Author: KYMA

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Wednesday is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The annual day honors the babies gone too soon.

In the United States, about 1/4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and roughly 1/160 pregnancies end in stillbirth. It’s something KYMA’s Melissa Zaremba knows about first hand.

Locals Melissa Zaremba and Kurt Nelson lost their baby this year and say they relive the hurt and pain daily. They want to remind families going through the same pain that they aren’t alone.

Melissa and Kurt found out they were pregnant early this year. They were excited when they found out they were having a baby girl. But after one doctor’s appointment, they heard news that forever changed their lives…that they had lost their baby girl.

Onvida Health’s Perinatal Palliative Care Coordinator Jenn Driscoll says each year, thousands of families experience the heartbreak of losing a baby. She says the care team tries to do everything possible to honor each baby and support parents through such unimaginable loss.

“We take photos of the babies. We create keepsakes like handprints, footprints, molds,” said Driscoll. “It’s all about giving families the chance to create meaningful memories and say goodbye in their own way.”

Melissa and Kurt say they re-live the hurt and pain daily. They want to remind families going through the same pain that they aren’t alone.

“I didn’t realize that it was that common that people go through this,” said Kurt.

“It’s just so common and people don’t realize how common this is and how often it happens every day, and we just want people to know that we’re there for them and that they’re not alone,” said Melissa Zaremba.

Locals can participate in the annual Walk to Remember event to honor the precious lives that have gone too soon.

The walk is November 1 at Gateway Park. Whether you personally experienced loss or just want to come to show support, it’s a time of remembrance, healing, and community.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – A fun Halloween event is planned to be held in El Centro.

The City of El Centro Parks and Recreation is hosting Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Stark Field (830 S. 4th Street), starting at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Families are invited for a night of candy, music, games food vendors and more.

“The Trunk or Treat has become one of El Centro’s most exciting and well-loved traditions,” said Mayor Sonia Carter. “It’s incredible to see so many families, community groups, and local car clubs come together to celebrate in such a fun and safe environment. Events like this truly show what community spirit looks like.”

Locals groups are encouraged to to decorate their vehicles and hand out candy.

This annual event has activities for children such as a hay ride, a “Trail of Terror,” and a costume runway.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to Instagram’s new policy to protect kids online.

In an announcement Tuesday, Instagram says their teen users will only see content on the app similar to what they might see while watching a movie with a PG-13 rating.

They say site will hide or limit more mature and sensitive content for those under 18, such as swear words, risky stunts and accounts that routinely post adult content, and says every teen would automatically be opted in.

Meta states that they will use new age-detection technology to determine a teen’s age and automatically restrict content, even if they claim to be adults.

Several locals in Yuma shared their reaction on this new system.

“Kids nowadays have access to a lot of things that I believe they shouldn’t,” Says Lelly Esparaza, a local parent who shares her concerns for the safety of minors on the platform, “I have minor kids so, a lot of times they do see or get messages or content that they shouldn’t. And us, well, me, as a parent, I try to be on it, but a lot of times, it’s tough to keep up.”

AWC student Dylan Potratz talked about why he is in favor of this new policy.

“I do think that Instagram can be a very dangerous place at times, you know? I mean, especially if you look at Instagram comment sections and whatnot,” said Potratz, who later explained that he wishes restrictions like this existed around the time that he was growing up. “I would say so. I feel like I started using Instagram around high school, but I was aware of it in middle school. I learned a lot of things online from Instagram.”

Since Tuesday, October 14, this new update has been gradually going out in the U.S. and other countries, and is expected to be fully rolled out by the end of this year.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) is hosting a variety of events in honor of National Transfer Student Week.

Taking place Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 24, AWC says “students will explore transfer options, speak with representatives from Arizona’s state universities, gain skills in financial literacy” and more.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

“Arizona Western College students, alumni, and members of the Yuma community are invited to attend the Yuma Transfer and Career Expo,” said Angela Amezaga, AWC Transfer Services and Program Coordinator. “This event provides an opportunity to explore career pathways and educational options. Students considering transfer are especially encouraged to participate in this week’s events to learn about available opportunities and to access valuable support and resources.”

The five-day event kicks off with the Yuma Transfer and Career Expo, connecting students with transfer universities and local businesses and organizations, AWC says.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC also says 11 universities and over 20 local employers, agencies and organizations are scheduled to attend.

To learn more about the upcoming events, click here.

AWC hosts transfer events in honor of National Transfer Student WeekDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) has arrested a California man for a fraudulent phone scam.

According to a press release, YCSO deputies received reports from a financial institution Monday regarding one of their clients falling prey to a fraudulent phone scam.

YCSO says the victim received a call from someone Wednesday, October 9, claiming to represent the bank and falsely claim the victim’s account had been compromised.

The scammer, according to YCSO, then instructed the victim to transfer the funds via Bitcoin and “provide an additional cash payment” to another person. This resulted in a loss of $25,000.

On Tuesday, the scammer contacted the victim to request an additional $50,000. This prompted the victim to call YCSO, with them coordinating with a local bank to stage a mock cash drop to arrest the suspect.

After the suspect, identified as a 37-year-old man from Pomona, California, arrived to collect the money, YCSO says deputies arrested him without incident.

He was then booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for criminal impersonation, attempted theft and fraudulent schemes.

