Category: kyma-local-news

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Kofa High School’s Class of 2000 took a trip down memory lane Saturday for their class reunion.

Alumni gathered at the school at 10:00 a.m. to walk around the campus and catch up for old times sake.

The group saw all the new and nostalgic buildings and classrooms from their time in high school.

The event was capped off with the opening of a time capsule from their senior year of high school, unlocking plenty of memories.

Inside the time capsule was full of T-shirts, questionnaires and the class’s high school yearbook.

“I think it’s really neat…when we were 18-years-old, we had no idea if we’d ever even get to open it at this point and organize to get that done. So I’m really glad that’s come together for this weekend and everyone just participated and it was a neat thing to get to open it finally,” said Kami VanHorn, President of the Class of 2000.

The alumni completed another questionnaire that they will put back in the time capsule with the goal of opening back up again at their 50-year class reunion.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Congressman Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) made an appearance in Yuma Saturday at Lute’s Casino for a public event.

Congressman Biggs spoke with supporters and explained his vision for the state of Arizona if elected governor in 2026.

“We want people to be able to get jobs, we want young people to stay here in this state, I am a big believer in human flourishing, and when people are free, and safe, and there’s a good economy, they flourish, they feel safer, and happier,” Biggs shared.

He plans on addressing issues, like safety in the state by making sure law enforcement have the resources they need and creating a sustainable economy.

He also shared his plans for preserving the Colorado River as well as how Yuma will greatly impact the state of Arizona.

Biggs stated he wants to make sure to make this a state where families can thrive.

“We want to reinvigorate the American Dream, we want to make sure that our economy grows, we want to be a gross state again, we went from number four in job growth nationwide, and now, we’re number 47 under this governor,” Biggs explained.

The Primary Election will take place next year.

Biggs is one of two Republicans running for governor as Karrin Taylor Robson announced her candidacy earlier this year.

Both Republican candidates are endorsed by President Donald Trump.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma City Council adopted two ordinances Wednesday night, authorizing a total of $116 million in revenue bonds to support the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The funding is designed to fast-track critical infrastructure and utility projects while maintaining the city’s financial stability.

Of the total bond funding, $44 million will go toward water and wastewater improvements, and $72 million will support infrastructure and community development projects.

Acting City Administrator Jay Simonton emphasized the importance of investing in the city’s growth and readiness for future expansion.

“Cities in general need a lot of capital improvements, and this will help us accelerate some of those projects,” Simonton said. “That’s what the bond is…it allows us to do the project in advance and pay for them over a longer period of time.”

He added, “That’ll encourage more development, and more, you know, maybe commercial, or retail development, or more residential development. Without the infrastructure to support all that, the city can’t grow.”

Wastewater improvements will focus on new sewer line construction and upgrades to existing water treatment facilities.

On the infrastructure side, the city plans to enhance public amenities, particularly local parks. The Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a 10-year master plan that includes a range of projects, such as new field lighting, splash pads, and other upgrades designed to improve the city’s public spaces.

City officials noted that the use of revenue bonds allows these improvements to begin sooner, with costs spread over time, making them financially manageable for a city experiencing rapid growth.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left a motorcyclist injured.

According to a press release, the crash happened at around 7:05 p.m. Friday in the area of E. 32nd Street and S. Fortuna Avenue, near Bici Park.

YPD says a 20-year-old man was riding a black Honda CBR600RR westbound on 32nd Street when he crashed into a silver Nissan Sentra, driven by a 46-year-old man.

According to YPD, the Nissan was making a lane change when the Honda crashed into it.

YPD says the motorcyclist was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in critical condition, and says, “Speed appears to be factor on the part of the motorcyclist at this time.”

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

Injury collision 1300 block E 32nd Street 25-61750Download

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Petie’s Pumpkin Patch has officially arrived in town, offering a carnival-style experience for locals of all ages throughout the month of October.

The family-friendly event features rides for kids, live entertainment, local vendors and games.

Admission to the carnival is free, but a $25 wristband gives guests access to the rides and includes a free pumpkin.

For those looking to take home a seasonal souvenir without the rides, pumpkins are also available for individual purchase based on size.

