Category: kyma-local-news

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A new program in Yuma is taking aim at one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: Water conservation.

The Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona, in partnership with the Yuma County Cooperative Extension, is developing a Master Irrigator Program designed to help farmers use water more efficiently while adapting to ongoing drought conditions along the Colorado River.

The program will offer training for both experienced agricultural professionals and students interested in entering the irrigation field.

Participants will learn how to use advanced tools like soil moisture sensors and automated gate systems to better manage water use.

The goal is to help farmers make precise decisions about when and how much water to apply, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.

In addition to irrigation training, the program is also partnering with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to address wildlife challenges that farmers often face in the field.

Animals like deer and birds can sometimes damage crops, leading to financial losses for growers. Officials say it’s important for farmers to avoid feeding wildlife and to keep a safe distance from any animals that may be sick or injured.

Working with Wildlife

The Arizona Game and Fish Department says it’s available to help farmers dealing with wildlife-related issues.

“If you’re experiencing wildlife issues, like deer or birds impacting your crops, give us a call,” officials said. “We’ll work with you to help reduce those losses and keep your operation successful.”

The program aims to strike a balance between improving agricultural efficiency and promoting safe interactions with local wildlife.

As water resources remain limited in the region, efforts like the Master Irrigator Program could play a key role in helping Yuma’s farming community continue to thrive.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Prison Hill Softball Team is hosting a fundraiser for a man who was injured in a crash last month.

The fundraiser is taking place at Prison Hill Brewing Company Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

15% of all purchases, which includes alcohol, will help Nathan Guerrero, a man who was injured following a crash in the area of E. 32nd Street and Winsor Avenue, near Bici Park, back in February.

There is also a GoFundMe set up to help pay for Guerrero’s medical expenses. It has a goal of $6,500, with nearly $5,600 raised so far.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

Nathan-Prison Hill FundraiserDownload

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Jessamyn Dodd

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA) – The Barbara Worth Country Club is officially under new ownership, and repairs, renovations, and improvements are underway.

Roben LLC purchased the Imperial Valley landmark recently. The company has already begun construction on the motel. The restaurant, golf course, bar, and event space are also going to be renewed.

Adrian Paz, the general manager of the property told KYMA the focus is on cleaning up the grounds following a major fire in 2025, and years of delayed maintenance.

“The major goal here was to stabilize  the property,  get the previous tenants out clean, clean, clean. So those are our goals right now. Get the grass green again, get the water going. Get this place back to what it once was,” Paz said.

He noted that they want to preserve the history and vintage charm of the property, while still modernizing the facilities.

“We know the historical value that Barara Worth has, so we’re not coming in here to reinvent the wheel, by any means. We want to preserve that historical value,” Paz explained.

Despite the ongoing construction, the Country Club is still hosting events, with plans in motion to host the Holtville High School Prom. The golf course is also available to the school’s golf team, and to locals.

Paz also dispelled any rumors that the motel would be turned into low-income housing.

“It’s still going to be a functional motel. There were a lot of rumors, unfortunately. And we had to combat those rumors,” he said.

The Barbara Worth Country Club is approaching its 100th anniversary next year.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Yuma has started several road work projects, including a citywide road striping, which started Monday.

There’s also a sewer line replacement on Avenue 4E, between the B Canal and 28th Street, and road work on Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets, between Third and Fourth Avenue.

These projects are estimated to be completed in May.

“They’re part of our commitment to maintaining the infrastructure within the City of Yuma. Again, we do this each year in conjunction with our slurry and oil projects to enhance the safety and make sure these are visible and readily able to use for drivers,” said Angel House, Superintendent for City of Yuma Public Works.

Yuma Public Works asks for the Yuma community’s patience as they make the city a safer space.

If anyone encounters work crews, slow down and give them space so they can get the roads back up to speed.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro is hosting their annual Easter Eggstravaganza this weekend.

The event is taking place at Bucklin Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and will feature more than 12,000 Easter eggs.

“This is one of the most joyful events we host each year,” El Centro Mayor Mike Crankshaw said. “Seeing families come together, children running across fields in excitement and our community celebrating side by side truly shows what makes El Centro special.”

