Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Friends of the Lower Colorado River is asking for volunteers to participate in the Colorado River Clean-Up Day event happening this weekend.

The event is taking place Saturday, with volunteers meeting at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex from 7 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. for coffee and donuts.

At 8 a.m. the volunteers will caravan to the Gila River Confluence, where clean-up will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has recognized Tuesday as National Ag Day.

According to IID, the campaign, led by the Agriculture Council of America, is to raise awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society by:

Encouraging people to understand how food and fiber products are produced

Valuing agriculture’s role in a strong economy

Appreciating its contributions to providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.

“On National Ag Day, your IID is proud of the Imperial Valley’s strong agricultural community and the difference we make together on both the local and national levels in supporting local jobs, the economy, and the nation’s food supply,” said Karin Eugenio, IID Board Chairwoman. “A heartfelt thank you to our growers, ag workers, ag-related businesses, IID staff, and everyone involved in this vital part of our community and society.”

During a March 17 meeting, IID says they’re Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize National Ag Day “and the importance and contributions of local agriculture,” and is encouraging the community to thank the farmers as well as celebrate 250 years of the agricultural progress.

In addition, this year’s theme for National Ag Day is “Together We Grow.” To learn more about Ag Day, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says Officer Salvador Acevedo Jr. was recognized at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Denver last year.

CHP says Officer Acevedo was a finalist for the IACP-Axon Police Officer of the Year Award during the conference, which took place on October 20, 2025.

Acevedo was recognized for his role in apprehending a suspect wanted in connection to the kidnapping of a child back in 2009 while investigating a traffic crash, which happened two years ago, CHP says.

In September of 2009, a man and woman from El Centro were in a custody battle, in which the man received full custody of their child, but CHP says the woman kidnapped the child and fled the country after the decision was made.

Back in January of 2024, Acevedo was investigating a crash “when he recognized one of the driver’s names and date of birth as a possible match to the mother/accused kidnapper of 2009,” CHP says

This led Acevedo to discover that the mother still had an active arrest warrant for the kidnapping, and he had the mother come to the CHP office in El Centro to discuss the crash.

During that time, CHP says Acevedo confirmed her identity and interviewed her, which led to the mother confessing to the kidnapping, and says her daughter, who was 24 at that time, was alive and well.

Soon after, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against the mother, and CHP says she was convicted of kidnapping her daughter 15 years prior.

“Officer Acevedo’s commitment to his profession embodies the essence of law enforcement excellence and the California Highway Patrol’s mission to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security,” CHP says.

To learn more about this, click here.

Officer Acevedo Recognition 288Download

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Lauren Duffel

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Wellton Police Department (WPD) says an officer-involved shooting from earlier this year has been ruled as justified.

According to WPD, The Yuma County Attorney’s Office reviewed bodycam footage the morning of January 16, where police responded to a report of aggravated assault on S. Dome Street, near Old U.S. Highway 80.

WPD says an officer found a victim who had severe injuries after being hit by a hatchet outside the home, prompting the officer to call for back-up to help assist the victim.

The suspect, a 37-year-old woman, then ran outside the home, charging at the officer with a hatchet, WPD says.

The officer told the suspect to drop the weapon, but she did not comply, leading the officer to shoot the suspect, and was later pronounced dead.

Witness statements and physical evidence were also reviewed, and was determined the shooting was justified.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that can process quickly.

Mitzi Pacheco, nurse practitioner from Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma, explains the symptoms you should know about.

“When not treated quickly, it can quickly lead to organ failure. Warning signs would include fever, very low body temperatures, confusion, rapid breathing, chills, severe pain, and or weakness,” says Pacheco.

ECH Yuma is open 24/7 with low wait times. If anyone experiencing symptoms of sepsis, go to the ER.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Pneumonia can quickly become serious, especially for older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

Mitzi Pacheco, nurse practitioner from Exceptional Community Hospital in Yuma, explains more about pneumonia.

“Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Some people may also feel chest pain when breathing or coughing along with fatigue and weakness. Older adults may experience confusion,” says Pacheco.

