Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Graduation season is underway, and high school seniors across Yuma County are being celebrated for their hard work.

At Yuma Catholic High School, students gathered for a special senior awards ceremony where they were presented with scholarships to help launch their futures.

“They worked hard, and this graduation opens doors for better jobs and more education,” said Rita Rivera, a YCR scholarship presenter.

In total, more than $21 million in scholarships have been awarded so far.

Senior award ceremonies continue this week with Cibola High School on Thursday, followed by Yuma and Antelope next week.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In a press conference Thursday morning, Border Patrol sent a firm warning to migrants trying to enter the U.S. Illegally.

The message from Border Patrol is clear: Illegal entry doesn’t just lead to deportation. It could mean jail time and daily fines. Officials say the legal way is the only secure way to enter the U.S.

U.S. Custom and Border Protections (CBP) held a press conference Thursday laying out the new reality for migrants who try to cross into the U.S. Illegally. 

Agents say it’ll allow them to shift their focus back to enforcement at the border itself.

“We’ve been able to get our agents back on the field away from processing so now there is a lot less entry so we can expedite when people do come in illegally,” says Special Operations Supervisor Agent Fidel Cabrera

According to CBP, in fiscal year 2024, in Yuma, there were over 39,000 illegal encounters. In fiscal year 2025 there were just under 7,000 encounters. Showing an 82% decrease. 

Some locals say they’re glad to see a tougher stance from federal agents.

Local resident Marinell Baird says, “I am all for it! I think it’s way overdue.”

“I don’t have a problem with anyone coming into this country as long as its legally,” says Barbra Coppe, another local resident.

Agent Cabera says criminal networks exploit migrants for profit and warns they offer false promises.

“Don’t use cartels…They’re just there to exploit and take your money. There’s other ways to do things. There’s a correct way to so it,” said Cabera. 

Baird says these changes help her feel safer, “Absolutely, I live five miles from the border, yes! Way safer!”

Border Patrol agents say this strategy is already increasing control along the southern border. They say anyone considering crossing the border illegally the risks far out weight the chances.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- As temperatures begin to rise, so does insect activity.

As spring heats up, you may notice more creepy crawlers in and around your home. Experts say that’s no coincidence and there are a few things you can do now to stay ahead of the bug boom.

Its a seasonal pattern pest control experts know too well.

James Rodriguez, owner of Empire Pest says, “We just had a burst of heat within the last month and we’ve already seen a massive up flow in incoming calls regarding pest control.”

Spring and early summer marks the start of increased bug activity. Insects become more mobile looking for food, water, and shelter.

Rodriguez says the most venerable parts of your home are the yard and garage seals: “At the base of the seals, you can always see light, and at night time, when the lights are on, that’s like a huge sign to an insect that says ‘Come eat at my house!'”

Daniela Hammond says she’s already noticed an influx in pests adding, “I’ve seen a lot of ants and mostly geckos and a lot of flies recently.”

Experts recommend removing lingering debris around your home like cardboard boxes, plants, or wood piles.

“Those create natural harborage areas for any insect whether it be an insect or a snake. They just get in there and hang out,” says Rodriguez.

Rodriguez adds keeping as much clutter off the floor can save you a trip to the hospital: “Don’t leave piles of laundry on the floor because scorpions love that. Scorpions will get into the laundry. Next thing you know, you’re picking it up and you’re going to the hospital.”

Whether it’s a can of spray or calling the pros, now is the time to act before pest settle in.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new effort is underway to better support local businesses in Yuma.

The City of Yuma, the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Arizona Western College (AWC) have teamed up to launch a survey aimed at hearing directly from business owners.

The survey is part of a Business Retention and Expansion program, or BRE, which aims to learn what local businesses need to grow and succeed. The feedback will be used to shape future programs, workshops, and resources.

“We want to hear about the challenges businesses are facing,” said Crystal Mendoza with AWC’s SBDC.

Mendoza also pointed out that small businesses play a big role in Yuma’s economy.

“Over 80% of the jobs in our community are created by the businesses we already have here,” she said.

The survey is now live and will close May 27. Local leaders hope business owners across the region will take a few minutes to fill it out.

The goal is to make sure growing businesses get the support they need and that Yuma continues to be a place where businesses can thrive.

To participate in the survey, click here.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – San Diego State University Imperial Valley celebrated its Class of 2025 during the 66th commencement ceremony held Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the Rollie Carrillo Quad.

Approximately 350 graduates participated in the event, surrounded by family, friends, and faculty.

