Author: KYMA

Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Catholic has officially hired longtime college coach Marty Schaetzle as its next head football coach, bringing in a leader with more than four decades of experience on the sideline.

Schaetzle spent 19 seasons as the head coach at Mercyhurst University, where he collected 97 wins and helped guide the program through its transition into Division II competition.

His résumé also includes stops at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Bucknell, and Shippensburg, giving the Shamrocks a coach with a deep background across multiple levels of the college game.

Schaetzle has already been familiar with the YC community he and his wife moved to Yuma three years ago, and he has been assisting the Shamrocks as an offensive and defensive line coach while settling into the area.

“I coached college football for 40 years,” Schaetzle said. “My wife is from Yuma, and when we moved here I was able to get into Yuma Catholic. I met Rhett, we talked football, and it was a good match. As things progressed and the opportunity opened up, I thought it would be a good idea — and I think I can help the students.”

Schaetzle said the school’s strong commitment to football was a major draw.

“They take football seriously. They want to do well and they provide you with the resources to have a good program,” he said. “The students are special kids. I’ve worked with the O-line and D-line the last couple of years, but now I get to work with all of them.”

As for what kind of team he plans to build, Schaetzle points to the same principles that shaped his college programs.

“I believe in playing great defense and running the football. If you want to win championships, those are the two things teams do — at every level,” he said. “You have to be physical, disciplined and not beat yourself. Take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves.”

Although he stepped away from college coaching, Schaetzle said the drive to compete and innovate never left.

“You’re always watching film, looking at plays, seeing new wrinkles,” he said. “That never goes away. And I think the players here have so much to learn — not just football, but how to conduct yourself, improve yourself, and get ready for college and life after.”

With finals underway and winter break approaching, Schaetzle told his players their first priority is the classroom. Once they return in January, the program will gradually build toward next fall.

“You can’t get way ahead of yourself in January, and you don’t want to be behind in August,” he said. “We have to keep a good pace, keep getting ready, and before you know it, we’ll be teeing it up for the first game.”

Yuma Catholic now turns the page to a new era, placing its football program in the hands of one of the most experienced coaches in the state.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Multiple vehicles crashed on Highway 95, according to Somerton Cocopah Fire Department (SCFD).

At about 7:54 a.m. on Friday, December 12, firefighters were called onto Highway 95 and Casino Drive regarding a crash.

The crash involved three vehicles with one vehicle rolling over, according to SCFD.

SCFD says the three vehicles had severe damage and multiple people were injured.

A total of five patients were involved and each had non-life threatening injuries.

Four patients were taken to Onvida Health and another was treated by paramedics but refused to go to the hospital.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Superintendent Laurie Doering announced her plans to retire at the end of the academic year.

Doering began as a P.E. teacher in 1983 and later gained multiple roles through Crane Schools. She was appointed as assistant superintendent in 2014, then moved up to superintendent in 2017.

“It truly has been an honor working together to improve the lives of all children,” said Superintendent Doering. “I am reminded daily, with much humility and respect, how extraordinarily fortunate I have been to work with such knowledgeable, driven, passionate people and feel immensely fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of this exceptional district. Crane is a special place, and I know its brightest days are still ahead.”

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A group of fourth-semester nursing students were inducted into the Organization of Associate Degree Nurses Honor Society at Arizona Western College (AWC).

Eligibility for the Honor Society requires students to have a B grade in all their nursing courses and complete a community service project.

“I am proud to recognize our students for their exceptional academic excellence and dedication to the nursing profession,” said Nursing Director Stephanie Francis, “Their dedication and commitment highlight what our program stands for and the impact they will make in patient care. I am grateful to our faculty advisors, Amber Ortega and Dr. Tracy MacDonald, for their outstanding leadership and support. Congratulations to all of our inductees on this wellearned honor!”

Students gave back with projects held by Amberly’s Place, Yuma Community Food Bank and the AWC Cubby.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local fire station is allowing a party of two to participate in the Foothills Light Parade.

To enter, locals must like a photo on the Rural Metro Fire Facebook page and follow the page as well, which you can go to here.

Winners will be announced on December 15 and will ride on a Rural Metro fire truck.

The Yuma Foothills Parade of Light runs from December 19 through December 21.

Others looking to participate seperately can register here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new charter middle school is coming to Yuma next school year, as AmeriSchools Academy expands its Yuma South campus with a program designed to offer students a more personalized educational experience.

The school, set to open for the 2026-27 academic year, will welcome sixth and seventh-grade students initially, adding eighth grade the following year.

The expansion includes facility upgrades and an emphasis on technology-enhanced learning, giving students access to tools and resources that set it apart from a traditional middle school model.

Superintendent Matthew Chandler noted that while some students prefer larger school environments, many benefit from more individualized attention.

“Some students thrive in bigger environments and crave those bigger environments, but not all students [are] one-size-fits-all,” he said. “We’re providing an opportunity for kids who may need a little smaller, more personalized environment.”

The school will have two teachers for every grade and intends to limit class sizes at a maximum of 25 students.

One of the school’s standout features will be Yuma’s first middle school e-sports program. The program will run for the duration of the school year and allow students to compete against other schools.

“It’s just like with sports,” Chandler said. “You’re learning team-building skills, collaboration, conflict resolution, leadership.”

The program will be led by a coach and allow students to participate during any sport season.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Vista High School welcomed prospective students and their families to campus Wednesday for a “Winter Wonderland” themed open house designed to showcase the school’s curriculum and programs.

Teachers and current students were on hand to share their experiences and answer questions from those considering enrolling. Adding to the festive theme, Santa Claus and the Grinch made special appearances, posing for photos with attendees throughout the event.

Vista High School President David King said the open house is part of the school’s ongoing effort to help families learn more about what the campus offers.

“Tonight is one of our multiple ‘Why Vista’ events that we host here on campus. The idea here is for us to get community members and families to come check out Vista, helping to understand what we offer,” he said.

The school hosts similar events twice each semester to provide additional opportunities for interested families to explore the campus.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA Ariz. (KYMA) – An inmate at a local prison has died following an altercation with other inmates.

The Arizona Department of Corrections say that 50-year-old Leron Indian died on December 11, 2025 at Onvida Health.

Indian was involved in an altercation at Arizona State Prison Complex-Yuma in San Luis during where several inmates appear to have attacked Indian.

He was taken to Onvida Health, where he was pronounced dead.

One of the alleged aggressors in the attack was also transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Indian was sentenced for second degree burglary in 2024.

His death is being ruled as a homicide and is under active investigation.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) celebrated the achievements of its students with a commencement ceremony held Friday, marking the first time the school has hosted graduation following the fall semester.

More than 180 students walked across the stage to receive their degrees and certificates. For many graduates, the moment carried special significance as they became the first in their families to earn a college diploma.

Graduate Bryan Velazquez said the ceremony was both meaningful and memorable.

“I feel really happy. I feel really thankful to be able to get the opportunity. I’m the first in my family to graduate and they motivated me to do so, so I just feel really happy.”

The fall ceremony also offered a new experience compared to traditional spring or summer commencements.

Velazquez noted that holding the event during the fall made it more comfortable and exciting, adding to the sense of making history.

The event highlighted the hard work and dedication of students and represents a new tradition for Arizona Western College.

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