Previewing the Hams for Heroes Drive next Monday

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The “Hams for Heroes” drive encourages people to donate hams that will go to firefighters, police, Veterans, and anyone else who’s a hero.

The event is being put on by the “K-9 OPS Foundation,” and the foundation’s president, KC Hoffman, says they are here to support local heroes.

“What we want to do is give them the chance to either keep them for their family or give them to someone that they feel needs it more than they do,” Hoffman says.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Blackwell, the General Manager of Z93 and and Outlaw Country Radio, shares why it is important to help out those who consistently help others.

“Our heroes give so much of themselves to each of us every single day and a lot of ways we never realize and it’s important that we think of them, the holidays can be difficult, and this is one way where they really might feel appreciated,” said Blackwell.

The drive is happening next Monday, December 8,  from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Foothills Walmart. We’re a proud sponsor of this drive, along with  Z-93 and Outlaw Country. 

For more information on the drive, you can reach out HERE.

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Previewing the local Farm Film Festival

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Tuesday’s homegrown report, we are previewing the upcoming Farm Film Festival in Downtown Yuma.

The festival is set to highlight Yuma’s massive impact on the world’s agricultural landscape.

People will be able to learn more about the technology and this driving economic industry.

It will also show how Yuma supplies over 90% of America’s leafy greens during the winter months, and other important statistics.

The festival will take place on Thursday, December 11th at the Historic Yuma Downtown Theater.

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SNAP changes could affect thousand of Arizonans

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” changed multiple requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP.

One of the main changes is raising the age limit from 54 to 64 for people who must work, train, or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.

Julie Tay, a Yuma local, says that’s not possible for some people. 

“A lot of people aren’t able to keep working till they’re 64 and can collect social security and stuff, they’re trying to make it with minimal income,” says Tay.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also threatened to cut  federal funding from democrat led states.

Secretary Rollins says it’s because of their alleged refusal to share SNAP program data with the Trump administration.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobb’s press secretary, Liliana Soto, released this statement:

“This latest threat from Secretary Rollins is a dangerous attack on Arizonans…The Trump administration is yet again weaponizing food assistance for political gain. Instead of focusing on political games, the administration should prioritize making sure people don’t go hungry,” says Soto.

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Crossroads Mission holds blanket and warm clothes drive

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – 13 On Your Side and the Crossroads Mission are holding a blanket and clothing drive this Friday to help locals stay warm as temperatures drop.

Volunteers at the mission say warm items are running low, and donations can make an immediate impact.

The mission will be collecting blankets, coats, socks, pants, and any other items that will help during the winter season.

Crossroads Mission Director Sassa Culver shared how the drive will work.

“The blankets and the clothing will go directly to the homeless. We will be giving them out on the three days of Christmas. And the impact that a donation can make will last until next season,” Culver explained.

Mission leaders say community support during drives like this helps them stay prepared for the coldest weeks ahead, making sure they can reach as many people as possible before temperatures drop even further.

We will be out at the Yuma Palms Mall roundabout, right by Harkins Theatres, this Friday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., taking your donations.

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Help local kids in need with our Holiday Magic Toy Drive

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Help put a smile on kids’ faces this holiday season with our Holiday Magic Toy Drive.

Toy donations are down this year, potentially leaving hundreds of children in need without a gift from Santa.

That’s why we’re teaming up with the Salvation Army to make Christmas a little brighter. We need your help collecting new toys.

“We’re looking to bless 750 kids, and we could definitely use these toys to just meet the ever growing need,” said Yuma Salvation Army Corps Officer Lt. Johnathan Herzog.

The Holiday Magic Toy Drive is sponsored by Karnas Law Firm.

The toy drive will be next Friday, December 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Pacific Avenue Walmart. We’ll see you there!

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Circle K murder suspect back in court

Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The man accused of fatally stabbing a Yuma man at a convenience store was back in court Wednesday.

27-year-old Angel Witrado is charged with first degree murder. Police say Witrado killed 37-year-old Justin Arviso outside of a Circle K in Yuma last October.

In court, the victim’s brother spoke out, saying he believes Witrado is coherent despite Witrado claiming insanity.

Witrado has already been seen by a doctor who deemed him coherent, but will now be seeing a different doctor, paid for by the Public Defender’s Office, to be re-evaluated before returning to court early next year.

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The Somerton Tamale Festival returns for its 18th year

Marcos Icahuate

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The 18th annual Tamale Festival returns on December 20, 2025.

The festival is known to bring over 20 tamale booths and more vendors with different food.

Live music, a tamale eating contest and family-friendly entertainment is included.

The Arizona State University El Diablito Alumni Chapter will be sponsoring the 2025 festival.

Proceeds will be going towards local sponsorships for students expecting to attend Arizona State University.

For more information on the Tamale Festival, you can check out the official website here.

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Christmas tree safety tips

Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) is reminding the community to decorate safely this holiday season especially when it comes to Christmas trees.

“You know we are in the beginning of the month of December and the public people out there are getting ready for the holidays and starting to up their Christmas trees,” said Cedric Ceseña with ICFD.

ICFD officials say a Christmas tree can go up in flames in just seconds.

“That’s why it’s so important to care for it properly before it becomes a fire hazard. A natural Christmas tree needs to be hydrated almost everyday, the ones that are not natural important to make sure that you check all of the connections, so any extension cords in Christmas tree lights that you’re using to make sure that they’re there’s no brakes tears or damage to the actual chords of themselves and that you ensure that the Christmas tree isn’t good operational state,” said Ceseña.

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Two men hit by truck in Calexico expected to survive

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – More details on a crash where two men were hit by a truck in Calexico.

The Calexico Police Department (CPD) says the crash happened on Imperial Avenue and Sixth Street last Friday.

Police say two men were crossing the street when a truck hit them.

CPD says one victim was taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center and the other was flown out to a different hospital.

“The severe patient was direct on while walking. He took the impact to his torso area and the second patient was less severe and was struck in the head by a mirror,” said Josh Paddock, Calexico Fire engineer paramedic.

CPD say the driver was not arrested or cited and the two men are expected to survive.

Law enforcement says to stay safe while crossing the road or driving.

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Home Grown: Previewing Farm Film Festival in Yuma

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Home Grown report, we are previewing the upcoming Farm Film Festival in Downtown Yuma.

The festival is set to highlight Yuma’s massive impact on the world’s agricultural landscape. People will be able to learn more about the technology and this driving economic industry.

It will also show how Yuma supplies over 90% of America’s leafy greens during the winter months and other important statistics.

The festival will take place on Thursday, December 11 at the Historic Yuma Downtown Theater from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

To learn more about the festival, and to purchase tickets, click here.

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