ECH Yuma is open 24/7 with low wait times. If anyone experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, go to the ER.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – American Legion Family is hosting the Community Easter Party this weekend.

The event is taking place American Legion Post 19, located 2575 S. Virginia Drive, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

There will be an Easter egg hunt, a train ride, food, and other activities for families to enjoy during the event.

The event is free and everyone is welcome.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Illegal dumping in Yuma has been a serious issue in our community, and the Yuma County Department of Public Works is reminding locals to properly dispose of any unwanted items to keep Yuma clean.

Illegal dumping is a crime with serious consequences as anyone can face a misdemeanor, or even felony, charges depending on the seriousness of the crime.

The illegal disposal of items poses a threat to agriculture, wildlife and the neighborhood.

“It’s illegal. There are penalties, there are fines anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony,” said Michael Herrera, Superintendent for Waste Management.

“All of these transfer sights are free to the public. We just don’t understand why people are dumping trash into the desert,” said Santos Guerrero with Yuma County Public Works.

Public Works is asking the community to use the existing public free services in the county to dispose of their burning waste, tires, furniture and more items.

Public Works also says keep the desert clean for future generations to come and enjoy its beauty.

“If they start closing these area off because people don’t pick up their trash, that’s the last thing we want is to close these areas,” Guerrero expressed.

There are also multiple free transfer sites for Yuma County residents to dispose of unwanted waste.

“There is no reason for illegal dumping that we see in Yuma County. We have transfer sites that are absolutely free for residents to dispose at. I think[, as] Yuma County residents, we can do better as a community of keeping our communities clean,” Herrera remarked.

Illegal dumping is an issue that impacts everyone in the community. Do your part and properly dispose of unwanted items.

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Dillon Fuhrman

(KYMA) – Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) has issued a statement in regards to the ongoing partial government shutdown and unpaid TSA workers.

The partial government shutdown started back in February after Congress weren’t able to come to terms on a way to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

As a result of the shutdown, DHS says more than 400 TSA officers have quit, with thousands more calling out as they miss paychecks again.

“For more than a month, TSA officers and other [DHS] workers have continued to show up every day to keep our country safe, without receiving a paycheck.

Many of these workers are Veterans who have already served our nation and continue to serve in our airports, including in communities like Palm Springs and across our region.”

Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.)

In his statement, Rep. Ruiz also talked about ICE agents being deployed to help the TSA at some airports across the country, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, during the shutdown.

According to border czar Tom Homan, ICE would take on tasks like securing exits and checking IDs.

“ICE agents are being deployed to assist at airports, a step that underscores how serious the situation has become. But this does not address the root problem: These workers are still not being paid,” the congressman expressed.

Ruiz also adds, “House Democrats have a solution. Legislation is ready that would fund DHS, ensure these workers receive their pay, and help stabilize operations, and there is now an effort to force a vote on the House floor.”

“We must act to pay our workers, support those who serve, and protect our local economy. Our communities deserve stability, not more uncertainty,” Ruiz remarked.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma says they were awarded $1.4 million from two federal housing grants.

According to a press release, they received the grants from the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant and the Healthy Homes Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City says these grant fundings will help expand their Housing Rehabilitation Program, which will allow more homes to receive lead hazard reduction and healthy home improvements.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the health and safety of Yuma residents,” said Cynthia Blot, Assistant Director of Community Development, Neighborhood Services, and Economic Development. “By strengthening our Housing Rehabilitation Program, we can remove dangerous lead hazards, improve indoor air quality, and help ensure families — especially children — are living in safer, healthier homes. It is a direct investment in the long-term well-being of our community.”

Through the grant process, the City says they have identified opportunities “to address lead hazards and other housing-related health concerns,” particularly for low to moderate-income households.

In addition, the funding will help the City “expand its current housing rehabilitation efforts and increase the number of homes eligible for assistance,” with improvements focusing on the following:

Lead hazard reduction

Indoor environmental upgrades

Other health and safety improvements designed to create safer living conditions for residents, particularly families with kids

For more information, or to apply for the program, click here, or call the Neighborhood Services Division at (928) 373-5187.

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