Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Territorial Charter Chapter of Yuma’s American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) hosted HerStory Tea Party 2026.

The event started at 10 a.m. Saturday at Onvida Health Conference Center, and featured vendors and activities, like attendees drawing themselves on a wall.

Dr. Reetika Dhawan with Arizona Western College (AWC) and Yuma City Councilmember Carol Smith were also in attendance.

Territorial Charter Chapter President Susan James and Vice President Kerrie Underhill talked about how the event benefits women.

“It’s an impactful event to up-bring women, to empower women, but not only that, but to inspire other women and learn from each other,” James explained.

“We find out that we’re not alone sometimes…There’s others out there that are dealing with things that we are dealing with too,” Underhill added.

There was also a silent auction and a variety of speakers, who are winners of the HerStory 2026 Award, sharing their life stories:

Sabra Lemmon, AWC Foundation

Maria Chavoya, Onvida Health

Brooke Adams-Ferguson, community volunteer

The event lasted until 2 p.m.

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Dillon Fuhrman

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) – Firefighters battled a fire burning between Yuma and Imperial Counties this weekend.

According to Cal Fire, the Haven Fire happened in the area of Picacho and Yuma Road, near Quechan Road, before 10 p.m. Friday.

Cal Fire says the fire burned 15 acres, and according to our reporter at the scene, the fire appears to be extinguished, but says firefighters are on scene assessing hot spots.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Great Yuma Water Safety Alliance, also known as GYWSA, is once again partnering with local organizations across Yuma County to promote water safety and drowning prevention ahead of the busy summer season.

The alliance officially launched its third water safety campaign this week, continuing a countywide effort focused on education, swim safety and emergency preparedness.

The campaign includes swim lesson scholarships, CPR training opportunities and community water safety education aimed at helping families stay safe around pools, canals and the Colorado River.

“We are a water community. I think sometimes we forget that because we’re also in the desert, but we are surrounded by water,” Jennifer Reichelt, the City of Yuma Deputy City Administrator, said. “Whether that’s the Colorado River, our city pools, pools in your neighborhood. We in Yuma grew up around the water.”

Organizers say the collaboration between healthcare providers, public agencies and local organizations has continued to grow over the last three years, helping expand the campaign’s reach throughout the community.

“This was the first time we all came together with really a cohesive message. And because of that, we’re able to really get the word out I think to a broader audience,” Reichelt said. “But we want to prevent drownings. I think that’s really the important thing. It’s important to remember, anyone can drown but really no one should.”

The alliance encourages residents to take advantage of available resources and safety programs throughout the summer months.

You can find out more about the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance and available water safety resources at their website.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Opening statements in the trial of a Yuma man accused of murdering his own son got underway Wednesday.

The prosecution is saying 38-year-old Daniel Harris was intentful when he murdered his own son, 24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter, in September of last year.

Meanwhile, the defense is arguing that it all happened in the heat of the moment as they claim the victim was inappropriately touching an underage family member, leading to the fight.

Harris is facing one court of first-degree murder while Harris’ daughter, 22-year-old Danica Watts, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, has a plea agreement hearing next month.

The trial will continue Friday, and is expected to go until the end of the month.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A student from Kofa High School received a scholarship worth $20,000.

Enrique Diaz was selected as the recipient of the El Valle Puede Scholarship.

The scholarship was funded by the Helios Foundation and other Arizona organizations who awarded five seniors with the opportunity to further their education.

“It feels like a load I’ve been carrying on how to pay for nursing school without going into debt has finally been lifted,” Diaz said. “Before this, I was seriously considering enlisting in the Navy just so I could afford school and have my education paid for. Because of this scholarship, I now have the opportunity to focus fully on my goals without that pressure. It still leaves me with a grin every time I think about it, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse with this kind of support.”

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

PR – Kofa student earns El Valle Puede scholarship worth $20,000 (1)Download

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Madeline Murray

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) made a stop in Wellton Wednesday for the ribbon-cutting of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator.

The new facility will support hands-on training in electrical technology, manufacturing, internet fiber and solar energy where programs are designed to match local employers needs so people can train for real jobs in the area.

“Arizona Western College is proud to celebrate the opening of the Future48 Workforce Accelerator in Wellton as a major step forward in strengthening our region’s workforce ecosystem,” said Dr. Reetika Dhawan, CEO of Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College & Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs. “This facility represents the power of collaboration between education, industry, and community partners to create real pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers. We are excited about the opportunities this center will provide to our students and the long-term economic impact it will have across Yuma County and beyond.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Students and workers will lear from programs developed directly by local employers like the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Allo Fiber and Trax International.

Gov. Hobbs says the opening of the facility is just a step forward in her goal to assure every Arizonan has the resources they need to excel in our fast-growing economy.

“This facility is developed with flexibility in mind so it can adapt as workforce need evolve and ensures that local students and workers train on the same equipment and technology used by employers across the region,” Hobbs expressed.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

The facility was created to prepare Arizona for the future of tomorrow, leading to real career pathways.

