Author: KYMA

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a house fire Sunday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened before 10:00 a.m. in the area of W. Eighth Street and S. Alicia Avenue.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro said they found an unoccupied single family home 50% engulfed in flames. There was also a fire spreading in the backyard of the home.

Rural Metro said they performed a quick knockdown of both fires, and said crews remained on scene checking for hot spots.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

While no one was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported, Rural Metro said the house was deemed a total loss.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Madeline Murray

Madeline Murray got the chance to see an exciting life-changing moment for some kids who found their permanent home.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An adoption event was held at the Yuma Juvenile Justice Center Saturday, where families who just adopted their kids got to celebrate the special moment.

“It means a lot to them to finally be recognized, now they are the parents and these are their children, and the children are so happy to now be in a permanent home, so it’s a great thing,” said Bernadette Presloy, a court appointed special advocate.

Around nine families were granted adoption rights at the Juvenile Justice Center, and 16 kids were placed in forever homes.

The families then got to celebrate with activities for the kids, refreshments, gifts, and pictures to capture such a special moment in their lives they will never forget as their families became whole.

One of the mothers, Elia Garfio, who adopted three kids, talked about how she was feeling saying, “I’m feeling like we are doing something good in their life. We wish they get strong, and be a good people on life. It’s our goal to get strong, and be good people in life and the community.”

She also said the children are thrilled for a change adding, “They’re excited and they know it’s going to be a big change for them.”

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Halloween season may be over, but locals across Yuma County got the chance to dress up as their favorite characters for the 10th Annual YumaCon.

The two-day event, hosted by the City of Yuma kicked off Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Yuma Civic Center.

The event featured a variety of activities, such as the Smash Bros. tournament and a cosplay masquerade, where attendees of all ages were judged on their costumes.

One of the organizers, Cassandra Contreras, shared the importance of YumaCon.

“YumaCon is part of the [Yuma] Art Center, so we promote the arts and it’s also really important for us to kind of get together and share our interests and we’re all kids at heart, even though we’re older and you know we still have our favorite cartoons and animes and stuff like that. So…it’s really an event to bring out your inner child,” Contreras explained.

The event lasted until 6:00 p.m. If anyone missed out Saturday’s event, they can attend Sunday’s event, taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To see the upcoming events on Sunday, click here. To learn more about the event, visit the City of Yuma’s website HERE.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County participated in the 16th Annual Walk to Remember Saturday morning.

The event took place at Gateway Park at 8:00 a.m. and it was hosted by Onvida Health.

Families who have lost their babies through miscarriages, stillbirths, or shortly after being born were encouraged to attend the event to share memories and connect with other families who experienced loss similar to theirs.

“It gives us the time to honor the babies that are no longer here with us today…And it brings together the community who have experienced this grief to not only mourn the loss, but also to know that they’re not alone,” said Jenn Driscoll, event coordinator for Onvida Health.

The event lasted until 9:30 a.m.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Scouting Arizona gathered at the Yuma Elks Lodge to honor community members who embody the organization’s motto of doing a good turn daily.

The celebration recognized three individuals for their outstanding leadership and service to both the Scouts and the wider Yuma community.

Grand Canyon Council Scout Executive Andy Price praised the honorees, John and Joyce Lobeck and Dan Mickles, for their lasting impact on local Scouting.

“John and Joyce Lobeck and Dan Mickles have made tremendous impact on the Yuma scouting community, the Yuma community at large, and we’re honored to be able to honor them and thank them for the good service they provided to the community today,” Price said.

The event drew local residents, state leaders, and fellow Scouts who came together to show their appreciation.

Price emphasized the importance of such gatherings, saying, “At least once a year, we come together to honor those who’ve really made a huge impact, not only in Scouting but in the larger community as well.”

Funds raised from the event directly support youth programs across Arizona, helping ensure that Scouting continues to foster character, citizenship, and leadership in future generations.

Scouts from local packs and troops participated in the flag ceremony, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and represented the next generation of leaders.

For honorees John and Joyce Lobeck, the recognition carried deep personal meaning.

John, who began his journey with the Scouts in 1951, reflected on the honor, saying, “It’s very important for me…I like Scouting, and I’ve worked for them for quite a few years.”

