Author: KYMA

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) says Ashley DeCorse has been selected for the 2026 American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Student to Leadership Development Program.

According to a press release, the three-year program is to support “students in developing the skills and experience necessary to advance from clinical education to professional leadership.”

During her participation in the program, DeCorse, who is a first-year student at AWC’s Radiology program, “will receive mentorship, leadership training, and full funding to attend national networking events and educational sessions.”

“This is a prestigious honor, and notably, it marks the second consecutive year a student from AWC has been chosen for this competitive national program,” shared Director of Radiologic Technology Tracy Iversen. “This achievement is a testament to the caliber of our students and the strength of our medical imaging curriculum.”

Also during the next three years, DeCorse will represent AWC on a national stage and will complete advanced ASRT leadership training, engage in advocacy planning, and participate in professional case studies.

“This is truly a proud moment for Arizona Western College and a testament to the excellence of our Radiology Program,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact Ashley will make in the medical imaging field.”

KYMA spoke to DeCorse, who shared her excitement about participating in the program.

“The best part about leadership is that this program is really gonna set me up for anything that I really want to go into, or branch off into,” DeCorse expressed.

First-year Radiology student selected for national leadership programDownload

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Madeline Murray

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – The Arizona State Gang Police Task Force responded to a call involving a man hiding under a bridge near the Yuma Main Canal Tuesday evening.

Officers made several attempts to get the man to come out from under the bridge.

After safely removing him from the area, he was taken into custody, with officials on scene saying the situation stemmed from an issue out of Phoenix.

We’ve reached out to the Arizona Department of Public Safely for more information, and will bring you updates as they become available.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A recent RV fire that ended in a crash near the Mirada Del Sol neighborhood is raising new concerns about safety along S. Pacific Avenue.

The crash happened near 18th Street, where an RV caught fire before leaving the roadway and crashing into a backyard, coming dangerously close to a home.

According to Rural Metro, crews arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames and quickly worked to keep the fire from spreading to the house.

Homeowner Miguel Pulido said the situation unfolded quickly and left his family shaken.

“My wife called me and she was frantic. She says it’s on fire, and I just happened to look over and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,'” Pulido said.

While the home did not suffer major structural damage, Pulido said parts of the roof and personal belongings were burned or damaged by the heat.

He says the crash has renewed concerns that neighbors have had for years about the lack of a protective barrier along the roadway above their homes.

“There’s damage, but part of the issue here is that there’s no rail up there,” Pulido said.

Pulido and other residents say they previously pushed for a guardrail in the area, but no action was taken. Now, he hopes this incident will lead to change.

According to the Yuma County Assessor’s Office, the land between S. Pacific Avenue and the neighborhood falls under the Arizona Department of Transportation, while the road itself is maintained by the City of Yuma.

Pulido says without a barrier in place, homes below the roadway remain at risk.

“We have nothing in between. It could have been anybody’s house,” he said.

A petition is now circulating, calling on local officials to install a stronger safety barrier to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

To view or sign the petition, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a house fire Tuesday afternoon.

According to a press release, it happened in the area of S. 12th Avenue and W. 12th Street at around 1:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, YFD says crews found smoke and flames coming from the backyard of a single-story, single-family home, prompting them to immediately deploy hose lines and conduct an “aggressive fire attack,” extinguishing the fire in the backyard.

During that time, YFD says crews saw smoke coming from the home’s vents and conducted a search inside the home to check for any fire extension.

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

Courtesy: Yuma Fire Department

YFD then says a fire was located in the attic and it was immediately extinguished, and says, “Firefighters were able to contain the damage to one room, preventing further spread throughout the home.”

While no injuries were reported, the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, YFD says.

009 RESI Backyard 12th AveDownload

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – We aren’t the only ones vulnerable to heat related illnesses. So are our four-legged friends.

Pet safety is a growing concern that shouldn’t take the backseat.

With high temperatures on the rise earlier than ever, Remember those who can’t ask you to turn on the AC.

I spoke with Yuma Police Department (YPD) about the possible repercussions pet owners can reap if they aren’t taking the rising heat temperatures seriously. 

“Please take care of your pets you know you have them they are depending on you to save their lives,” Sgt. Lori Franklin, Public Information Officer for YPD.

Leaving your pet inside the car is a huge cause for concern for your animals health and can lead to serious legal problems for you.

“If you do leave your pet in the car, and they become overheated and stuff like that, you can face charges for animal cruelty,” Sgt. Franklin shared.

With the rising temperatures its important to keep your pets at a comfortable temperature.

“It’s very crucial that we make sure that our pets have access to a cool environment or at least shade at the very least,” said Hilary Mulherin, Development Manager for the Humane Society of Yuma.

