Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) says they were selected to join the Google AI Innovation Network.

In a press release, the program is a three-year initiative aiming to “support college students across the country with advanced AI tools and training.”

AWC says they were the first college in the state, and one of the colleges nationwide, to receive an “early invitation to join the program.”

“We are honored to be one of the first community colleges in the country to be selected for Google’s new initiative,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “This partnership will open many doors for our students and equip AWC faculty and staff with the knowledge and resources needed to utilize the latest technology.”

To learn more about this, read the press release below.

AWC receives early invitation to Google AI Innovation NetworkDownload

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A local college student is being recognized for her performance in the classroom as well as in the film industry.

Paola Batiz is an Imperial Valley College (IVC) college graduate and a recipient of the MANA de Imperial Valley scholarship.

Batiz also plays a supporting role in an award-winning indie film titled “Not One More,” which tackles the painful realities of domestic violence.

In addition, she served as a production assistant in an upcoming piece titled “Night Children,” a feature film exposing the exploitation and trafficking of children. 

Batiz says she hopes to continue contributing to projects that raise awareness and inspire change.

To learn more about Batiz and the films she’s worked on, read the press releases below.

MEDIA PRESS RELEASE PAOLA BATIZ 090925CDownload

PAOLA RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP, PARTICIPATES IN LOCAL FILMS TEXTDownload

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Michelle Leal

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, T3) – The Somerton Adult Education Program has been recognized at the state level, taking home two top honors during a four-day conference.

The program, which offers free classes for students 16 and older, was named “Excelling Adult Education Program,” standing out among dozens of programs across Arizona.

Director Brandon Onisko said the recognition validates the hard work of both teachers and students.

“It’s definitely a good feeling. It’s a validation of the hard work that everyone here is putting in…it’s definitely a team effort,” Onisko shared.

In addition, instructor Claudia Rubio was awarded “Educator of the Year,” highlighting her commitment and dedication to students in the classroom.

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Karina Bazarte

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Locals in Brawley had to be evacuated for about an hour after police found a replica grenade.

The Brawley Police Department (BPD) says the incident started after an anonymous caller reported seeing a man walking with a machete, and another person bleeding from the hand near A and Second Street Monday. 

When officers arrived they did not see the suspect or the victim. The victim was found on a different street with no injuries.

“They refused medical aid on scene and were denying any involvement…collaborating with who the suspect might be,” said Mark Storms, investigator with BPD.

BPD says they later found a machete outside a home. That is when they decided to look around the home and found a replica grenade. 

“Both the Imperial County Bomb Squad and Fire Department arrived on scene. Approximately about an hour later, they were to determine that the grenade was in fact a replica, however, just because of the appearance of the grenade possibly due to weather, the heat in the valley, as well as the grenade being taped, it did appear to be a life grenade at first glance,” said Storms.

BPD say one person was arrested, but could not give more information on the charges.

This case is still under investigation.

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO (KYMA) – The man accused of entering the Imperial County Administration building with a firearm is heading to trial.

57-year-old Jerry Lopez appeared in court for his preliminary hearing last week. The judge was able to find enough evidence to move forward to a trial.

Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez says Lopez is being charged with a felony and four misdemeanors.

“The most important which is count number one which is a felony. It’s Penal Code Section 171B, possession of a firearm in a public building, so that is what we call a 1623 sentence, which means his maximum exposure on that would be three years in state prison,” Marquez expressed.

Lopez is being held at the Imperial County Jail with a bail amount of $250,000.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Tuesday, the father and sister accused of murdering a Yuma man over the weekend appeared in court for the first time.

24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter was murdered last Friday night.

Both suspects were booked on one count of first-degree murder. The sister also faces one count of hindering prosecution.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) shares why this is considered a murder.

“The investigation revealed that it was more than likely premeditates, that it was a planned event, leading up to the events,” said Lt. Sam Pavlak, Commander of YCSO’s Criminal Investigations Bureau.

The father is being held on a $1 million bond while the sister is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Both are scheduled to be back in court on Thursday.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – For 15 years, Arizona Western College’s (AWC) migrant student program has helped young people start college. Now, it’s future is uncertain.

The College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, provides housing, meals, Wi-Fi, and academic support.

Each year, it gives scholarships to about 80 students, with the college stepping in to cover their second year. The program also helps “adopted” students who don’t qualify for the scholarship but still need guidance.

“They give us the confidence to believe that we can actually do this. And without that, it would be more likely impossible to achieve,” said First Generation student Alyssa Hernandez.

AWC is covering costs this year, but funding beyond that is unclear. President Trump’s budget proposal for 2026 calls for eliminating CAMP and other similar programs nationwide. That leaves AWC, which serves the largest number of migrant students in the state, especially vulnerable.

“Our students are successful because they have a group of people rallied around them. And I just get sad thinking about students who won’t get that support,” said CAMP Academic Advisor Rafael Encinas.

Encinas says the program helps students grow into confident adults. For Hernandez, it has given her the courage to dream big.

“My dream is to become the next state superintendent of Arizona. I wasn’t meant to be here. But truly, they have showed me that I’m worth while,” she said.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) is investigating a crash where one person died and two others were injured.

SLPD says the crash happened Tuesday at around 1:40 p.m. in the area of Los Alamos Street and Edais Street.

SLPD says a 17-year-old was driving a black 2014 Ford Mustang and lost control while driving eastbound on Los Alamos Street.

Upon arrival, SLPD says officers pronounced the driver dead at the scene, and two other passengers in the vehicle were taken to Onvida Health and are now in stable condition. 

While there is no report if speed or alcohol played a role in the crash, the case remains under investigation.  

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact SLPD at (928) 341-2420 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and several local organizations are helping save lives and protect mental health.

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year globally.

“About every 11 minutes, one person dies from suicide in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. It’s very real. It’s out there,” said Onvida Health’s Dr. Gwendolyn Roberson.

That’s why several local organizations are working together to help save lives. Onvida Health, Sunset Health and local businesses are raising awareness for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

“We are pairing with local businesses to promote awareness by having 988 stickers that have been placed on coffee, various shops, and also might see flyers or signs up about it through the month,” said Dr. Roberson.

The 988 phone number on the stickers connects people with a 24/7 crisis intervention specialist in times of a mental health emergency.

“It’s the suicide crisis hotline. It’s just like calling 911, but it’s specifically for mental health for anyone in crisis,” said Roberson.

The Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition (YCADC) is another organization focusing on suicide awareness this month through their Q3 campaign.

“We bring agencies together throughout the county and the state,” said YCADC Executive Director Joanne Fiser. “We have plenty of agencies traveling from Tucson and Phoenix to be part of this coalition.”

During their community meeting, local agencies discussed prevention steps like recognizing warning signs, crisis planning, community resources, and how to support families.

The YCADC also provides weekly videos and information posts through their podcast, social media, and website.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A popular restaurant chain is teaming up with an NFL star’s foundation to give back to Arizona communities.

On Monday, September 15, Texas Roadhouse will host a statewide fundraiser benefiting the Kyler Murray Foundation.

From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 20 locations across Arizona, including Yuma, will donate 10% of each bill when guests mention the fundraiser.

The foundation supports undeserved youth, Veterans, and cancer patients through programs focused on healing and opportunity. 

In addition, the foundation will be donating five signed jerseys and cleats “as an ‘Enter to Win’ for in-person or order-to-go guests at the fundraiser.”

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