Category: kyma-local-news

Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Reservoir Farms is coming to Yuma at the University of Arizona Agricultural (Ag) Center with a pilot expansion.

Reservoir Farms is a company that helps agriculture centers with technology startups. They are able to connect with tech developers regarding farm conditions.

The new pilot site will help farmers in Yuma with desert crop challenges, and the goal is to have better results in the ground throughout the growing season using technology.

“We want this to be the start of a partnership. They will be coming here and extend the residency for the companies that they are working with to allow them to come to Yuma and do their testing,” said Samuel Discua Duarte, Director of the Yuma Ag Center.

The opening comes just in time for the fall and winter season.

Discua Duarte said that with the site comes new solutions to current problems.

“It will provide solutions to problems that farmers are facing here in Yuma. Two of the main problems or challenges that farmers are facing is water availability as well as labor,” Discua Duarte said.

This new pilot site will help farmers in Yuma with desert crop challenges by using technology.

“The role that I play here at the Ag Center, I help oversee our wireless infrastructure and help different developers and researchers integrate their technologies onto our smart farm,” said Connor Osgood, AG Tech Program Manager.

With the advancing technology, the goal is to have better results in the ground throughout the growing season.

“The ability to upload data remotely from the field, control devices and machines, remotely deployed, IOT sensors, things like that. I help hand-in-hand with these companies, get connected to that network,” said Osgood.

The site is set open on October 1 for the fall and winter season.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – One local middle school opened its doors Tuesday after months of renovations as AmeriSchools Academy held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house.

The new campus featured Yuma’s first charter middle school esports program, hands on science experiences, and renovated classrooms with updated technology and equipment.

School staff, such as Joseph Sanchez, said they are excited for Yuma families to come check out the new campus.

“This has been an idea we’ve had for a while. It’s just something that we’ve put into fruition these past couple months and we’ve been really working hard to get it going,” Sanchez expressed. “We are just very excited to have it and we know the parents are very excited as well.”

The school said they are still taking enrollment for sixth and seventh grade, and students will return to school Thursday.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) Yuma Chapter is hosting the Back to School Success Workshop this weekend.

The nonprofit, one of the nation’s largest veteran service organizations, focuses on empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes while helping develop character in future generations through its Character Does Matter program.

Volunteer Dale Dumo said he is passionate about supporting young people because he understands the challenges many of them face.

“I know what it’s like being tough, not having that presence,” Dumo said. “I just want to be a fighter for these kids.”

The workshop encourages students to build confidence and strengthen their character through positive relationships with mentors and volunteers.

“Sometimes these kids just need someone to be there for them and listen to them and set the example,” Dumo said.

Volunteer Amandelyn Taylor said programs like this give young people a chance to connect with others in a positive environment.

“There is a lot of anxiety in this world after Covid,” Taylor said. “It gets them out of their houses and shows them this is something fun you can do.”

The workshop is taking place Saturday, August 1, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Joe Henry Optimist Park & Center, located at 1793 S. First Avenue.

During the workshop, attendees, from sixth through 12th grade, will learn character development, positive psychology, holistic health, fitness 101, yoga, life skills and tools and more.

In addition to TMF, military Veterans, law enforcement, athletic coaches and holistic fitness/health coaches will serve as mentors during the workshop.

After the workshop, those who attend will receive free backpacks, supplies and year monthly/weekly planners.

The registration period ends Thursday, July 30. To register, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) said a man was arrested for drug possession.

In a press release, it happened before 7 a.m. Tuesday at a home in the area of E. 35th Street and S. Bonnie Avenue.

YCSO said the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations agents, along with their investigators, deputies and K-9 Kass, served a narcotics search warrant at the home where they found the following:

153.29 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of nearly $3,066

Three M30 pills containing fentanyl

Approximately 2.83 grams of methamphetamine mixed with fentanyl

Three Xanax pills

50 cc of methamphetamine

Firearm

Multiple items of paraphernalia indicative of street sales

As a result, YCSO said a 50-year-old Yuma man was arrested and booked by the task force for “possession of dangerous drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and multiple charges for misconduct involving weapons.”

If anyone sees any suspected drug activity, call YCSO at 928-783-4427, or visit their website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Lynette Niebla

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) visited El Centro Tuesday morning to tour the UPS Depot.

During the tour, he met with Teamsters Local 542 leaders and UPS employees as well as recognized the installation of new air conditioning units for delivery workers.

“We got 11 air conditioning UPS vehicles, we have swamp coolers, and we have fans,” Rep. Ruiz shared.

The upgrades followed years of advocacy and concerns from local Teamsters and a direct push from Ruiz to UPS leadership.

“Often times communities like the Imperial Valley get left behind, but I have made it my mission to not leave anybody behind or not leave anybody without,” Ruiz expressed.

For those working in the heart of the Imperial Valley, one UPS worker, Camila Corrales, said cooling is a necessary, not just in the driver’s seat, but where the cargo is stored.

Corrales, who has spent 27 years on the job, said her current route offers some relief, but said the intensity of the desert temperatures remains unforgiving.

“My route is San Diego. I have the AC [going]…once I get to San Diego, I open the windows because it’s fresh. It’s cool,” Corrales spoke.

She also shared she had heat stroke years ago.

While Ruiz applauded UPS leadership for their willingness to find a solution to this issue, he says the ultimate goal is to expand protections to competing companies.

