Author: KYMA

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – More border support is coming to Yuma County.

It’s all thanks to a grant approved Monday morning by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.

The grant of over a million dollars was awarded to YCSO by the Department of Public Safety.

The money will be used to help enhance law enforcement’s capabilities related to drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal immigration, and other related crimes in Yuma County. 

“Anything we can do to stop the flow of illegals coming across. The drugs that come across also,” said Darren Simmons, Yuma County Supervisor District 3.

The grant not only helps support the Yuma border, but also helps to keep the community safe. 

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Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Local Imperial County schools are eligible to receive funding for the Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools (GEMS) program.

Over $1 million was awarded in 2025 to 20 local schools to support energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades.

“Programs like GEMS allow IID to reinvest in our schools while promoting energy efficiency and long-term savings,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “These improvements make a meaningful difference for students, teachers, and school districts.”

Applications open on Monday, February 2, 2026 with the deadline on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Schools interested in applying can sign up here.

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Adrik Vargas

(KYMA) – Residents in Yuma and Imperial County are keeping a close eye on the partial federal government shutdown, which began after lawmakers failed to pass a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security.

Some locals say they’re worried the shutdown could start affecting federal services they rely on if it continues too long. Others understand why funding is being delayed, citing concerns about how ICE is operating.

“I would prefer they didn’t shut down,” said Randy, a Yuma resident. “They’re civil servants and they work for the taxpayer, so they really shouldn’t just shut down whenever they want.”

Local organizations are also stepping in to ease concerns.

The Imperial Valley Food Bank confirmed that SNAP benefits, also known as CalFresh, are not affected and will continue as normal.

Some residents say they just want lawmakers to get back to work and reach a deal.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma Police Department (YPD) vehicle was involved in a crash Monday afternoon.

YPD say the officer was traveling west on 24th Street and was hit by a Jeep SUV on Olivia Avenue.

The officer and two more people suffered minor injuries, but no one had to be taken to the hospital.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Marcos Icahuate

EDITOR’S NOTE: According to Arizona Western College, the Yuma History Tour, happening this Saturday, will start at Yuma City Hall rather than Molina Block.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Take a walk through history with an event to learn more about Yuma.

The Arizona Historical Society is hosting a history tour from February 6 to February 7.

A Yuma History Trivia Contest will begin at Prison Hill Brewery on February 6 at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, February 7, the event will have Clifford Trafzer speak about Yuma history at the Yuma Heritage Library Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Yuma Historical Walking Tour begins at Molina Block at 1 p.m.

The tour will by lead by representatives from the Arizona Historical Society and Arizona Western College.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Family and friends are remembering the life of local co-owner for Lutes Casino, Bill Lutes.

Bill passed away at the age of 88-years-old on January 23.

Bill, along with his brother, Bob Lutes, helped transform Lutes Casino into the iconic Yuma restaurant it is today.

The brothers took ownership of the establishment in the 1960s.

Bob reminisced about his time building up the restaurant’s business.

“It wasn’t easy but we didn’t have any choice, it was sink or swim but it was a good ride and many memories,” says Bob.

He says he will always remember his brother.

“I miss him, he was a big asset, he could fix machines, play the piano, we were a good team,” Bob explains.

Bill’s nephew, Mike Lutes, says his uncle  was essential in developing the restaurant.

“He was a building block, I mean they went through some rough times starting out too, this place was only half the size so he would always come and play the piano during lunch during the winter season, him and my dad really started this and made it take off,” says Mike.

He shares what the restaurant meant to his uncle and what it means to his father.

“Well, it probably meant everything to my uncle and my father also, it still does, my father still works everyday, comes in about two-three hours a day, he’s 90 so they worked a lot to get this place going,” Mike says.

The family says they plan to hold a celebration of life sometime in the spring.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro says a new stop sign will be installed later this week.

According to a press release, the new stop sign will be installed Wednesday at the intersection of Ross Avenue and 12th Street.

The City says the new stop sign is to “improve safety and traffic operations at the intersection,” and says they are reminding drivers to “come to a complete stop and proceed” when it’s safe.

Drivers are also encouraged to be alert, obey posted signs and use caution when driving through the area during and after the sign is installed, according to the City.

To learn more about this, call the City’s Engineering Division at (760) 337-5182.

Rossand12thStopSignPREngDownload

Rossand12thStopSignPRSpaDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro says they rescued two people after they were injured in a rollover crash Sunday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, the crash happened before 7:00 a.m. in the area of westbound Interstate 8 and milepost 13, near the Fortuna Road exit.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Rural Metro says their crews reported the crash to their dispatch center “and got the apparatuses while the station captain ran to the scene and began to assess the situation,” where he found a single vehicle rollover with severe damage and with two people trapped inside.

Rural Metro says the captain requested additional resources while the crew began removing the two people.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

After they were removed, Rural Metro says they were taken to Onvida Main with minor injuries.

Rural Metro says the cause of the crash was due to the driver “swerving to avoid an object falling off a truck on the interstate and striking the road sign, resulting in a piece going through the fence onto the Frontage Road.”

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Madeline Murray

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – Amberly’s Place hosted their annual Dream Gala over the weekend.

The gala, which took place at the Quechan Casino Resort in Winterhaven, consisted of organizations and community leaders who chose to invest their time and treasures to Amberly’s Place.

The gala was also to celebrate the organization’s 26 years of serving the Yuma community.

On an annual base, the organization serves over 3,000 victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, elder abuse and child abuse.

“We could not do that without the support of our community and so tonight is as much of a celebration of Amberly’s Place, as it is a celebration and our opportunity to express gratitude to our community,” said Tori Bourguignon, Executive Director of Amberly’s Place.

The proceeds from the event will go towards Amberly’s Place and continuing to help provide services to victims.

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