Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Freedom Library and Yuma Landing Bar & Grill are hosting an all day fundraiser next week.

The fundraiser is taking place at the restaurant, located at 195 S. Fourth Avenue, Tuesday, January 6, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The library says the fundraiser is to support their Education and Scholarship Program, and says the restaurant will contribute a portion of all sales to their program.

In addition, the library says those who attend the fundraiser can either dine-in or order their food to go, and also thanked their sponsors like APS and Church for the City.

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Abigahil Padilla

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) released a report detailing incidents recorded around the December holidays, as part of the ongoing prevention efforts during the holiday season.

Authorities reported several traffic accidents during this period, some involving drivers who fled the scene.

According to the police, these cases may be related to individuals driving without a valid driver’s license or under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, several home burglaries have been reported, primarily at houses whose owners were out of town during the holidays.

Criminals have taken advantage of these vacant properties to commit crimes.

In light of these incidents, SLPD urges the community to take preventative measures, such as securing their homes, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, and reporting any suspicious activity.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) – T-Mobile presented a grant check to the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) Tuesday afternoon.

The check presentation was part of T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant, where they award up to $50,000 per town across the country to help fund local projects.

To date, T-Mobile’s Hometown Grants Program has provided more than $20 million to 450 communities across 48 states.

“When we launched Hometown Grants four years ago, we set out to make a real difference for small towns across America, and that’s exactly what’s happening with 450 projects now reaching 2.6 million people — with even more to come,” said Jon Freier, Chief Operating Officer, T-Mobile. “These communities are full of creativity and resilience, and through projects like new trails, upgraded libraries and revitalized historic venues, it’s incredible to see how their passion can spark lasting change for a better future.”

Imperial County is one of 25 towns across the U.S. that received a Hometown Grant from T-Mobile, and ICFD says they’ll use the funding to upgrade technology equipment to enhance readiness.

You can read more about the grants and who received them on the T-Mobile website here.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – If you’re looking for live music, dancing, or a chance to show off your own musical talent, a longtime Yuma tradition is returning this January.

The Arizona Old Time Fiddlers, along with the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo, are hosting their annual Fiddle Contest and Music Festival Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11.

The weekend-long event features fiddle contests throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, with live music and free dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Organizers say the event brings together a mix of winter visitors and local musicians who share a love for old-time fiddling.

The group is a volunteer organization that regularly performs around the community and works to keep the tradition alive.

The fiddle contest has been part of Yuma’s culture for nearly five decades. This year marks its 49th anniversary, with proceeds supporting the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo.

Participants of all ages are welcome. Age divisions range from musicians eight and under, all the way up to a senior division for performers 80 and older.

In addition to fiddle competitions, the event also includes vocal categories and other stringed instruments, making it a family-friendly experience with something for everyone.

Organizers hope the event will attract new musicians who may not yet know about the group, encouraging anyone with a passion for music to take part.

The festival also kicks off excitement for the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo, which takes place February 13 through the 15.

Rodeo tickets are already on sale, with officials reminding the public that the only official online ticket source is rodeoticket.com.

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Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – With the New Year’s season so close, it’s extremely important to make sure you and your loved ones are staying safe, and yes, that includes your little pets.

Animals are easily scared by loud and sudden sounds, and fireworks are something that can cause high levels of anxiety in them.

Remember to take every precaution possible when using fireworks and to be considerate of others’ pets.

Make sure to keep in mind where your animal is before opening a door when fireworks are going off, as they can get panicked and try to run away.

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Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of El Centro says they are accepting nominations for the 2026 Mardi Gras King and Queen ahead of the upcoming Mardi Gras Light Parade and Street Festival.

The City is encouraging community members to nominate those who live or work in El Centro as well as those who demonstrate leadership, community involvement and a commitment to service.

In addition, the selected honorees, who will be recognized during the Mardi Gras King and Queen Coronation Ceremony on January 22, will serve as “ambassadors of the celebration and participate in promotional activities, community outreach and officials Mardi Gras events.”

Courtesy: City of El Centro

Courtesy: City of El Centro

The deadline to submit nominations is January 13 at 5:00 p.m. The completed forms and supporting material can be submitted by email to anava@cityofelcentro.org, or dropped off in-person at the El Centro Community Center.

To fill out the nomination form, click here, or visit the El Centro Community Center if you prefer to complete the form there.

To learn more about this, read the press release, written in English and Spanish below.

MardiGrasnominationsPREngDownload

MardiGrasnominationsPRSpaDownload

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – In this week’s Military Matters report, a familiar face at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is stepping away after more than three decades.

YPG Fire Chief Gerald Ball has officially hung up his helmet after 36 years with the department.

During his retirement ceremony, according to YPG, Ball was praised by his colleagues for his calm leadership and unwavering commitment to his crew.

When asked to reflect about his career, Ball said, “It’s not been a job…It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Ball officially retired on December 18.

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Karina Bazarte

IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – A press conference began Monday morning after a well-known Imperial Valley farmer was arrested for murder.

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) shared that 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti‘s nephew found the victim shot at her home in Pinetop, Arizona.

She was pronounced dead at Show Low Hospital in Navajo County.

NCSO released a timeline, explaining that investigators spent four days searching the home, interviewing family members and reviewing nearby surveillance video.

“We have a strong reason to believe that Mr. Abatti traveled from El Centro, California on November 20th to Pinetop, Arizona, committed the homicide and traveled back to California early that morning of the 21st,” said Sheriff David Clouse with NCSO.

Law enforcement says the victim had moved back to Pinetop, Arizona three years ago in the process of her separation from the suspect, Michael Abatti.

Abatti is currently being held at Imperial County Jail waiting to be extradited to Arizona. He is being charged with first-degree murder.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A 12-year-old boy is facing possible charges after the Yuma Police Department (YPD) said he sent threatening text messages to a group chat for a local youth soccer team.

According to YPD, officers were notified Monday afternoon after messages suggested a possible incident planned at the Ray Kroc Athletic Complex.

As a precaution, parents canceled the soccer practice scheduled for that night. Police also patrolled the park and conducted security check in the area to ensure public safety.

Investigators later determined that the boy had been mistakenly added to the soccer team’s group chat and has no connection to the team.

YPD said the boy admitted to sending the messages and told officers he intended them as a joke, and said the case will be forwarded to the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center for review.

Clifton Bogie, a Yuma local, routinely walks the nearby fields says it’s sad to hear these threats being made.

“Well, I’m glad that nothing serious happened, but it’s pretty ridiculous that these kids nowadays make these threats, which is unsubstantiated,” Bogie says.

Threats 25-83098Download

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A second annual event is returning to Yuma.

AGFest will be in Downtown Yuma on January 24, 2026 from 1 to 9 p.m.

More than just food is planned for the event, such as live performances, activity stations, a kids’ area and local vendors.

“AGFest is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities,” said Special Events Coordinator Brissa Garcia. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to Downtown Yuma to celebrate our local agriculture.”

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