Category: kyma-local-news

Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Thursday, 26 healthcare workers, as well as future healthcare workers, were awarded scholarships through the Onvida Health Foundation. 

I spoke with scholarship recipients about their emotions when they found out they were receiving a scholarship.

“I feel really honored and happy and privileged to have received the scholarship and also really appreciative of the Onvida Foundation,” said Lisa Green White, a scholarship recipient.

Out of 100 applicants, 26 recipients were awarded scholarships to help further their education endeavors.

“We are recognizing a number of excellent students who are receiving scholarships. They are choosing scholarships in the healthcare field and this is a way to help them achieve their success,” said Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson, scholarship committee chair.

More than five different scholarships were awarded tonight, including the Diana Karina Robles Lizarraga Scholarship. For one recipient, this was her second year in a row receiving the award.

“This is actually my second time receiving this award. I received it last year. I was extremely, beyond words, I can’t even say how excited I was, and this year, when I found out that I got it again, I was extremely happy and I’m beyond blessed,” said Kriste Mantica, a scholarship recipient.

These scholarships provide support to healthcare workers and help build the future workforce.

26 scholarships were awarded Thursday night, and each one helps strengthen care for our whole community.

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Lynette Niebla

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – On Friday morning, the Imperial County Public Health Department – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency, in collaboration with the Imperial County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, held their “STOP. LOOK. LOCK” event.

The goal of this campaign is to prevent pediatric vehicular heatstroke. 

The event took place at the Imperial County Fire Department Station 3 and Cooling Center in Seeley.

Public Health officials and law enforcement shared the dangers of heatstroke and prevention tips for parents and caregivers of small children.

As the temperature increases in the Imperial County, it is important to stay alert.

Children are at a higher risk than adults of dying from heatstroke in a hot vehicle, especially when they are too young to communicate.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma man accused of child sexual abuse was back in court Friday.

28-year-old Ethan Kotlinski was arrested last month along with his wife, 30-year-old Amanda Kotlinski, on allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.

Yuma police say the alleged abuse involved a 13-year-old child near 18th Street and Avenue B. Both suspects pleaded not guilty to all counts of sexual abuse in late March.

On Thursday, Kotlinski’s lawyer asked the Yuma County judge for a 30-day continuance. His next court appearance is set for May 28.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – May is National Small Business Month, and the Small Business Administration has recognized the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for their dedication, leadership, and innovation.

Judith Aceves of the SBDC said, “When we received the news, it was a really happy feeling, amazing feeling because it proves all of the efforts that we did actually make an impact not only for them but for our community.”

In 2025, the SBDC team has counseled 500 entrepreneurs, assisted 39 business startups, and helped clients gain access to over $7 million in capital.

Mary Lopez of the SBDC added, “I feel honored to be able to assist our entrepreneurs and small business owners to go through the assistance and guidance they need in order to be profitable in their business and help them sustain and grow.”

Crystal Mendoza, director of the SBDC, said, “Really this award to me is all about my team because thanks to their passion, their dedication and their continued drive to innovate we have been able to implement programs and initiatives we have been able to fully support our small business community.”

The organization’s special initiatives include enhancing bilingual service access and services for youth entrepreneur camps.

For many local entrepreneurs, the SBDC has been more than a resource. It’s been a partner, mentor, and steady supporter.

The award celebrates not only their achievements but the brighter futures they helped create.

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Jessamyn Dodd

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Brawley couple charged with abuse and murder of a five-year-old boy appeared in court Thursday.

24-year-old Leia Lentz and 24-year-old Isaac Elizondo are accused of murdering Lentz’s son, Joseph Junior.

A date for the preliminary hearing has not been set yet due to the autopsy report and other evidence still needing to be reviewed.

Both defendants remain in custody, and are scheduled to appear again on May 7.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – National Small Business Week is just around the corner, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting multiple free events in honor of this important week for small business owners and community members.

Mayra Franquez of the SBDC said, “If you are a small business, you can come in and have a conversation with an IRS representative. That will be on May 5th from 2-4 pm.”

There are multiple free workshops and events coming up next week for entrepreneurs and local businesses to access resources, ask questions, and connect with experts.

For more information, visit the Small Business Development Center website.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Many people have had a urinary tract infection (UTI), but when does it become something more serious?

Mitzy Pacheco, nurse practitioner with Exceptional Community Hospital in Yuma, says it can become more serious than people think.

“A UTI usually causes burning with urination, urgency, and discomfort, but if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can become much more serious,” Pacheco explained.

ECH Yuma is open 24/7 with low wait times. If anyone experiencing symptoms of UTI, go to the ER.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – This wrestling event is being put on by Royal Music Empire.

The event is on Saturday, May 2 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Tarros Chicali.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

You can buy tickets at the door.

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Adrik Vargas

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton is asking residents to help shape the future of local parks and programs by sharing their input on accessibility.

Officials recently held a community forum as part of their ADA transition plan. The meeting gave people a chance to talk about barriers they’ve noticed in parks, city buildings, and public programs.

Parks and Recreation Director James Jones says the city is trying to better understand what residents feel is missing or hard to access.

He says that feedback will help guide what improvements come first and how future projects are planned.

City leaders say they plan to keep gathering input as they work through the accessibility plan moving forward.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As summer approaches, the Yuma Fire Department is training along the Colorado River to prepare for water-related emergencies.

Firefighters are going through hands-on training meant to simulate real-life rescue situations they may face during the busy season.

Each May, more than 120 firefighters spend six days training in water rescue operations. This includes responding to medical emergencies, performing CPR, and practicing different types of river rescues.

Even training with equipment like floating rope systems designed to reach people in the water and help pull them to safety.

Officials say the river’s GPS-linked mile markers from mile marker eight near the Gila River down to zero near the Cocopah RV Resort, also play an important role in training and real emergencies. Helping responders quickly locate people in distress.

Fire officials say the goal of the training is to make sure crews are ready for anything once the river becomes more active this summer.

They also say training doesn’t stop with firefighters.

The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance also provides CPR training, workshops, and safety tips for the public.

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