Category: kyma-local-news

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County got the opportunity to give back as Vitalant is hosting the Yuma Holiday Heroes Blood Drive this weekend.

The annual three-day event kicked off Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and is taking place at the Yuma Palms, near Five Below at 1375 S. Yuma Palms Parkway.

Donors will receive a coupon for a free medium pizza from Pizza Hut, as well as a one-day entry to the Arizona Renaissance Festival.

Saturday’s event will go until 6:00 p.m., but the second day of the annual event will start at 9:00 a.m. and will go until 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

The third and final day of the annual event will take place Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To sign up for Sunday’s event, as well as Monday’s event, click here.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma locals experienced some light showers this morning. A Weather Authority First Alert ACTION Days is in effect through Thursday morning due to widespread and scattered showers being possible through the holiday. There could also be flooding risks within our area if any heavy rainfall occurs.

According to the National Weather Service, A Wind Advisory remains in effect through this afternoon and a  Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening for the western, higher elevation portion of Joshua Tree National Park. NWS reports light shower activity will likely continue for the next couple hours in South Central Arizona. 

The next round of rain showers are forecast for Christmas morning, but confidence in timing, coverage, and location of the showers is low.  There is a low chance (10%) for additional pop-up showers tomorrow afternoon and evening. A mid to late afternoon wind shift to the west is expected tomorrow.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Wednesday marks day two of Crossroads Mission’s 3 Days of Christmas, and served roast beef.

The 3 Days of Christmas is be held at the mission from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., who will serve locals food, give away free clothing, and have other fun activities for families to enjoy.

The Crossroads Mission has been hosting this event for over a decade. They also delivered 1,300 homebound meals.

The third and final day of the annual event will take place at the mission on Christmas Day, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the mission will serve a traditional turkey.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Wet conditions have hovered around Yuma County Wednesday, and some locals are happy to see a change in weather.

A First Alert Action Day was issued Tuesday as scattered widespread showers are possible through Christmas.

You can watch a live look at the weather through our skycam below:

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Dillon Fuhrman

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Las Chabelas Restaurant and Brawley Elks Lodge 1420 hosted the 14th Annual Children’s Christmas Bicycle Drive over the weekend.

The annual event took place at restaurant, located at 749 S. Brawley Avenue, at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

Courtesy: Abraham Rubalcava

Courtesy: Abraham Rubalcava

According to the restaurant, they gave away over 160 bicycles and helmets to pre-selected children during the event.

The restaurant said the children were pre-selected through the following agencies in Imperial County:

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Brawley Police Department

Imperial County Social Service

C.H.A.R.L.E.E., a foster children advocacy organization

Courtesy: Abraham Rubalcava

Courtesy: Abraham Rubalcava

In addition, the restaurant said the Children’s Christmas Bicycle Drive has donated over 1,500 bicycles throughout its 14 years, with 159 bicycles being donated during last year’s drive.

Courtesy: Abraham Rubalcava

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) has released a mugshot of the man suspected of murdering Kerri Ann Abatti in Pinetop, Arizona.

63-year-old Michael Abatti was arrested Tuesday in El Centro for first degree murder in connection to his wife’s death.

ICSO says he was arrested without incident at a business on McCabe Road.

Multiple agencies believe Abatti traveled to Pinetop, Arizona and may have shot his wife, according to a Navajo County Public Information Officer.

Prior to the arrest, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) said detectives served multiple search warrants on residence properties, and vehicles belonging to the Abatti family earlier this month, where they have seized a “significant amount of evidence” to identify Abatti as the primary suspect.

Also prior to the arrest, NCSO says detectives provided their testimony to the Navajo County Grand Jury and the Navajo County Superior Court issued both Abatti’s indictment and arrest warrant.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Kerri’s family and to all those affected by this tragedy. The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the cooperation of the other police agencies that worked countless hours alongside our Detectives. The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize the men and women who served on the Grand Jury who heard the evidence and concluded that an indictment was appropriate in this case, helping to bring justice to the Abatti family.”

Sheriff David M. Clouse, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.

While we don’t know when he will be extradited to Navajo County, KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

Abatti Press ReleaseDownload

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Jailene Aguilera

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A big surprise for Genevieve Castaneda as Quick Refrigeration gave her a free air-conditioning (AC) system.

Quick refrigeration Vice President Jimmy Gilmore said her AC system was about 30 years old, and shared what they’ve done this year to give back to the community.

“This year was a year of giving back for Quick Refrigeration. We made a substantial donation to endow a scholarship at Arizona Western College, and we gave away a free air conditioner for Christmas,” Gilmore said.

This is the fifth year that Quick Refrigeration gave away an AC unit.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Holiday travel is hitting a peak this season.

AAA says it’s seeing record travel this holiday season, with over 122 million Americans hitting the road or flying, including many to and from Arizona.

We asked locals what the holiday season means to them.

Local Nick Felago says, “The holidays, specifically Christmas, is the birth of Jesus, and we’re celebrating that…It’s just an amazing time to be thankful for our lives and spend time with family.”

Another local, Donna Brewlow, says, “We just want this year to be peaceful and healthful, and everybody get along.”

Many travelers, like Alex Mall are excited for the holiday season and shared their travel plans.

“We are going to Santan Valley to visit my sister and her family,” Mall shared.

Felago says, “Right now, we’re on the way to Prescott, Arizona to visit my grandmother for Christmas.”

This year, AAA is projecting a 2% increase from last year for travelers on the road.

Other locals are more cautious about hitting the roads.

“No, not at Christmas…I don’t do that…We get enough traffic in town. I don’t need to be out there on the freeways during Christmas,” says Brewlow.

Remember to travel safely and enjoy the holidays whether your spending time with family and friends or just sitting at home.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Heavy rain is expected across much of Southern California this Christmas week.

While Imperial County is not anticipating major rainfall, fire officials are encouraging residents to stay prepared and take necessary precautions.

The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) says the rain is expected to last several days, and officials are closely monitoring weather conditions alongside the Office of Emergency Services.

“The Imperial County Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Services are currently monitoring the state of the storm,” officials said.

ICFD officials say that as long as rainfall does not hit all at once, Imperial County should avoid major impacts. However, they continue to urge residents to remain prepared.

Fire officials say sand and sandbags are available to the public and are self-serve at local fire stations.

“Our firefighters may or may not be at the station,” officials said. “However, the sand and sandbags are self-served, so the public is welcome to come to our stations and pick up sandbags and sand at their leisure. For seniors or those who may not be able to help themselves, we will provide assistance.”

The fire department is also monitoring rural areas that are prone to flooding, particularly washes and roadways.

“We are aware of the areas that are prone to flooding, especially where water runs through the washes, including Highway 78 and the corridor between Blythe and Brawley,” officials said.

Fire officials say seniors or residents who need assistance with sandbags can call any local fire station for help.

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Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Calexico Fire Department (CFD) is asking for the community’s help in spreading holiday cheer by donating toys to children in need.

CFD officials say they are currently collecting toys that will benefit the Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home.

Community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys at Calexico Fire Station One, located next to the Calexico Police Station.

According to CFD, about 50 toys have been collected so far, but they are hoping to receive many more donations before the holiday.

“We are trying to get as many toys as possible, hoping to get some more,” said Edgar Morales with CFD. “It’s been a little slow starting, but we should get more toys tonight.”

CFD says donations will be accepted all day on Christmas Eve. Even if you miss the deadline, officials say you can still drop off a toy after Christmas to support the cause.

Community members are encouraged to participate and help make the holidays brighter for local children.

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