Category: kyma-local-news

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) has announced the latest edition of their ongoing traffic safety program.

According to a post on Facebook, the program, called Project Drive Safe, took place on August 1 at South Avenue 3E.

YPD listed the following targeted violations during the program: Speeding, vehicle equipment violations, distracted driving/cellphone violations, red light violations and stop sign violations.

In addition, YPD says their Traffic Unit will be conducting enforcement at an undisclosed location.

This will go until Friday, August 15. To learn more about the program, as well as learn about tips for driving safe, click here.

Reporter Madeline Murray will have the full story later this evening.

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Marcos Icahuate

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man was pronounced dead and two other people were injured in a crash in Somerton, according to Somerton Police Department (SPD).

On August 1, at about 8:46 p.m., officers were called about a crash in the area of South Avenue G.

SPD say a black Ford Mustang crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting a vehicle and crashing head-on with another.

The driver of the Mustang, 35-year-old Jose Manuel Castellanos, was pronounced dead on scene.

The first vehicle hit was a Toyota Venza which had four passengers. No injuries were reported.

The second vehicle was a Ford Expedition, also carrying four people. Two people were taken to Onvida Health and one was later flown to Phoenix for head trauma, according to SPD.

The crash remains under investigation, and SPD say alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call SPD at (928) 722-7411.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Liberty Mutual awarded Yuma Insurance with an award, which came with a $5,000 award that was donated tot he Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY).

Yuma Insurance received the 2025 Make More Happen Award for supporting HSOY.

The two Yuma organizations have a story that can be read here.

Locals can vote on their story, and if it reaches 500 combined votes and comments, then the $5,000 donation will increase to $10,000.

“Yuma Insurance is dedicated to protecting and educating our community members, which is why our values align with the Humane Society of Yuma,” said Jack Puckett, agency owner at Yuma Insurance. “They offer care and comfort to animals and also provide education about animal cruelty at local elementary schools. Pets are family, so it’s critical that we support the Humane Society’s lifesaving work and give every animal a chance at a loving home.”

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is investigating two fires that happened over the weekend.

One of the fires started late Saturday afternoon at La Mirada Apartments near Cibola High School close to Avenue C and 20th Street.

The fire started on the patio of the first floor of the apartment complex.

“Yuma Engine 4 arrived on scene and found a first-story patio apartment that was fully involved. They quickly deployed a bumper line and started an aggressive transitional attack limiting damage to the fire just to the exterior,” said Fire Captain Francisco Leon, Public Information Officer for YFD.

While the patio was damaged, YFD says the interior only suffered water damage.

The sprinkler system inside the building was able to help prevent further damage.

“Sprinkler saves happen a couple of times a year. They do limit the damage of the fire to the confined area, [and] they confine it to the room that the fire started in. It’s very important to keep those sprinkler systems maintained by a professional company,” says Capt. Leon.

Meanwhile, another fire in an alley happened earlier in the day in the area of South First Avenue and East Sixth Street.

YFD says they arrived to see a fence on fire endangering powerlines and spreading to a shed nearby.

“Yuma ladder one pulled some attack lines and started an aggressive fire attack limiting the damage of the flames just to the exterior of the shed and the commercial kitchen, and they were able to extinguish the fence pretty quickly,” Leon said.

No one was hurt in either of the fires.

Both fires are still under investigation, but according to the Yuma Police Department, arson has been ruled out for the apartment fire.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Students at Crane and Centennial Middle Schools will now see more safety support on campus, thanks to a new move by the Crane Elementary School District.

The district has assigned two full-time School Resource Officers (SROs), one for each middle school, instead of having a single officer split time between both campuses.

“So by having this dedicated individual that’s on site, [it] will provide a consistent outlook and be able to foster and develop relationships within the student body at both campuses,” said Dale Ponder, the district’s Chief of Finances and Operations.

District leaders say the change isn’t just about responding to emergencies, but about building stronger connections with students and helping them feel supported.

“They provide law related education to the student body and help educate the students about their function…but the SRO is just an extension of the school and being able to provide a safe and secure environment where they can also ensure rapid response in the case of an emergency,” Ponder added.

