Yuma Sun
Change in leadership
A Marine Corps tradition was on display at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma as leadership changed hands during a relief and appointment ceremony on Friday, April 10, 2026. The ceremony marked a change in the base’s top enlisted leader, known as the...
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Allegations leveled against council candidate
A Yuma City Council candidate running unopposed in this year’s election faced several allegations from Jan. 1, to April 15, 2025, when he was a Yuma police lieutenant. The YPD investigated Henry Valenzuela on the allegations of unbecoming conduct,...
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Arizona sees nation’s steepest drop in food stamp recipients
PHOENIX – A higher percentage of Arizonans have been knocked off food stamps since Congress approved HR 1 than any other state in the nation, according to a new study. The report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities says participation in the...
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Residents share opinions on Somerton’s vision toward the year 2032
Public hearings for the “Imagine Somerton 2032” Strategic Plan, focused on the city’s vision and identity, were held with strong participation. The Think-tank Open House events were held over a twoday period last week at the Community Center as part...
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Training the trainers
Twice a year, the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma carries out Weapons and Tactics Instructor training. On Monday, this training was performed in a Foreign Humanitarian Assistance exercise, simulating maneuvering and landing in urban...
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Fun at the Yuma County Fair
As the 74th annual Yuma County Fair came to a close Sunday, fairgoers left with another year of memories made through carnival rides, livestock shows, fair food, music and time spent together at one of Yuma’s longest-running traditions.
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Livestock auction
More than 530 animals were sold Saturday at the Yuma County Fair livestock show. Of the more than 530 livestock, 381 were larger animals, like sheep, goats, steers and many others. Before the large animal auction began, exhibitors made last moment...
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Wind and spirits stay high at fair
Dianalynn Romberg glowed on Friday afternoon as she looked around at more than a dozen children crafting creatures at the LEGO Experience table that she and her husband run at the Yuma County Fair. “These might be our next engineers,” Romberg...
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Families flock to rides, games and fun at fair
From gentle children’s attractions to thrill rides that soar more than 100 feet in the air, families found plenty to enjoy Thursday at the Yuma County Fair. The midway was busy with fairgoers taking in carnival rides, games, livestock events and...
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Demo Derby brings mangled metal to fair
Fans eager to see crumpled chrome packed the stands Wednesday night as they watched contestants vie for first place at the Yuma County Fair Demolition Derby. There was a surprise upset at the end between the two finalists, Nos. 11 and 199. After the...
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Fair unfolds with many shades of excitement
Artist Vincent Rensel was among hundreds of people dusting off tools and setting up materials as the general public started to stroll onto the Yuma County Fairgrounds late Tuesday afternoon, as the Yuma County Fair opened up to the general public. The...
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Hanging out with Sparky
Students in the Somerton Migrant Education Program toured the city’s Public Safety Facility on March 16 to learn what Somerton Cocopah firefighters do. They were especially excited to meet the Fire Department’s mascot, Sparky.
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Library hosts Teddy Bear Picnic
Main Yuma Library hosted a Teddy Bear Picnic on Saturday. Consisting of stories, dancing and a visit from Booker Bear himself, the event went over well with the children in attendance.
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San Luis High School committee helps students find a voice
Aida Hinojosa, a junior at San Luis High School, is looking ahead—not just into her own future, but into the futures of her classmates. “My brother’s a freshman this year,” she said. “A big thing (for me) is helping to build the school for...
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Governor highlights rural healthcare access in visit to San Luis
During a visit to Yuma County, Gov. Katie Hobbs praised the work of organizations such as the Regional Center for Border Health in helping to preserve access to healthcare in rural communities. On Friday, the governor toured the facilities of the...
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Speakers ask school officials to keep Cesar Chavez’s name
With a sparse turnout, but with expressions of support for retaining the name “Cesar Chavez,” a public hearing regarding a proposed name change for an elementary school within the Gadsden School District—as well as for a facility at San Luis Middle...
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Somerton: 108 years growing strong
The community of Somerton celebrated the city’s 108th anniversary this past Saturday with the Somerton Greater Days parade and festival. In the morning, music and dance performances by local school groups and area organizations filled the annual parade...
