Person hospitalized after hit by car on Highway 95

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A person was taken to the hospital after a crash, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

On April 29, at about 12:02 a.m., YCSO were called about a crash in the area of S. Highway 95 and Mile Marker 14.

Investigators say a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling northbound on Highway 95 when it hit a person on the roadway.

YCSO says the driver tried to avoid hitting the person.

The person was taken to Onvida Health due to serious injuries.

Neither impairment or speed appear to be factors in the crash, according to YCSO.

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City of Yuma to replace splash pad at Friendship Park

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A splash pad is being replaced at Friendship Park, according to the City of Yuma.

The City of Yuma says the current splash pad is showing significant wear. The splash pad has received repairs in the past but this will be a full replacement.

Construction is expected to last two months, becoming operational by mid-July.

The area will be closed off during construction.

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Golf tournament held to support Amberly’s Place

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local businesses held a golf tournament Friday to support a non-profit.

Amberly’s Place hosted the third annual Desert Coast Growers Invitational Golf Tournament in Yuma.

More than 20 teams played to raise funds that will help Amberly’s Place to continue its work to help the Yuma community.

“At the time when many of our federal grants are facing some significant cuts, tournaments like this and community support make a difference, they fill those gaps so we can continue to provide these services without interruption,” said Tori Bourguignon, Amberly’s Place Executive Director.

You can support Amberly’s Place by clicking here.

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Rising gas prices hit Yuma drivers as costs continue to climb

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gas prices are continuing to climb across the country, and drivers in Yuma are feeling the impact with little relief in sight.

According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Yuma were averaging $4.63 per gallon at the beginning of the week. As of now, that number has risen to about $4.75 per gallon, adding more strain on local drivers.

AAA reports Arizona currently has the 11th highest average gas prices in the nation. Putting the state among the most expensive places to fill up.

For many in the community, these higher prices are starting to feel like the new normal.

Some drivers say uncertainty on the global stage is contributing to the rising costs.

“It depends, if everything works out in Iran, it’s a great deal,” Doyle McCurly, a local, said. “If it doesn’t work out then…it is what it is.”

Nearby in Imperial Valley, California holds the highest average gas prices in the country at $6.06 per gallon. Nationally, gas prices are averaging $4.39 per gallon.

Experts say ongoing global tensions could continue to keep gas prices elevated, with no significant drop expected in the near future.

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Historic suffrage journey brought back to Yuma

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A piece of women’s history rolled through Yuma today as the “Driving the Vote for Equality” tour stopped at the Yuma Main Library.

The event honors a 1916 cross-country journey by suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson, who traveled the nation in a Saxon motorcar advocating for women’s right to vote.

Their trip lasted just under six-months and took them across the country, all in the name of activism.

A tour member shared the story of Burke and Richardson’s journey, highlighting the challenges they faced along the way. Including traveling through the desert and making a stop in Yuma more than a century ago.

“Knowing that the ladies in 1916 came to Yuma. And okay, they had a little bit of trouble in the desert,” Jeryl Schriever, a tour member said. “It’s just, I can picture them here and have so much respect for them.”

Yuma City Councilmember Karen Watts also spoke at the event and was recognized for her continued efforts to advance equality, including her support of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Organizers say the tour is not only about remembering history, but also about inspiring continued advocacy today.

They hope events like this encourage communities across the country to stay engaged in the ongoing push for equal rights.

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Boot Scootin’ for a Cause to fundraise for locals

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A line dancing fundraiser is being held in Yuma.

The Yuma Rotary Club is presenting Boot Scootin’ for a Cause at the Country Roads RV Village on June 6.

There will be food, drinks, prizes, and free line dancing lessons.

A cornhole tournament will also be held with $10 fee separate from the entry ticket.

Tickets are $40 if bought in advance.

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Fireworks spectacular to be held in Calipatria for 4th of July

Marcos Icahuate

CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – An event is planned to be held in Calipatria for 4th of July.

The Fireworks Spectacular will be held at the Cliff Hatfield Airport (440 W. Main St.) from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

There will be music, food vendors, and more.

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26 healthcare workers awarded scholarships through Onvida Health Foundation

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Thursday, 26 healthcare workers, as well as future healthcare workers, were awarded scholarships through the Onvida Health Foundation. 

I spoke with scholarship recipients about their emotions when they found out they were receiving a scholarship.

“I feel really honored and happy and privileged to have received the scholarship and also really appreciative of the Onvida Foundation,” said Lisa Green White, a scholarship recipient.

Out of 100 applicants, 26 recipients were awarded scholarships to help further their education endeavors.

“We are recognizing a number of excellent students who are receiving scholarships. They are choosing scholarships in the healthcare field and this is a way to help them achieve their success,” said Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson, scholarship committee chair.

More than five different scholarships were awarded tonight, including the Diana Karina Robles Lizarraga Scholarship. For one recipient, this was her second year in a row receiving the award.

“This is actually my second time receiving this award. I received it last year. I was extremely, beyond words, I can’t even say how excited I was, and this year, when I found out that I got it again, I was extremely happy and I’m beyond blessed,” said Kriste Mantica, a scholarship recipient.

These scholarships provide support to healthcare workers and help build the future workforce.

26 scholarships were awarded Thursday night, and each one helps strengthen care for our whole community.

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Imperial County Public Health and Law Enforcement host ‘STOP. LOOK. LOCK’

Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – On Friday morning, the Imperial County Public Health Department – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, in collaboration with the Imperial County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, held their “STOP. LOOK. LOCK” event.

The goal of this campaign is to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke. 

The event took place at the Imperial County Fire Department Station 3 and Cooling Center in Seeley.

Public Health officials and law enforcement shared the dangers of heatstroke and prevention tips for parents and caregivers of small children.

As the temperature increases in the Imperial County, it is important to stay alert.

Children are at a higher risk than adults of dying from heatstroke in a hot vehicle, especially when they are too young to communicate.

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Yuma man accused of child sexual abuse back in court

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man accused of child sexual abuse was back in court Friday.

28-year-old Ethan Kotlinski was arrested last month along with his wife, 30-year-old Amanda Kotlinski, on allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.

Yuma police say the alleged abuse involved a 13-year-old child near 18th Street and Avenue B. Both suspects pleaded not guilty to all counts of sexual abuse in late March.

On Thursday, Kotlinski’s lawyer asked the Yuma County judge for a 30-day continuance. His next court appearance is set for May 28.

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