Joyce, who became involved as a young mother, expressed similar pride saying, “You know, it’s a job, but it’s more than that to me, and it’s like a privilege to be able to tell people the stories. It’s always nice to be recognized and thanked.”

The ceremony not only celebrated decades of dedication but also reinforced the ongoing mission of the Scouting community.

Price noted that all proceeds from the event, as well as other fundraisers across the state, support Scouting programs in Arizona, adding, “We know that there’s tremendous learning that takes place in the outdoors.”

The evening served as both a tribute to the Lobecks, Mickles, and their contributions, and as a reaffirmation of Scouting’s enduring values in shaping Arizona’s next generation of leaders.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Western College Catrina Competition brought together locals and students in celebration of Día de los Muertos, offering participants a unique way to honor loved ones who have passed away.

More than 20 competitors took part in the event, with a panel of six judges evaluating their work to select the winners. For many participants, the competition represented the culmination of weeks of preparation and creativity.

“It’s actually super cool. I was super nervous,” said competitor Lina Knepp, who handcrafted her entire outfit. “It’s great to really be able to express my culture in this sort of public setting. I made the entire hat by hand, the whole dress by hand, and I did my own makeup.”

The event holds deep cultural significance, commemorating those who are no longer with us as part of the traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos.

San Luis Council Member and event judge Lizeth Servin shared her appreciation for the celebration, saying, “It’s honoring and remembering, all the time, so it’s really nice to see that we’re free to express our feelings and our culture. I just love that.”

Judges based their decisions on makeup, originality, creativity, and poise. The first-place winner received $400 and expressed joy after the announcement.

“I’m so happy,” the winner said. “It’s an honor for me to be a Catrina.”

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma High School District announced the grades its received through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

The grades are as follows:

Cibola High School                 B

Gila Ridge High School          A

Kofa High School                    B

San Luis High School             A

Vista High School                   B

Yuma High School                  B

Grades are based on academic growth from students, such as ACT exam scores, graduation rates and college readiness.

“The A-F accountability system is one of several tools we can use to measure how our schools are performing and ensure that we are providing a rigorous classroom experience for EVERY student in Yuma Union High School District,” YUHSD Superintendent Tim Brienza said. “We are immensely proud of the work our schools have done to show overall performance improvements. Since 2021, we have seen continuous improvement in our district-wide graduation rate and dropout rate, including an unprecedented 1.13 dropout percentage following last school year. The A-F system is a useful data set, but at the same time we are constantly evaluating how to improve for the benefit of our students.”

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man was sentenced in a child molestation case.

45-year-old Randall Medders was sentenced to 110 years in prison after being found guilty on five counts of child molestation, five counts of sexual abuse and ten counts of aggravated assault.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Yuma police were called about a sexual molestation case involving a 12-year-old child.

After probable cause was established, Medders was arrested in February 2024.

On August 28, 2025, Medders was found guilty in the case. Two months later, Medders received his sentencing of 110 years in prison.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A man was charged for sexual exploitation, according to the Yuma Police Department (YPD).

On September 21, 2025, YPD were called about a case involving 25-year-old Michael Gonzalez.

During their investigation, probable cause was established towards Gonzalez for child sex abuse material.

Gonzalez was arrested on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Gonzalez was then indicted and charged on Thursday, October 16, 2025 with 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Yuma police at (928) 373-4700.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma High School District announced the grades its received through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

The grades are as follows:

Cibola High School                 B

Gila Ridge High School          A

Kofa High School                    B

San Luis High School             A

Vista High School                   B

Yuma High School                  B

Grades are based on academic growth from students, such as ACT exam scores, graduation rates and college readiness.

“The A-F accountability system is one of several tools we can use to measure how our schools are performing and ensure that we are providing a rigorous classroom experience for EVERY student in Yuma Union High School District,” YUHSD Superintendent Tim Brienza said. “We are immensely proud of the work our schools have done to show overall performance improvements. Since 2021, we have seen continuous improvement in our district-wide graduation rate and dropout rate, including an unprecedented 1.13 dropout percentage following last school year. The A-F system is a useful data set, but at the same time we are constantly evaluating how to improve for the benefit of our students.”

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