To watch the livestream of Hobbs’ appearance at the grand opening ceremony, see attached video.

Arizona Western College opens Future48 Workforce Accelerator to power high-wage careers in WelltonDownload

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Last month, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors approved a new solid waste rate and collection system for unincorporated areas to comply with California’s Organic Waste Reduction Law, aka Senate Bill (SB) 1383.

Effective July 1, the county will transition to a mandatory three-container system, replacing the long-standing reliance on self-hauling to local landfills.

Residents will receive 96-gallon bins color-coded for household trash (black), recycling (blue), and organic waste (green).

The service will cost residents approximately $26.51 per month. The fee, totaling roughly $320 per year, will be billed annually on the county property tax roll. Under the new mandate, no residential waivers are permitted.

Commercial businesses will also be required to use the three-bin system, with service levels tailored to their specific needs and billed monthly by the hauler.

Unlike residential users, commercial entities may apply for certain waivers if they meet specific state criteria.

While the deadline to implement SB 1383 passed in 2022, Imperial County has operated under a series of extensions.

With those extensions set to expire, the Board moved forward to bring the county into compliance and avoid potential state-mandated penalties.

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – You receive what looks like an urgent text message from your state’s “Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).”

The text states this is your “final notice” that you have an outstanding traffic ticket and that it must be paid soon to avoid penalties.

The text outlines various serious penalties like being reported to the DMV violation database, suspension of your vehicle registration, suspended driving privileges, prosecution, damaged credit scores, paying additional fees, and more. 

The text message includes a link to “pay now.” The link looks legitimate because it includes a “.gov” in the web address.

However, if you click on the link and provide your personal and financial information, you may have handed your information over to an unknown person. 

BBB has received several reports of these text message scams to BBB Scam Tracker. One consumer shared their experience:

“I received a text stating, ‘Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 3. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket…You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected. Pay Now…'”

Verify your outstanding traffic tickets on your own. Instead of clicking on the link or calling the phone number provided in the text message, verify your outstanding traffic tickets with the legitimate local or state agencies. Contact your local police department or call your state’s DMV.

Know the warning signs of a fake text message. If you receive an unusual text message out of the blue, especially originating from an out-of-country area code, there are several things to look for to help you identify if it’s fake. Read BBB’s tips for spotting the red flags of fake text messages.

Don’t click on links or download files that are unexpectedly texted to you. Scammers can disguise links to make them look legitimate. Even if the link’s domain looks real, take steps to identify whether it is a safe link. If you’re unsure, don’t click on the link and visit the website on your own. For example, in this case, instead of clicking on the link that was sent to you, go to your internet browser and visit your state’s DMV website.Block and report the number and delete the message. If you suspect the text is a scam, block and/or report the number. Some smartphones and cell phone providers allow you to report phone numbers as spam. Be sure to delete the message. 

Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Phishing scams often ask you to provide personal information like your birthdate, Social Security number, and more. Never provide this information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

File a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office and Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Always read reviews on BBB.org and visit BBB’s Scam Tracker. More scam warnings at joeknowsbetter.com

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Central Union High School District (CUHSD) says Alynn Alvarado, a student at Central Union High School, created an inclusive dance for Extensive Support Needs (ESN) students and their families.

According to a press release, the dance, called “A Night with the Stars,” took place last month at the schools’s multi-purpose room, and was created as part of Alvarado’s ASB project after CUHSD says she was inspired by a recent United PE Olympics.

“I wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before at our school, something that our ESN students and their families could enjoy,” said Alynn Alvarado. “I chose something for ESN students because they’re not as involved in school activities since they are more within their classroom. I wanted to let them and their parents have a night to themselves.”

Courtesy: Central Union High School District

While Alvarado led the planning and coordination for the dance, CUHSD says she had some help from some of her peers, which includes United PE student leaders, who helped with setting up and bringing the event to life.

“Alynn has been an outstanding leader planning several activities partnering our ASB students with ESN teachers and classes,” said Mrs. Sara McFadden, Central Union High School ASB Advisor. “She organized arts and crafts, coordinated having ESN students as part of senator meetings, and talked to the teachers to find out how we can partner our classes. I am very proud of the work she put into organizing this event.”

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

CUHSD NEWS RELEASE – CUHS Senior Creates Inclusive Dance for ESN Students and FamiliesDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lutes Casino and the Yuma Jazz Company announced the dates for their upcoming Summer Jazz Series.

The event kicks off Friday, May 22, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will feature a live performance by Eloisa Arivso.

KAWC 88.9FM and Border Radio 94.7FM are sponsoring the event.

The casino also listed off the other dates, also happening every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., including the following performers:

June 5: Mia Delgado

June 19: Eloisa Arviso

July 3: Charles Shepherd

July 17: Jennifer Wayman

July 31: Mia Delgado

August 14: Jennifer Wayman

August 28: Mia Delgado

The event will go until Friday, August 28, 2026. To learn more about the event, which is free and open to the public, click here.

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