Category: kyma-local-news

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) held a special concert Thursday night to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and honor Veterans.

The AWC Community Band and AWC Choir hosted the concert and performed featured songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “Armed Forces – The Pride of America,” a tribute honoring each branch of the U.S. military.

Deltrina Grimes, AWC Professor of Choral and Vocal Music, said, “I thought it was important, with all the turmoil that we have going on in our country right now, that we take a moment to recognize them and to let them know that we appreciate all that they have done.”

The special concert also served as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate our nation’s history, pride, and service.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – As millions pack up their vehicles to hit the highway for a record-breaking Fourth of July weekend, local officials are warning that the most critical part of holiday preparation starts where the rubber meets the road.

With the nation gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday, travel volume is expected to hit an all-time high.

However, emergency responders and automotive technicians warn that safety preparation all too often takes a back seat to packing and planning.

Drivers in the Imperial Valley face an additional hurdle during summer travel: punishing seasonal temperatures.

Local safety officials note that extreme desert heat acts as a catalyst for catastrophic tire failures.

“During this time, it’s very hot outside, so drivers need to be aware of their vehicle and how it’s operating so that they don’t get stranded on the side of the road,” said Lt. Mike Mistriel of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. “It actually happens quite a bit more frequently during this time of the year because of the heat, and we see it more because there’s even more cars on the road.”

Automotive pros echo that sentiment, noting that high pavement temperatures accelerate rubber degradation and alter tire pressure, dramatically increasing the risk of a high-speed highway blowout.

“Heat is like the most brutal thing for a tire,” explained Joel Nuñez, a Discount Tire store manager. “So it’s very important that when you do check the air pressure, you’re checking them when they are cool.”

Experts urge drivers to spend five minutes inspecting their vehicles before leaving the driveway. Nuñez recommends three simple checks every driver can perform:

The Pressure Check: Check tire pressure at least once a month and always before a long road trip. Always check the pressure when the tires are cool—driving even a few miles heats up the tires and gives an inaccurate reading.

The Penny Test: If you are unsure about your tread depth, grab a standard copper penny. Insert it upside down into the deepest groove of your tire tread block. If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, your tread is dead, and it is time for a replacement.

The Age Inspection: Tires degrade over time regardless of how much tread is left. Look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) stamping on the tire sidewall. The numbers at the very end of the stamp indicate the exact week and year the tire was manufactured. Industry standards recommend replacing tires that are six years or older.

“We always wait till the last minute to check our tires,” Nuñez said. “We’re putting our lives in these vehicles, and to not have safe tires…it’s kind of crazy.”

If you are uncomfortable inspecting your vehicle yourself, local officials say you shouldn’t guess.

“Make sure that you do check your vehicle,” Lt. Mistriel advised. “If you’re not sure how to do that, take it to a tire center. Have them look at your tires, check the air pressure… maybe even go to one of the lube shops so they can check your oils and fluids to make sure that car is ready to be on the road.”

For residents looking for professional help, Discount Tire offers several complimentary maintenance services to ensure vehicles are road-trip ready. Drivers can visit any location for:

Free tire pressure checks and air top-offs

Free tire safety and tread depth inspections

Free tire rotation and balancing consultations

To schedule a complimentary safety inspection or look up local store availability visit the official website HERE.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man is sharing his story to warn others about the long-term impacts smoking his has on his life.

81-year-old Sherrill Vick smoked for 62 years of his life. Now, he is living with the devastating health consequences of his addiction.

“It’s ruined it. It has ruined my life,” Vick remarked.

Vick started smoking at the age of 20 after being drafted into the Vietnam War. Six decades later, he is now bound to an oxygen tank, with his lungs working at just 30% capacity.

“I can’t go anywhere without this and a machine here, here, here, and in the garage. I have to take a tank to go to Dairy Queen to get a banana split,” Vick shared.

With the support of his loving daughter, Louise Shuster, she shares how seeing her father in this condition has affected her.

“He was a strong man who could do anything. He taught all of his daughters how to change oil, how to change a tire, how to do things because he always wanted us to be independent women,” Shuster explained. “And now, to see him need help and have to carry an oxygen tank is emotionally draining.”

Vick wants to share his story to help the community understand why smoking is harmful. He hopes his experience will encourage others to think twice before smoking.

“When someone offers you a cigarette, take it, break it in half, and give it back to them and say, ‘You have two lungs, and they’re going to end up like this,'” Vick expressed.

Smoking is preventable by just saying no, and it’s never too late to quit once you’ve started. No matter where you are in your journey, choosing to stop can lead to a healthier future.

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Dillon Fuhrman

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a crash which left one person dead.

YCSO says the crash happened Thursday, in the area of E. County 10th Street and S. Avenue 22E, at around 7:10 a.m.

YCSO says a semi-truck was driving southbound on Avenue 22E when a GMC Sierra 1500, driving westbound on County 10th Street, “approached the intersection,” but the GMC failed to stop at the stop sign, and the vehicles crashed at the intersections.

