Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) says their Visual and Performing Arts Department is hosting the 1776-2026 Semiquincentennial Concert.

The concert is taking place Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Schoening Conference Center at 6 p.m., and it is to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

“During this event, we will recognize those that have served and continue to serve this county faithfully,” said Professor Deltrina Grimes. “We will share some familiar music and a few pieces that may not be as familiar.”

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

AWC says there will be performances of “Star Spangled Banner,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Armed Forces – The Pride of America,” which is said to represent each branch of the U.S. military.

While there will be reserved seating for Veterans, those who attend are encouraged to email deltrina.grimes@azwestern.edu by next Tuesday in order to reserve a seat.

For more information about the concert, which is free to attend, read the press release below.

Semiquinncentennial concert celebrates 250 yearsDownload

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Paradise Casino is inviting the Yuma community to attend their 3rd of July Celebration.

The event is taking place at the casino, located at 450 Quechan Drive, Friday, July 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

During the event, there will be food and drink vendors, live entertainment, a motorcycle stunt team, a face painter and a fireworks show taking place at 9:30 p.m.

The event is free and everyone is welcome. To learn more about the event, call 888-777-4946.

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Madeline Murray

Reporter Madeline Murray spoke with the couple about how they knew it was love at first sight.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Vern and Kathy Winter, a couple from Yuma, are celebrating 60 years of marriage Wednesday.

It all started at a gas station in Bellingham, Washington in April of 1965 on an unexpected blind date.

“I’ll let you do that one, it was a blind date…how should we start…well,” the couple shared.

Vern and a buddy of his were in the U.S. Navy together and shared a car. He was working at a gas station when his friend wanted to take his new girlfriend out using the car, and he said, “Your girlfriend must have a girlfriend bring her back for me…Well I’ll be danged, he brought her back and I’ve been stuck ever since.”

Just like that, they dropped Kathy off at the gas station with Vern, and they have been together for 60 years.

They are spending their anniversary in Laughlin, Nevada and plan to take a dinner cruise.

“You know, it’s like, ‘Wow, 60 years. That’s a long time,’ but I mean, it’s kind of like even our ages, it’s just kind of like, ‘Welp…another year.’ This is 60 so we’ll make it to 70,” the couple expressed.

Dating in this generation can be tough, so since the Winters are hitting a huge milestone in their journey together, they have some advice for the young generation.

“It’s a different world you know…I would probably tell people now to wait…of course to your mid 20s or something but I don’t regret it, but I’m just thinking about how things are nowadays. Stop and think when you have problems…stop and think about it a little bit before you make any bad decisions,” the couple said.

As time goes one, they know they live life to the fullest, loving one another unconditionally every day.

“We don’t have a lot, but we’re happy…keep our health…health is a big deal…we’re both in pretty good shape, but that can change too so fast, so appreciate each day,” they remarked.

Congratulations to Vern and Kathy on 60 years of marriage.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – Four Democratic candidates are running for two seats representing Arizona’s Legislative District 23 at the state Capitol.

As part of candidate conversations ahead of the election, I sat down with Juan Manuel Guerrero to learn more about his campaign and the issues he says are driving his run.

Guerrero says education funding, housing and affordability are among his top priorities.

“It’s consuming our community, especially our rural communities,” Guerrero said. “This is a time that we need to raise our voices and say stop…We need to get to a point where everything is equitable.”

Arizona House representatives vote on state laws and help shape policies and spending that impact communities across their districts.

Guerrero says his background in the military, work responding to the fentanyl crisis, time coaching local soccer and perspective as a first-generation Mexican-American all influenced his decision to run for office.

Education is one area where he believes more investment is needed.

“There’s a lot of morale issues right now that teachers feel that they are being asked to do more with less every year,” Guerrero said. “Too many children in classes…those are the issues that we need to address to bring more funding, especially to our area.”

Healthcare was another issue Guerrero pointed to, especially in rural communities.

He said local providers are finding ways to meet needs, but believes the state should play a larger role in supporting access to care.

Affordability also remains a major focus of his campaign.

“They care how they’re going to pay the mortgage next month, or how they’re going to provide food to the table,” Guerrero said. “That’s what they care about.”

The top candidates in Arizona’s primary election will move on to the general election in November.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Moody Garden at the Yuma County Cooperative Extension is back open to the public after a brief closure tied to infrastructure upgrades that temporarily disrupted water access.

The demonstration garden, located at 2200 W. 28th Street, recently had its irrigation system restored after construction-related power and water relocations forced it offline for about a week.

During that time, several plants were lost, underscoring how critical consistent irrigation is, even for desert-adapted species.

Staff and volunteers are now fine-tuning the garden’s drip lines and emitters to better prepare the site for the upcoming summer heat.

John Metha, an outreach instructional specialist with the Yuma County Cooperative Extension, said the garden serves both an educational and community purpose.

“It provides a lot of opportunity for providing workshops, educational opportunities,” Metha said. “It’s a great location to stop, relax, take a lap around here and find some shade, some cool plants to look at.”

The Moody Garden showcases identified Arizona native plants and allows visitors to see what species thrive in desert conditions, information that can help residents apply similar landscaping choices at home.

The site remains open year-round and is maintained by Master Gardener volunteers through the Cooperative Extension.

