Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What AWC’s new president means for Yuma students and families

And check out FREE WEBINAR | "The Golden Age of Florence" on the Yuma Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Friday December 12th Patch AM
Friday December 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey there, Yuma! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What AWC’s new president means for Yuma students and families
  • How will Yuma Catholic’s new coach reshape Shamrocks football?
  • Why some residents no longer need to drive to Yuma for vaccines

Also on today's calendar: A Winter's Eve Concert with David Arkenstone and 5 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 81 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 79, low: 58.
  • Sunday: Record-tying temperatures, with a high of 82 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Dr. Reetika Dhawan selected as AWC's 10th president (kawc.org) — Arizona Western College in Yuma has chosen longtime leader Dr. Reetika Dhawan as its 10th president, positioning the college to keep expanding opportunities for local students and families. Dhawan, who calls Yuma’s potential “limitless,” has led major workforce, healthcare, and entrepreneurial programs and will succeed retiring president Dr. Daniel Corr by July 2026.
   

2. Yuma Catholic names veteran Coach Marty Schaetzle as new head of football program (kyma.com) — Yuma Catholic High School has tapped veteran college coach Marty Schaetzle, a three-year Yuma resident, to lead its football program, bringing more than 40 years of experience to local players. Schaetzle, whose wife is from Yuma, plans to emphasize strong defense, a physical running game, and academics first as the team ramps up after winter break.
   

3. Comite de Bienestar hosts last vaccination clinic of 2025 (kyma.com) — Comite de Bienestar has wrapped up its 70th and final vaccination clinic of 2025, serving residents in San Luis so they don’t have to travel all the way to Yuma for shots and services. The nonprofit and partner agencies have delivered over 26,000 vaccinations since 2020 and plan to continue clinics next year.
   

4. Better Business Bureau: Relief Check Scams (kyma.com) — Residents in Yuma are being warned about scammers posing as government agents and offering fake “free grant” relief checks in exchange for upfront fees. The Better Business Bureau explains how these cons typically work, shares a real victim report, and offers practical tips and official resources so you can verify real grants and avoid giving out money or banking details to imposters.
   

5. Florida beach town named as the 'most affordable' for snowbirds (heraldtribune.com) — Yuma lands on a new national list of the most affordable U.S. destinations for winter “snowbirds,” alongside several Florida towns and other warm spots. The ranking, based on vacation rental prices and climate, could draw more seasonal visitors and tourism dollars to the area without requiring locals to travel anywhere.
   

📸 Around Yuma

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Yuma

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Yuma Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Neighbors, did you know that if you shop at Fry's you can have a portion of what you spend each month automatically sent out to local rescues?
    I had no idea until reading a post on Homeward Bound's Rescue page. Super easy to do, and it won't cost you a dime. Just log into your Fry’s account… (Nextdoor Yuma Foothills)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Max (maximus ) was LOST on December 10, 2025 in Yuma, AZ 85364 near Barkley ranch Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Arcadia Meadows)
  • Coleman Worldwide Moving posted a job opening for Helper / Packer / Mover in Yuma. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Crew 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Yuma