to experience not just the beauty of their pieces are also the beauty of the park and the Colorado River.”

Saturday’s event will go until 5:00 p.m., but for those who missed out can attend Sunday’s event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County residents kicked off the Relay for Life season by participating in #FirstLap Saturday morning.

Attendees took a ceremonial first lap in honor of cancer patients and survivors.

The event started at 11:00 a.m. at Inca Lanes, where, after the lap, participants could register and sign up for a bowling tournament.

Proceeds from registering will go toward Relay for Life Yuma County.

Lindsey Elk, the co-lead for Relay for Life Yuma County, shared why our community should come support these events.

“It is very important because cancer has touched all of us, there is not a single person that cancer has not touched. Yuma has recently been awarded the West Coast event of the year, and we are up fro the national title because of the amazing community we have,” Elk explained.

The next Relay for Life event will take place at the Pacific Avenue Sports Complex Saturday, March 21. To learn more about that event, click here.

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Paul Vozzella

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton has been recognized by the national travel publication Islands.com as an up-and-coming community, highlighting its growing appeal and quality of life.

The feature praises Wellton’s scenic mountain views and its location just east of Yuma, pointing to the town as an attractive place to live and settle down.

Town Manager Richard Marsh expressed his appreciation for the recognition, calling it a meaningful acknowledgment.

“That was amazing. It was phenomenal acknowledgment…the nationally, in fact, globally renowned recognition we received,” Marsh said. “We have this slogan about Wellton: ‘A little town with a big heart.’ Small in numbers, but strong in spirit and can-do attitude.”

Marsh added that the spotlight reflects Wellton’s close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere, qualities that continue to draw interest from visitors and potential residents alike.

The article about the town from Islands.com is here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A long-standing building is being demolished in Yuma.

The owners of the property on Fourth Avenue and 19th Street right by our news station have started demolishing the building.

The group is still deciding what will be constructed there.

The property was formerly McMahan’s Furniture Store before being sold to Maha lIC for $800 thousand last year.

No specific timeline has been laid out on when something new will be constructed.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The number one New Year’s resolution in America is improving physical health, but for many people, motivation begins to fade quickly.

Friday marks National Quitter’s Day, which falls on the second Friday of the new year and is known as the point when many abandon their fitness goals.

In the days leading up to Quitter’s Day, gyms are often packed with people looking for a fresh start. Mike Martinez, General Manager for Crunch Fitness Yuma, says many new members are seeking change beyond just the physical.

“We have tons of people that come in looking for a new start, a fresh start, not just physically, but mentally too,” he said.

Personal trainer Neal Gerfen agrees, noting that early January is when motivation peaks.

“That’s when people really start to flood into the gym,” Gerfen said. “They’ve got their New Year’s goals and they’re ready to go.”

Experts say one of the biggest factors in avoiding burnout is setting realistic expectations and focusing on small, manageable steps.

Licensed professional clinical counselor Rebecca Robinette explained that people often focus on intense workouts rather than taking small steps to get to their goals.

“We feel like we’re not doing enough, and that feeds into ‘I’m not enough. I need to do more,’ instead of recognizing that small and simple changes are going to lead to a great change,”=: she said.

For those needing extra support, gym professionals say guidance can make a significant difference. Martinez noted that success rates increase dramatically with personal training, jumping to around 70%.

As the new year continues, fitness experts encourage people to stay prepared, seek help when needed, and remember that consistency, not perfection, is the key to reaching long-term goals.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Whether the goal is improving physical health, getting finances in order, or prioritizing mental well-being, many people struggle to maintain their New Year’s resolutions.

Friday marks National Quitter’s Day, which falls on the second Friday of the new year and is often considered the point when motivation begins to decline and goals are abandoned.

A major reason resolutions fail is that they are often influenced by outside pressures rather than personal desire.

Licensed professional clinical counselor Rebecca Robinette explained this concept is known as self-determination theory.

According to Robinette, goals are more likely to fall apart when they are based on what people feel they should be doing instead of what they genuinely want.

“For many people, our goals don’t stick because they’re not coming from inside of us,” she said, noting that external expectations can override intrinsic motivation.

However, there are ways to avoid falling victim to Quitter’s Day. Robinette emphasized the importance of self-reflection and taking time to understand personal values and motivations.

“We’re gonna wake up one day and go ‘I don’t even know why I’m doing this. I don’t know who I am, why I’m here, what is this for?’ Until you start to figure out what you want, and rewiring some of those programs…new year, new you…It’s okay to do it in small increments. It’s the consistency that matters instead of one big heave,” she explained.

As the new year continues, experts advise being realistic, intentional, and fully prepared when working toward long-term goals.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The man accused of a deadly stabbing in Yuma has taken a plea deal.

46-year-old Charlie Vega has pled guilty to one count of second-degree murder.

He was accused of fatally stabbing 30-year-old Ryan Gene Simmons in Yuma in May of last year.

Vega will be back in court for sentencing on January 15.

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