Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Rural Metro Fire, along with the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), battled an RV fire Saturday afternoon.

According to Rural Metro, they received a call at around 12:15 p.m. about an RV fire at the OG RV Park off of Eighth Street.

When fire crews arrived, Rural Metro said they found a fully-involved RV on fire, which then extended into a park model, prompting crews to perform a quick knockdown of the fire.

Rural Metro said YFD responded shortly after and took over.

While there were no injuries reported, the RV and park model was deemed a total loss, according to Rural Metro.

They also said YFD remained on scene to check for hot spots.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A major push to grow innovation and entrepreneurship is underway in Yuma, where Elevate Southwest is launching a new startup and research ecosystem aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape over the next 15 years.

Appearing on Sunrise, Elevate Southwest leaders Jerry Cabrera and Aaron Ruiz shared the details of the project, which they say goes far beyond a traditional startup incubator.

The plan includes the creation of a 60,000-square-foot research facility, built in partnership with the City of Yuma, and an expansive 65-acre innovation park to support the entire lifecycle of STEM-based ideas, from concept to commercialization.

“It’s a whole ecosystem to actually increase the diversity of the economy,” said Cabrera. “We’re looking at about 1,500 jobs within the next 15 years. This is a call to action…not just to innovators, but to venture capitalists who can help make these ideas a reality.”

The initiative is deeply rooted in community partnerships, including collaborations with Arizona Western College and all three of Arizona’s public universities.

According to Cabrera, the foundation is being laid for Yuma’s students to gain hands-on opportunities in fields like aerospace, clean energy, ag-tech, and biotech…without needing to leave the region.

Ruiz emphasized the importance of both funding and mentorship in helping local innovators bring their ideas to life.

“Anyone can have a great idea, but without the resources to build a prototype, conduct R&D, or bring it to market, it’s hard to succeed,” he said. “That’s why we’re actively looking for regional venture capitalists and mentors to join the ecosystem and support the next generation of innovators.”

How to get involved

Local residents with a STEM-related idea, whether a product or service, are encouraged to apply online at ElevateSouthwest.org. Interested participants can fill out a quick startup questionnaire or reach out via email or phone.

For direct inquiries, the office can be reached at 928-247-9948.

A vision for the future

With long-term goals including $2 billion in economic impact, Elevate Southwest is betting big on the idea that Yuma can be a national leader in STEM innovation while also keeping talent local.

“We want to make sure our students stay here and don’t have to leave for opportunities,” said Cabrera. “We’re building something that benefits not just Yuma, but the entire region and beyond.”

As the program takes root, leaders say the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with support from local governments, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders all aligned behind the vision.

“This is about creating lasting change — and it starts right here in Yuma,” he said.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A homegrown passion project is now hitting the airwaves. Yuma resident Jonny Porter has officially launched his new radio show “What’s Up Yuma,” a daily radio show spotlighting the people, businesses, and stories that make Yuma unique.

What began as a social media series highlighting local businesses and hidden gems on Instagram and Facebook has grown into a full-fledged radio show airing Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on KOFA 94.7 FM.

“It kind of blew up online,” said Porter. “Then a friend of mine encouraged me to pitch it to the folks at KAWC and KOFA Border Radio. I thought they wouldn’t go for it, but I gave it a shot — and they loved it.”

Now, “What’s Up Yuma””is bringing local voices and stories to a broader audience. From interviews with rising athletes, like UFC Hall of Famer Kelvin Gastelum and a local boxer fresh off his first pro win, to features on small business owners and community changemakers, the show aims to uplift and inform.

“I want to highlight people who made it — and those who are on their way,” Porter said. “Whether it’s someone raising money for charity or just making a difference in their own way, they deserve the spotlight.”

The show also tackles practical, community-focused topics. Porter teased an upcoming segment on rattlesnake safety, a must-know for outdoor enthusiasts in the area.

“That’s what this show is all about…things that matter to Yuma,” he said. “I was born and raised here. I want to make it here and make it happen here.”

If you or someone you know has a story worth sharing, Porter encourages reaching out through Instagram or Facebook at @whatsupyuma. He’s always looking for guests, and you might even catch a giveaway or contest while you’re there.

“Send me a DM,” Porter said. “You never know…you might end up on the air.”

