Category: kyma-local-news

Jalen Fong

UPDATE (7:08 PM): A quiet night in Somerton turned into a frightening ordeal for residents after shots rang out in a neighborhood on South Rincon de España late Thursday.

Around 9 p.m., deputies with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) responded to reports of gunfire. Investigators say a 72-year-old man from Yuma opened fire on a home with people inside.

A resident in the home reportedly returned fire, leading to a tense exchange of bullets before the suspect fled the scene on foot.

“I just moved here. I’ve only been here two or three months and I thought it was gonna be good for my girls,” said Irene Arellano, who lives nearby.

“Of course I’m scared. I live here. I heard the gunshots and then about 30 units parked right there,” said local resident Alejandro Paz.

Authorities credit both witnesses and multiple cooperating law enforcement agencies with helping contain the situation quickly and without injury. YCSO says the suspect was eventually found hiding in an overgrown mesquite tree and taken into custody.

“The occupant of a nearby residence opened fire on the suspect, which caused the suspect to then flee on foot,” said Tania Pavlak with YCSO. “Thanks to the cooperation of the victims and of nearby witnesses, they were able to locate the suspect quickly.”

The man is now facing multiple felony charges. A cash bond has been set at $50,000, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

The incident has left residents shaken but grateful no one was hurt. As the investigation continues, deputies are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and Border Patrol teamed up in a shooting that was reported in Somerton.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. Thursday night at Lorenza Street and Rincon de España near Highway 95.

Border Patrol agents and YCSO deputies are looking for evidence and for a possible suspect around the neighborhood.

One local said that he heard gunshots prompting law enforcement to respond very quickly.

We will follow up on the story and bring you the latest details coming up on our evening newscasts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) broke down his new border plan looking to ensure border safety.

The plan is built on what Sen. Gallego calls a five-pillar system, starting with securing the border and keeping our communities safe.

Gallego’s plan also seeks to “bring immigrants out of the shadows” while tackling hot-button border issues.

Some of these include investing more in border patrol and expanding a legal pathway for immigration.

“Why not just create a responsive, reflective, work permit, that is actually answering to the needs of this economy that would encourage these men and women from around the world to apply to come here legally,” Gallego says.

However, Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn from Yuma says he’s not in favor of the plan, as he’s seen something similar before.

“It’s a rebranding of the so-called bipartisan bill in the past they’re focusing on the wrong issues we do need to work on the laws that we have on the books,” Sen. Dunn said.

Meanwhile, Gallego explains how this plan is different from ones in the past, like Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s bipartisan border bill.

“What she didn’t cover was the pathway for citizenship for Dreamers, for U.S. spouses, temporary work permits for people that are here in the United States illegally to make sure that they’re brought out the shadows,” Gallego says.

Gallego’s team provided us a statement showing San Luis Mayor Nieves Riedel’s support for the plan.

“I am proud to support Senator Ruben Gallego’s immigration plan. This plan offers a thoughtful, pragmatic approach that not only ensures stronger border security but also provides pathways for those who contribute to our communities and economy. In a city like ours, where families cross the border every day, it’s essential we have policies that balance safety, opportunity, and compassion. Senator Gallego’s plan is exactly what our border communities need,” Riedel said.

The framework of the plan is in the early stages, if you would like to check out the plan for yourself click the link HERE.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- The K9 Ops Foundation presented gift packs for the dogs of law enforcement canine partners from multiple agencies around Yuma County on Thursday. They say it’s important to recognize and thank our officers.

“The K9 Ops Foundation raises money to buy equipment and pay for vet bills and to help the K9 Ops local canine teams in the Yuma area. And since this is law enforcement week, we wanted to provide them with some gifts for the dogs and for the handlers and just to tell them thank you,” said K9 Ops Foundation Vice President Mark Sims.

“Well, it’s really great that the K9 Foundation can help all the local handlers and canine agencies within the county. Just based on our budgets alone, we want to be able to get everything that we can out of our trainings and our operations, so it’s really great that the foundation can come in and support us,” said YPD officer Michael Robinson.

The foundation delivered packs to multiple agencies including the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and police from Welton, San Luis, and Yuma.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – One local teacher is recognized for her excellence in the classroom.

Cibola High School teacher Jonica Flores was named Yuma County’s 2025 “High School Teacher of the Year” by the Education Foundation of Yuma County. Flores has been teaching in the district for a decade.

“I was extremely surprised! Only because not that I doubt my abilities, but just because there’s so many amazing high school teachers in Yuma County, so I was very shocked,” said Jonica Flores.

She says she feels so humbled for the honor and is grateful for all the special education teachers out there.

“Especially because I’m a special education teacher, I wanted all of the special education teachers in the audience to know like this award is also for them because I feel that sometimes as special education teachers, we don’t quite get the recognition as other teachers do, other subjects, and so I wanted to be sure to express that this was also for them as well,” said Flores.

Congratulations from all of here Mrs. Flores! The award was presented during the foundation’s annual ceremony this month.

Click here to follow the original article.

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A town hall meeting was held in Yuma to discuss federal firings and DOGE funding cuts.

Dozens came out to the Historic Yuma Theatre in Downtown, many of them in favor of the work being done by Arizona’s Attorney General. Items discussed include Medicaid cuts, social security, tariffs, and education.

Brian De La Hoya, a teacher in San Luis, says he supports Mayes’s resistance to cuts on public education.