Keeping your pets in a controlled environment during the peak temperature hours during the day is crucial for your pets health. 

“If you’re planning to take your dog for a walk, please keep in mind that if the sidewalks are too hot for your hands, they are too hot for paws,” Mulharin expressed.

These are simple tips to keep your furry loved ones safe, cool, and happy.

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Abraham Retana

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is hosting a very special celebration this Saturday, marking when it was founded.

The Greater Days Festival, happening at Council Avenue Park, is commemorating 108 years of Somerton’s foundation.

The event starting with a parade happening at 9 a.m. followed by a day full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

“So, we are going to have food vendors a lot of drinks cooling stations because the weather is going to be a little bit hot, so we are going to have cooling stations and kids area with a petting zoo,” said Stephanie Pereda, Special Events Director of the City of Somerton.

Live music will be provided by the All Mighty Majestics and Los Apson.

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Jessamyn Dodd

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – Future farmers took center stage at the California Mid-Winter Fair at the IV Fairgrounds in Imperial Sunday.

Students from the local 4H and FFA programs spend months raising and training their animals, everything from sheep and goats to bunnies and pigs.

The fair offers the opportunity to show off all of their hard work in the ring, where the animals are judged on health, grooming, and handling.

For many of the students, it’s not just about bringing home the blue ribbon, it’s abput the hard work and responsibility they have learned all year long.

“Working with them. Usually what we’re doing is we are brushing their hair in certain directions. When we’re washing them, we are blowing their hair, giving them about three hours of care every day,” FFA student Lexi Sutter told KYMA.

In addition to the hard work and responsibility it takes to raise livestock, the students still remember to have fun and enjoy their time at the fair.

“It’s been really fun, especially since I’m in FFA. The competition’s a little bit higher and it gives me a little bit more of a challenge, but yeah overall, it’s been really fun,” FFA student Rhett Boston told KYMA.

While the goal is to sell the animals, whether it’s as pets or for food, parting ways can be bittersweet for some students.

Sutter explained, “Today, I got to take my steer for auction and I had a boar goat and a deer goat here but they left last weekend. And today, I was just going through auction with my steer and selling him so I’m going to have to get rid of him now after all of that.”

She said it it hard to break from the routine of working with the animal, but after the summer, she will be ready to take on a new one.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Recorder’s Office will be moving buildings in preparation of renovating the current office.

Starting next Monday, Yuma County Recorder David Lara says they will be moving down the street to the old Mexican Consulate Building on Main Street. The last day in the current building will be this Friday.

Lara says the Recorder’s Office will be in the new building for about a year, and says this will not impact early voting.

“There shouldn’t be a change. Everything’s pretty smooth and we already looked at the facility…I had staff look around before I rented it. I wanted to make sure that it would work, that it was up to date as far as elections, and I think we’re good,” Lara explained.

Lara also says everything they did in the old building will be done at the building they are renting out.

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Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – Tadeo Azael De La Hoya has officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of San Luis, Arizona.

He is currently a City Council member and President of the Gadsden School District Governing Board, and brings over 25 years of experience working in and serving the local community.

De La Hoya says throughout his career, he has worked on community programs, supported local families, and advocated for education and economic opportunities.

His leadership roles in both city government and the school district have positioned him as a key figure in local development.

“My greatest motivation is the commitment and the work I have already accomplished in San Luis, Arizona. The most important priority is to continue upholding public safety, as well as economic growth and development; San Luis, Arizona, possesses immense potential, and I believe we must take it to the next level.”

Tadeo De La Hoya, candidate for Mayor of San Luis, Arizona

De La Hoya plans to continue engaging with residents through community events as he seeks to earn their support in the upcoming election.

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Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma car club continues its journey of putting smiles on the faces of local children and special patients.

The Foothills Cruiser Car Club dropped off more than 400 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma.

The toys not only give comfort to kids but also to some elderly patients as well.

“These are real important events because we’re getting teddy bears over to the children and also, they help out some of the folks with Alzheimer’s. They give teddy bears as well, which was kind of a surprise. I learned that last year,” said Richard Craig, Public Affairs for Foothills Cruisers.

“When you come to the hospital, one, you’re not feeling good, but if you have something to take a little comfort into, I think it really makes a difference, especially the nurses can use them as a tool to let the kids know, ‘This is what I’m gonna do to you. Let’s do it to your stuffy first.’ I think it just builds a little trust between us and the patients,” said Amanda Oliver, Front Desk Registration Manager for ECH Yuma.

The Foothills Cruisers also dropped off more than 400 stuffed animals to the San Luis Police Department.

Earlier this month, the club donated 1,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Onvida Health.

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