“We’re gonna continue to make sure that all the workers, not just who at UPS, but other workers at USPS, the Postal Service of course, and all the other companies Amazon, FedEx, you name it…nobody should be driving in 115° weather,” Ruiz shared.

Congressman Ruiz is currently backing legislation to pass federal heat safety standards and require air conditioning in all delivery vehicles nationwide.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) was on scene of a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon.

The crash, according to YPD, happened at around 4 p.m. at the intersection of 32nd Street and Pacific Avenue, near the Yuma International Airport.

YPD said a Jeep vehicle failed to yield left at the intersection, causing it to crash into a minivan.

While minor injuries were reported, the crash is under investigation.

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Connor Emery

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the extreme heat extending, it is a good reminder for pet owners to keep their pets safe.

The Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) is calling for pet owners to leave their pets at home.

If they do have to take them outside, don’t leave them in the car. In addition, they are urged to turn the car on before putting their pets inside the vehicle.

HSOY said this happens on a weekly basis.

“We get several a week that come in that our heat exhausted. You know, they’re overheated,” said Annette Lagunas, Executive Director of HSOY, “We actually had one or two die last week that came into our care because they were overheated. So you have to be really careful.”

If you do have to take your pet outside, Lagunas shared helpful tips and suggestions on keeping your pet cool.

“Turning your car on, getting the air going in there before you put your pet in. Walking your pet just quickly to the car and not stopping to look at other things or do other things while they’re outside with you,” Lagunas said.

Lagunas also suggests that pets should avoid walks during the day as the pavement is hotter than the temperature outside.

“The pavement is very hot, the concrete is very hot on their pads. So it’s really always best to leave them home this time of year,” Lagunas said.

In certain cases when police have to get involved, they warn owners that it is a crime to leave your dog in the car in hot weather.

“If we do need to get the animal out, the owner can face charges. It’s animal cruelty. Same thing…if you’re used to just leaving your dog outside. It’s not against the lot to leave your dog outside, but they have to have water. They have to have food and they have to have access to shade,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with the Yuma Police Department (YPD).

If anyone happens to see a pet locked in a vehicle, contact YPD. For more tips on keeping your pets cool, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The summer heat can be tough on more than just people. With triple-digit temperatures in the forecast, local mechanics said extreme heat can also put stress on vehicles.

Jeff McCloud with Accurate Automotive said some of the most common issues drivers face during the summer months involve batteries, tires, and air conditioning systems.

McCloud said high temperatures can cause batteries to wear down faster, while the heat can also put added stress on a vehicle’s cooling system and other components.

Tires are another concern during the summer. McCloud said drivers should regularly check tire pressure and watch for signs of wear, especially when roads are extremely hot.

When it comes to staying cool, McCloud said drivers should pay attention to warning signs with their vehicle’s AC system before a small issue turns into a larger, more expensive repair.

He recommended keeping up with routine maintenance, checking fluids, and addressing problems early to help avoid breakdowns during extreme heat.

With a heat warning in effect, mechanics said taking a few simple steps can help protect both drivers and their vehicles.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma leaders and members of the Democratic Party gathered together Monday morning to call out Rep. Andy Biggs on their “Biggs Costs Tour.”

Yuma County Supervisor Tony Reyes and Arizona Democratic Party chair Charlene Fernandez spoke during the tour and denounced Rep. Biggs, who is the Republican candidate for Arizona governor, in what they say is his cost-hiking agenda.

The leaders said because of Biggs, diesel prices have it an all-time high, causing supply chain and food costs to rise.

“He will never stand up to Washington and he will never stand up for working families…Andy Biggs thinks he can hide behind his Washington title while Arizonians suffer under sky high costs for grocery, gas, healthcare and housing,” Fernandez expressed.

News 11 reached out to Biggs’ campaign for a statement regarding their accusations and they said, “Katie Hobbs, who remains under investigation for a corruption scandal, has spent her entire career trying to raise taxes on Arizona families and businesses. Voters know Andy Biggs has worked for pro-growth tax reform in his time as Senate President, and in Congress, and they’re ready to see him eliminate the state income tax as their next governor.”

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Blood reserves have dropped dangerously low over the past two years in Arizona.

Vitalant, a nonprofit organization, is urging more donors to step up and help relieve the shortage, so patients in Yuma can continue getting the blood they need this summer.

Linsey Cherveny, Vitalant communications director, said, “In 2025 alone, Vitalant supplied over 10,000 units of blood to patients in Yuma hospitals. And right now, we are in a critical shortage of Type O blood.”

Vitalant says the shortage could affect local patients who rely on blood transfusions, making every donation important this summer.

“We need to be able to meet the needs of cancer patients that are coming in, moms with new babies, there are so many people that need regular transfusions of blood just to be able to live,” Cherveny said.

According to Vitalant, each year more than 780,000 volunteer blood donors supply 1.8 million donations. Many of those volunteers are high school students.

“In Arizona, 10.5% of donors are high school students, so between 16 and 18,” Cherveny said.

The summertime creates an extreme need for blood donors. Eligibility for donating is made simple.

“All you need to be able to donate blood is to be 16 years and older, 110 pounds or more, and in general good health,” Cherveny said.

Blood donations are extremely important. They save lives. Cherveny says it’s the best feeling knowing you’ve helped someone.

“You did something that can’t be duplicated and you helped somebody that you will probably never meet. It’s a really rewarding feeling,” she said.

For community members who are able to donate, the Summer Life Saves Blood Drive will be held Thursday through Saturday at the Yuma Public Library.

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