De La Hoya, also the Chair of LD23 Democrats of Arizona, says, “I don’t think public school districts should be defunded at all. If anything, we should fund them more.”

Attorney General Mayes, along with several Attorney Generals from other states, have filed 18 lawsuits against the Trump Administration.

One of those lawsuits is in regards to the administration’s sweeping tariffs.

Attorney General Mayes says, “I’m very worried about the tariff impacts on Yuma, especially the farmers that export their goods to other countries and I’m worried about the small businesses in Yuma that imports their goods from China.”

Another focal point of the town hall was the cuts to Medicaid.

Mayes says these cuts, if successful, would be catastrophic to rural communities throughout the state.

“The Medicaid cuts carry the biggest potential for catastrophe, not even to speak on the impact that’s going to have on Yumans themselves, who may not have a hospital to go to if these Medicaid cuts go through,” Mayes explains.

But not everyone in attendance was in favor, one local applauding the President for keeping his promises and saying he doesn’t agree with the bombardment of lawsuits.

Mayes adds, “I love that I was challenged by a couple of folks that didn’t share my views. This is about letting people sound off, tell me how they’re feeling, and gathering evidence.”

This is Mayes’s 11th town hall she’s hosted in the state on the topic of federal firings and DOGE funding cuts.

She’ll host her 12th in Apache County on Monday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

(KYMA, KECY) – A Yuma man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a woman in a Michigan hotel last year.

ABC 7 Detroit reports 37-year-old Joel Delavara was sentenced to at least 22 years in prison on Tuesday. He was convicted of criminal sexual conduct as well as home invasion.

The assault happened at a hotel in the Detroit area last August.

Police say Delavara went to the front desk of the hotel and requested a key to the victim’s room. That’s how he was able to get into the victim’s room and sexually assault her.

A week later, the Auburn Hills Police Department sent the Yuma Police Department a warrant for Delavara’s arrest, where he was then extradited back to Michigan to be charged.

Delavara is eligible for an appeal.

Click here to follow the original article.

Miriam Ordonez

SAN DIEGO (KYMA, KECY) – A Calexico man has been sentenced to over a year in prison for conspiring to smuggle over $3 million worth of unapproved pesticides and veterinary drugs into the U.S.

60-year-old Ruben Montes was also ordered to pay more than $12,000 in forfeiture after coordinating the illegal import of harmful chemicals not approved by the EPA and FDA.

These smuggled substances, including toxic pesticides, posed serious risks to both human and the environment.

“Bringing in and selling pesticides and veterinary drugs illegally puts both people and the environment at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “These unregulated products can be harmful to animals, insects, and humans. Our office is committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses profit over public safety.”

“A secure border is vital to ensuring the health and safety of Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting those who violate our environmental and customs laws and jeopardize the health and safety of our citizens.”

To learn more about Montes’ sentencing, read the press release below.

PR Montes Sentencing – BrownDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Gila Vista Jr. High School has received recognition as a Purple Star School.

According to Yuma School District One, the recognition is to reflect on the school’s dedication to ensure “military-connected students have the resources, stability, and community they need to thrive.”

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

During a monthly Governing Board meeting earlier this week, a banner was presented to the school, thus making Gila Vista the 10th school to earn this recognization along with other District One school such as:

C.W. McGraw Elementary School

Desert Mesa Elementary School

Dorothy Hall Elementary School

James B. Rolle Elementary School

James D. Price Elementary School

Mary A. Otondo Elementary School

Palmcroft Elementary School

Sunrise Elementary School

Ron Watson Middle School

Courtesy: Yuma School District One

“We’re honored to receive the Purple Star School designation, recognizing Gila Vista’s strong support for military-connected students and families,” said Sandra Carbajal, District One Military-Connected Advocate. “This reflects the school’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of military children as they transition to new schools.”

To learn more about Gila Vista receiving the recognition, read the press release below.

Purple Star School Gila VistaDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A jackpot-winning ticket from the Arizona Lottery was sold in Yuma, according to O.H. Partners.

The Triple Twist ticket was sold on May 13 at the Chevron Self Serve on 2092 E. 24th Street.

The ticket was worth $320,000, which had the winning numbers: 8, 10, 15, 17, 37, and 40.

A Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was previously sold in Yuma on Saturday, May 10.

Click here to follow the original article.

Abraham Retana

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A local school held an exercise Tuesday to have teachers, students, parents and first responders on the same page.

As part of the drill, Ed Pastor Elementary School in San Luis, Arizona evacuated its students from the classrooms to a safe spot a few blocks away.

School officials were informing parents through texts messages about the situation and how to pick up their kids at Eligio Ramirez Park.

“Moving them from location to another the school has to be very prepared in releasing the students in a safe proper manner as well the community and the parents,” said Lina Galvan, Gadsden Elementary School District (GESD) associate superintendent.

Associate Superintendent Galvan says it took a lot of effort to coordinate and move more than 500 students to a safe location.

“It took a lot of planning with the city, the police department, the fire department with our staff, our technology department, maintenance and transportation department. It took the collaboration of the whole school district,” explained Associate Superintendent Galvan.

A grandparent we spoke to says it’s important to have this kind of drills because everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

“This is very important especially nowadays, the kids have to be prepared in case of any problem they could face,” expressed Marisol Garcia, a grandmother of a student.

Gadsden Elementary School District is planning to have another emergency drill next school year involving all schools within the district.

Click here to follow the original article.