Local junior high school honored for outstanding support for military families

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local junior high school is being honored for its outstanding support of military families.

Woodard Junior High School in Yuma has been officially designated a “Purple Star School,” a national recognition given to schools who go above and beyond in supporting military-connected students and their families.

Woodard becomes the 11th school in the district to earn this distinction.

The school district says it’s proud to ensure every student feels welcome, supported, and ready to succeed.

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Imperial County announces new County Counsel

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has named Geoffrey P. Holbrook as the new County Counsel.

According to a press release, effective Monday, Holbrook will oversee all legal affairs for Imperial County and provide direct counsel to the board, elected officials and department heads.

In addition, the County says Holbrook’s appointment is to represent “a renewed focus on strengthening in-house legal capacity, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates, and supporting efficient, transparent governance across all County operations.”

“Mr. Holbrook brings a strong combination of legal expertise, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership,” said Chairman John Hawk. “His familiarity with Imperial County and his proven ability to guide public agencies through complex legal matters make him an invaluable addition to our team.”

“It is an honor to return to the County of Imperial and to continue to serve the community that has shaped my life and career. I’m eager to work with the Board, County leadership, and dedicated employees to strengthen our organization and support the Board in advancing the County’s mission of serving its residents,” Holbrook expressed.

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

IC_PR_GeoffreyP.Holbrook_CC_10.20.25Download

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AWC to host Catrinas and Catrines Contest

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Arizona Western College (AWC) is hosting the Catrinas and Catrines Contest next week.

According to a press release, the contest is taking place on Thursday, October 30 at the AWC Yuma Campus from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is in honor of Dia de los Muertos.

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

“This competition is a joyful way for our community to honor tradition, showcase incredible talent, and bring to life the beauty of Catrinas and Catrines for all to enjoy,” shared Martha Cordova, Director of Transfer Services at AWC.

AWC says the winners will receive the following cash prizes:

First Place: $400

Second Place: $300

Third Place: $200

People’s Choice: $100

Courtesy: Arizona Western College

To learn more about the contest, read the press release below or click here.

AWC hosts Catrinas and Catrines contest Oct. 30Download

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Rural Metro responds to rollover crash on I-8 near the Foothills

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a rollover crash on the highway near the Foothills Monday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, the crash happened before 6:00 a.m. in the area of westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) and milepost 19.

Upon arrival, Rural Metro says crews found two vehicles involved in the crash. They then secured the vehicles and observed the drivers.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Rural Metro says the driver of the overturned truck got out prior to their arrival.

They also say one driver was taken to Onvida Foothills and the other was taken to Onvida Main after they both suffered minor injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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Rural Metro responds to vehicle fire in the Foothills

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Rural Metro responded to a vehicle fire in the Foothills Sunday morning.

According to a post on Facebook, it happened at around 11:20 a.m. in the area of S. Frontage Road and Scottsdale Drive.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Upon arrival, Rural Metro said crews saw a fully-involved pickup truck and immediately deployed a hose line to put out the fire.

Rural Metro said the fire was then successfully extinguished, no injuries were reported and the driver safely exited the vehicle before the fire spread.

Courtesy: Rural Metro

Courtesy: Rural Metro

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City of Somerton hosts annual UTV/Off-road Showdown & Chelada Fest

Madeline Murray

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) – The City of Somerton hosted their annual UTV/Off-road Showdown & Chelada Fest Saturday.

The event, which took place on Main Street at 4:30 p.m., featured a lineup of UTVs, live music, food and michelada vendors, a kids area and more.

They had performances from Los Cadetes de Linares, Kamacho and Ravines.

Isabella Gonzales, the Recreation Specialist for the City of Somerton, talked about how the event brought the community together.

“Right now as we’re in this event, we’re seeing a lot of the community come together. We’re getting to see each other’s support and see all of our effort…For example, the UTV and how big the community is and this is such a little small town,” Gonzales shared.

The event lasted until midnight.

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Sheltra Insurance hosts 17th Annual Cut for the Cause

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local insurance company hosted the 17th Annual Cut for the Cause event Sunday morning.

The event took place at Diva’s Hair Studio/Spa, located at 2750 S. Pacific Avenue Suite C, at 11:00 a.m.

Patrons donated eight or more inches of hair to create wigs for cancer patients.

Jessie Sheltra, owner of Sheltra Insurance, shared how the event means to her.

“Every person I think deserves to have the resources that are available to them for their health, their well-being, mental health, and to feel nice…So that’s what this is all about,” Sheltra expressed.

Along with the donations, patrons received a $25 haircut with the proceeds going directly towards supporting wig-making for those battling cancer.

The event lasted until 2:00 p.m.

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Locals attend third and final day of Fourth Annual Yuma County Fall Fest

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Sunday marks the third and final day of the Fourth Annual Yuma County Fall Fest.

The gates opened at noon, and there are a ton of rides, games, and fun activities for families to enjoy while attending Fall Fest, as well as snag a bite to eat.

There is also a raffle to win a new Toyota Tacoma as well as a cornhole challenge for fairgoers to win prizes such as an umbrella or a hat.

Sunday’s events featured a pumpkin carving contest, which took place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., as well as a paint and take class at 2:00 p.m.

There was also a demolition derby which took place at the Grandstands at 5:00 p.m.

Grupo Cultivo is serving as the main headlining band, with the band holding two live sets at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Main Stage.

To learn more about this, click here.

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Locals participate in Glow Up October 5K Run

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Nicer weather is upon us and Yuma is getting the City’s run season started in glowing fashion.

The sun set at around 6:00 p.m. Saturday, but locals lit up the City of Yuma with the Glow Up October 5K Run.

It is the first event in Yuma’s 2025-26 run series and the turnout was impressive.

“It’s fantastic. You know, we have over 200 people signed up for it and it looks like a good portion of them are here, so we’re excited to see that,” said Nathan Zack, Recreation Program Supervisor.

The event is built for participants of all experience and competitive levels.

While the event records finishes, many participating runners are in it for reasons outside of the time displayed at the end of the line.

“I’m really excited. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a big kid. I love getting my ribbon and my little metal at the end,” said Marlena Lopez, a participant.

“I’m excited because this is what keeps me motivated to run. If it wasn’t for the runs, I would probably be a couch potato,” said Jennifer Merrill, another participant.

Whether you’re old or young, the city ensures it’s an event all ages can enjoy.

“Really excited, and when I run, I’m gonna say, ‘Run, run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m the Gingerbread Man,'” said one of the runners.

The event lasted until 9:00 p.m.

If you would like to register for one of the city’s future run events, you can do so here.

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One dead, one injured in Marine helicopter crash in Imperial County

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – A Marine helicopter crash in Imperial County left one pilot dead and another injured Thursday.

According to a press release, the crash happened at around 7:05 p.m. when an AH-1Z Viper experienced an “aviation mishap during routine operations near an unpopulated area of Imperial Gables, California.”

The press release says there were two pilots on board who were taken to two separate hospitals. One of the pilots being taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, where the pilot later died. The other pilot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where the pilot is in stable condition.

“It is with profound sadness that I share the loss of a Marine from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ while conducting a training flight in support of the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. This Marine made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for his selfless commitment and willingness to go into harm’s way. To the family, friends, and loved ones of our fallen Marine, we send our deepest condolences and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief.”

Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, Commanding General of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

To learn more about the crash, click here.

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