Category: kyma-local-news

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent accused of sexual intercourse with a minor will be in court Tuesday morning, where he will be formally arraigned.

31-year-old Ramon Marquez faces a total of 15 counts. Among those is sexual intercourse, oral sexual conduct, and sexual exploitation of a minor who is 16-years-old.

A court document obtained by KYMA says Marquez knowingly recorded, filmed or photographed the minor he’s accused of sexually abusing.

Marquez posted his bond earlier this month and is no longer in custody.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Along Highway 95 in Yuma, the sound of flags flapping and quiet salutes set the tone for a moving Memorial Day tribute hosted by VFW Post 8242.

Community members came together Monday morning to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For many at the ceremony, the day was about more than just patriotism, it was deeply personal.

The event included a special moment of remembrance: A flag once kept by the family of First Lt. Foster Sutton, a World War II soldier who died in the Philippines in 1945, was officially given a new home at the post.

“We’re going to have this flag in our post in honor of First Lt. Foster Sutton, who gave his life, did not come home, and that’s why we honor him on this Memorial Day,” Ibarra said.

The ceremony was filled with emotion and reflection, with attendees sharing stories, memories, and messages of strength.

“It’s one of the most expensive holidays of the year,” said Marge Robison, President of the VFW Auxiliary. “We’re not here for a barbecue, we’re here to honor our fallen men.”

For Veterans still carrying the weight of war, Robison added a gentle reminder: “God works in mysterious ways, and that means their job was not done yet.”

While the day honored those lost, it also reminded everyone of the power of community. Members of the post say their doors, and their hearts, are always open.

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Karina Bazarte

El CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Dozens gathered in Imperial County Monday morning to celebrate and remember the legacy of our fallen heroes.

Every year, we attend a Memorial Day celebration, we listen and acknowledge the legacy our fallen heroes left behind.

“This day is not about the beginning of summer or of a long weekend. Memorial Day is a solemn tribute, a national act of remembrance for those who gave everything in service to this country,” said VFW Commander Lee Quarcelino.

The Memorial Day Celebration took place at Bucklin Park in El Centro at 10:00 a.m.

Many locals, city leaders and VFW Post 9305 got together to remember their loved ones who are no longer with us.

“We honor them not just in words, but interactions and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten because their courage inspires us to continue the work they began,” Commander Quarcelino expressed.

El Centro Mayor Sonia Carter says this is not just a day on the calendar, but a day to remember love ones and those who are not longer with us.

“It’s an honor…I just…the sacrifice of the men and the women…just the families that have to go through the remembrance because grieving never stops and this is hard for other families….so my heart goes out to the families and I just want to thank our wonderful staff for putting on this celebration. I call it a celebration because we are honoring people.”

Sonia Carter, Mayor of El Centro

A Veteran says Memorial Day is special to him. He says he remembers his friends and family that served with him every single day.

“I remember them, you know, the fact that they’re not here, you know, let’s continue a legacy that they that they could have carried on, and hopefully…we make them proud…you know my father, he passed away five years ago. He didn’t serve, but I don’t hesitate. I know he’s standing right next to me right now. You know, some people are saying, ‘You’re crazy.’ That’s what I believe,” the Veteran shared.

The City of El Centro says it will continue to celebrate Memorial Day every single year.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – While Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, it’s also a time for community.

In Yuma, American Legion Post 56 brought people together Monday to celebrate and share gratitude for those who have served.

At Post 56, Veterans, families and friends shared food, stories and gratitude while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Today, we are celebrating all of those who have passed before us. All of those that have forges the way for our armed forced to be what they are today. All of those that have made this county what it is today,” said Woodie Woodward with Post 56.

While attendees partook in moments of reflection during the celebration, it was also personal for some.

“My grandfather, Bob Schubert, served in the U.S. Navy, USS Schmidt and my [other] grandfather, Donald Kelly, he served in the Army and the Navy. He was on Pearl Harbor when it bombed,” said Jerald Kelly, a local.

While the mood was relaxed, the message was clear: Remember those who sacrificed and supporting those who still wear the uniform.

“It’s everything to have a county where we have these freedoms, where we have these values, and a culture that supports those freedoms for the whole world,” Kelly expressed.

Post 56 says events like this help bridge generations and make sure the stories of service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A charitable organization pays off the home mortgage for the family of a fallen Yuma Veteran.

This Memorial Day, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s Gold Star Family Home Program provided 25 mortgage-free homes to the families left behind by American heroes, including one in Yuma.  

One of those heroes is U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Troxel, who passed away last year after a six-year battle with a service-related cancer. 

Troxel served for over two decades and was a true leader in the Marines, according to his wife, Carol.

