Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left a motorcyclist injured.

According to a press release, the crash happened at around 7:05 p.m. Friday in the area of E. 32nd Street and S. Fortuna Avenue, near Bici Park.

YPD says a 20-year-old man was riding a black Honda CBR600RR westbound on 32nd Street when he crashed into a silver Nissan Sentra, driven by a 46-year-old man.

According to YPD, the Nissan was making a lane change when the Honda crashed into it.

YPD says the motorcyclist was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in critical condition, and says, “Speed appears to be factor on the part of the motorcyclist at this time.”

The investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Injury collision 1300 block E 32nd Street 25-61750Download

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Petie’s Pumpkin Patch has officially arrived in town, offering a carnival-style experience for locals of all ages throughout the month of October.

The family-friendly event features rides for kids, live entertainment, local vendors and games.

Admission to the carnival is free, but a $25 wristband gives guests access to the rides and includes a free pumpkin.

For those looking to take home a seasonal souvenir without the rides, pumpkins are also available for individual purchase based on size.

“This is going to be a good thing for everybody to come out and support local vendors, as well as something new for the City of Yuma. It’s definitely something for all ages…whether you’re an adult, younger, or a teenager. You can come out, get on some rides, grab a pumpkin, carve something, and just enjoy yourself,” said Steven Wilkins of Hellman’s Sons Amusements.

Petie’s Pumpkin Patch is currently open at 3151 East County 14th Street and will run through October 30.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – After seven long months of rebuilding, the Foothills’ American Veterans Services Organization is in its final stages before reopening its doors to local Veterans. The recovery follows a devastating fire in March that destroyed the building.

The blaze forced the organization to start from scratch, but through dedication and determination, the center is almost ready to serve again. Manager June Condon says the journey has been difficult but worth every step.

“We had a meeting yesterday and one of our veterans asked if I would do it all over again, and I said, ‘Yes, because our veterans deserve it,'” she said.

The soon-to-be-reopened facility will once again provide vital services, helping Veterans access their full military benefits and offering three meals a day, seven days a week at a low cost.

For Condon’s husband, Michael, a Korean War veteran and the organization’s commander, the reopening carries deep emotional significance.

“It’s such a relief,” he said. “When we got the building department approval, I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t help it.”

The organization plays an essential role in helping Veterans navigate the complex world of post-service benefits with the help of their trained staff.

“We have trained people that can fill it out,” Michael added. “We don’t want a veteran filling out anything. All [they have] to do is come in and drink coffee. We do it all.”

The organization plans to officially reopen to Veterans by next Monday. They are also always on the lookout for volunteers and welcome anyone to go to the organization to help.

The American Veterans Service Organization is located at 8889 S. Frontage Road in The Foothills. Veterans and potential volunteers can also contact Condon at 208-610-4464 if they have questions.

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Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A local non-profit organization is seeking support in its ongoing efforts to rescue and care for stray animals.

Yuma Animal Protection and Rescue, which has been active in the region for over a decade, is looking donations to cover the cost of food, supplies, and shelter for the animals in its care.

The organization has rescued hundreds of animals, including cats, dogs, and even sheep. With limited resources, the group relies heavily on public support to continue its mission of saving and rehabilitating abandoned or neglected animals.

“Even a dollar. You know, the amount of people in Yuma, if everyone donated one dollar, we’d be set,” said President Sharleen Kusmierz. “It’s about saving lives and that’s basically what we’ve been doing for the past ten years.”

Those interested in supporting the organization can make donations through its Facebook page or via GoFundMe.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is investigating a crash which left one person injured.

According to a press release, the crash happened in the area of W. Eighth Street and S. Fifth Avenue at around 6:10 p.m. Friday.

YPD says a gray Toyota Corolla, driven by a 28-year-old man, was driving westbound on Eighth Street when he crashed into a 70-year-old man, who was crossing Eighth Street on his bicycle.

According to YPD, the driver of the Toyota told them “he didn’t see the bicyclist due to the sun being in his eyes.”

YPD says the bicyclist was taken to Onvida Health, but was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital in critical condition.

While YPD says, “Impairment does not appear to be a factor” in the crash, the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Injury collision 500 blk 8th Street 25-61742Download

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Arizona Community Foundation awarded the Gowan Science Academy with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award.

The school was recognized with a plaque and a $500 check.

Throughout the years the academy has done food drives, and raised money for a variety of local charities.

Two members of the student council share why it’s important to give back.

“Us as kids, and the kids in student council, we’re going to be the leaders in the real world, so helping us learn,” said student council member Taylor Tew.

“This is very important because once we grow, we can be a principal or something that can help others,” says Sophia Delgadillo, another council member.

The students and the staff say they will continue to help out the local community, hoping to lead by example.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has appointed a new County Counsel.

Geoffrey Holbrook was officially named County Counsel during Tuesday’s board meeting.

Board chairman John Hawk says Holbrook has worked with the county for nearly 14 years and understands the county’s legal needs.

He also says the county will save money by keeping legal work in-house instead of hiring outside attorneys.

“He does have extra duty we will advise on EEOC that’s any other he will advise on…so that is an extra duty that he has, that’s like a sexual harassment or anything like that, he is going to have that person in his office so he will have extra duty,” said Hawk.

The county counsel is set to begin his new role next month. 

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) has a new fire truck.

ECFD received the brand new 109-foot ladder truck this week from South Dakota, and says it took about two years to get the truck.

Battalion Chief Brad Chapin says the department was in need of a new truck which will replace their 20-year old truck.

“Our previous truck we have is a 2006 75 foot aerial…our town has grown since then…we do have several tall buildings this truck is needed because it is going to allow us to safely reach areas that we need to get to and reduce the risks that are associated to our firemen with the latest of technology,” said Chapin.

Chapin says the truck will start operating by the end of November.

The truck will be available for people to see at the fire station’s Open House this weekend.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The man suspected of threatening a Somerton elementary school has been released from jail.

The man has not been officially charged yet.

According to Judge Harper, within the next seven years, he could be charged with a felony. The man could also be charged with a misdemeanor within the next year.

On Tuesday morning, the man was accused of walking into Tierra Del Sol Elementary School and threatening to injure the children. Police ended up arresting him an hour later.

In court, the man was emotional and said he would avoid Arizona from now on.

 

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Adrik Vargas

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – Imperial County residents and federal workers could soon feel the effects of the government shutdown.

Congressman Raul Ruiz says his office is stepping in to help families access critical resources.

Some federal services, like Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans’ benefits, will continue, but customer support and new applications for these programs are facing delays.

Food assistance programs, including SNAP, will continue for now, but if the shutdown lasts, funds could run out.

“Working with the labor leaders of the people who are going to be most affected in order to connect them with the resources so they can meet their basic needs. Needs like, help with rent, with groceries, with gas to get to work, and any other basic needs that they have,” Congressman Ruiz said.

Ruiz says Congress needs to act quickly to end the shutdown, which he says is tied to attacks on healthcare and efforts to end Affordable Care Act subsidies.

“We need to continue to urge them to speak with us in order for us to pass a budget that’s going to protect healthcare and prevent their massive hikes in healthcare costs,” he added.

He also says he is organizing events to help federal workers connect with resources and get support throughout the shutdown.

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