Author: KYMA

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local non-profit is hosting a fundraiser for a good cause.

Crossroads Mission is having a Drive-thru Barbeque on Friday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Motel 8 parking lot on 17th Street and Riley Avenue near Navy Federal Credit Union.

All proceeds will go towards a much needed facility.

“The new men’s center is going to be down on the road from us here and every fundraiser that we do is a big help for that center,” said Myra Garlit, Crossroads Mission Executive Director.

Tickets are $10.

You can buy them at the Crossroads Mission Second Hand Store on 8th Street and 5th Avenue in Yuma.

Eduardo Morales

Yuma School District 1 is set to have a new superintendent after almost a decade.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma School District 1 has announced that current Chief Financial Officer Denis Ponder was voted as the new superintendent.

Ponder has been working for the district for about the past nine years, he shares that he was excited with the news, but knows it is a lot of work.

Ponder shared with us what he would like to focus on in this new role.

“What’s the best way forward in terms of being able to provide what our community needs and deserves, and then being able to deliver that with the resources we have,” said Ponder.

Current superintendent James Sheldahl served in the position for the previous nine years.

He has some words of advice for Ponder.

“Never lose sight of the fact that you’re here for a period of time to lead an organization that has a huge impact on the community,” said Sheldahl.

He describes what the position meant to him.

“Really, the highlight of my career, and I just can’t express what an honor it’s been to be able to have this experience and hold this position,” said Sheldahl.

While Ponder has a message for the parents of the district.

“We’re going to continue to be community oriented and community focused, and we want feedback, we want engagement from parents, we know that engaged families, engaged parents generally lead to better success for the kids,” said Ponder.

If the school board approves Ponder’s contract he will take over as superintendent on July 1.

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved the installation of more broadband towers.

These towers will help the agriculture industry have better internet, and therefore allow the industry to continue to grow.

This then leads to more access for better technology, such as implementing the use of artificial intelligence.

The county explains how this helps elevate AG in Yuma. 

“Agriculture is becoming a very sophisticated business and it requires a lot of drones a lot for equipment that is driven by broadband, that is where broadband gets used,” said Yuma County Supervisor for District 4 Tony Reyes.

There will now be an additional seven towers built, making it a total of 34.

The total cost for all of the towers will be around $7 million

Eduardo Morales

This week is National Crime Victim’s Week, and a local organization honored those victims in a ceremony.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Victim’s Rights committee put on a dinner to honor the victims of crimes and those who advocate for them.

This includes Yumas own Miss Yuma County Mone-Asia Bowman.

“It’s okay not to be okay,” said Bowman.

The event took place at the Yuma Main Library’s Garden Area.

As a survivor of abuse herself, Bowman shares why it is important for people like her to speak out.

“Some of these people may feel as if, ‘Oh, I’m alone, and ‘they don’t see the success stories,’ and ‘they need to see the success stories so they know if she can do it, I can do it. If they can do it, I can do it,’ so that’s the biggest thing with the representation out here,” said Bowman.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2023, 6.4 million violent victimizations of people aged 12 or older occurred in the United States.

City Council member and member of the Victims Rights Committee Mark Martinez shares why it is also important to support another group.

“You know, they’re behind the scenes. There’s a lot of people that don’t know what they do, they do so much so we need to support our advocates for the work that they do for their mental health, for their physical health,” said Martinez.

Miss Yuma County also includes the families for those victims as well.

“It’s also about their families. Unfortunately, everyone is negatively impacted by a lot of these things,” said Bowman.

Bowman also has some advice for those that are currently victims and are afraid to speak out.

“I would definitely recommend finding someone that they trust. Someone that they know that they can vent to, someone that isn’t going to report back to the person that is doing the harm to them, someone that’s going to keep them safe at all times,” said Bowman.

The week highlighting these victims continues through Saturday.

If you or anyone you know is a victim you can always reach out to one of the local advocates, such as Amberly’s Place and the Healing Journey.

CBS News

YUMA, Ariz. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) – Yuma residents and winter visitors shared more of their reaction to President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

“Yeah, he’s home. He’s back home,” said one Yuma resident.