She also said the donation has allowed her to be more present in their son’s life and provides space for them to spend time together. 

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Eduardo Morales

MARTINEZ LAKE, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – With Memorial Day weekend, many locals and out-of-town visitors took in the sun over the holiday weekend at Martinez Lake.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says that Memorial Day can bring up thousands of visitors.

They work alongside multiple agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

However, they’re beginning to notice a younger crowd, and would like to remind them to be well prepared before going out.

“Have an understanding especially when you, depending on the vessel that you are operating, be very knowledgeable of it, know how to handle it, especially in times of holiday weekends where the water gets way out of control,” Deputy Misal Meza says.

Meanwhile, Amy Conforth, has been traveling to the lake for decades. She says it’s nice to be able to bring her kids where she once played as a child.

“It’s a little vacation, so we are from San Diego so we drive out here and it’s just a nice little spot where we can enjoy the time off, no work, and celebrate my husband who’s a Veteran,” Conforth said.

They also share why the recommend people to visit the lake.

“If you have a love for the outdoors, that you want to have some good family time, it doesn’t matter how big or small your boat is, just coming out and enjoying the river and the nice weather, this is the perfect time of year,” Conforth says.

If you would like to join in on the fun, YCSO would like to remind people to make sure they know the rules and regulations in order to avoid any trouble.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 in Yuma hosted its Memorial Day BBQ on Monday.

Local Veterans and their families were given a complimentary lunch.

The Chapter Commander, Herminio Rodriguez, says Memorial Day is not so much a celebration, but rather a somber time to reflect on the sacrifices our fallen soldiers have made.

“We have a lot of members here that lost loved ones or know somebody that isn’t completely well, mental health or body. We can never forget what our men and women did during their service in the military,” shared Rodriguez.

He also says it is important that we teach and pass on these Memorial Day traditions to our future generations.

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro wants to hear from you!

The City has opened a survey for not only locals, but the whole county that focuses on the downtown area.

Some of the topics the survey will include are business preferences, public safety and maintenance.

El Centro Mayor Soñia Carter this is a great way for locals to be heard.

“As the mayor, it is very important that the community gives with voice…We want to know what you have to say and what your thoughts are, what you want from us…If you do not tell us, we do not know what is one of the big things I emphasize, so please fill out the survey. If you have any questions, please call the city,” said Mayor Soñia Carter.

The survey is now open and will close on June 8. Carter says the results will be presented June 10 at their town hall meeting.

For more information and survey click here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma will be hosting an open house to present the updated Join Land Use Plan (JLUP).

The presentation is an opportunity for the community to review the update, which was made in collaboration with Yuma, Somerton and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.

Several informational boards and interaction stations will be in place for the public to understand the JLUP.

“The JLUP serves as a critical tool for guiding future growth and development in Yuma while balancing the needs of our residents, economy, and neighboring military operations,” said Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services Alyssa Linville. “We encourage residents to attend, engage with the material, and see how their input helped shape this final plan.”

The open house will be in room 190 in City Hall on June 2 at 6 p.m.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As summer kicks off, more families might want to cool off in the water, but that fun can turn dangerous in an instant.

This is how fast it can happen, a person slips underwater, and within seconds, it turns into a life-or-death emergency. That’s why officials say now is the time to get ready, not after something goes wrong.

In Yuma, officials say they don’t want to wait for tragedy to take action.

Carol Smith, nurse educator at Onvida Health, says drownings are the number one leading cause of death in young children.

“We all know somebody, tragically, that has been affected by drowning. We’re a water community, you know, we’re all around water so its really really important because its also the number one leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4,” explained Smith.

According to the latest data published by the Arizona Department of Health Services, in 2021, there were 29 drowning deaths in ages 0 to 4. That’s why the City of Yuma is teaming up with the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance, offering a free one-hour class to teach parents about water safety.

“They’ll learn some hands on CPR and have the opportunity to sign up for more in depth classes, they’ll leave with a life jacket for their child, they’ll understand the importance of layering all those things of protection together,” said Smith.

For the Yuma Fire Department (YFD), prevention means starting before the siren even sounds.

“Each year, the Yuma Fire Department does respond to either a near drowning or a drowning. It’s one of the important things that the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance is working on. We would love to get that number down to zero,” said David Padilla, Public Information Officer with YFD.

YFD says drownings are often silent and preventable, which is why being prepared can help avoid tragedy in the future.

“It’s important we’re taking all of our safety precautions, whether that’s learning how to swim, learning CPR classes, ensuring that pool gates and latches are closed, door alarms, water watchers during swim parties. We want to make sure our community is taking all of the precautions they possibly can,” explained Padilla.

For more information on how you can sign up for water safety classes, you can click here.

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