Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a mobile home fire during the overnight hours of Monday morning.

In a press release, the incident happened shortly after midnight in the area of S. Fifth Avenue and W. 12th Street.

YFD says Yuma Batallion 1 was the first to arrive and they found “a fully involved mobile home on fire,” with Yuma Engine 1 assigned to attack the fire and “began applying water to the fire.”

YFD says the fire was quickly under control and “contained to the trailer of origin.” They also say the people inside the mobile home evacuated prior to their arrival and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

012-Trailer FIreDownload

Dillon Fuhrman

Local customers are reacting to the damages caused by a car crashing into the front entrance of the National Bank of Arizona over the weekend.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Customers of the National Bank of Arizona are shocked that a car crashed into the bank over the weekend.

“It was surprising and shocking to me that such a big car crashed into the building,” said local customer Marlene Coronado.

Because of the damage, customers are rerouted to the second floor to see a banker, while the first floor or drive-thru is for transactions.

“It affected, you know, the business and customers going into the building cause like I said, it was crowded people seemed a little bit impatient…you know, just being in there,” said Coronado.

However, despite the damage, local customer David Lara says they happy for the bank to still be open.

“It shows that they really want to please the customer and they go above and beyond,” he said.

Lara describes the process of how the bank is adapting to the damages.

“Right now, it’s pretty smooth. I’m looking at everybody using the merchant window or the drive-thru and so far, it’s pretty smooth. I think they’re doing a good job with what happened,” said Lara.

Meanwhile, Coronado has some advice for those who have not visited the bank after crash.

“The car crash did happen recently, so they’re barely building, you know, reconstructing everything so just be patient with the tellers and everything when they go in there,” she said.

The Yuma Police Department says the driver was arrested for criminal damages.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Arizona Western College’s (AWC) has announced the launch of a “new industry certification from the Institute of Management Accountants in Financial Managerial Accounting,” which is scheduled to begin later this month.

In a press release, the Financial Managerial Account Associate (FMAA) Certification will provide “training in financial reporting and cost management” for those “seeking careers in accounting, finance, and business management.”

“I am excited that AWC is able to offer the Financial Managerial Accounting Associate Certification from the Institute of Managerial Accountants. This organization is one of the largest professional accounting associations in the world. This certification is a wonderful addition to anyone beginning their accounting career.”

Dr. Kristine Duke, AWC Accounting Professor

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says, “The course will run from April 28 to July 28, with classes every Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 [to] 6:30 p.m.,” with classes being held at the AWC Reskilling and Technology Center, located at 1351 S. Redondo Center Drive.

AWC says, “Registration is open until the first day of class, as long as there is space available.” The cost to participate in the course is $850.

If anyone is interested in applying, read the press release below.

New finance certification courses offered this AprilDownload

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been awarded the Excellence Award from the Arizona District Office of the Small Business Administration.

In a press release from Arizona Western College (AWC), SBDC was recognized for “its work in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in Yuma and La Paz Counties.”

“I am truly honored and deeply grateful to receive the Arizona Small Business Development Center of Excellence Award. This recognition means so much to my team and me, and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve and support Arizona’s small business community. Leading AWC’s SBDC has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and this award reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that my team brings every day to helping entrepreneurs succeed. We are continually inspired by the resilience and innovation of the small business owners we work with, and we remain committed to providing them with the resources and guidance they need to thrive.”

Crystal Mendoza, SBDC Director

AWC says they will accept the award during the AZ Small Biz Con in Phoenix next month.

Small Business Development Center recognized with Excellence AwardDownload

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A 46-year-old Calexico man was arrested Sunday morning after his wife claims he assaulted her and made threats to kill her leading to a five-hour stand off with Calexico police.

Law enforcement says the suspect barricaded himself inside his home, resulting in a five hour standoff. They say the suspect also has a criminal history.

One neighbor says he was standing outside his home when he saw a large law enforcement presence. 

“I heard through a speaker that they were calling a name and order a person to come out of the house,” said Manuel Renteria, a nearby neighbor.

He also says he saw the SWAT team blocking the streets around 2:00 a.m. Sunday.

The incident happened in the area of Eighth Street and Rockwood Avenue, which is a few blocks away from Emerson Park. 

“The victim who indicated that her husband threw a vase that was full of pebbles at her nearly striking her and threatened to kill her and that he was inside the house,” said Acting Lt. Sean Acuña.

The 46-year-old suspect barricaded himself inside his home which other agencies including negotiators worked for about five hours to get him out.  

“Upon his arrest, because of the totality and the circumstances and what was involved, it was determined that he was out on bail on a felony crime related to narcotics and firearm possession. Officers saw a bail increment or enhancement and his bail was upgraded to no bail,” said Acting Lt. Acuña.

CPD also said the suspect has a criminal history that includes second degree murder.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A Veteran-owned business in Yuma is turning real-life photos into animated masterpieces.

Barrio Prints is run by Joshua Gonzalez, a local Veteran who started the company as an outlet for his PTSD.

He and his wife Savannah set up photo booths all around town and turn pictures of locals into digital portraits by using A.I. and their artistic skill sets.

Gonzales says he’s gained 300 followers on Instagram in just the past three weeks.

“This was a way for me to do something and give back to the community. I just like to see the smile on people’s faces when I hand them the photos…So, anyone can have art. Really our mission is to have everyone be seen,” says Gonzalez.

If you’d like to have your photos or even your pet’s photos enhanced by Barrio Prints, visit their Instagram page.

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With spring projects picking up, Southwest Gas is reminding people to call before they dig.

A free call that could prevent a costly or even dangerous mistake.

“There are utility lines, all different kinds: Natural gas, electricity, water, cable,” said Amy Washburn with Southwest Gas.

Southwest Gas says avoiding an accident starts with knowing what’s underground before you start digging.

“It’s all running underground, so you potentially would have damages which can cause service outages throughout your community. Nobody wants to be that neighbor,” said Washburn.

Local plumber Jorge Luis Carbajal, owner of Jorge’s Plumbing, shares how making that call to 811 helped prevent a much bigger problem

“It ended up that the gas line was on top of where we needed to do the repair, so we managed to get around the gas line to prevent any breaks. Something worse could have happened, so that’s the importance of calling 811,” said Carbajal.

Southwest Gas says the message is catching on.

Washburn says, “More people are inquiring to make sure they have their lines marked before they start digging. When we compare numbers from last year to the year prior, we’re seeing that number going up, and in turn, the damages to underground lines going down.”

To be safe, experts say call 811 at least two working days before your project.

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is raising awareness by wearing Autism Awareness patches for the first time in its history.

CPD say in the past they have shown awareness by putting ribbons on their police vehicles, but this time they have designed their own Autism Awareness patches.

Calexico Police Chief Armando Orozco say it is a great way to show support for people with autism and their families.

“It is important to show awareness, so we can begin the conversion by us wearing these patches. It starts a conversion, ‘Why are we wearing it?’ It is so important to talk about autism and how it’s important to show support to people with Autism and their families who are going through this with them,” Chief Orozco shared.

Orozco says they will be wearing the patches for the whole month of April.