Catch “What’s Up Yuma” Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on Border Radio 94.7 FM KOFA.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local radio station was recognized nationally for telling stories about life on the border.

KAWC received a journalism award from the Public Media Journalists Association for episodes from their program Arizona Edition.

Their stories highlighted news around Somerton and San Luis, Arizona, with interviews from KAWC News Director Lou Gum and Reporter Victor Calderón.

“To be recognized for the work we do by a national organization like PMJA for these very local stories is really gratifying,” Gum said. “I know the values and hard work behind the effort public media journalists put in from across the nation and I am really proud to count KAWC reporters among them. The stories we get recognized for tend to be really deep dives into community and border life.”

The episode that earned them an award was when Calderón visited Somerton and spoke with the Regional Center for Border Health about its impact with migrants. You can listen to that episode here.

Another story that earned them the second-place award was Calderón interviewing an ag-pilot, as well as a pastor from San Luis, Arizona.

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Marcos Icahuate

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A home was destroyed after catching fire in Wellton, according to the Wellton Fire Department (WFD).

At about 10:12 a.m. on Friday, the Wellton Fire Department responded to a fire on County 11th Street.

WFD says a single-family home was fire and spread to nearby trailers.

No injuries have been reported and affected homes were empty at the time of the fire.

One home had severe damage and nearby homes had heat damage, according to WFD.

Firefighters say the fire may have started in a bedroom but the cause is under investigation.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The “Character Does Matter” Program provide volunteers that help teach youth life skills to become successful individuals at schools around Yuma like Cibola High School. 

“The program talks about positive psychology, character strengths, you know different life skills really to help youth be all around more resilient, capable, and successful individuals,” says Dale Dumo, Travis Manion Foundation Veteran Youth Mentor.

The Travis Manion Foundation’s (TMF) mission is to empower Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. 

According to the TMF website, more than one in three young people report they have never had a positive role model or mentor. 

The CDM program helps to fix that problem. 

Dumo says, “We want to be a positive source, not only for the youth, but set the example for everyone.”

The Yuma Chapter of TMF is requesting money from the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) to help provide free resources to the yuma youth.

“Books, supplies, things that we can give to them, you know beef up our ability to you know to do our youth engagement and mentorship. TMF is only so many limited budgets for local programs, so you know trying to look for other ways to collaborate, partner with other organizations, and look for these grants that way we can provide these resources for free,” says Dumo.

The Yuma Chapter of TMF will also be hosting a Back-to-School Success Workshop, where youth can receive free resources after the event on August 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Lab, on Avenue B near 32nd Street.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The 1950s New York City play is coming to Yuma, and whether you’re with the jets or the sharks, one thing we can promise is you won’t want to miss “West Side Story.”

We got the chance to speak with the stage manager of the production.

“It’s been really rewarding, the kids have put in so much work over the summer, we only rehearsed for about six weeks, and they learned all of it in six weeks, and we put the whole thing on, so they really have put in so much work that its going to show,” says Katie Drewek, stage manager.

“West Side Story” is the adaptation of Romeo and Juliet based in 1950’s in New York.

Drewek explains what the musical is all about and says, “It’s about gang rivalry, and two kids who find love in spite of their friends, who are telling them it’s never going to work.”

Yuma Community Theatre teen program is presenting the stage show. There are 30 actors and three behind-the-scenes technicians.

This is a timeless stage show that can be applied to everyday life.

“The story itself can be very applicable today, and that’s something we want people to come and take away is that hate doesn’t work, and it ends bad, and if we chose a different path we could be better,” says Drewek.

One local is excited to check out the local production.

“Actually my wife loves that musical, so I would actually probably, look into it, now that I am aware if it, yeah,” says Nick Haberle, Yuma local.

West Side Story will be at the Yuma Historic Theatre on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. for only $15.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma is about to go through many road projects throughout the next couple of months.

The projects include street crack seals, street grinding, asphalt patching, and sidewalk repair. Be sure to plan ahead or find alternate routes as road work, and city projects are in high gear across the Yuma area.

Yuma local Kris Toman say, “I mean if they are trying to redo the roads, they have to do that, there’s nothing you can do, its something that helps, that’s what happens when were developing, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Street maintenance will be taking place for city projects along the roads.

Currently Arizona Avenue, from McCraw Elementary to Chretin’s, is currently closed while the water line is being replaced.  

