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🌱 Patch AM: Have you seen this missing Yuma teen after a Turquoise Alert?

Coming up: Yuma, AZ - Makeup Blowout Sale Event! on the Yuma Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hey hey Yuma! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Have you seen this missing Yuma teen after a Turquoise Alert?
  • What Arizona Western’s new president plans for Yuma students and jobs
  • How 200 Yuma neighbors bring “Jesus Is Born” to life

Also on today's calendar: Christmas at the Crossing and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Yumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Yumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny, temps: high: 80, low: 51.
  • Saturday: Sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 78 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Turquoise Alert issued for missing 17-year-old Indigenous Yuma teen (azfamily.com) — Yuma police have issued a Turquoise Alert and are asking residents to help find 17-year-old Indigenous teen Maria Acedo, missing since Dec. 2 after leaving Cibola High School. She was last seen in a black sweater, white pajama pants and carrying a black backpack. Anyone with information is urged to call Yuma Police at 928-783-4421.
   

2. Arizona Western selects Dr. Reetika Dhawan as its next president (kyma.com) — Arizona Western College in Yuma has chosen longtime leader Dr. Reetika Dhawan as its next president, and first woman in the role, starting next July. Her plans include expanding university partnerships, workforce training, and recruiting more students to come to Yuma, study here, and stay to strengthen the local economy.
   

3. Champion Church in Yuma putting on production of "Jesus is Born" (kyma.com) — Yuma residents can catch a live Christmas production, “Jesus Is Born,” at Champion Church this weekend, with nightly shows at 7 p.m. from Dec. 19–21. About 200 locals, from kids to adults, are involved in the cast and crew, and organizers say it’s both a celebration of faith and a chance for performers to grow their talents.
   

4. Lady Matadors dominate Northwest College 66-50 (kyma.com) — Arizona Western College’s women’s basketball team thrilled home fans in Yuma with a dominant 66-50 win over Northwest College at The House in the Chapman Automotive Winter Classic. Standout performances from Chen Pan and Mable Doumbia powered the Matadors, who now quickly turn around to host Dawson Community College this evening at 5:30 p.m.
   

5. Border Wall Contractor Says $2B Federal Award Package Sets Stage for 2026 Construction (enr.com) — Major new federal border construction will include a $606 million project spanning the Tucson and Yuma sectors, bringing new barriers, roads, and security systems to Arizona’s desert border. Work is expected to start in January 2026 and last up to three years, with hundreds of additional workers hired across the Southwest as part of a broader $2 billion border infrastructure push.
   

📸 Around Yuma

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Yuma

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Friday December 19
  • Christmas at the Crossing
    Colorado River State Historic Park , 201 N 4th Ave , Yuma
    5:00 pm
  • GRHS Choir Concert Community Fundraiser
    Cibola High School GRHS Performing Arts Center
    6:00 pm
    • Saturday January 10
  • Art in the Park 2026
    Gateway Park , E 1st St & S Gila St , 250 Prison Hill Rd , Yuma
    10:00 am

📣 Yuma Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I’m happy to report that Tyson had a chip and is being reunited with his family 🙂
    So my husband brought home a dog he found near 4 palms. Neighbors said he had been roaming the neighborhood for a while. He’s super sweet and I would… (Nextdoor Palo Verde)
  • Still Missing – Please Help Find Tiggy
    Tiggy has not been home for several weeks and is greatly missed. He has unique markings on his sides that look like an ampersand (@) or bullseye, six… (Nextdoor Yuma Foothills)
  • Kroger posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Yuma. Apply here.
  • Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Yuma. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Yuma here.

Ok Yuma! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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