Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County Recorder David Lara shares important reminders for the upcoming Special General Election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District.

Two candidates are running to fill the seat left vacant by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, Republican candidate Daniel Butierez and Democratic candidate Adelita Grijalva.

During his interview with Manoah Tuiasosopo, Lara brought up some important dates:

“September 12th is the last date to request an early ballot, and we have to remember that now most of the county, actually about 70-80% vote early by mail. Less and less in person. So, September 12th is a very important date. September 16th is the last day to mail back your uh your ballot. September 19th is the last day to early vote in-person. It’s also important to remind people that you can go down to the Recorder’s Office 102 Main Street, and you can vote in-person. You don’t have to mail your ballot in. I like it when people vote in-person. I like the in-person feeling, you get the interaction one on one with staff, and I just like that feeling. And then September 23rd is the Election Day, and that’s the last day you can actually vote for this particular election.”

As for locations, Lara said, “I also want to mention the libraries and the drop boxes we have at the libraries. You can slip them in there if that’s what suits your needs.”

“And then last but not least, the emergency voting, which is the days right before the election. So, we’re set up, we’re ready to roll, and I think this is going to be a very interesting and important election. The winner of this election will then have to run again next year,” Lara shared. 

For those with any questions, Lara shares, “I know it’s confusing sometimes voting by mail but you can call the office or actually go to the office. That’s why we have the early voting and as I mentioned, I think when people go in person you get that interaction one on one. You get a human being there and it’s explained pretty well. We have a good staff down there and that’s located right down there on Main Street and come on board, we’re waiting for you and if you have any questions, you can call us or stop by the office.”

When asked why it’s so important for people to exercise their rights, Lara replied, “A lot of people ask me that, and this is all elections. Even people that are never interested in politics or voting, it’s important that that the public know that even I always use the example of Little League. That’s politics. People that don’t vote, don’t participate, somebody else is decided for. And everything that we do in this world now in this country is some way linked to politics. If you don’t vote, somebody else will vote for you and somebody else will decide for you.”

The Special General Election is taking place Tuesday, September 23.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Another major milestone for a local Mexican food restaurant! The Best Taquito opened its second location.

On Friday, September 5, they held a grand opening at Eddie’s Food and Drink in San Luis, Arizona.

Owner Alma Ornelas says she’s thankful for all the support from her friends and family. She’s excited to expand and bring her food to another part of Yuma County.

The new restaurant is right off of Avenue E and County 24th 1/2 Street. 

 

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals are reacting to the homicide of a young man in Yuma.

Deputies say the suspects are the victim’s father and his sister.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says both suspects have been booked and charged with first-degree homicide.

YCSO responded to a call on Almond Avenue and 8th Street on the night of Friday, September 5. 

After arriving, deputies found 24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter with serious injuries.

Rural Metro took the victim to Onvida Health, then he was flown to a Phoenix hospital were he died.

One local who lives nearby shared his reaction to the killing. 

“I feel bad. Later on it could be us or someone else, its bad. I walk alongside here a lot, it could be me one day,” said local Abel Mejia.

Still no word on how the man was killed or what kind of injuries he received. 

The case is still under investigation.

If you have any information on this case, contact YCSO or 78-crime to remain anonymous.

 

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local man is making a difference and bringing mentorship and community through football.

Local dad and mental health advocate Keith Francis was looking for an adult flag football league when he first moved to Yuma. He couldn’t find one, so he made a game plan and started his own.

Francis started the Yuma Adult Flag Football group three years ago, and it hasn’t stopped growing since.

“Now, we have upwards of 80 guys coming out to play with us each season,” said Francis.

Teams of all ages have traveled in state to compete in the league’s cash prize tournaments. All with one common thing.

“The love of football,” said member Armando Mosqueda. “We play and just meet new people and build a community around.”

Mosqueda, a coach for Yuma High School says everyone has become one big family, and it’s great seeing his students join the team alongside him.

“It’s kind of surreal to watch them grow up. Watched them grow up and play for three years, and then now all of a sudden they’re my teammates, and I just get to hang out with them. And it’s like a different kind of camaraderie,” said Mosqueda.

If you want to join, they provide the flags, but just bring your cleats. You can find more on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for the new Traffic Management Center (TMC).

According to a press release, the ceremony took place at the City of Yuma Engineering Department at 10:00 a.m.

The City says the TMC “will monitor traffic in real time, adjust signals, and respond quickly to incidents,” and “will act as central hub for monitoring and controlling our traffic signals network, collecting data from various sources like cameras and sensors to manage traffic flow and respond to incidents in real-time.”

In addition, the TMC “will also optimize road conditions by coordinating traffic signal systems and providing information to the public via dynamic message signs and keep Yuma moving,” according to the City.

To learn more about the TMC, read the press release below.

Media Advisory New Transportation Management Center_ (003)Download

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- The Calexico man accused of murdering his girlfriend last September is heading to trial.

48-year-old Agustine Baca III appeared in court last week for his arrangement on murder charge with allegations of a weapon used during the murder of his 29-year old girlfriend.

On August 20, the judge found enough evidence in the case and is now set for trial.

The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office says Baca can face up to 25 years and maximum life in prison.

“If the additional allegations such as the use of a firearm could be found true by the jury then the defendant is facing about 50 years to life total,” said Erick Alizade, Deputy District Attorney with the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office.

Baca was wanted in the Imperial County in connection to the murder of a woman who was shot on September 10, 2024.

Baca was arrested by the Yuma Police Department and had his first day of court September 23.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma School District One and Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) are conducting a test of their emergency alert system through ParentSquare Monday.

According to a press release, the test, taking place from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is “an opportunity for school and district administrators to receive valuable training using this feature,” and “will also be an opportunity for families to ensure their contact information is updated.”

During the test, the press release says, “Staff and parents/guardians will receive multiple messages delivered several ways (text, email, and voice message) from all District One and YUHSD schools they are connected to.”

To learn more about the test, read the press release below.

TEST of Emergency SystemDownload

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Two District One schools are still feeling the impact of last week’s storm.

Palmcroft Elementary School and Gila Vista Jr. High School will be closed Monday, September 8.

The schools are still repairing damages and ensuring classrooms are safe to return.

Parents will be updated on when classes are set to resume.

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Dillon Fuhrman

UPDATE (5:43 PM): According to the Yuma Police Department, Alex Smith has been found.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is asking the community’s help in finding a missing person.

According to a post on Facebook, 93-year-old Alex Smith was reported missing at around 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

YPD described Smith as a five-foot, eight-inches tall, weighing 217 pounds, has white hair and brown eyes, and exhibits “symptoms of memory loss but is not diagnosed with any medical conditions.”

Courtesy: Yuma Police Department

Courtesy: Yuma Police Department

In addition, YPD says Smith uses a cain to help him walk, but it was left behind at his home, located in the area of S. Avenue B.

YPD also says Smith left in his vehicle, a red Kia Sorento SUV with Arizona license plate number PNA1B3A, which has handicap placards, and was last seen by his neighbors about four days ago.

If anyone sees Smith or locates his vehicle, call YPD at (928) 783-4421.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a homicide where one man died.

According to a press release, deputies responded to the area of S. Almond Avenue and W. Eighth Street at around 10:20 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, YCSO says deputies found an unresponsive man with serious injuries. Rural Metro arrived on scene and took the man to Onvida Health.

YCSO says the man, identified as 24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter of Yuma, was then flown to a Phoenix area hospital where he later died. Next of kin was notified.

YCSO says their Criminal Investigations Bureau took over the investigation, which they deemed it as a homicide.

The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427, 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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