For those interested in expanding their horticultural knowledge, the Yuma County Cooperative Extension also offers a Master Gardener certification program and related educational courses covering topics such as plant science, soil health, and composting.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – A Yuma woman says she has the proven leadership skills to be the next Yuma County Superior Court Clerk.

The Superior Court Clerk serves as the official record keeper and financial officer for the court.

“I have been serving my public as an educator and as a business owner, leading teams, managing budgets, and I know that those skills have prepared me for the high demands of this office,” said Malba Alvarez (R), candidate for Yuma County Superior Court Clerk.

Alvarez says she wants to serve her community and bring a fresh perspective to the position.

“We do not need stagnation at this office. Stagnation cannot stay in the Clerk’s Office,” Alvarez expressed.

If elected, Alvarez says her focus will be on improving customer service and finding new opportunities within the Clerk’s Office.

“My focus will be on exceptional customer service and finding new opportunities within the Clerk’s Office,” Alvarez shared.

Alvarez is running against Bobbie Jo Daily in the Arizona Primary, taking place July 21.

In-person early voting starts Wednesday.

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As Fourth of July celebrations approach, Yuma officials are reminding residents about the dangers of illegal fireworks and the impact they can have on people, property, and pets.

One Yuma resident says illegal fireworks are a recurring problem in her neighborhood and recently caused significant damage to their vehicle.

“Basically, in my neighborhood, people are just doing illegal fireworks on their own, and it goes on from basically sundown to sunrise,” they said.

The resident reported that firework debris caused about $1,600 in damage to her car. The City of Yuma says fireworks that leave the ground, shoot flaming material into the air, or explode are generally considered illegal.

The resident hopes people will choose safer alternatives this holiday.

“Please realize how it affects people and animals and why not just do what’s right and have fun legally,” they said.

The Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) is also encouraging pet owners to take precautions. Development Manager Hilary Mulherin says fireworks can cause pets to panic and run away.

“Fireworks can really scare pets, and if they are outside they can jump six-foot walls easily. We see it all the time,” Mulherin said.

According to the HSOY, unmicrochipped pets are far less likely to be reunited with their owners if they go missing.

Mulherin says microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure a lost pet can return home.

“Getting a microchip for your pet is the best way to have them reunite with you should they become lost,” she said.

HSOY will host a free microchip clinic sponsored by the City of Yuma and Yuma County on July 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information click here.

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Dillon Fuhrman

WELLTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Town of Wellton says there will be water service interruptions happening this month.

In a Facebook post, the Town says, “necessary water line relocations and adjustments must be completed to accommodate the County Retention Basin Flood Control Project.”

“These temporary interruptions are required to safely perform the work and ensure the long-term maintenance issues are addressed,” the town added.

In addition, the Town has provided the following water service interruptions:

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Affected area: San Jose Avenue from Jessie Street to Bobbie Street.

Crews will connect a relocated two-inch water line that is being prepared in advance of continued project construction.

Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Affected area: Maybelle Street from Los Angeles Avenue to San Jose Avenue.

Crews will lower an existing two-inch water line.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8 a.m to noon. Affected area: Maybelle Street from Los Angeles Avenue to San Jose Avenue.

Crews will lower an existing six-inch water line as part of the project.

If anyone has question regarding this, call Wellton Town Hall at 928-785-3348.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is bringing their Backpack Tour to Yuma next month.

The event is taking place Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Yuma County Fairgrounds at 2 p.m., and will give away 1,000 to students.

During the event, there will be snacks and activities, as well as some Lerner & Rowe swag attendees can get.

Courtesy: Lerner & Rowe Gives Back

The organization is asking those who attend to wait in their vehicle until the event starts, and says to be mindful of others when entering and exiting the parking lot.

In addition, the organization says the backpacks and giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and student must be presents to get a backpack.

For more information on the event, click here, or call 928-222-2222.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) says Mae Gomez, a San Luis High School senior (Class of 2026), is one of the recipients of the Flinn Scholarship, making her the school’s first students to receive the scholarship.

YUHSD says 20 students were selected “from more than 1,150 applicants” across Arizona, making the scholarship one of the state’s most competitive.

“Receiving the Flinn Scholarship is a major milestone in my educational journey,” Gomez said. “Being the first student from [SLHS] to receive this honor carries a deep sense of responsibility, driving me to set a path for those who follow. With this financial freedom, I can focus entirely on my studies and ensure that my journey helps clear the way for the next generation of students from my community.”

YUHSD also says scholarship applicants must have at least a 3.5 GPA, rank in the top 5% of their graduating class, and “participate and demonstrate leadership in a variety of extracurricular activities.”

“Mae’s selection as the first Flinn Scholar in San Luis High School history is a historic achievement, not only for her, but for the entire community,” said Cesar Castillo, Director of Counseling at SLHS. “It demonstrates that students from San Luis can compete with and succeed alongside the highest-achieving students in Arizona, regardless of geography or background. Her accomplishment will inspire future generations of students to pursue ambitious goals and believe that opportunities like the Flinn Scholarship are within their reach.”

Gomez says she plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Arizona, starting in the fall.

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

PR – San Luis senior named school’s first-ever Flinn Scholarship recipientDownload

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