Military presence at the Yuma border to provide logistical support

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Desert Southwest border has some military back up as the United States Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 15 are in the area.

“Bringing some of their technology so we can increase our situational awareness,” said Michael Wisniewski, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent.

They will be working alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide critical engineering and logistical support.

This allows the border patrol to cover more ground and have access to better equipment.

“For us, it’s kind of a force multiplier we now have more eyes on the border in these remote regions with some of the advanced technology so they can utilize that technology,” said Wisniewski.

The commanding officer for task force forge explains what the team’s goal is.

“Our mission is clear: Support our federal partners and Joint Task Force Southern Border, strengthen operational readiness, and support upholding the territorial integrity of our nation’s border with professionalism and precision,” explained Wisniewski.

According to CBP, the Department of Defense is in the process of developing a National Defense Area here in Yuma.

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Onvida Health speaks out on recent Medicaid cuts

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Medicaid cuts are raising concerns, especially in rural areas, but one local hospital is staying strong.

Nearly two million Arizonans are currently enrolled in Medicaid.

Some locals say recent cuts concerns them, but Onvida Health says they’re not backing down.

“When we talk about Medicaid, we’re talking about cutting services for everybody. We’re not just talking about the Medicaid population,” said Robert Trenschel, Onvida Health CEO.

The Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association says they’re deeply concerned about the ripple effect recent medicaid cuts will have on patients, providers, and entire communities.

In a press release, the group warned more than 55% of Arizona hospitals could be operating in the red in the next few years.

At Onvida Health in Yuma, leaders say they’re focused on care, not cuts

“We’re not anticipating any changes in services that we’re offering to the community. We’re not anticipating any changes in the organization. In fact, next year, we anticipate to be similar to this year if not better as we become more efficient as an organization,” said Trenschel.

Some locals like Caroline and Bob Valley worry about the bigger picture, and what fewer resources mean down the road.

“We paid into Medicaid our whole working life, and I don’t think its right, but they’re trying to take it away from us now,” said Caroline.

“I think we’re headed in a direction with loss of services and wait times to get into a doctor or nurse practitioner,” said Bob.

Despite the uncertainty, Onvida says they’re actively planning for the future.

“We’re looking for the opportunity to grow the organization to bring in different sources of revenue so we can offset some of those cuts that we know are coming,” said Trenschel.

Onvida says while state funding is still unknown, their mission in Yuma remains clear and stable for now.

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Arizona court ruling highlights school safety as kids head back to class

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As kids return to class in Yuma, police are reminding families and drivers to stay alert during those busy morning and afternoon hours.

Traffic tends to pick up around school zones, and officers say it is important that both drivers and students stay aware of their surroundings.

The reminder comes just days after a major ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. The court decided that schools are not legally responsible for keeping students safe when they are off campus.

The case involved a high school student from Phoenix who was hit by a car while jaywalking in front of the school in 2021. The court said schools are only responsible when students are on campus or under school supervision.

With that in mind, Yuma Police are encouraging families to take extra care during the walk or drive to school. Officer Hayato Johnson says kids should not be distracted.

“Make sure they’re paying attention to where they’re walking. Not walking with their phone in their hands. Eyes to the screen. Not paying attention to where they’re stepping next,” he said.

Officers are also urging drivers to slow down in school zones and be extra careful near crosswalks and bus stops.

“Kids don’t know any better. They cross the street and won’t always look both ways no matter how many times they’re told to,” Officer Johnson said. “And drivers, with daily distractions, forget they’re in school zones.”

One local parent, Teresa Ward, said she does not feel comfortable letting her son walk to school alone.

“Just for my security, he could do it. I just don’t feel comfortable. I read the news too much and I’m not very trusting of some people,” said Ward.

As students head back to class, Johnson hopes the community will keep one thing in mind.

“We’re all somebody’s brother, sister, uncle or parent. Treat school zones like your own kids are walking through them too,” Johnson spoke.

Whether or not you have kids, police say keeping students safe is something everyone can help with.

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YFD responds to mobile home fire on West 19th Street

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A fire broke out in a neighborhood near the KYMA station Monday afternoon.

The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) received a call at around 4:30 p.m. about a fire in the area of West 19th Street and South Third Avenue.

