Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said a man has been arrested in connection to a shooting earlier this month.

YPD said the shooting happened before 4:30 a.m. Sunday, October 11, in the area of S. Madison Avenue and E. Fifth Street.

Upon arrival, YPD said officers found a 39-year-old man who was “struck by gunfire,” and was taken to Onvida Health for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, YPD said, “Detectives identified a vehicle related to the case,” leading them to contact several people related to the vehicle in a parking lot located in the area of E. 32nd Street at around 8:10 p.m. Saturday.

Nearly an hour later, YPD said an 18-year-old man was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center, where is facing attempted murder and other charges. His bond is set $100,000.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at 928-373-4700, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man was one of the three victims who was found dead at this year’s Burning Man Festival in Nevada.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined the causes of death for the three men who died at, or were taken from the festival and then passed away.

Craig Mann, a 60-year-old man from Yuma, was found unresponsive in his car on September 5, and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

His cause of death was a combination of cocaine, methamphetamine toxicity, and cardiovascular disease.

The man’s death was ruled as an accident.

Meanwhile, the Medical Examiner’s Office said Tshombe Sampson, a 62-year-old man from Santa Monica, California, was pronounced dead at a medical center inside the festival on September 3, and his cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the manner of death being natural.

In addition, Armando Ramirez, a 51-year-old man from Truckee, California, was taken from the festival on September 4, where he was pronounced dead in an ambulance “after unsuccessful resuscitative efforts,” the Medical Examiner’s Office said.

They go on to add that Ramirez’s cause of death was from toxic effects of methamphetamine and MDMA, while hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic methamphetamine use were listed as other significant factors contributing to his death. His death was ruled as an accident.

Media Release 2026-10-16 (Ramirez, Tshombe, Mann)Download

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – One beloved and well-known business in Yuma celebrated their 18th anniversary over the weekend.

The owner, Alma Ornelas, started her journey to success with just a food truck and a heart of service.

The Best Taquito no has two full-service locations: One in Yuma, and the other in San Luis, Arizona.

News 11 spoke with Ornelas about how she felt to be celebrating the 18th anniversary of her business she worked so hard to build.

“For me, it’s very special to be able to see our community supporting us after these 18 years. I have seen two generations already, and it’s very special emotional as well to be able to see my place growing for all these 18 years,” Ornelas expressed.

Ornelas wanted to thank all her customers and the community for their support and believing in them.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma County residents were given the opportunity to learn more about their health over the weekend.

Yuma Hospital District One Governing Board hosted the Healthcare Awareness Expo where residents could see what healthcare is available to them.

The event was held at the Yuma Civic Center Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and had many different health clinics from all over the county.

“It’s important so that they know what is around them, and that they have many choice of the clinics, and we also have the college of health careers and behavioral health all around Yuma County,” said Kathy Kappeli, a family care coordinator.

During the expo, each local provider got to talk about their clinic, career and the care they provide residents.

The expo was free to attend.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) attended a canvas launch event in Yuma Saturday.

The event was part of the Copper State Victory’s coordinated campaign early vote weekend of action.

After Gov. Hobbs gave a brief speech, volunteers then went out to knock on doors and talk to Yuma County voters.

The event took place at their Yuma campaign office that was newly opened earlier this year.

Hobbs said events like these are important to organize all over the state, especially with the general election just around the corner.

“The most important work in this campaign is making sure we reach voter everywhere they are and so it was great to be here to just send them out with a message to share with voters,” Hobbs explained.

Hobbs will face off against Rep. Andy Biggs in the race for governor in the general election in November.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Third Annual Prison to Prison Beer Run brought runners, costumes and community spirit to Yuma Saturday, celebrating local history while supporting the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.

The event began at Prison Hill Brewing Company, sending participants on a 1.2-mile route to the Yuma Territorial Prison and back, with the race combining running with prison-themed costumes, refreshments and a post-race celebration.

This year’s event held special significance as the Yuma Territorial Prison marks its 150th anniversary.

The race also coincided with an anniversary weekend for Prison Hill Brewing Company, bringing two local landmarks together for a celebration centered on community and Yuma’s history.

Run coordinator Sarah Halligan said this year’s race saw its largest turnout yet, with participation continuing to grow each year.

“It keeps growing every year and we are forever grateful,” Halligan said. “It is a fundraiser for the prison, so that just lets us know that the community stands behind us and they just have such a great time.”

Halligan said one of the highlights is watching participants arrive at the historic prison and begin exploring the grounds, sometimes becoming so immersed in the experience that they forget they are taking part in a race.

Following the run, participants returned to Prison Hill Brewing Company for live music, food and drink specials, and an awards ceremony.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, helping support efforts to preserve and promote the region’s history.

