Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma is home to Arizona’s Strongest Man and this weekend, he’s getting ready to test his might.

We spoke with Kelly Howell about his preparation and mindset ahead of this year’s Santa Monica Classic.

The 6’1, 260 pound strongman has been flying past his competitors at numerous local and regional powerlifting competitions.

Howell says, “My last three competitions went really well. I won all three of them. So, I’m sitting good, feeling good, and feeling strong. So, I’ve got some good momentum going into the weekend.”

He’s getting ready to compete against some of the strongest men in the world this weekend in Santa Monica.

Howell says he’s ready to put Yuma and Arizona on the map.

“They’re guys from Sweden, Chile, the Philippines, and all kinds of different places. So, it’s going to be a really good time to represent Arizona. I’m going to be competing against guys well into 350 lbs. – 360 lbs. but we’ll give them a run for their money.”

Deadlifts, log presses, and frame carries are just a few of the events he’ll be competing in.

Howell, who holds the state record for the circus dumbbell press, shares what he does leading up to a competition like this.

“During this prep, we’re deadlifting well over 750 lbs., we’re loading 400 lbs. sandbags, all kinds of just fun, heavy stuff. When it’s 110 degrees and there’s stuff to be lifted, you’ve got to do it outside, no big deal,” he explains.

He thanks his team and the community for the support and is ready to make them proud.

“It’s awesome! There’s a lot of people out there rooting for me. I can’t wait to go out there and show them what I’m capable of. Without their support, I definitely wouldn’t be here,” Howell shares.

Howell is a former United States Marine and also the manager at the Complex Gym in Yuma.

He says he has his sights aimed at the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic next February in Ohio and hopes to crack the top five.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – After nearly two years, Paul Brierley has been confirmed as the new Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

“You know ultimately, what drives me is keeping agriculture viable,” Brierley says.

As the director he will oversee many things like inspections, licensing, and ensuring that both the food and workers are safe.

Brierley has worked for several years in Yuma at the University of Arizona working with the agriculture industry while also having a degree in engineering.

He shares how he has already helped improve the AG industry.

“We’ve been building up that program where we do more training, without a regulatory aspect just training of the industry on food safety, and air quality, and pesticide use, and things like that,” Brierley said.

Meanwhile, Mike Pasquinelli, the president of the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association supports the confirmation but has some advice for Brierley.

“Just as a recommendation, just keep listening to your constituents and to the industry, and lead by what may be needed but listen to all different sides of an argument,” Pasquinelli says.

Brierley says Yuma agriculture is doing great things and wants to work to continue to improve the industry locally.

“We’re all going to work together, and you know, try to improve that so that over time they stay a viable option because they are really a necessity for our whole country and beyond to provide those winter vegetables and the other things they do,” Brierley said.

He also says that he brings an agricultural perspective to cabinet meetings and policy decisions that are made by the governor and other state agencies.

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Abraham Retana

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new business took place in San Luis, Arizona Wednesday.

Skin and Body by Melissa Massage Salon offers a variety of services including facials, massage and therapy.

Owner Melissa Lozolla says this is a dream come true, especially being an immigrant from Mexico.

“I’m just very happy as an immigrant to serve as an example of achievement to other immigrants and you can do it if I can do it you can do it,” Lozolla expressed.

Skin and Body by Melissa is located at 748 N. Archibald Street Unit C, near the U.S. Post Office. To learn more about the business and its hours, click here.

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Miriam Ordonez

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a town hall in El Centro Thursday.

The event will bring together local health leaders and community members to discuss dementia care and support in Imperial County where 15% of residents over 65 are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Panelists include medical experts and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, the Area Agency on Aging and adult daycare centers.

The goal is to gather feedback, answer questions and connect families with resources.

The town hall will be held at DayOut Adult Day Health Care Center, located at 757 W Main Street in El Centro, at 2:00 p.m.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Congressional District 7 candidate Deja Foxx is coming back to Yuma County this week as part of her “Crashout or Congress” Tour.

According to a press release obtained by KYMA, the tour made stops in Avondale, Bisbee, Douglas and Nogales.

“This race is about who’s willing to fight for the people who’ve been left behind. So I’m hitting the road and taking this campaign straight to every corner of our district,” said Deja Foxx. “I don’t have a legacy last name or big dollar donors, this moment calls for more than a politician. I’m showing up, speaking out, and making sure folks know they’ve got a real fighter in this race.”

