Category: kyma-local-news

Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With tax season closing on April 15, many are rushing to file on time, but some say changes this year are making the process more difficult.

The 2026 tax season window is closing in the next two weeks, leaving some struggling to get their returns filed in time.

“Elderly are struggling immensely, because of the technology. So when they retired, they didn’t have emails they didn’t have all of the electronics. So now…our seniors or super seniors, they’re having a lot of issues,” said Mary York Roberts with H&R Block.

Changes this year, including fewer IRS staff, the closures of some assistance centers and the end of free filing options, are making it harder for many taxpayers to get help.

Many are now turning to professional services for assistance.

“Just getting through to the government. IRS and…it’s been really bad…Just trying to get through to a person. And the government, everything is automated and you can’t even get through and talk to somebody,” said Janet Snyder, a Yuma local.

With people waiting until the final days to file, experts say it’s important to plan ahead, especially as some traditional options may no longer be available.

“We are reminding individuals that there was a change at the Post Office this year. The Post Office is now not going…you know how when they had the last…people would go in with their forms or their payments April 15? Well, now you can’t do that any longer,” York Roberts shared.

With the deadline quickly approaching, experts urge taxpayers to not wait until the last minute.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A wet November caused some disturbance in local farming that highlights how farmers overcome weather challenges.

“It impacts us deeply because if we have product down, and we get a lot of rain, now we have to worry about the fungicide and mildews. We have to plant fungicides. We are battling other plagues like insect damage and things that are coming up after it dries up,” said Valentine Sierra with Amigo Farms.

Extensive rain can drown months of hard work and can cost local farmers a big price. Most people would assume rain is good for farmers, but sometimes it can cause big problems 

“Our cost did increase maybe like five or 10% in those three months that we had that extra rain,” Sierra shared.

Yuma’s rainy periods are notoriously unpredictable. Growers depend on weather updates to decide when to make changes to their fields.

“We just watch the weather as close as we can. It’s unpredictable. It’s hard to tell, but if we can see if the weather is kind of accurate, and we are following [it], we can prepare ourselves and just hope that it doesn’t change, so that we can just stay with our schedule, but once that rain comes we are already prepared with plan b to move crops to another ranch,” Sierra expressed.

A season of rain has the potential to drown months of labor within a few days. With proper planning and adaptability, the chance of crop survival is possible.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A former Yuma sergeant has passed away, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

Retired Sgt. David Pospisil began working for YCSO in August 1982.

He served for over 37 years and retired in March 2020.

“On behalf of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” writes YCSO.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and resilience of children in military families.

At Yuma Proving Ground, that recognition started early with a special celebration honoring local military children.

Children from the installation’s Child Development Center and James D. Price Elementary School took part in a parade across the base, dressed as superheroes.

The event drew parents, community members, and local first responders who lined the route to cheer them on.

The celebration highlighted the unique challenges military children face, including frequent moves, long separations from loved ones, and adapting to new environments.

Installation Commander Colonel John Nelson, who was a military child himself, spoke about the importance of recognizing their strength and resilience.

The dandelion, known as the official flower of the military child, symbolizes that resilience, thriving and adapting wherever life takes them.

Organizers say events like this not only celebrate military children, but also help build a stronger sense of community and support for military families.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – One person was taken to the hospital after a semi-truck rollover in Yuma over the weekend.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) says it happened east of Telegraph Pass Saturday night.

AZDPS says the semi was driving westbound when it rolled over to the left and went down the embankment.

The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and AZDPS says the semi was left there overnight until it could be dismantled and brought out of the ditch.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma couple has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a child.

28-year-old Ethan Kotlinski and 31-year-old Amanda Kotlinski appeared in court Monday, where they pled not guilty to all charges.

The Yuma Police Department says the alleged abuse involving a 13-year-old child happened earlier this month near 18th Street and Avenue B.

They are both facing one count of sexual abuse and two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Amanda will be back in court on April 24 while Ethan will be back in court on April 30.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A gala is planned to celebrate 15 years of a local organization.

The Healing Journey presents the Havana Nights Gala at the Paradise Casino event center (450 Quechan Dr.) on April 17, 2026.

Entertainment includes live music and a silent auction, with dinner provided.

Tickets are $75.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says City Clerk Lynda Bushong is retiring after nearly 20 years of public service.

According to a press release, Bushong joined the City of Yuma back in 2008, where she served as the Deputy City Clerk, before being appointed to her current role two years later.

As City Clerk, the City says she helped “guide the Clerk’s Office through several operational improvements that enhanced efficiency and expanded access to public records.”

In addition, the City says Bushong help with the “from large, printed Council agenda packets — which once averaged 400 to 450 pages — to electronic distribution, improving accessibility while reducing printing costs and streamlining the process for City leadership.”

“Congratulations to our City Clerk Lynda Bushong on her well-earned retirement,” said Mayor Doug Nicholls. “Throughout her career, she has been an essential part of the Yuma City Clerk’s Office, helping build a strong and dependable team that serves our community with professionalism and integrity. Lynda’s dedication to public service and commitment to the people of Yuma and to many Municipal Clerks throughout the state will leave a lasting impact. We thank her for the many years she has devoted to making our local government stronger and wish her the best in this next chapter.”

As she prepares for her retirement, Bushong reflected on her time serving the Yuma community for the past 18 years.

“The best part of any job is the people you meet along the way,” Lynda said. “I want everyone to know that I am grateful for each and every one of you. I’m not saying goodbye — just turning the page. Thank you for being part of my journey.”

A public reception to honor Bushong will be held at the Yuma City Hall Wednesday, following a City Council meeting, and everyone is welcome to attend.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Protesters opposing President Donald Trump’s policies took to the streets of Yuma Saturday, joining a nationwide wave of demonstrations calling for change.

Dozens gathered for a “No Kings” protest, while hundreds were seen near Center Pointe, lending their voices to a broader national movement pushing back on presidential policies and behavior they say are concerning.

“Across the United States ends up being millions of us that go out to say we’re not in favor of what’s happening and in Yuma, it helps me to know I’m not alone.” said Linda, a protester.

Others echoed similar sentiments, saying there is strength in showing up alongside others.

“When people get together like this and all over the country, it’s powerful. And we’re here for each other because this is a crazy time in our country and our administration is a little…not a little…a lot off the rocker,” said Becky, another protester.

Protesters said they are frustrated with policies and decisions that, in their view, are hurting everyday Americans.

“Stop what you’re doing. Think about what the people really want and start focusing on that, rather than doing your own agenda for your own billionaire buddies,” said Roger, another protester.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Residents from across Imperial Valley joined together in El Centro at the corner of Main Street and Imperial Avenue Saturday as part of a nationwide “No King’s Day” protest.

Groups from Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Democrats United Imperial County were on site, handing out water, snacks, sunscreen, and signs.

Organizers say the demonstrations are focused on concerns about government overreach and federal policies.

“Congress needs to get to work. We don’t need executive orders. Congress, do your job,” Holtville resident Dolores Provencio told KYMA.

Bryan Vega, Chair of the Imperial Valley Democratic Party said he was satisfied with the turnout for the third “No Kings” protest in the area since President Donald Trump took office.

“It shows that, the community, we’re not happy with whats happening at Washington, but even locally, we feel, the community feels right now that we’re being left out of very important decisions happening right here in Imperial County,” Vega explained.

“When these federal changes and rollbacks are happening at the federal level, it affects us here locally. And instead of seeing our local government come forward and champion, it looks like they’re looking ways in which they can also profitize off of what’s happening,” he added.

Protesters say they hope their voices will be heard at the ballot box this year, as primaries are set for June 2.

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