Crane Middle School Principal Ryan Tyree says the daily presence of an officer makes a real difference on campus.

“Having an officer here every day makes a big difference, not just with visibility, but they have the opportunity to really establish strong and meaningful relationships with our students,” Tyree said.

He also pointed out the impact on parents’ peace of mind.

“Parents send their child to our school, and it’s our job to keep them safe and secure, so it just adds another layer of security and sense of feeling safe at school,” Tyree said.

Crane District officials say it’s all part of their broader goal: Creating a safer, more supportive environment for students every day.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – One of the suspects involved in a Yuma house party shooting in May of 2023 will have his trial delayed one year from now.

21-year-old Abraham Colin is facing two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the deaths of 19-year-old Danny Garcia and 20-year-old Ande Blackthunder.

Back in June, Colin’s attorney requested that his trial be moved from outside Yuma County, but it was denied by Judge Claudia Gonzalez.

His trial was set to begin Tuesday and was originally scheduled to last four weeks.

It will now begin a year from now, August 4, 2026, and will last six weeks.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local hardware store is stepping up to support Veterans during the summer heat, with the organizers saying sometimes, a simple gesture can go a long way.

At Kabat’s Ace Hardware on Fortuna & Frontage Road in Yuma, they’re kicking off their Second Annual Water Drive to benefit Right Turn for Yuma Veterans.

The non-profit supports homeless and at-risk Veterans, helping them transition into stable and long-term housing.

Rudy Gonzalez, Veteran Services Director at Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, says “Just to improve their lives one day at a time. We believe in a hand up, not a hand out.”

Customers can donate by purchasing a case of water in store or by dropping off cases of bottled water .

Gonzalez says it’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference.

“It helps them in the house, but also it helps us make contact with Veterans that are on the streets that choose to stay on the streets so we have that connection with them so when they’re ready to resources they know who to contact,” he explains.

Last year’s drive collected seven pallets of bottled water, all distributed to Veterans within the program, the community, and those living on the streets.

“We had a couple families who didn’t have any water in their home, so we gave them like four cases of water to help them…I was just blown away by how much our community supported us,” shared Gonzalez.

Sean Toomey, the Store Manager at Kabat’s Ace Hardware, adds “The success last year was unreal. This community is always giving back to their neighbors. We did over 7,000 water bottles last year. We look to try to match that this year as well.”

The water drive runs through the entire month of August.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local family-owned dealership selling travel trailers and fifth wheels is closing its doors.

Country Club RV announced, via social media, they are closing after 12 years of serving the community.

The dealership says it wants to thank its customers for all their support, as well as thank their staff for their “passion, expertise, and genuine care for our customers made this place special.”

“As we say goodbye, we leave you with the words that have guided us all these years: Don’t forget to find your adventure,” the dealership expressed.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Onvida Health Lactation team is hosting Strong Start, a free community event, this upcoming weekend.

The event, taking place at the Yuma Main Library this Saturday at 10:30 a.m., is to bring awareness of resources and services available for moms.

During the event, attendees will receive giveaways, connect with local resources and have one-on-one support with a lactation consultant.

The event will go until 2:30 p.m. and is open for all ages. To learn more about the event, click here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) hosted the Seventh Annual Poker for Paws Tournament Saturday.

The tournament took place at Sage & Sand Cocktail Lounge at noon.

Funds from the tournament are going to help vaccinate furry friends in local shelters and get the animals spayed and neutered.

Annette Lagunas, Executive Director of HSOY, shared why this time of year is important to keep pets in mind.

“Summer time is really hard for the Humane Society. You know, we’ve got people going out of town. We’ve got lots of pets coming into the shelter, and now school is starting, and so, families are busy. They’re not necessarily adopting, and unfortunately, a lot of animals get turned over this time of year,” Lagunas expressed.

The first place winner received a $1,000 gift card.

If you’re thinking about adding a furry loved one to your family, head on over to HSOY’s website to see which animals are up for adoption.

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