Category: kyma-local-news

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A very tasty event is happening this weekend, and it is to support a local non-profit organization.

Fisher’s Landing Resort is having its Eighth Annual Rib Cook-Off, which is taking place at Martinez Lake Saturday, February 28, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m.

During the annual event, attendees will have the opportunity to take taste and judge the ribs of more than ten teams.

Proceeds will go to Amberly’s Place.

“This is an event that you can come out and you can taste the actual ribs from each team and it’s a $20 donation to Amberly’s, and we have kids zone. We have raffle prizes, we have t-shirts for sale, and we got the Colorado River,” said Scott Anderson, Associate Manager of Fisher’s Landing.

The first place winner will get a $2,000 prize while the second and third place winners will receive other cash prizes.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Locals across Yuma County are attending the funeral for retired Sheriff John Phipps Wednesday morning.

Phipps passed away last month, leaving behind a wife and two children.

He began his law enforcement career with YCSO back in 1962 when he served as a dispatcher in Parker, Arizona before he was transferred to Wellton, serving as the Resident Deputy, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).

YCSO also adds Phipps was sworn in as Sheriff in 1981 after running the year before. He retired from his position in 1992, “having served three terms.”

Sheriff Phipps touched so many lives in our community, and is leaving behind his legacy for the community and future law enforcement to carry on.

“These people that are here are just a fraction of the lives that he touched,” says Pat Mistro, friend of Sheriff Phipps, and those who were inspired by him in the community can carry his legacy with them by living like he did.

Christina Barraza, Sheriff Phipps Granddaughter says, “everything that he has done, being kind, keeping the connection amongst all of us here today going, checking in on one another, and just I don’t know, just overall being a great person, I think that that would tribute and honor him in the best way.”

Yuma County Sheriff, Leon Wilmot, shares how he will continue to be remembered by the Yuma County sheriffs office.

“That’s why he did what he did, was too improve the quality of life of the people that he served and that’s the same mantra that we all live by in yuma county,” says Sheriff Wilmot.

Family, friends, and community members gathered to honor Sheriff John R. Phipps who passed away last month.

“Unfortunately he has passed on, so we are honoring his life and legacy,” says Sheriff Wilmot.

He served in many roles including dispatcher and jailer, until finally becoming deputy sheriff in 1981.

Wilmot explains, “he was actually honored in congress for his legacy and leadership, he filled a lot of different stuff in the community too.”

He is remembered by those who loved him as a father, husband, grandfather, mentor, and friend.

“I’m very honored and appreciative that he was my grandfather, he touched so many lives, and so many hearts, he wore so many hats in the community, and as a person, and I’m just in awe that he was my grandfather,” says Barraza.

Sheriff Phipps dedication, commitment, and sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Yuma community.

To watch the livestream of the funeral, see attached video.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a mobile home fire in the Foothills Tuesday afternoon.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened before 1:30 p.m. in the area of S. Dorothy Drive and E. 39th Place.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro says crews found a mobile home “with smoke and flames coming from the roof, endangering the neighboring residence.”

This prompted crews to deploy hose lines and extinguish the fire, Rural Metro says, to its place of origin.

Initial reports say the fire started from an electrical panel and spread to several kitchen appliances.

While there were no injuries reported, Rural Metro says the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A once in a lifetime experience, the Road to 250, Arizona’s traveling museum, made a stop in Yuma Tuesday.

Deputy Mayor Leslie McClendon shares what she hopes residents of Yuma take away from this unique experience.

“We want the new generations to make our new America great. We need it to continue to grow and grow and prosper, and what way is to bring your children here and learn the history,” says Deputy Mayor McClendon.

One local, Mike Trout, shares why he decided to come out and enjoy the event.

“We’re from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, we know a lot about history there and we saw this was here to celebrate the 250, we were interested to come out and see what’s going on,” says Trout.

The traveling museum is a historic celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, but also inspires civic pride and reflection.