Foxx will be at Taco Monster, located at 2198 S. 4th Avenue in Yuma, Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. She will also be at Tacos Y Mariscos La India, located at 879 B Street in San Luis, Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

Foxx is running in the Arizona Special Election Primary against several other candidates including Adelita Grijalva and Daniel Hernandez. The seat was held by U.S. Congressman Raul Grijalva.

The Primary Election is taking place July 15.

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Abraham Retana

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A mosquito pool in Imperial County tests positive for West Nile Virus.

The sample was collected a week ago and results confirmed as positive on Friday.

This is the first positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus identified in Imperial County this year.

The Imperial County Health Department Vector Control shares some preventive steps to decrease the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Dump any standing water in your properties. Right now, we are having a lot of swimming pools, portable swimming pools in the yard. We want to enjoy our yards but remember to dump the water after used, don’t let it stand for more than three days,” said Antonio Lechuga, Imperial County Vector Control biologist entomologist.

Also limit your outdoors activities during dawn or early evening. Wear loose fitting, light color clothing and apply insect repallent.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With triple-digit temperatures already hitting Yuma, local firefighters are urging hikers to take extra precautions before heading outdoors.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) says preparation is key to staying safe on the trails, especially during the hottest part of the year.

“If you are gonna get active and get outside, do it during the cooler parts of the day,” said David Padilla with YFD. “Avoid that 12 o’clock to 4 or 5 o’clock time frame where the heat is at its worst.”

In addition to timing, the department advises hikers to bring more water than they think they’ll need and to carry a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.

“Preplanning your trip, letting somebody else know that you’re gonna be out doing activity or hiking, letting them know where you expect to be, how long you expect to be out there,” Padilla added.

This way, if someone doesn’t return as planned, there’s someone who knows where to start looking.

Spencer Aiken, physical educator at Stronger Together Education Academy, also recommends building upper body and leg strength to prepare for the weight of backpacks and the physical demands of uphill trails.

Exercises like rows, lunges, and step-ups can help hikers avoid injury and improve endurance.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Wheat is a rotation crop that is grown locally to break up the cycle between growing the same crop every season.

It allows for different fertizilers to be introduced to keep soil health high.

But aside from selling the product, Anthony Gallardo, a research technician at the local U of A Cooperative Extension, shares why this crop is so beneficial.

“I mean the number one thing is soil health, we won’t be able to grow our winter produce if our soil isn’t healthy so that rotation crop allows us to have that ability to keep our soil healthy,” Gallardo says.

Planting begins in January and the wheat is harvested in June.

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Abraham Retana

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) continues to investigate a fire which destroyed a mobile home and two trucks.

The fire happened Monday afternoon on Fawcett Road near Dogwood Road in Heber.

The fire started with two trucks full of clothing and spread to a mobile home and into an agricultural field.

One family was displaced.

“We understand the power was restored to most of the residents of the area yesterday. Residents that were affected by the fire remains without power, those people remain displaced, the Red Cross is assisting with the housing,” said Deputy Chief Cedric Ceseña with ICFD.

ICFD says two firefighters received medical assistance, one for knee injury and one for dehydration.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Eduardo Morales

UPDATE (5:20 PM): A fire broke out at Yuma River RV Park Monday morning, destroying four trailers and one vehicle. The fire also claimed the life of a dog.

The park is located north of the Colorado River.

Battalion Chief Jeff Woodruff shares what the crew saw when they arrived on scene.

“When they got on scene they had one home fully involved, a motor home fully involved, and the second home was starting to catch fire, and they continued to work it,” said Chief Woodruff.

Rural Metro says no other injuries were reported.

Meanwhile, Michael Kimbll, a maintenance worker at the park, describes what he felt as he saw the flames spread from one building to another.

“It’s unimaginable what goes through your mind at the time when there is a fire, you know this isn’t the first fire I’ve seen, but the worst,” Kimbll says.

The case is still under investigation.

UPDATE (1:00 PM): Eduardo Morales is live to provide updates on the RV park fire. See attached video for the livestream.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Rural Metro Fire has responded to an RV park fire late Tuesday morning.

The fire took place at Yuma River RV Park, located in the area of E. County 5 1/2 Street, near Levee Road.

According to a reporter on scene, the fire looks like it’s just about out.

KYMA will keep you updated on this developing story.

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