Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A major investment in agricultural innovation could soon help position Yuma as a global leader in ag-tech development.

The Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, in partnership with the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation and the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center, has received a $300,000 federal planning grant to study the creation of a new agricultural technology business incubator in Yuma.

The proposed incubator would provide startup companies with a dedicated space to build, test, and validate new agricultural technologies before bringing them to market.

Organizers say the project builds on Yuma’s reputation as one of the nation’s most important agricultural regions. During the winter months, the area produces nearly 90% of the country’s leafy greens.

Tanya Hodges, Executive Director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, says the region currently lacks a dedicated space where emerging ag-tech companies can develop and test their ideas locally.

“There’s not a space for young startup companies to come in and work and test and get validated out of the ag center,” Hodges said. “The planning grant will do assessment to see if in fact there is a need, so potentially building some space at the Yuma Ag Center for AgTech companies to come and do business in Yuma.”

Leaders involved in the project say the long-term goal is to attract companies from around the world to test agricultural innovations in Yuma’s desert climate and eventually invest in the local economy.

If the planning phase proves successful, organizers say the partnership could pursue up to $3 million in additional funding to help bring the incubator project to life.

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Dillon Fuhrman

INDIO, Calif. (KYMA) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says Border Patrol agents at the El Centro Sector’s Indio Station are conducting immigration enforcement across the Coachella Valley.

According to a press release, Indio Stations agents have arrested hundreds of undocumented migrants in the U.S. since January of this year.

CBP says among the undocumented migrants arrested had prior criminal convictions, which includes:

Two for murder

nine for sex offenses

49 for driving under the influence

23 for inflicting corporal injury or assault

19 for drug charges

14 for grand theft and burglary

During those arrests, CBP says the agents also seized “substantial quantities” of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and other narcotics, which they say disrupts “the flow of illicit drugs into the region.”

In addition, CBP says the agents apprehended more than 250 people unlawfully in the U.S. who have commercial driver’s licenses, and says the agents continue to pursue undocumented migrants throughout the region, “prioritizing public safety over sanctuary policies.”

“The Premier Sector continues to deliver full spectrum immigration enforcement,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Daniel I. Parra. “Whether it’s human smuggling, drug trafficking, or removing dangerous offenders from our communities, Border Patrol agents remain committed to protecting the American people and securing our nation.”

2026-05-26-El Centro Sector Delivers Major Enforcement Results Across Coachella ValleyDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial Irrigation District (IID) says they have donated their Mobile Command Center to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO).

According to a press release, this is to help “strengthen regional emergency preparedness, support local incident management, communications, data processing, and coordination across all field operations during emergencies and public safety operations.”

“Our cooperative effort reflects our shared interest in responsibly managing public resources,” said Karin Eugenio, Chairwoman of the IID Board of Directors. “When an asset is no longer needed by the District, we look for great opportunities, such as this one, to ensure that the resource can continue to benefit the community.”

IID says the center was deemed to be a surplus to their operations, and says they reached out to ICSO and Imperial County to ensure the unit remains in service to the public.

“This is a practical example of how local agencies can work together to keep public resources active and serving residents,” said IID Director Alex Cardenas.

IID Board of Supervisors Peggy Price also said the transfer supports “coordinated emergency operations across departments and jurisdictions.”

“Partnerships like this strengthen public safety and emergency readiness for residents countywide,” Price said. “We appreciate IID’s collaboration and commitment to ensuring this resource continues serving the Imperial County community.”

ICSO Sheriff Fred Miramontes said the center will help support ICSO’s operational needs during emergencies, disasters, and large-scale incidents requiring on-site coordination.

“With the donation of the Mobile Command Center, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and the Imperial Irrigation District will significantly strengthen collaboration, reinforcing the importance of interagency coordination and regional emergency preparedness throughout Imperial County,” Sheriff Miramontes said. “The Mobile Command Center will improve incident coordination during disasters and large-scale emergencies while enhancing communication among the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, IID, and mutual-aid partners.”

The formal transfer took place last Thursday, with IID handing the keys to the center over to Miramontes.

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Marcos Icahuate

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – An ice cream parlor is opening locally.

Taco Rolls Ice Cream PR is opening on May 29, 2026 at Eddie’s Food & Drink (4492 E County 24th St. San Luis, AZ 85349).

The parlor is being put together by the Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College’s Small Business Development Center.

A gift will be given to the first 50 people.

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Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says officers at the Calexico Port of Entry seized handguns, magazines and ammunition earlier this month.

According to a press release, it happened on May 9 during an outbound vehicle inspection when officers referred a 35-year-old woman, a U.S. citizen driving a 2014 Honda Accord southbound to Mexico, for secondary inspection.

During the secondary inspection, CBP says officers used a nonintrusive inspection system and a K-9 unit alerted them to the vehicle’s rear bumper.