Organizers said the growing event offers a fun way to bring the community together while celebrating the historic prison’s milestone anniversary and supporting the preservation of a significant part of Yuma’s past.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A historic building in Downtown Yuma is getting a new chapter as Casa Verde Guest House offers visitors a unique place to stay, blending historic character with modern comfort.

Dating back to 1938, the building has served several purposes over the decades. Now, following a full remodel that included updated plumbing and electrical systems, the property has been transformed into a guest house designed to give visitors a more personal alternative to a traditional hotel.

Casa Verde features the ability to accommodate up to 10 guests total. With two separate apartments including a single bedroom and another with two bedrooms.

Serena Koogle of Casa Verde Creative Development said the property had gone overlooked over the years because of its location between larger buildings, but it had the potential to become something special.

“This is a little different vibe than staying in a hotel because it’s more of a home,” Koogle said.

The guest house features thoughtfully designed spaces and decorations that pay homage to areas throughout the region, giving visitors a chance to experience the character and history of the area during their stay.

Koogle said Casa Verde is a great place for visitors to explore the history of Downtown Yuma and the surrounding community.

With its combination of historic charm and modern amenities, Casa Verde Guest House adds another lodging option to downtown Yuma while giving new life to a building that has been part of the community for nearly nine decades.

For more information on Casa Verde, click here.

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Jessamyn Dodd

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA) – Richard Barrera is one of two candidates running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in the November 3 election.

Barrera, a longtime San Diego Unified School Board member, met with residents of Imperial County to discuss his vision for public education.

“From 18 years’ experience on the San Diego Unified School Board, which is the second largest school district in California, and we have a track record over nearly two decades of investing in our educators, investing in our school facilities, and that has produced the highest academic outcomes of any large urban district in the country,” Barrera told Newsl 11 in an interview.

Barrera saw a lack of resources as one area that is lacking right now in all California schools, especially in the Imperial Valley.

“We don’t have enough resources in our public schools, which really doesn’t make sense when you consider that California is the fourth wealthiest economy in the world,” he said. “We should be investing that wealth back into our public schools and particularly in communities like Imperial County.”

He said in San Diego, he has already helped boost benefits for educators.

“We have raised teacher salaries by 50% in the time that I’ve been on the board we provide fully paid family health benefits. We’re now starting a strategy of building affordable housing for our teachers, but also our bus drivers and food service workers, special education aides,” he explained.

Barrera will face Republican candidate Sonja Shaw at the ballot box on November 3.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A locally owned bar in downtown Yuma is bringing a night of live entertainment to Main Street with a stand-up comedy show scheduled for Saturday evening.

The Austin Train and Friends Show, hosted by Demi, will take place at The First Round, located at 333 S. Main Street, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

San Diego native Austin Train will headline the event. Train has been performing stand-up comedy for more than 15 years.

The show is part of The First Round’s efforts to bring comedy and live entertainment to downtown Yuma. Over the past year, the venue has hosted several comedy open mics in 2026, along with another show featuring comedians from San Diego and Tucson.

This event marks the first paid event at the venue.

Train said the upcoming show will be an opportunity to introduce local audiences to the venue and encourage the community to come out and enjoy the show.

“We’re going to kind of christen this new venue,” Train said. “It’s going to be a great time. You know, it’s going to be a lot of fun. So come out and join us. No reason to be on the fence. Just come on out, have a great time. You won’t regret it.”

For more information and details on how to purchase tickets, click here. Attached below is the event flier:

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Connor Emery

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has installed a new electric charging station in Wellton right off Interstate 8.

Wellton was one of three stations that were recently installed across the state to reduce range anxiety.

This is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to develop a nationwide of fast-charging stations.

When installing these chargers, ADOT planned to put them three miles off the highway.

“These stations are part of a nationwide system with the concept that drivers of electric vehicles can drive not just around arizona, but nationwide, and have a reliable network of stations. Generally within 90 miles or less,” Garin Groff, ADOT Public Information Officer, said.

ADOT says Wellton was chosen based on the convenience for the drivers.

“ADOT evaluated where existing charging stations are and then where there are gaps in the network. And then also we looked at where it was feasible to develop stations, since these are owned and operated by private entities,” Groff said.

One driver who was traveling from San Diego, Ryan Alvarez, said he was surprised to see a station that charged his car quickly.

“Well, I was curious how people would drive from San Diego to Phoenix, and it seems like you need to have stops wherever you can. So, I’m glad this one is here. I’m glad it’s new and it’s available,” Ryan Alvarez explained..

For more information about the program and the charging station, click here.

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