This prompted the Wellton Police and Fire Departments, Tri-Valley and Rural Metro to respond, and YCSO says the driver of the semi-truck was taken to Onvida Health for non-life-threatening injuries.

However, YCSO says the driver of the GMC was pronounced dead at the scene, and was identified as 56-year-old Jasen Michael Jones of Yuma.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local veterinary clinic is closing its door, leaving many pet owners worried about access to animal care in Yuma County.

Ironwood Veterinary Clinic announced it will permanently close at the end of the month.

Pet owners say they’d like to see more veterinarians, emergency services, and cremation services available locally.

They worry the closure could make it even harder to get care.

They say every pet deserves access to quality dignified care without families having to leave town to get it.

The clinic will officially close on July 30.

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Jessamyn Dodd

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Sebastian Rucci, the developer behind a planned data center in the City of Imperial, is suing several local activists. The parties appeared for a hearing at the courthouse in El Centro Thursday.

Rucci filed a civil defamation lawsuit in April against Mt. Signal Media’s Jake Tison, Jose Luis Olmeda Velez, the executive director of Comite Civico del Valle, and also against Comite Civico del Valle, a local nonprofit.

According to the complaint, Rucci and his company, Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing, allege that statements Tison and others made were false and defamatory. He also alleges harassment.

Comite Civico says this lawsuit is an attempt to silence critics of the data center, and their attorney, Beverly Grossman Palmer, says the claims don’t have any merit.

“We are looking forward to coming back and presenting our anti-SLAPP case to the court and having a ruling that this case was meritless and deserves to be immediately dismissed,” Grossman Palmer told KYMA outside the courthouse.

The hearing has been continued to July 16, with a separate hearing set for August 16.

Outside the courthouse, Rucci said with these types of cases, you never know how hearings are going to go.

“When you go to court, you have ideas, but you don’t know how things are gonna turn out, so you go forward. The judge is an amazing judge; the courtroom’s been great,” Rucci told our reporter.

“Defamation is defamation, and threats and violence…those aren’t acceptable,” he added.

This is one of several lawsuits surrounding the data center.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council has formally censured Council member Art Morales following allegations that he shared information discussed during an executive session.

The vote took place during Wednesday’s City Council meeting and was approved by every counci lmember except Morales himself.

The censure does not remove Morales from office or affect his ability to vote on city business, but it does limit certain discretionary privileges, including some outside activities representing the City of Yuma. The censure will remain in effect through the end of Morales’ term.

During the meeting, Morales denied any wrongdoing and expressed disappointment with the council’s decision. Despite the outcome, he said he remains committed to serving the residents who elected him.

“Of course I’m disappointed,” Morales said. “But look, the most important thing for me is that I still get to serve the Yuma community. Still get to vote 100% on the dais. Fulfill my term and fulfill my obligation to the residents of Yuma that voted for me or supported me so I’m thankful for that opportunity.”

Mayor Doug Nicholls said the decision was rooted in accountability and maintaining public trust in city government.

“We take our responsibilities very, very seriously,” Nicholls said. “Particularly in the business of the city. We don’t want even an appearance that something is off. So when something comes up, you have to find ways to hold each other accountable.”

Morales said he hopes the community remains focused on the city’s priorities moving forward rather than the controversy surrounding the censure.

“Let’s stay focused on running the city. Let’s stay focused on what’s important,” Morales said. “Because today this is a hot topic, tomorrow it’s something else. But the most important thing here is the City of Yuma, the operations, serving the families, first responders and just making sure we do our job that we were voted to do.”

City leaders said they hope the matter can now be put behind them as they continue addressing issues facing the community.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Onvida Health gave high school and college students a chance to connect with healthcare professionals to discover the many pathways the healthcare field has to offer.

Students had the opportunity to learn more from healthcare professionals about their specific profession, networking opportunities, and a chance to see demonstrations. 

“It’s very important as we are growing we want to bring the highest quality healthcare and we want to bring and educate and empower our younger and interested students to a healthcare career,” said Dr. Marc Chasin, CIO of Onvida Health.

As Onvida Health continues working to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, students left with a better understanding of the wide range of careers available in healthcare and the opportunities that lie ahead.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – 150 years ago Wednesday, the Yuma Territorial Prison opened its doors for the first time.

In celebration of the historic day, the prison placed a time capsule containing a variety of items that reflect the memories of our present day.

Among the items included are a roll of pennies, photographs, and greeting cards from tonight’s guests, all preserved for future visitors in the year 2076.

Yanna Kruse, Yuma Territorial Prison manager, said, “This is a historic landmark deserving of preservation, deserving of celebration, and that is what tonight is all about. We are celebrating the past, but this is also a bright future for our prison.”

The time capsule will be on display at the Yuma Territorial Prison, where it will stand as a lasting reminder of this historic celebration.

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