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Family with Lutes roots celebrates newest marriage at famous wedding chapel
Lutes Wedding Chapel, one of many local historic sites here in Yuma, holds a special significance for Lauren Dooley and her family, who have held weddings there for generations. Recently, Dooley followed in that family tradition, marrying her fiancé,...
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People with intellectual disabilities showcase art skills
About 40 participants gathered at the Yuma Readiness and Community Center to complete dozens of art projects that will soon be displayed at the Yuma County Fair. The effort is part of an ongoing collaboration between the city of Yuma and people with...
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Relay for life
Hundreds of cancer survivors, patients and supporters gathered Saturday at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life, walking laps throughout the day to raise awareness and support the fight against...
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GESD board renews superintendent’s contract for 3 more years
The Gadsden Elementary School District Board of Trustees approved the renewal of Superintendent Lizette Esparza’s contract for a new three-year term. On Tuesday, the proposal was unanimously approved, extending Esparza’s tenure in the position she was...
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Desert View Middle School students plant trees for Arbor Day
Students from Desert View Middle School joined Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls and community partners to plant trees at Ponderosa Park on Thursday as part of an Arbor Day event aimed at expanding shade and improving the park’s landscape. As temperatures...
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Officials celebrate new Amazon warehouse
After months of curiosity and talk, the local Amazon warehouse and distribution center officially held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday at the new Yuma facility. Mayor Douglas Nicholls helped snip the ribbon along with Brian Willis, the station...
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San Luis officials consider renaming Chavez holiday, streets and buildings
News of sexual abuse allegations against farmworker and civil rights leader César Chávez is having an impact on the San Luis community— an impact whose full extent remains to be seen. On Tuesday, the United Farm Workers and the César Chávez Foundation...
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Allegations against Cesar Chavez lead to cancellation of celebrations
The United Farm Workers union has distanced itself from annual celebrations of its founder, Cesar Chavez, amid what it said were troubling but unspecified allegations. In a statement Tuesday, the union said allegations of “abuse of young women or...
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YCAT plans changes for downtown transit center, green routes
Changes could be on the horizon for riders of the Yuma County Area Transit public bus system, including potential service to the Foothills area and temporary relocation of the downtown transit center during upcoming renovations. Shelly Kreger, transit...
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‘Everything we need is here’
Fred Phillips’ contributions are central to the Cocopah Indian Tribe’s restoration efforts. He has been working with Cocopah for 20 years and helping Jen Alspach, director of the tribe’s Environmental Protection Office, with grants and design for this...
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Yuma’s 60th Airshow soars to success
The Yuma Airshow, an annual event showcasing daring pilots, historic airplanes and exhilarating aerial acrobatics, drew a huge crowd on Saturday, as locals, snowbirds and airplane aficionados came together at the Marines Corps Air Station to witness...
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Two crashes slow traffic on I-8 near Fortuna Road
Two crashes Friday morning on westbound Interstate 8 near Fortuna Road sent four people to the hospital and temporarily shut down traffic, according to the Rural Metro Fire Department and Arizona Department of Transportation. The first crash was...
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Preserving the Legacy
Residents of San Luis and the surrounding area gathered Thursday to kick off events honoring the legacy of César Chávez, part of activities organized by Somos. The César Chávez Historic Center served as the meeting point for a flag-raising ceremony and...
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Read Across America Week
Students across the country marked Read Across America Week with activities that frequently tap community members outside the school to read to students. Area schools have celebrated as well. Pecan Grove Elementary School is one of those schools, with...
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MATO kicks into high gear on Saturday
Midnight at the Oasis is an annual Yuma event that draws big crowds every year to see all manner of vintage cars, ranging from ‘70s station wagons with lovingly preserved patinas to pristinely renovated Model As. But what draws people into this hobby?...
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Third graders become published authors
Third graders at Mcgraw Elementary School recently saw their writing come to life as published authors after completing a class book project tied to their curriculum. Students in the Yuma Elementary School District classroom of Valeria Andrade and...
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Yuma air show still on
While the air show in El Centro has been canceled, the Yuma Air Show is still set to go on. It will return on Saturday, March 14, for its 60th year, bringing military and civilian flight demonstrations back to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The annual...