The top majors among this year’s graduates included Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education, Psychology, Nursing, and Public Administration.

The ceremony recognized the hard work and achievements of students who completed their academic journeys at SDSU Imperial Valley.

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Abraham Retana

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Two men seriously injured in a violent assault in El Centro.

The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) said the fight took place on Eucalyptus Avenue near Third Street around 11:00 a.m. Thursday.

During the altercation, two men sustained serious injuries that required life-saving measures from police until El Centro Fire arrived.

Both men were taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center.

Taly Ruiz, lives in the neighborhood and describes what she saw.

“A neighbor got into a fight with two men and then I saw the ambulance and police units and the yellow tape,” said Ruiz.

ECPD used descriptions of the suspect and quickly located and arrested a 36-year-old-man and charged him with attempted homicide.

Ruiz says she is in shock about what happened.

“Of course, because this a very quiet neighborhood, I don’t know what’s going on, but it worries me a lot,” expressed Ruiz.

The incident remains under investigation, if you have any information call ECPD.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – College students from across the country are in Yuma this week for a national engineering competition.

The EcoCAR EV Challenge brought together 13 collegiate teams working on engineering the 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ, implementing CAV technologies and innovative features.

The teams gathered at the General Motors Desert Proving Ground in Yuma for vehicle technical inspections.

“Right now is probably one of the times of most rapid change in the industry since we transitioned from horse and buggy to motors and wheels,” said Jesse Alley, EcoCAR Sr. Program Director.

After the testing in Yuma, the competition moves to San Diego where teams will compete for over $100K in prize money and the Year 3 winner will be crowned. 

Students from UC Davis were hard at work preparing for the big day and shared what they were working on.

“We’re writing code, and we have a team of three to four different people, making sure that each line in the code works so that we can get our car running and ready to go for the next events,” said Anthony Aguilar, an engineering student from UC Davis.

Anthony said he’s proud of his team as they continue to put their all into perfecting their vehicle.

The competition’s sponsors like General Motors looks for the competitions top talent to recruit.

“This truly is a consortium of government, industry, and academia, we’re all in it together because we believe in the value of the program and we believe in investing into the next generation of engineers,” said Alley.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 24-year-old Israel Preciado and 20-year-old Yancy Antonio both appeared in court for the second time this week.

The suspects are accused of being involved in the hit and run that left 48-year-old Eric Martinez hospitalized.

Preciado is facing two counts of tampering with physical evidence and obstructing criminal investigations or prosecutions.

Meanwhile, Antonio is facing five counts which include aggravated assault alleging using a dangerous weapon or vehicle.

Eric’s family says they are grateful that the suspects have been caught.

“Mostly happy for Eric that these two people that have been caught and arrested…you know that the Yuma Police Department has done a very good job of getting those people, and I hope they get punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Eric’s stepfather Larry Munoz.

Antonio and Preciado are both set to appear in court again next Friday.

Meanwhile, the Yuma Police Department (YPD) would like to thank the community for its help and shares how you can help in investigations like this one.

“It’s really important for the community that if you do have any surveillance camera to ensure that it is properly recording and in working order. Anyone who has any dash cam video you know for any hit and runs we really appreciate if they contact us,” says Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez with YPD.

As far as Eric’s condition, he is expected to be released from the hospital Saturday morning.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 33-year-old Abel Melano appeared in front of a judge for the second time after surrendering and being taken into custody earlier this week.

He is facing three counts, which include attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, and burglary in the first degree.

“Through the hard work of our detectives and our officers on Wednesday, May 14th, we were able to locate 33-year-old Abel Melano Casillas who was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center,” said Yuma Police Department Public Information Officer Christina Fernandez.

Melano is facing a $1,000,000 cash bond and is set to appear back in court on May 23.

Meanwhile, a second suspect involved in the case, was taken into custody on Thursday.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A ribbon-cutting was held Friday to celebrate the opening of the Sunset View Wildlife Area.

It’s a project that’s been in the works for over two decades.

The two-acre area is transformed into a passive recreational park with native trees and shrubs, a wildlife viewing area and several more amenities.

“We wanted to create a more beautiful entry into the East Wetlands – walking trails, biking trails, and it provides connectivity from the bike path. The paved bike path that goes through this area and over to a primitive. There’s a boat ramp that accesses the south channel for kayaking and fishing, paddle boarding, things like that,” said Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Executive Director Cathy Douglas.

The Yuma National Heritage Area says this is meant to be an extension of the native habitat within the 380-acre East Westlands area.

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