Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Who is the new leader of Yuma’s Fire Department?

Spotted on the Yuma calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

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Tuesday December 16th Patch AM
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Good morning Yuma! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Who is the new leader of Yuma’s Fire Department?
  • How a new $3M ag hub could reshape Yuma farming
  • What the sentencing of a Yuma smuggling ring means for our border

Also on today's calendar: Yuma, AZ - Makeup Blowout Sale Event! and 2 more events.

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

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Yuma? Post it to Yuma photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 79, low: 55.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 79 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New fire chief appointed by City of Yuma (kyma.com) — Yuma has a new fire chief leading the city’s fire department, as longtime Yuma firefighter John Louser steps into the role after more than two decades of local service. City officials chose him from about 30 nationwide applicants, and he says he’s focused on strengthening public safety while honoring the department’s long-standing commitment to residents.
   

2. Sowing the seeds of an Arizona agricultural partnership (arizona.edu) — A new $3 million Arizona agriculture innovation hub will be centered in Yuma, strengthening the city’s role as a year-round farming powerhouse. University of Arizona researcher Stephanie Slinski, based at the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, will help lead statewide work on water-smart, climate-resilient farming that could shape how local growers operate in an increasingly arid future.
   

3. Arizona judge sentences 18 people in conspiracy case (kvoa.com) — Federal authorities have finished prosecuting a Yuma-based smuggling ring called La Mesa, tied to a Mexico organization and accused of moving hundreds of migrants through Yuma and Somerton. Eighteen people were sentenced on conspiracy charges, with penalties ranging from probation to more than seven years in prison after violent kidnappings and threats came to light.
   

4. Local members of the Jewish community react to Bondi Beach tragedy (kyma.com) — Members of Yuma’s Jewish community are sharing how they’re coping emotionally after the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, which happened near Hanukkah. Local residents describe heartbreak, renewed commitment to openly practicing Judaism, and a desire for dialogue and peace rather than fear or hiding their faith.
   

5. California SMART-TD Brother Killed on the Job (smart-union.org) — Rail workers who knew Steven “Baby Crowe” Crowe II remember him as a beloved colleague in crew rooms from Southern California to Yuma. The union is mourning his death on the job and sharing ways to support his family, with a Celebration of Life to be announced after the holidays.
   

📸 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 ★

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Other local events
    Friday December 19
  • Yuma, AZ - Makeup Blowout Sale Event!
    Yuma Civic Center , 1440 W Desert Hills Dr , Yuma
    10:00 am
  • 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!

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.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I just wanna give a massive thank you to all the people in the community the helped and donated to make it possible to spay/neuter all 9 kittens/cat i was working with along with all the help to get them into loving, forever homes.
    All 8 have earned thier places and momma is now a strickly indoor kitty. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and dont forget, there are still many… (Nextdoor Yuma Foothills)
  • Some folks clearly don’t know what they’re talking about when the naysayers bash this new restaurant called : The Cluckin Hen House, because this new little gem in the foothills is an absolute delight.
    The place itself is the cutest spot—charming, cozy, and full of personality. The food? Beyond good. Every bite felt like it was made with care and… (Nextdoor Yuma Foothills)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Yuma. Apply here.
  • Home Depot (Retail) posted a job opening for Freight/Receiving 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, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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