Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – This Friday marks National POW & MIA Recognition Day.

The day is observed every third Friday in September and honors the brave men and women who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action.

It’s a time to reflect on their sacrifice and maintain the nation’s commitment to bringing them home.

Local Veteran Walt Blakesley reminds us that the mission is far from over as many American families continue to await their return.

“For me, being a Vietnam Veteran, it brings back memories of the fact that there’s 58,479 individuals just from that conflict that didn’t make it home, that are unaccounted for. There are actions going on all over the place to help make an accounting for those individuals that have not come home,” Blakesley expressed.

This Thursday at 9:00 a.m., American Legion Post 19 will host a POW & MIA breakfast including a symbolic “Table for 1” and a guest speaker.

The event is open to the public and donations are welcomed.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local food event returns to Yuma in December.

Walt Kammann’s Sausage Fry will be held at the Yuma Civic Center (1440 W. Desert Hills Dr.) on December 5, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

This is the 67th annual Sausage Fry event and is hosted by Yuma Rotary Club.

Funds from the event are going towards local scholarships.

Tickets are $18 and can be bought here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize this week as Water Construction Week.

Taking place from September 15 to September 19, the resolution recognizes the water construction crews who work tirelessly to “maintain and upgrade canals, laterals and and structures” to keep the Colorado River water flowing to the Valley’s fields, homes and businesses, IID says.

Courtesy: Imperial Irrigation District

“IID takes this opportunity to express our utmost appreciation to this dedicated group of employees who play a vital role in District water operations,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “They take on one of the IID’s most essential jobs—keeping precious Colorado River water flowing through the Imperial Valley to abundant, fertile fields, which grow food and fiber for the nation and our communities.”

IID says the resolution aligns with National Construction Appreciation Week, also happening this week, where it recognizes construction professionals nationwide.

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Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (5:34 PM): The Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church released a statement Sunday regarding an incident at the church.

In a post to Facebook, it happened during the 11:00 a.m. Mass when a man’s behavior caught the attention of several parishioners after he entered the church.

After being questioned about his actions, the church said, “The man ran out of the church to an apartment across the street,” prompting them to call the Yuma Police Department (YPD), who then responded.

At the same time, the parishioners secured the church, with YPD asking them to remain inside until “the situation was resolved,” the church said.

For the parishioners arriving for the 12:30 p.m. Mass, the church said they were asked to wait in the hall until the 11:00 a.m. Mass exited the church.

The church said, “There was no immediate danger or threat of violence at St. Francis,” and “all services and events will continue as scheduled.”

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating after receiving reports of a suspicious person at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Sunday.

Police said when they arrived, they found the person and chased them. There were other police units present during that time.

YPD confirmed one person is now in custody.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) arrested a man after a teenager was struck by a vehicle during a fight Saturday night.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened before 8:00 p.m. in the area of S. Fourth Avenue and 14th Place.

Upon arrival, YPD, along with the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), found an unresponsive 17-year-old boy in a nearby parking lot, with officers and YFD performing life-saving measures before the boy was taken to Onvida Health where he later died.

YPD says it started as a road rage incident which led to a fight between three people in the parking lot, but during the fight, the victim was struck by a vehicle driven by a 19-year-old man.

After their Investigations Unit took over, YPD says the 19-year-old man was arrested and booked for domestic violence-first degree murder and attempted first degree murder while another person involved, a 36-year-old man, was questioned and released.

The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) hosted the 9/11 Heroes Run Saturday to pay tribute to pay tribute to the lives lost during the 9/11 attack, and also first responders who serve our community.

The run took place from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex East Parking Lot and run along the canal past the Ocean to Ocean Bridge to Gateway Park and back.

“Our mission is to empower Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations, part of that effort is to learn is to learn from history, learn from our fallen heroes, their legacy, their character, and what better way to honor our 9/11 heroes who passed that day,” said Dale Dumo, TMF Yuma Chapter leader.

The Heroes Run is a national initiative that TMF hosts as the Yuma Chapter of TMF has been planning the run for about three months and 100% of the proceeds will go towards TMF’s mission.

The event had many local first responders in attendance, like the Yuma Fire Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, the Yuma Police Department, Marine Corps Community Service, and many more.

“We’re just blown away by everyone that showed up, we were anticipating maybe max 250 registrants, but it blew up the last 12 days up until almost 600 participants,” Dumo shared.

KYMA spoke to participants in the run about why it is important to show up to this event.

“Very important to honor all victims of 9/11, all the first responders who lost their lives on that faithful day,” said David Ibarra, a Yuma resident.

Ibarra says showing up to the Heroes Run is personally meaningful to him.

“As a Veteran and as a retired police sergeant, I’m very honored to be apart of this race,” Ibarra explained.

If you would like to learn more about who Travis Manion was, click here.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Charlie Kirk, a prominent political figure with over 16 million followers on social media, was assassinated this week, sending shockwaves through communities across the country.

Known for his strong conservative views and his outreach to young Americans, Kirk spent much of his career speaking at universities throughout the United States, where he addressed thousands of students over the years.

In the wake of his death, local residents in Yuma shared their reactions, expressing sadness, concern, and fear for the future.

Andrea Hernandez, a local citizen, called the assassination heartbreaking.

“I think it’s quite heart-breaking. It’s not like he was doing anything wrong, and it kinda feels unsafe,” she said.

Another local, Martha Nelson, also reflected on the personal and national impact of the incident.

“It’s a tragedy. He’s a father of two. He had great beliefs. It’s unfortunate that it had to end like this,” she said.

Nelson also voiced her concerns about the broader political environment, suggesting this may not be an isolated event.

“It’s gonna continue. When someone doesn’t like your views, or what you’re trying to change, obviously it’s affecting them, so they’re gonna try to do everything to remove you,” she said.

Hernandez echoed a similar concern, while emphasizing the importance of rejecting violence saying, “It’s a very touchy subject, but regardless, no one deserves that.”

Kirk leaves behind his wife and two children. His death adds to an already tense national conversation surrounding political discourse and safety in America.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Political activist Charlie Kirk made a visit to Yuma ahead of the 2024 presidential election, deepening his understanding of the city’s role as a critical point along the U.S.-Mexico border and as a major agricultural hub.

During his second trip, Kirk was hosted by Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who provided insight into what the region faces with border security. Kirk talked to other locals about the city’s agriculture.

“He was here to learn,” said Lines. “He asked questions about everything that we had been subjected to with open borders and he also sat down with some of the farmers from Yuma Fresh Vegetables.”

Lines brought Kirk to several key points along the border where issues like human trafficking and narcotics smuggling remain ongoing concerns.

“I think that really galvanized what he saw as far as illegal immigration or illegal entry into the United States,” Lines noted.

Lines expressed concern that, based on trends seen online, tensions around free speech could escalate further. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open dialogue.

“Our First Amendment is critical, and I’ll defend anybody’s right, but we’ve got to tone it down, and we’ve got to learn how to talk to each other again,” Lines said. “That’s one thing we do in Yuma remarkably well. Where we have disagreements, we’re still able to sit down and work things out.”

Kirk’s recent trip to Yuma occurred just a couple months before the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the city’s growing significance in national political discussions around border policy and civic discourse.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – An 18-year-old man was hospitalized following a fight, according to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

At about 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, deputies were called about a critically injured person in the area of S. Mrytle Avenue near Kiwanis Park.

Deputies found an 18-year-old man who was hurt during a fight with a man that he said he knew.

The victim was taken to Onvida Health and later flown to a Phoenix hospital.

The suspect has not been found yet, according to YCSO.

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

An anonymous tip can also be submitted here.

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