When crews arrived, YFD says they found a mobile home fully engulfed in flames, which they later deemed a total loss.

A second home was affected by the flames.

Some locals say they heard popping coming from within the fire, with one neighbor, Rogelio Valle, sharing what he felt.

“I just looked out at my kitchen and his kitchen was on fire…Yeah, it was scary, I was just thinking, ‘Yeah, let’s get my son out and see what happens,'” Valle shared.

No injuries were reported.

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YPG helped test tech for moon missions

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – On July 20, 1969, humans landed on the moon for the first time, and part of that achievement was made possible thanks to testing at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground (YPG).

In 1966, Yuma tested a mobility vehicle which helped inspire the lunar rover used on the Apollo missions.

Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong later visited Yuma in 1971 to see helicopter tests.

Today, NASA’s plans to return to the moon and travel to Mars will rely on safety systems also tested at Yuma, including parachutes for the astronaut capsules. 

YPG continues to play a key role in space exploration technology. 

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Locals react to people impersonating law enforcement

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – In cities all over the country, there have been reports of people with the bad intentions of impersonating law enforcement.

Arizona officials have warned Arizonan residents of the punishments that come with the crime of impersonating law enforcement.

Governor Katie Hobbs stated on the platform X, “Our local and state law enforcement have a tough job to do. Impersonating them put our officers in harms way and undermines public trust. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a felony in Arizona, and anybody caught doing so will be charged to the fullest extent.”

Officer Hayato Johnson explains what to look out for.

“If you get a fishy phone call, and you don’t think it’s an actual police officer, don’t be afraid to hang up on them, or call the local agencies, confirm the officers are who they are, confirm their badge numbers,” Officer Johnson shared.

One local, who goes by the name CeCe, shares her experience on how easy it can be for people to commit these crimes. 

“I went to the Goodwill and found a Border Patrol outfit there, so I purchased it, and I don’t know what to do with it now because I was afraid somebody was going to impersonate it,” CeCe said.

Official say if you see someone impersonating law enforcement, in an emergency call 911, and if not, call the non-emergency line.

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Calexico City Council appoints new fire chief

Karina Bazarte

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico City Council has appointed Juan Contreras as their new fire chief Monday morning.

Fire Chief Contreras, along with his family, the Calexico Fire Department (CFD) and other fire departments, such as Imperial County Fire Department, attended the ceremony.

Contreras says he is ready to serve as CFD’s fire chief.

“Obviously is increase staffing continue that community outreach with the citizens and the stakeholders of Calexico…being able to provide services a much needed services you we have the department running its own ambulances so we are working on ideas,” said Contreras.

Contreras served as the Interim City Manager and fire chief this year. He has been with CFD for 20 years.

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Nonprofit organization in Imperial County hosts Ride & Drive Event

Dillon Fuhrman

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Comite Civico Del Valle, Inc. hosted the Ride & Drive Event over the weekend.

The event took place at the Lions Recreation Center, located a 225 A Street in Brawley, Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

During the event, attendees got the chance to participate in an electric vehicle test drive experience, with participants being 18 years and older and having a valid California driver’s license.

Attendees also participated in a variety of activities and contests, such as an indoor scavenger hunt and a paint contest.

There were snacks and refreshments, as well as resource tables for attendees to learn about during the event.

In addition, the first 50 attendees participated in the raffles to win a bicycle and a backpack.

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Man arrested for burglary and drug paraphernalia possession

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) announced the arrest of a man for burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to a post on Facebook, the arrest happened “in the early morning hours of Sunday” after their patrol officers located the man as he was wanted in connection to a “recent burglary at a local business.”

Courtesy: Yuma Police Department

Upon confirmation of the suspect’s identity as well as “conducting an interview regarding the case,” YPD says the suspect was placed under arrest.

During the investigation, YPD said the suspect was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

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Unresponsive man rescued at public pool in Yuma

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man was rescued from a public pool in Yuma after being found unresponsive Saturday afternoon.

According to the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), it took place before 2:00 p.m. at the Yuma Valley Aquatic Center near Cibola High School.

Upon arrival, YFD says firefighters found on-duty lifeguards had provided immediate care to the unresponsive man.

YFD then says they took the man to a local hospital. The condition of the man is still unknown.

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