Category: kyma-local-news

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Tuesday’s Home Grown report, we highlight how Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared November as Leafy Greens Month, and what this means for the state.

This is meant to showcase the start of the start of harvest season for lettuce and other leafy greens across the state.

“We want nothing but the best produce and safe product out there for you,” said Amigos Farms food safety director Valentin Sierra.

It’s also meant to highlight the state’s commitment to agriculture and food safety.

According to the Arizona Leafy Greens website, Arizona farmers contribute 25% of the nation’s leafy greens.

“We’re feeding schools, we’re feeding restaurants, we’re feeding you as a consumer,” Sierra says.

He explains how beneficial it is to have so much of the state’s focus on agriculture.

“Oh it’s great. I mean, it helps us out as growers. We get the word out to the public on food safety, on what we do as growers to produce safe and good food for eating,” he explains.

Meanwhile, Mike Pasquinelli, a local grower says it just shows how serious agriculture takes producing safe, healthy food.

“It helps show the dedication that we have in the state of Arizona to providing safe leafy greens to our country and as an export,” Pasquinelli says.

Sierra shares how even locals can help keep our local produce safe, especially for pet owners.

“They walk their animals out in the fields, in the ranches, just keeping them out would be a big help, and we also irrigate through canals, open canals, so keeping your animals out of the canals is also be great,” Sierra said.

The Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement also says that this farming contributes $2 billion each year to Arizona’s economy.

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Joaquin Hight

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton gathered Tuesday morning to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with the Veterans Day Parade.

The Veterans Day Parade rolled down on historic U.S. Highway 80.

Leading the way were Wellton police, firefighters, and a lineup of classic cars, all honoring those who served.

The crowd showed its appreciation, cheering on the heroes who keep their community strong.

Local Safety Officer Mark Rivera Jr. shared a personal message with Veterans and active duty members.

“I just wanna thank you guys for what you guys do. Your sacrifice, your bravery, make this country what it is today. And, we’re very honored for the sacrifices you’ve made throughout the years,” Rivera expressed.

The parade was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder of the pride and gratitude this town has for those who serve.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local organization is handing out sack lunches.

Keller Williams Realty is offering a peanut butter and jelly pickup at Mostly Muffins (2451 W. 16th Street) on Thursday, November 13.

Locals can pick up a lunch bag from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The lunch includes a jar of peanut butter and jelly.

The offer is available while supplies last.

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Jailene Aguilera

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Help us give back to the Crossroads Mission with their our Share Your Holiday Turkey Drive.

The turkey drive is taking place at all Walmart locations in Yuma and the Foothills this Friday, November 14, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

We’re collecting turkeys, non-perishable food items and cash during that time. All of the proceeds are going to the Crossroads Mission for their Three Days of Thanksgiving event.

Come out and see us and help us share your holiday with locals in need this holiday season.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Historical Society has unveiled the “Yumans in Vietnam” exhibit in honor of Veterans Day and the opening of the 2025-26 museum season.

According to a press release, the unveiling took place Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Sanguinetti House Museum & Gardens in Downtown Yuma.

The press release says the exhibit honors Yuma residents who served in the Vietnam War, as well as 13 Yuma residents who were killed in action.

“This exhibit is a way for our community to come together and remember those who served—especially those who didn’t return home,” said Bruce Gwynn, Yuma County Historical Society Board Member. “Their stories deserve to be preserved and shared with future generations.”

The unveiling ceremony and the exhibit was free and open to the public.

If you or a family member served in Vietnam, or would like to share stories, photographs or memorabilia, contact the Historical Society as info@yumahistoric.org or call (928) 782-1841.

Yumans in Vietnam Press ReleaseDownload

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A traffic project is coming to Yuma.

A traffic light is planned to be installed at the intersection of County 14th Street and Avenue 4E.

Each road will include a new left-turn lane.

Avenue 4E will be closed to thru traffic in the area of County 13th to 15th Street starting November 12.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County is moving towards adopting updated food codes that could impact local restaurants as well as mobile food vendors.

The Yuma County Health District (YCHD) would like to adopt the 2022 Food and Drug Administration food code.

The County says the food code has not been updated since 1999, and says the new code includes temperature changes for hand washing and food holding, requiring all vendors to have a food handlers card and classes to educate vendors on these new laws.

YCHD says it shouldn’t change much of food vendors’ day-to-day operations, but it’s necessary to stay up to date.

“We are emphasizing support not surprise, so we are planning to have educational sessions, more outreach before we roll, roll out the food code,” said Rueben Gonzalez, Environmental Health Programs Manager.

If the new food code is adopted, YCHD says it will give food establishments plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments. 

 

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An annual balloon tradition returns for its 35th year in Yuma.

The Colorado River Crossing Balloon Festival runs from November 14 to November 16 at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex (Pacific Avenue & Eighth Street).

Locals are invited ride hot air balloons and enjoy food from vendors, as well as participate in other family friendly events.

Tethered balloon rides are $25 per person.

The full list of events can be read below.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) -Police have identified the elderly woman who died after a fatal crash in Yuma.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) say 71-year-old Lucia Esparza was making a left turn on 16th Street last Saturday morning.

That’s when officers say she crashed into a jeep with three occupants inside, including a three-year-old child.

“71-year-old female was taken to Onvida Health…later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the other vehicle and two passengers, 27-year-old female and a 3-year-old, were taken to Onvida Health and treated and released. Minor injuries,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with YPD.

Police say alcohol does not appear to be a factor.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – First Bank Yuma came into an agreement with OneAZ Credit Union. They’re a Phoenix-based credit union and part of the state.

As part of the agreement, First Bank Yuma agreed to be acquired by them.

Ricardo Perez with First Bank Yuma says locals should be excited.

“They should be really excited about the products the services that OneAZ has to offer for them. There is a lot of new benefits for them as well the ability to access their funds a lot quicker,” Perez explained.

“They’ll be able to have consumer lending. It really opens up the market to really provide and expand on the services that are gonna be available for our customers,” he added.

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