On Avenue 5E near Champions Church, the road is closed to most traffic due to road work on a sanitary sewer line extension. The closure extends north past 32nd Street. 

One local, Michael Meier, shares how he’s not a fan of the road closures getting in the way of his plans.

“I don’t like that either, I don’t like sight seeing, I like to go to point A to point B, but it seems like there’s just a lot of stuff going on right now,” says Meier.

The road work does not stop there.

A two day project is happening in the coming week, on 4th Avenue near the McDonalds on 26th Street for asphalt replacement.

One local, Sally Bird, agrees it is work that needs to be done saying, “You have to maintain the roads, so they’re safe, and you know sometimes you have to be widened to accommodate our growing traffic needs.”

Others advised to be safe out there on the road, especially motorists.

“The only time I worry about it is when I’m on my motorcycle, we have a large motorcycle community here in Yuma Arizona, and sometimes that’s a problem. We just need to slow down,” says Gilbert Hernandez, another local.

For more information about all the road closures, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – When a child is diagnosed with autism, the road ahead can be tough.

In Imperial County, where specialists and support systems are limited, that road can feel even harder to navigate.

Up until her son Matthew was about a year old, everything seemed typical, but something suddenly changed.

Gloria Brambila remembers a day in the kitchen when her Matthew tried to talk to her and in an instant, his voice was gone.

That moment marked the beginning of a new journey. A diagnosis of autism soon followed after a trip to San Diego.

For Brambila, it meant reshaping the future she had imagined for her son.

Matthew is non-verbal, but that doesn’t mean he can’t communicate. Brambila says he understands both English and Spanish, loves to be read to, and enjoys going out. But when he can’t express himself, he’s often misunderstood, and that can lead to emotional meltdowns.

One of the most effective therapies for kids with autism is Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA. But in the Imperial Valley, access is limited.

James Gonzalez, who works with Autism Support of Imperial County, says the problem comes down to a shortage of providers.

Without them, families face long delays just to get an evaluation, let alone start therapy.

Some families wait several months just to be seen. And for those living in outlying towns, the cost of traveling, sometimes to San Diego, is simply out of reach.

Despite all the barriers, Gloria refuses to sit back. She’s focused on building what her community lacks. She helped bring a sensory room to her son’s school, giving students a quiet place to regulate their emotions.

She also led the effort to have an ASL mural painted, helping classmates learn basic sign language and encouraging inclusion.

Everything she pushes for starts with her son in mind, but she says it’s not just for him. Once Matthew moves on, other children will benefit.

For Gloria, the fight doesn’t stop at the school gates, or at age 18. She’s working to create lasting support for children and adults with autism across the Valley.

Her story is one of determination, driven by the quiet strength so many parents like her carry. With limited resources, she’s giving everything she has and hoping that what she builds today makes the path easier for others tomorrow.

For local Autism resources you can visit the following websites:

https://asic.love

https://www.beststepforward.org

https://www.sdrc.org/services

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Adrik Vargas

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Despite missing out on some expected grant money, Somerton is pressing forward with plans to improve the city.

The city recently approved a $38 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. That’s a $10 million increase from last year.

But with fewer dollars coming in from state-level grants, city leaders say they’re focusing on what they can do now.

“There was a grant fund coming from the county that would have helped support some of the projects that we have on our streets that wasn’t approved by the state, so we’re gonna revisit those,” said Louie Galaviz, the City Manager.

Even with the setback, city officials are working hard to make sure Somerton is in a good position to receive funding in the future.

“This year the Mayor and Council have been working and contacting legislators, visiting with the governor, visiting with state level representatives,” Galaviz added. “We’re really looking at making sure that they see Somerton as an attractive place where funding is needed.”

One of the biggest priorities is reviving Main Street, not just to make it look nicer, but to help local businesses thrive.

“We want to support our downtown Main Street, and that’s adding pathways, parking, lighting, getting traffic flowing, it builds vibrancy and supports the retailers on Main Street,” Galaviz said.

Local residents agree the area could use some improvements. Mayra Mendoza, who lives in Somerton, says speeding isn’t the issue, but maybe the speed limit is.

“The speed shouldn’t be so slow, 25 mph seems more like for residential neighborhoods,” she said. “And also they should support the local businesses more, with promotion and training, so that the economy can develop.”

Even with challenges, city leaders say the focus remains on long-term progress.

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