Eduardo Morales
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A car was seen in the yard of a local business on 4th Avenue.
Around 11:30 a.m., a white Mercury Continental crashed into the yard of the RE/MAX on South 4th Avenue and West 17th Street.
The Yuma Police Department did block off a part of the road.
We reached out to Yuma police and are waiting on more information.
Karina Bazarte
CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – A Chinese national has died after being held in ICE custody in Imperial County.
ICE confirms the man died on September 29 at the El Centro Regional Medical Center after he suffered an apparent seizure while in custody at a detention center in Calexico.
A full report on the man’s death is expected to be made public within 90 days.
ICE says all individuals in its custody receives comprehensive medical care and remain in secure and humane conditions throughout their detention.
The activists say they were emotional when they found out a detainee died in their city but they also say it’s not surprising.
“I felt a lot of anger I felt pain… I felt hurt for his family… for him… most of all anger because of the authorities that allowed this to happen,” said Daniella Flores, Co-founder of Imperial Valley equality and justice.
US immigration and custom enforcement says facility staff reported the man was experiencing seizures and became unresponsive on September 29th.
I.C.E says medical personal performed CPR on the detainee and he was taken to El Centro Regional center, where he died.
“An activist with Imperial Liberation Collab says she has seen the conditions inside the facility firsthand .
“We were able to do a tour back in the beginning of the year February March I don’t remember… we were able to go into the medical facility and all the units… well not all the units but at least some… we were able to see that yeah it looks like a nice areas but I think that there is a lack of staff,” said Marina Arteaga, with Imperial Liberation Collab.
The co-founder of IV Equity and Justice says these type of deaths are no surprise to the community as she has spoken with detainees who claim their concerns are being ignored.
“We have heard that pain goes untreated… essentially they are not allowed to see additional specialist when cases are more severe and that was personally said to me by multiple people not just one,” said Flores.
According to the ice.Gov website, about 16 detainees have died in the custody of ICE this year.
We reached out to US immigration and custom enforcement for an interview and we are waiting to hear back.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD) received a $19,520 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The check presentation took place Saturday morning at the Firehouse Subs located on the Big Curve in Yuma, with Somerton Vice Mayor Lorena Delgadillo and two members of the Somerton City Council in attendance.
SCFD Fire Chief Javier Hernandez shares how the grant will benefit the fire department.
“This is going to help us, you know, with tough times and budget crunches. This money will help us outfit two of our new fire trucks with brand new hoses,” Chief Hernandez explained.
Following the check presentation, Firehouse Subs held a Touch-the-Truck event in honor of First Responders Month.
During that event, families across Yuma County got the chance to look inside a fire truck, see the equipment firefighters use and more.
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A brush fire from Saturday continues to burn on Highway 95 behind the old barbecue joint.
According to Rural Metro’s post on Facebook, they are letting it burn to a natural break to ensure it doesn’t spread.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also responded and took over, Rural Metro said.
KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Kofa High School’s Class of 2000 took a trip down memory lane Saturday for their class reunion.
Alumni gathered at the school at 10:00 a.m. to walk around the campus and catch up for old times sake.
The group saw all the new and nostalgic buildings and classrooms from their time in high school.
The event was capped off with the opening of a time capsule from their senior year of high school, unlocking plenty of memories.
Inside the time capsule was full of T-shirts, questionnaires and the class’s high school yearbook.
“I think it’s really neat…when we were 18-years-old, we had no idea if we’d ever even get to open it at this point and organize to get that done. So I’m really glad that’s come together for this weekend and everyone just participated and it was a neat thing to get to open it finally,” said Kami VanHorn, President of the Class of 2000.
The alumni completed another questionnaire that they will put back in the time capsule with the goal of opening back up again at their 50-year class reunion.
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Congressman Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) made an appearance in Yuma Saturday at Lute’s Casino for a public event.
Congressman Biggs spoke with supporters and explained his vision for the state of Arizona if elected governor in 2026.
“We want people to be able to get jobs, we want young people to stay here in this state, I am a big believer in human flourishing, and when people are free, and safe, and there’s a good economy, they flourish, they feel safer, and happier,” Biggs shared.
He plans on addressing issues, like safety in the state by making sure law enforcement have the resources they need and creating a sustainable economy.
He also shared his plans for preserving the Colorado River as well as how Yuma will greatly impact the state of Arizona.