“This is going to be a good thing for everybody to come out and support local vendors, as well as something new for the City of Yuma. It’s definitely something for all ages…whether you’re an adult, younger, or a teenager. You can come out, get on some rides, grab a pumpkin, carve something, and just enjoy yourself,” said Steven Wilkins of Hellman’s Sons Amusements.

Petie’s Pumpkin Patch is currently open at 3151 East County 14th Street and will run through October 30.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – After seven long months of rebuilding, the Foothills’ American Veterans Services Organization is in its final stages before reopening its doors to local Veterans. The recovery follows a devastating fire in March that destroyed the building.

The blaze forced the organization to start from scratch, but through dedication and determination, the center is almost ready to serve again. Manager June Condon says the journey has been difficult but worth every step.

“We had a meeting yesterday and one of our veterans asked if I would do it all over again, and I said, ‘Yes, because our veterans deserve it,'” she said.

The soon-to-be-reopened facility will once again provide vital services, helping Veterans access their full military benefits and offering three meals a day, seven days a week at a low cost.

For Condon’s husband, Michael, a Korean War veteran and the organization’s commander, the reopening carries deep emotional significance.

“It’s such a relief,” he said. “When we got the building department approval, I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t help it.”

The organization plays an essential role in helping Veterans navigate the complex world of post-service benefits with the help of their trained staff.

“We have trained people that can fill it out,” Michael added. “We don’t want a veteran filling out anything. All [they have] to do is come in and drink coffee. We do it all.”

The organization plans to officially reopen to Veterans by next Monday. They are also always on the lookout for volunteers and welcome anyone to go to the organization to help.

The American Veterans Service Organization is located at 8889 S. Frontage Road in The Foothills. Veterans and potential volunteers can also contact Condon at 208-610-4464 if they have questions.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local non-profit organization is seeking support in its ongoing efforts to rescue and care for stray animals.

Yuma Animal Protection and Rescue, which has been active in the region for over a decade, is looking donations to cover the cost of food, supplies, and shelter for the animals in its care.

The organization has rescued hundreds of animals, including cats, dogs, and even sheep. With limited resources, the group relies heavily on public support to continue its mission of saving and rehabilitating abandoned or neglected animals.

“Even a dollar. You know, the amount of people in Yuma, if everyone donated one dollar, we’d be set,” said President Sharleen Kusmierz. “It’s about saving lives and that’s basically what we’ve been doing for the past ten years.”

Those interested in supporting the organization can make donations through its Facebook page or via GoFundMe.

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Dillon Fuhrman

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

According to a press release, the crash happened in the area of W. Eighth Street and S. Fifth Avenue at around 6:10 p.m. Friday.

YPD says a gray Toyota Corolla, driven by a 28-year-old man, was driving westbound on Eighth Street when he crashed into a 70-year-old man, who was crossing Eighth Street on his bicycle.

According to YPD, the driver of the Toyota told them “he didn’t see the bicyclist due to the sun being in his eyes.”

YPD says the bicyclist was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in critical condition.

While YPD says, “Impairment does not appear to be a factor” in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

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

Injury collision 500 blk 8th Street 25-61742Download

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Community Foundation awarded the Gowan Science Academy with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award.

The school was recognized with a plaque and a $500 check.

Throughout the years the academy has done food drives, and raised money for a variety of local charities.

Two members of the student council share why it’s important to give back.

“Us as kids, and the kids in student council, we’re going to be the leaders in the real world, so helping us learn,” said student council member Taylor Tew.

“This is very important because once we grow, we can be a principal or something that can help others,” says Sophia Delgadillo, another council member.

The students and the staff say they will continue to help out the local community, hoping to lead by example.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has appointed a new County Counsel.

Geoffrey Holbrook was officially named County Counsel during Tuesday’s board meeting.

Board chairman John Hawk says Holbrook has worked with the county for nearly 14 years and understands the county’s legal needs.

He also says the county will save money by keeping legal work in-house instead of hiring outside attorneys.

“He does have extra duty we will advise on EEOC that’s any other he will advise on…so that is an extra duty that he has, that’s like a sexual harassment or anything like that, he is going to have that person in his office so he will have extra duty,” said Hawk.

The county counsel is set to begin his new role next month. 

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