Category: kyma-local-news

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is holding its flag tribute Wednesday to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11.

Displayed on the lawn outside Yuma Fire Station #2, each of the flags represent the first responders who died on 9/11.

The flags will be displayed Wednesday, Sept. 10 and will go until Monday, Sept. 15.

Each flag placed on the lawn represents a firefighter or police officer that was killed in the 9/11 attack.

Fire Captain Paul Evancho says, “The thousands of people that were running for their lives, it was gut-wrenching, and even worse you see the firefighters going in the opposite direction, as the people that were fleeing, so you kind of knew, nobody expected the towers to fall, but these guys were going in when everybody was coming out.”

YFD placed down 415 flags for law enforcement and first responders who lost their lives during the 9/11 attack

It’s a memorial set up in an Arlington-type fashion, and YFD has been keeping the tradition for 24 years.

Some firefighters, like Evancho, remember that day a lot differently than most.

“The guy, the newscaster…he clearly didn’t know. He says all the car alarms are going off in the streets, but they weren’t car alarms. They were the air packs for the firefighters that were killed that were caught in the collapse,” describes Evancho.

Yuma locals talked about what goes through their mind when they see the flags placed outside of Station two.

“I mean, I think it’s good to remember what we went through as a country, and all the lives that were lost,” says Nicole Dylan, Yuma local.

YFD hopes people drive by and recognize the memorial and what it symbolizes.

“We want people to remember those men and women, the police officers, the firefighters that gave their lives in the line of duty,” says Evancho.

YFD wants to remind the community to remember and tell the story of the tragic attack on 9/11 because its history we swore we would never forget.

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Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is investigating a rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts.

According to a press release, the thefts reflect similar patterns seen nationwide “where certain Hyundai and Kia models,” particularly Sonatas and Elantras, “are being targeted due to the absence of advanced anti-theft technology.”

CPD says, “A major factor behind these thefts has been the spread of ‘how-to’ videos on social mediaplatforms that demonstrate methods for stealing these vehicles,” with the videos, “often shared as part of online ‘challenges,’ fueling the rise in thefts.

As a precaution, CPD is offering residents these four steps to protect their vehicles:

Always lock your car

Park in well-lit areas

Consider using steering wheel locks, arms or aftermarket immobilizers

Report any suspicious behavior immediately

If anyone has information regarding the thefts, call (760) 768-2140.

Press Release HYUNDAI & KIADownload

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma is gearing up for the annual 9/11 Heroes Run, an event dedicated to honoring Veterans, first responders, and families of fallen heroes.

Organizers say the run is not only a tribute, but also a way to empower the next generation through mentorship and community service.

Dale Dumo, a retired U.S. Marine officer and Yuma chapter leader for the Travis Manion Foundation, is serving as the race director.

Alongside him, Mark Martinez, Yuma City Councilman, Army Veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, also joined the discussion about the upcoming race and its mission.

“The Travis Manion Foundation empowers Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations,” Dumo said.

The foundation provides holistic well-being resources and mental health support for veterans, families of the fallen, and civilians inspired to give back.

Martinez emphasized the personal significance of the event saying, “9/11 changed the world. Law enforcement, first responders, firemen…its impact on us was profound. Supporting the youth, Veterans, and first responders through the Travis Manion Foundation is a cause we should always remember.”

Participants in the 5K race will receive race shirts, merch bags, medals for top finishers, and other commemorative items.

Registrations are open until the day of the race, though organizers encourage signing up early to ensure timely distribution of race materials.

The event runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on September 13 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.

For those who prefer not to run, the event will also feature static displays from the Yuma Fire Department, Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, and local vendors. It is free for the public to attend.

For more information or to register, visit travismanion.org, click on “Events,” and select the 9/11 Heroes Run.

The 9/11 Heroes Run offers a chance to honor the past, support veterans and first responders, and make a meaningful impact on the community.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County Recorder David Lara shares important reminders for the upcoming Special General Election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.

Two candidates are running to fill the seat left vacant by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, Republican candidate Daniel Butierez and Democratic candidate Adelita Grijalva.

During his interview with Manoah Tuiasosopo, Lara brought up some important dates:

“September 12th is the last date to request an early ballot, and we have to remember that now most of the county, actually about 70-80% vote early by mail. Less and less in person. So, September 12th is a very important date. September 16th is the last day to mail back your uh your ballot. September 19th is the last day to early vote in-person. It’s also important to remind people that you can go down to the Recorder’s Office 102 Main Street, and you can vote in-person. You don’t have to mail your ballot in. I like it when people vote in-person. I like the in-person feeling, you get the interaction one on one with staff, and I just like that feeling. And then September 23rd is the Election Day, and that’s the last day you can actually vote for this particular election.”

As for locations, Lara said, “I also want to mention the libraries and the drop boxes we have at the libraries. You can slip them in there if that’s what suits your needs.”