Biggs stated he wants to make sure to make this a state where families can thrive.
“We want to reinvigorate the American Dream, we want to make sure that our economy grows, we want to be a gross state again, we went from number four in job growth nationwide, and now, we’re number 47 under this governor,” Biggs explained.
The Primary Election will take place next year.
Biggs is one of two Republicans running for governor as Karrin Taylor Robson announced her candidacy earlier this year.
Both Republican candidates are endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council adopted two ordinances Wednesday night, authorizing a total of $116 million in revenue bonds to support the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
The funding is designed to fast-track critical infrastructure and utility projects while maintaining the city’s financial stability.
Of the total bond funding, $44 million will go toward water and wastewater improvements, and $72 million will support infrastructure and community development projects.
Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton emphasized the importance of investing in the city’s growth and readiness for future expansion.
“Cities in general need a lot of capital improvements, and this will help us accelerate some of those projects,” Simonton said. “That’s what the bond is…it allows us to do the project in advance and pay for them over a longer period of time.”
He added, “That’ll encourage more development, and more, you know, maybe commercial, or retail development, or more residential development. Without the infrastructure to support all that, the city can’t grow.”
Wastewater improvements will focus on new sewer line construction and upgrades to existing water treatment facilities.
On the infrastructure side, the city plans to enhance public amenities, particularly local parks. The Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a 10-year master plan that includes a range of projects, such as new field lighting, splash pads, and other upgrades designed to improve the city’s public spaces.
City officials noted that the use of revenue bonds allows these improvements to begin sooner, with costs spread over time, making them financially manageable for a city experiencing rapid growth.
Dillon Fuhrman
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left a motorcyclist injured.
According to a press release, the crash happened at around 7:05 p.m. Friday in the area of E. 32nd Street and S. Fortuna Avenue, near Bici Park.
YPD says a 20-year-old man was riding a black Honda CBR600RR westbound on 32nd Street when he crashed into a silver Nissan Sentra, driven by a 46-year-old man.
According to YPD, the Nissan was making a lane change when the Honda crashed into it.
YPD says the motorcyclist was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in critical condition, and says, “Speed appears to be factor on the part of the motorcyclist at this time.”
The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Petie’s Pumpkin Patch has officially arrived in town, offering a carnival-style experience for locals of all ages throughout the month of October.
The family-friendly event features rides for kids, live entertainment, local vendors and games.
Admission to the carnival is free, but a $25 wristband gives guests access to the rides and includes a free pumpkin.
For those looking to take home a seasonal souvenir without the rides, pumpkins are also available for individual purchase based on size.
“This is going to be a good thing for everybody to come out and support local vendors, as well as something new for the City of Yuma. It’s definitely something for all ages…whether you’re an adult, younger, or a teenager. You can come out, get on some rides, grab a pumpkin, carve something, and just enjoy yourself,” said Steven Wilkins of Hellman’s Sons Amusements.
Petie’s Pumpkin Patch is currently open at 3151 East County 14th Street and will run through October 30.
Paul Vozzella
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – After seven long months of rebuilding, the Foothills’ American Veterans Services Organization is in its final stages before reopening its doors to local Veterans. The recovery follows a devastating fire in March that destroyed the building.
The blaze forced the organization to start from scratch, but through dedication and determination, the center is almost ready to serve again. Manager June Condon says the journey has been difficult but worth every step.
“We had a meeting yesterday and one of our veterans asked if I would do it all over again, and I said, ‘Yes, because our veterans deserve it,'” she said.
The soon-to-be-reopened facility will once again provide vital services, helping Veterans access their full military benefits and offering three meals a day, seven days a week at a low cost.
For Condon’s husband, Michael, a Korean War veteran and the organization’s commander, the reopening carries deep emotional significance.
“It’s such a relief,” he said. “When we got the building department approval, I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t help it.”
The organization plays an essential role in helping Veterans navigate the complex world of post-service benefits with the help of their trained staff.
“We have trained people that can fill it out,” Michael added. “We don’t want a veteran filling out anything. All [they have] to do is come in and drink coffee. We do it all.”
The organization plans to officially reopen to Veterans by next Monday. They are also always on the lookout for volunteers and welcome anyone to go to the organization to help.
The American Veterans Service Organization is located at 8889 S. Frontage Road in The Foothills. Veterans and potential volunteers can also contact Condon at 208-610-4464 if they have questions.