Support for President Trump has traditionally been strong for rural Yuma.

During the election, Trump secured 59% of the votes in Yuma County while his opponent, former Vice President Kamala Harris, received 39%.

“I’ve been waiting four years for this day. Believe me,” said Clifton Hales, another Yuma resident.

Feeling positive about the next four years, Hales said he’s already banking on Trump reducing prices for consumers.

“The price of fuel goes down, and that will bring the price of everything down. Groceries included,” Hales explained.

“Get back to law and order,” said David Ashcraft, a visitor from Indianapolis.

With a slew of executive orders Trump has on the burner, Ashcraft said he believes it’s a successful day one in office.

“He can kinda wipe away the previous administration’s executive order with his own,” Ashcraft stated.

While some tuned into the inauguration Monday morning, some locals marched the streets of Yuma to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For Delsa Dixon, with the NAACP Yuma Chapter, she is not the biggest fan of the now-47th president and said it’s a heavy day.

“We are supposed to be the United States of America and unfortunately…we are not united,” Dixon expressed.

While opinions might differ, one resident, Pat Roland, says solidarity is important.

“No matter who it would be, we need to stand behind that president and work with the systems that are in place,” Roland remarked.

Valeria Rodriguez

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Prices continue to climb, and the permit fees for the Imperial Valley Sand Dunes are no exception.

Buttercup Campground is just one of the prime locations at the Imperial Valley Sand Dunes that will see a rate hike later this year.

Off-site weekly permits will be increasing over 50%, on-site weekly permits increasing by 40%, along with season permits which will increase over 20%. 

For off-site weekly permits, the fee will increase from $35 to $55, on-site weekly permits $50 to $70, and for season $150 to $185.

The price increase will take effect on October 1, 2025.

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma Elementary School District One held their first governing board meeting of the year and also with the three newly elected members Cori Rico, David Ibarra, and Jeff Stoner.

Board members recognized community donations, student artwork, and academic excellence in the district. James B. Rolle Elementary School received a five-star quality first rating for the excellence of it’s preschool program.

The board also voted to approve Nicole Alonzo as principal of Dorothy Hall Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. Alonzo shares what this means to her.

“It’s exciting, it’s overwhelming, it’s an experience that I can’t describe. It’s a high like no other and again very excited to be able to lead Dorothy Hall into the next step in the future of education,” said Alonzo.

Speaking of new roles, newly elected board member Cori Rico stepped up to oversee the employee benefit trust. She shares why she felt called to serve.

“I think part of being a board member is actually being involved not just the title of being a board member, so for me, it was important to figure out a space where I can serve,” said Cori Rico.

A few community members also spoke out. One of those speakers was former board member Barbara Foote who shared a few pieces of wisdom for the incoming counsel.

“I also recommend to the board they should go visit the schools. I know a lot of the board members are business men, but they signed up to become board members, and take a day off and visit some schools. The principal and teachers really appreciate that,” said Barbara Foote.

The board also voted to maintain the date and time of their regularly scheduled board meetings. They are held the second Tuesday of each month.

Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma City Council kicked off its first meeting of the year with fresh faces and a renewed focus on community priorities.

Two new members, Karen Watts and Mark Martinez, officially joined the council, bringing new perspectives to the team.

Mayor Douglas Nicholls emphasized the importance of integrating new voices into the council, stating:

“We have two new council members, so we get to work them into the mix. And other counselors get to have an opportunity to be engaged in other committees they might not have had exposure to. It really brings a new breath to some committees and helps educate the council so we are more fully aware of what the community is doing.”

Mark Martinez, serving his first term, expressed his enthusiasm and readiness for the role.

“Exciting. Yesterday was a work session, so I got most of the butterflies out yesterday. So, I’m pretty calm right now, just hoping to do better and learn my role,” he said.

The council’s agenda included discussions on zoning changes and upgrades to Kennedy Skate Park, as well as public safety software improvements and email security updates for city staff. These topics, along with the new members’ contributions, signal a busy year ahead for Yuma’s leadership.

The next council meeting is scheduled for January 23. Stay tuned as the city’s leadership works to address pressing community issues and achieve its goals for 2025.