“And then last but not least, the emergency voting, which is the days right before the election. So, we’re set up, we’re ready to roll, and I think this is going to be a very interesting and important election. The winner of this election will then have to run again next year,” Lara shared. 

For those with any questions, Lara shares, “I know it’s confusing sometimes voting by mail but you can call the office or actually go to the office. That’s why we have the early voting and as I mentioned, I think when people go in person you get that interaction one on one. You get a human being there and it’s explained pretty well. We have a good staff down there and that’s located right down there on Main Street and come on board, we’re waiting for you and if you have any questions, you can call us or stop by the office.”

When asked why it’s so important for people to exercise their rights, Lara replied, “A lot of people ask me that, and this is all elections. Even people that are never interested in politics or voting, it’s important that that the public know that even I always use the example of Little League. That’s politics. People that don’t vote, don’t participate, somebody else is decided for. And everything that we do in this world now in this country is some way linked to politics. If you don’t vote, somebody else will vote for you and somebody else will decide for you.”

The Special General Election is taking place Tuesday, September 23.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Another major milestone for a local Mexican food restaurant! The Best Taquito opened its second location.

On Friday, September 5, they held a grand opening at Eddie’s Food and Drink in San Luis, Arizona.

Owner Alma Ornelas says she’s thankful for all the support from her friends and family. She’s excited to expand and bring her food to another part of Yuma County.

The new restaurant is right off of Avenue E and County 24th 1/2 Street. 

 

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals are reacting to the homicide of a young man in Yuma.

Deputies say the suspects are the victim’s father and his sister.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says both suspects have been booked and charged with first-degree homicide.

YCSO responded to a call on Almond Avenue and 8th Street on the night of Friday, September 5. 

After arriving, deputies found 24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter with serious injuries.

Rural Metro took the victim to Onvida Health, then he was flown to a Phoenix hospital were he died.

One local who lives nearby shared his reaction to the killing. 

“I feel bad. Later on it could be us or someone else, its bad. I walk alongside here a lot, it could be me one day,” said local Abel Mejia.

Still no word on how the man was killed or what kind of injuries he received. 

The case is still under investigation.

If you have any information on this case, contact YCSO or 78-crime to remain anonymous.

 

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local man is making a difference and bringing mentorship and community through football.

Local dad and mental health advocate Keith Francis was looking for an adult flag football league when he first moved to Yuma. He couldn’t find one, so he made a game plan and started his own.

Francis started the Yuma Adult Flag Football group three years ago, and it hasn’t stopped growing since.

“Now, we have upwards of 80 guys coming out to play with us each season,” said Francis.

Teams of all ages have traveled in state to compete in the league’s cash prize tournaments. All with one common thing.

“The love of football,” said member Armando Mosqueda. “We play and just meet new people and build a community around.”

Mosqueda, a coach for Yuma High School says everyone has become one big family, and it’s great seeing his students join the team alongside him.

“It’s kind of surreal to watch them grow up. Watched them grow up and play for three years, and then now all of a sudden they’re my teammates, and I just get to hang out with them. And it’s like a different kind of camaraderie,” said Mosqueda.

If you want to join, they provide the flags, but just bring your cleats. You can find more on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for the new Traffic Management Center (TMC).

According to a press release, the ceremony took place at the City of Yuma Engineering Department at 10:00 a.m.

The City says the TMC “will monitor traffic in real time, adjust signals, and respond quickly to incidents,” and “will act as central hub for monitoring and controlling our traffic signals network, collecting data from various sources like cameras and sensors to manage traffic flow and respond to incidents in real-time.”

In addition, the TMC “will also optimize road conditions by coordinating traffic signal systems and providing information to the public via dynamic message signs and keep Yuma moving,” according to the City.

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

Media Advisory New Transportation Management Center_ (003)Download

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- The Calexico man accused of murdering his girlfriend last September is heading to trial.

48-year-old Agustine Baca III appeared in court last week for his arrangement on murder charge with allegations of a weapon used during the murder of his 29-year old girlfriend.

On August 20, the judge found enough evidence in the case and is now set for trial.

The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office says Baca can face up to 25 years and maximum life in prison.

“If the additional allegations such as the use of a firearm could be found true by the jury then the defendant is facing about 50 years to life total,” said Erick Alizade, Deputy District Attorney with the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.

Baca was wanted in the Imperial County in connection to the murder of a woman who was shot on September 10, 2024.

Baca was arrested by the Yuma Police Department and had his first day of court September 23.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma School District One and Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) are conducting a test of their emergency alert system through ParentSquare Monday.

According to a press release, the test, taking place from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is “an opportunity for school and district administrators to receive valuable training using this feature,” and “will also be an opportunity for families to ensure their contact information is updated.”

During the test, the press release says, “Staff and parents/guardians will receive multiple messages delivered several ways (text, email, and voice message) from all District One and YUHSD schools they are connected to.”

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

TEST of Emergency SystemDownload

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