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Fontes fights DOJ request for data on voters
PHOENIX—SAYING the demand is illegal, Secretary oftrsutmatpe tadrian Fontes wantpslaayefer deral judge to throlawncoeuctpelf.forts by the Trumbpenajdamiinnistration to forcechenimdanto turn over voter rpelgaiysstration and electionmruescicords. In a...
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Firefighters free trapped driver after I-8 rollover
After an agricultural truck driver Monday morning lost control of his semi-truck, causing it to flip on Interstate 8 with cabbage flying across the roadway, Yuma firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate him before transporting him by...
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‘Exceptional’ heart health campaign
Exceptional Community Hospital marked American Heart Month Iin February with a series of events aimed at promoting heart health in the community, including a student art contest and a public health fair. Beginning Feb. 20, the hospital launched its...
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Smoke, music and crowds fill downtown
SUN Crowds gathered in downtown Yuma on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the city’s annual BBQ & Brew Festival, a full day of barbecue, live music and friendly competition. The free, family-friendly event ran from noon to 9 p.m. and featured a mix of barbecue...
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Yuma student honored in statewide AZ529 art contest, Treasurer Yee announces winners
A fifth grader from Tierra Del Sol Elementary was named Yuma County’s winner in a statewide art contest sponsored by the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office and the AZ529 Advisory Committee. Kenya Guadalupe Lopez Ramirez was among 19 students selected...
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Cesar Chavez’s legacy to be honored with series of celebrations in San Luis
A series of events honoring farmworker and labor leader Cesar Chavez in San Luis will begin Friday with a United Farm Workers flag-raising ceremony, continuing a tradition led locally by the organization Somos/we Are. The ceremony is scheduled for 10...
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Strong test scores draw state schools chief to Desert View Academy
Editor’s note: This article is offered in partnership with KAWC and can be read or heard on KAWC.ORG and 88.9 FM. Desert View Academy had a special guest Wednesday morning: Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne. Horne — who is...
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County weighs its next steps after contractor exits Smucker Park project
Yuma County officials are evaluating their options for the Smucker Park Detention Basin project after the contractor working on the project chose to not to complete the work, according to a statement from the county. “Meridian has chosen to step away...
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AWC leaders advocate in Washington
Arizona Western College leaders recently took part in the 2026 National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for federal policies affecting community colleges, AWC announced. Maria Chavoya, District Governing Board member, and...
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Compromise plan would regulate Arizona’s short-term rentals
PHOENIX -- Efforts to allow Arizona cities and towns to limit the number of new Airbnb’s and other short-term rentals have failed in the Legislature amid industry opposition. But the lawmaker backing the bill -- mainly aimed at helping Sedona and...
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Jordan’s Way fundraiser returning to Humane Society
The Humane Soci‑ ety of Yuma will host a high‑energy online fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, when Kris Rotonda, founder of Jordan’s Way, brings his traveling Facebook Live event to the shel‑ ter. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be...
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Students and community members celebrate Carver Day
While singing on Carver Day, Jabril Peters thought about how his voice – and the voices of his choir mates – began to sail together swiftly through “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Jabril, a first-grade student, is a member of the Cobra-tones, a choir...
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Kids Care Clinic: New healthcare exhibit at Children’s Museum
A new and enhanced interactive exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Yuma County introduces healthcare to young visitors. The Kids Care Clinic, which opened to the public Friday, Feb. 20, is designed to spark curiosity, creativity and early interest in...
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From dust to dust
About 400 parishioners attended morning Mass at St. John Neumann in the Foothills on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer for Catholics, and takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, according to catholic.org. The...
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Ariz. bill would create ‘civil terrorism’ crime for protest-related offenses
PHOENIX–PEOPLE who block traffic in protest, trespass in a building, or commit other minor crimes could end up in state prison under the terms of legislation making its way through the state House. But it could depend on what they are protesting– and...
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Dress rehearsal
U.S. Marines with “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps rehearse music during a dress rehearsal for upcoming performances in Australia and New Zealand at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma on Jan. 23, 2026. During the tour,...