“The [Arizona America250 Commission]…they put together this beautiful traveling museum, that’s going throughout Arizona, making a stop in every Arizona county, and today is its only stop in Yuma County,” explains Kathy Douglas, Executive Director of Yuma Crossing.

Inside the exhibit one side focuses on American history while the other is a display of Arizona’s unique story and how its contributed to our countries legacy.

Altogether the museum is making a stop in 31 counties across the state of Arizona, the event incorporated community organizations, history presentations, and informational handouts for attendees to take home.

“It’s a good way to celebrate being American being free, celebrating out liberty, and it’s just a great way to come out in a non-powerism way like to celebrate who we are, and what Arizona means to the country as well,” says Douglass.

Locals from all around got the chance to not only celebrate America’s anniversary through this museum, but learn about Yuma’s contribution to Arizona history.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Even with recent unrest in northern Mexico, Yuma residents say they’re still making trips to Los Algodones for medical and dental care.

Authorities reported arson fires and road blockades in Mexicali and San Luis after the reported death of criminal leader “El Mencho,” prompting travel alerts.

But for locals, the concern is more practical: How it affects their visits to the border town.

Los Algodones, just minutes from Yuma, has long been a destination for affordable dental work and other medical services.

Leonard Ruby, a frequent visitor, said, “I’ll still go there, but nowhere else.”

Residents say they’re staying aware of events across the border, but for trusted, lower-cost care, Algodones remains the top choice.

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Danyelle Burke North

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting locals leaving a lasting legacy in our community. This week, we highlight El Centro’s first Black fire battalion chief, Albert Newton.

The local father wore many hats in the community from a deacon to a cadet to a teacher, president of the NAACP, and even served in the U.S. Navy.

He also served the fire department for 25 years, all while being a teacher at the same time. He went back to school at the national fire academy and went on to earn several more high honors.

“I was graduated into the senate, and then I become senator representing the Imperial County and the California Senior Legislature which I still retain,” said Newton.

Newton just celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by several locals inspired by his story.

“His story does inspires me. He’s very important in the community. He’s done a lot. He’s contributed to a lot of people,” said Rosalind Summers, Albert’s friend.

His legacy is forever engraved in the city. His name is on the first responders wall in the valley, recognizing those who have been in the fire department for more than 15 years.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Random Acts of Kindness (YRAK) is hosting the Huge Biannual Yard Sale.

The yard sale is taking place on February 25 through March 1, and on March 5 through March 7, at 13472 E. 53rd Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They are selling a variety of items such as clothes, tools, electronics, furniture, books, kitchenware and more.

However, YRAK says there will not be any pre-sales and no dogs are allowed during the yard sale.

To arrange for donation pickup or drop-off, call (928) 271-1846.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) is holding the Sixth Annual Desert Southwest Transfer Conference next week.

According to a press release, the conference, taking place at the Yuma Campus from March 2 to March 5, will “feature a series of transfer-focused activities to support and prepare students and alumni for a successful transition to the university of their choice.”

“The Desert Southwest Transfer Conference will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their higher education journey. Don’t miss this opportunity for valuable insights and connections,” said Martha Cordova, AWC Director of Transfer Services.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says during the conference, students will:

Explore transfer options.

Connect with employers from the Yuma community.

Attend information sessions and workshops hosted by Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.

To learn more about the conference, read the press release below. For a list of events happening during the conference, see attached poster.

Desert Southwest Transfer Conference connects students to university pathwaysDownload

26-Desert Southwest Transfer Conference-PosterDownload

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left one person dead.

According to a press release, the crash happened before 8 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Palo Verde Street and Avenue 3E.

YPD says a 64-year-old man was riding a Honda motorcycle southbound on Avenue 3E when he crashed into a Toyota Corolla, driven by a 32-year-old man who was “making a right hand turn from Palo Verde Street onto Avenue 3E.”

YPD says the motorcyclist was taken to Onvida Health, where he later died, while the driver and passenger of the Toyota were not injured.

While neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash, YPD says the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421, or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Fatality Collision Palo Verde and Avenue 3E 26-14415Download

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