In addition to the egg hunt, there will also be a kids zone, food vendors, a photo booth, a hay ride and an appearance from the Easter Bunny.

The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call the Parks and Recreation office at (760) 337-4555.

To learn more about the upcoming event, read the press release, written in English and Spanish, below.

EasterEggstravaganzaPREngDownload

EasterEggstravaganzaPRSpaDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Friends of the Lower Colorado River is asking for volunteers to participate in the Colorado River Clean-Up Day event happening this weekend.

The event is taking place Saturday, with volunteers meeting at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex from 7 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. for coffee and donuts.

At 8 a.m. the volunteers will caravan to the Gila River Confluence, where clean-up will begin at 8:15 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

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Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has recognized Tuesday as National Ag Day.

According to IID, the campaign, led by the Agriculture Council of America, is to raise awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society by:

Encouraging people to understand how food and fiber products are produced

Valuing agriculture’s role in a strong economy

Appreciating its contributions to providing safe, abundant, and affordable products.

“On National Ag Day, your IID is proud of the Imperial Valley’s strong agricultural community and the difference we make together on both the local and national levels in supporting local jobs, the economy, and the nation’s food supply,” said Karin Eugenio, IID Board Chairwoman. “A heartfelt thank you to our growers, ag workers, ag-related businesses, IID staff, and everyone involved in this vital part of our community and society.”

During a March 17 meeting, IID says they’re Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize National Ag Day “and the importance and contributions of local agriculture,” and is encouraging the community to thank the farmers as well as celebrate 250 years of the agricultural progress.

In addition, this year’s theme for National Ag Day is “Together We Grow.” To learn more about Ag Day, click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) says Officer Salvador Acevedo Jr. was recognized at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Denver last year.

CHP says Officer Acevedo was a finalist for the IACP-Axon Police Officer of the Year Award during the conference, which took place on October 20, 2025.

Acevedo was recognized for his role in apprehending a suspect wanted in connection to the kidnapping of a child back in 2009 while investigating a traffic crash, which happened two years ago, CHP says.

In September of 2009, a man and woman from El Centro were in a custody battle, in which the man received full custody of their child, but CHP says the woman kidnapped the child and fled the country after the decision was made.

Back in January of 2024, Acevedo was investigating a crash “when he recognized one of the driver’s names and date of birth as a possible match to the mother/accused kidnapper of 2009,” CHP says

This led Acevedo to discover that the mother still had an active arrest warrant for the kidnapping, and he had the mother come to the CHP office in El Centro to discuss the crash.

During that time, CHP says Acevedo confirmed her identity and interviewed her, which led to the mother confessing to the kidnapping, and says her daughter, who was 24 at that time, was alive and well.

Soon after, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against the mother, and CHP says she was convicted of kidnapping her daughter 15 years prior.

“Officer Acevedo’s commitment to his profession embodies the essence of law enforcement excellence and the California Highway Patrol’s mission to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security,” CHP says.

To learn more about this, click here.

Officer Acevedo Recognition 288Download

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Lauren Duffel

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Wellton Police Department (WPD) says an officer-involved shooting from earlier this year has been ruled as justified.

According to WPD, The Yuma County Attorney’s Office reviewed bodycam footage the morning of January 16, where police responded to a report of aggravated assault on S. Dome Street, near Old U.S. Highway 80.

WPD says an officer found a victim who had severe injuries after being hit by a hatchet outside the home, prompting the officer to call for back-up to help assist the victim.

The suspect, a 37-year-old woman, then ran outside the home, charging at the officer with a hatchet, WPD says.

The officer told the suspect to drop the weapon, but she did not comply, leading the officer to shoot the suspect, and was later pronounced dead.

Witness statements and physical evidence were also reviewed, and was determined the shooting was justified.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sepsis is a serious medical emergency that can process quickly.

Mitzi Pacheco, nurse practitioner from Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma, explains the symptoms you should know about.

“When not treated quickly, it can quickly lead to organ failure. Warning signs would include fever, very low body temperatures, confusion, rapid breathing, chills, severe pain, and or weakness,” says Pacheco.

ECH Yuma is open 24/7 with low wait times. If anyone experiencing symptoms of sepsis, go to the ER.

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