While this is an ongoing investigation, YCSO is reminding the community to stay alert when receiving unsolicited phone calls or messages requesting money or gift cards.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Salvation Army says they are responding to help residents in the City of Globe affected by the recent floods.

According to a post on Facebook, Lt. Johnathan Herzog was deployed to Globe as Incident Commander for The Salvation Army where he’s leading the “Donations Management as well as Financial and Spiritual Care.”

Courtesy: The Salvation Army Yuma

Courtesy: The Salvation Army Yuma

“These last few weeks have been tough for the resilient people of Globe, and for the teams working alongside them,” the post said. “Roads have closed, plans have shifted, and long hours have been poured into caring for families in crisis—but even in the middle of uncertainty, we stand on this truth: God’s Got This.”

The Yuma Salvation Army says if anyone wants to help, they are training volunteers for Feeding & Canteen Operations, Donations Management, Emotional & Spiritual Care, Disaster Social Services and Emergency Disaster Services.

Courtesy: The Salvation Army Yuma

Courtesy: The Salvation Army Yuma

The Yuma Salvation Army was deployed to Globe on October 10 to help bring resources and supplies to people struggling after the devastating floods.

Lt. Herzog said, “In Globe, they had severe flooding about a week and a half, two weeks prior and when we came into Globe, there was a second round of flooding that occurred, as well as a third round of flooding.”

The floods have caused road closures, destruction to buildings, and put families in a state of crisis.

The team are providing cleanup kits, water, food boxes, snacks, cleaning supplies and more, and says it necessary to help others not just in our own county.

“I think it’s important for the community of Yuma to help outside of Yuma Vounty lines, our neighbors have experienced a great tragedy, and Yumans are so generous, people can help with time, talent, and treasure,” said Herzog.

We spoke to a volunteer who describes what people in Globe are going through.

Crishal Backman, a Salvation Army volunteer says, “I really don’t know how else to describe it, I’ve seen people just pull together, check in on their neighbors, I mean people lost, some people lost everything, and it’s amazing to see the community come together for each other.”

She says that help is always needed and anyone can lend a hand.

“People not just in Yuma, can donate to the Salvation Army, and in any city that they are at, money donations are needed,” said Backman.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, email yumahelp@usw.salvationarmy.org or call (928) 783-0181 to learn more.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County deputies say a man is behind bars for drug possession after they found drugs in a home along with an elderly woman who appeared to be confined for a long period of time. 

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office says 41-year-old Vincent Maldonado was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on several charges, including possession of a narcotics for sale and possession of a weapon.

Police say the home is on Third Street and 15th Avenue, close to Carver Park in Yuma.

A search team discovered more than 200 grams of meth with an estimated street value of at least $5,500, and more than ten grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $6,000.

The 82-year-old woman was responsive and was later taken to Onvida Health as a precautionary measure.

Maldonado is facing unlawful imprisonment charges, domestic violence endangerment charges, and child/ vulnerable adult abuse charges.

“There was a lock outside the home that the deputies on scene had to forcefully take off which means that the elderly person was not able to leave the home on their own,” said Tania Pavlak from the Yuma County Sherriff’s Office.

Maria Carrillo says she is scared it happened to close to home.

“You can’t even go outside to throw out your trash a lot, or go out at night, its my home and it brings me fear,” she said.

He is currently facing 10 charges, and is on a bond of $175,000.

Maldonado is scheduled to be back in court on Thursday.

To learn more about the arrest, read the press release below.

PR-2025-55-Narcotics-Search-WarrantDownload

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro announced the recipients of the 2025 Quiet Servant Award.

Verna Wow-Wright and Fernando Banuelos were nominated for making meaningful differences in the community.

“The Quiet Servant Award highlights the heart of our community,” said Mayor Sonia Carter. “Verna Wow-Wright and Fernando Banuelos embody what it means to server quietly yet powerfully. Their kindness, commitment, and willingness to go above and beyond inspire all of us to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Wow-Wright has supported several local organizations such as WomanHaven, Imperial Valley Food Bank and the Humane Society of Imperial County. She’s worked in Child Nutrition for nearly 30 years and has adopted out of the foster care system.

Banuelos works for the City’s Facility Maintenance Division, and has been known to work beyond his duties. He ensures the City is clean and organized, while also taking initiative on other projects.

Wow-Wright and Banuelos will be recognized during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 21 at El Centro City Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

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Marcos Icahuate

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) – A brush fire was seen at the Barbara Worth Country Club.

Fire crews from Imperial County, Calexico and El Centro were in the area as palm trees caught fire.

The fire spread to a warehouse next to the golf course on the Country Club.

Anderholt Road was closed from Evan Hewes Highway to Ross Road.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In Tuesday’s Home Grown report, we highlight Martha Ryan, a local woman who works in the agriculture industry.

Martha Ryan is the Farm Spray and Planting Department Manager for JV Farms.

She has been working in agriculture since she was 18 and has been a part of the planting team for almost three years.

Ryan says she has been around farming her whole life, and is proud of what she does.

“As a Latina woman in agriculture, I am proud to represent women in this industry, and show that passion and dedication can take you very far. I truly love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Ryan.

She says she is also proud to follow in her father’s footsteps and make Yuma home.

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