CBP says officers removed 18 packages from the rear bumper as well as six drum magazines from the rear driver-side door, and once they opened the packages, officers found six handguns, 12 magazines and nearly 1,900 rounds of ammunition.

“Thanks to their vigilance and dedication, our officers discovered and seized multiple handguns, magazines and ammunition concealed for illegal transport into Mexico before they could reach criminal organizations,” said Calexico Port Director Roque Caza. “Their commitment to border security is vital in disrupting the unlawful flow of weapons and protecting communities on both sides of the border.”

Following this, CBP says officers seized the firearms, magazine and ammunition while also arresting the driver, who is facing federal prosecution.

2026-0522 CBP officers seize handguns, magazines, and ammunition at Calexico West portDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma community is invited to attend a concert featuring Latin Soul and R&B next month.

“Tierra: The Legacy Continues” is happening at the Historic Yuma Theatre on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and is presented by Michael Moreno and RDD Productions.

During the concert, attendees will listen to artists such as Tierra, who will perform “Together” and Going to Find Her,” Rocky Padilla and Richard Bean of Malo, with local Yuma ban Carbon Copy serving as the opening act.

VIP tickets are $60 while general admission tickets for lower level seating are $40 and general admission tickets for balcony seating are $30. To purchase the tickets, click here.

For those who purchase VIP tickets, this includes front seating and meet and greet with Tierra and Richard Bean.

The concert will go until midnight. For more information about the concert, call 928-750-6003.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Community members gathered near the Big Curve Shopping Center Monday morning for a Memorial Day honor walk to the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge.

The walk was organized by Project ENDEX, a Yuma-based veteran nonprofit that helps veterans reconnect through community service and support.

Veterans, families, and local residents walked side by side through Yuma to honor fallen service members and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.

“I’ve lost friends. I’m sure everybody that’s with us on this walk of lost friends and those that couldn’t come out and walk today. I’m sure they’ve lost, loved ones also,” said John Endres, a participant and veteran.

The walk was also about spending time with other veterans and finding connection through shared experiences.

“I love spending time with veterans. It’s just the camaraderie that we all have together, and it’s amazing,” Marine Corps veteran William Koppelmann said. “We might not know each other, might not have never served with each other, but we had that compassion or that camaraderie to be friends, regardless of who and where we served.”

Many shared stories, memories, and quiet moments of reflection together.

“Some of these people, I’ve never crossed paths with them in my day to day life here and not knowing that they have, that they themselves have had someone that that meant a lot to them, that they also want to honor them,” Endres said.

The walk ended at the Ocean-to-Ocean Bridge, where participants continued on to a Memorial Day ceremony.

“I feel honored walking along with them as we remember them and take that walk,” Koppelmann expressed.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Memorial Day is a special day to honor and mourn all military personnel who have died while serving in the United States military.

It’s more than just a day off or a barbecue with friends and family. It’s about honoring the brave men and women who fought for our country for your freedom.

Locals gathered for a Memorial Day service at Johnson Mortuary and Desert Lawn Memorial Park for a day of honoring veterans. The event was followed by a ritual ceremony and presentation of colors.

“Today is Memorial Day, the day to remember everyone who gave their all so we can be free,” said Loriane Leroy-Merkel, a local.

The ceremony served as a reminder to the community of the sacrifices the brave men and women in the armed services have made for us.

“It’s just an honor to honor them this day for what they gave to us, that’s why we’re free,” said local Tom Bedoya.

“That’s what this is for, to say, ‘Hey, thank you for keeping us safe and free,'” Bedoya added.

As we observe Memorial Day, thank you to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Firefighters across Imperial County responded after two homes in Brawley caught on fire Monday morning.

The fire happened in the area of 14th and C Street.

Upon arrival, smoke could be seen rising over one of the homes as firefighters worked to extinguish the fire.

Crews from the Brawley, Calipatria, Westmorland and Imperial County Fire Departments responded at the scene.

Two homes were affected and the fire was successfully contained.

“Brawley Fire Department responded with a unit and then we requested a second alarm, and that’s what we’re seeing right now. Just the full response for that. No injuries, no suspicion of arson of any kind, at least…It’s preliminary right now,” said Deputy Chief Juan Rodelo with the Brawley Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Abigahil Padilla

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A binational artist from San Luis, Mexico is gaining national attention in the U.S.

Artist Violeta Issacs entered a major art competition called “The People’s Artist,” presented by actor Johnny Depp.

Isaacs says her art represents both her Mexican and American roots.

The competition celebrates visual artists from across the country and offers the winner $25,000 and a feature in Artforum Magazine, as well as the opportunity to exhibit artwork in Los Angeles.

“I’m an artist…no doubt I’m an artist and I’m born with this capacity for makes me feel better and better and experience with whatever I have in my hand,” Issacs shared.

Issacs currently holds third place in the national voting, and she says winning would be a way to honor both cultures that have shaped her life and give back through art to the communities that inspired her.

Public voting remains open. If anyone wants to vote for Isaacs, click here.

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