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Amid bucking broncos and cowboys, rodeo brings attention to fight against cancer
This year, the Silver Spur Rodeo added to the sense of close-knit community by supporting Buckin’ for Bridget, a group that is dedicated to spreading a message of hope for cancer patients and their families. The group, which began as a partnership...
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MCAS hosts stunt show
The Marine Corps Community Services hosted a stunt show on the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma on Feb. 6 to build community and enhance the morale of Marines and their families at MCAS Yuma. The event included Twinstunts, twin brothers who perform...
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Yuma’s 81st Silver Spur Rodeo kicks off with exciting first day
The Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo celebrates its 81st year this weekend as competitors and cowboys from across the country come together to compete for glory and prizes. With stunning trick riding, thrilling bulls and demonstrations of horsemanship that have...
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From air to water
New technology, including a new underwater robot and an expanding drone program, is improving safety on the Colorado River and across La Paz County. Thanks to a grant from Arizona State Parks, the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office has purchased a...
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Preparing the future workforce
Emily Valtierra, a Kofa High School student who is studying law and public safety, shared that as a freshman she didn’t have a clear idea of what she wanted her future to be. Through Career and Technical Education, she discovered opportunities that...
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Critical first minutes of a fire
Firefighters with the Wellton Fire Department spent some time recently sharpening critical skills that can make the difference in the first moments of an emergency. Firefighters trained on hose deployments and water supply techniques, practicing how to...
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Arming and refueling operations
U.S. Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted Forward Arming and Refueling Point operations at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma on Jan. 31, 2026, as part of ongoing training to sharpen combat...
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Petpalooza celebrates four-legged friends in Somerton
The Petpalooza festival was once again the best excuse to bring together dog lovers in Somerton at the event held on Saturday. Area residents gathered at Council Avenue Park for the annual event that celebrates beloved pets and offers the community a...
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A dose of wellness
Hundreds of residents turned out Saturday for the Yuma Wellness & Care Fair at the Yuma Civic Center, a community event presented by Onvida Health in collaboration with the City of Yuma and the Yuma Sun. The fair featured free health screenings, heart...
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Baby boom
Thirteen Yuma firefighters have welcomed new children into their families within the past year, and on Saturday they celebrated the baby boom at Yuma Fire Station 1. It’s not the first time they’ve held this sort of celebration. Firefighter Trevor...
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On the run
Runners took on the annual challenge offered by the Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half-marathon on Saturday morning, starting and finishing the event at Cocopah Casino & Resort. The event, sponsored by the Caballeros de Yuma, offered four options for...
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Geocaching flashmob
Geocachers from all over enjoyed a few festive minutes of fun during a flashmob held Friday in Yuma Old Town. As part of the 22nd Annual South West Arizona Geocachers Yuma Mega Event, participants gathered around the fountain roundabout at about 5:15...
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Sinkhole closes part of intersection at 32nd St and 4th Ave Extension
A sinkhole has forced the full closure of the intersection of West 32nd Street and South 4th Avenue Extension beginning Friday, Jan. 30, Yuma Police Department said. City engineering crews expect repairs to take five to eight days, though the closure...
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‘The Commandment’s Own’
Members of the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, dubbed “The Commandment’s Own,” rehearsed at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma on Jan. 20-22, 2026. Following their training in Yuma, the Drum & Bugle Corps will travel to Brisbane, Australia and Auckland,...
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Felicity mayor to gift museum ‘to the nation’
Jacques-andré Istel plans to make The Museum of History in Granite – a storied landmark in Felicity, California – “a substantial and permanent gift to the nation.” Istel owns the museum in partnership with his wife Felicia. The site is 17 miles west of...
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Joint training exercise
EMS providers from the Yuma area came together on Tuesday to train their response for a mass casualty incident, commonly called an MCI. These are situations with many wounded that require rapid assistance, typically from multiple providers, which makes...
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Fire crews snuff residential fire
The Yuma Fire Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a residence on Sunday, Jan. 25, at about 2:45 p.m., in the area of East 26th Place and South James Avenue, the agency reported. On arrival, firefighters observed light brown smoke...
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