Top 10 stories of 2019 list is tough to pick
However, it’s always amazing to look back at the past year
I spent some time this week reviewing the stories written by the Yuma Sun team during 2019. And wow – it was quite the year. The fentanyl crisis hit our cities and schools, leading to both overdoses and arrests.
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls declared a state of emergency as our border crossing issues hit critical mass. President Trump included Yuma County in his border wall plan, yet our resources here to handle the volume of people crossing were stretched incredibly thin. And across the border in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., there has been a spike in violence and murder that doesn’t seem to have an end.
But fortunately, along with the bad news always comes the good.
Arizona Western College launched a promise for a debt-free education for qualifying students.
Art flourished around Yuma County, thanks to mural projects that brightened our streets and buildings.
The Yuma International Airport continued its efforts to expand air service here.
The Children’s Museum got a permanent home thanks to a building donation.
And we welcomed a variety of new businesses to Yuma, from dry cleaners to restaurants and more.
There was also news that was just plain interesting.
The city of Yuma got a new administrator, and filled three seats on the council.
The Yuma National Heritage Area began a campaign to raise funds to address issues at several Yuma parks and historic areas.
Hemp growers tackled a new industry, facing growing pains along the way.
And research continued into what it would take to move the Yuma County Fairgrounds to address safety concerns with Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
Every year, we reflect back on the news as a team, and we vote to decide what the top 10 stories of the year are. That list will appear in the Yuma Sun on Dec. 31. It’s always a tough decision – so much happens every year, it’s hard to narrow down the list!
As we work on this project here, I’m curious Yuma. Which story do you think was the most important of 2019 for Yuma County? Let me know. Share your thoughts online, or send in a Letter to the Editor at letters@yumasun.com.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?
Yuma’s generosity of spirit was on display Thursday, Dec. 5, at Booth Machinery at the inaugural “Scout Me In” fundraising luncheon event for the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts. Over $34,000 was raised right here to build and re-grow scouting in Yuma, with Gov. Doug Ducey delivering the keynote address.
We are so very grateful for the event sponsor, Yuma Regional Medical Center – your engagement and efforts to improve life in Yuma is truly appreciated. Huge thanks also go out to Eagle Sponsors 1st Bank Yuma, Core Engineering, Fisher Automotive Group, Hall’s General Contractor, Jacobson Companies, Lines & Lundgreen, Noble Law Office, Pilkington Construction Company, RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, and Smith Farms Company. The Star sponsors were Booth Machinery, Yuma Airport Authority, and the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. The Eagle Scouts honor guard, Mark Workman delivering the invocation, Mayor Doug Nicholls as MC, and Wendy McKay with our national anthem made the afternoon perfect. Terrific work by the staff of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, behind the scenes with the table decorations, programs and check in was done by Sheryl Hehe, Diana Wise, and Tania Pavlak.
The day belonged to our honoree, Jonathan Lines, for his lifetime of scouting excellence and leadership. His love of scouting now spans three generations and having our own Jonathan Lines as the first recipient of the Scout Me In award speaks volumes for its stature and significance. Jonathan and his family are a Yuma treasure and we thank all of them for their service to our wonderful community.
Once again, the Yuma community delivered when it mattered most. Thanks to all that played a part to ensure the future of scouting in Yuma!
I just want to give a special thank you to all who stopped and helped us on Nov. 13 when we were involved in that horrific accident on Exit 3 and Interstate 8, I believe. A special thank you to the EMTs and all others including civilians who stayed to help and do what they could to comfort my husband and me. Also a special thank you to the RN who was on her way to work. She took the time to stay by me ,talking to me through the window calming me down. I will
It’s that time of year again when the weather turns a little cooler (by Yuma standards), the streets are a lot busier and the theme of the Christmas season hangs heavy in the air. It’s also a special time to remember folks in our community during this holiday season.
Once again, a golden opportunity exists for outreach events such as Crossroads Mission’s 3 Days of Christmas. Whether by serving meals or helping with monetary donations, this culinary event has become a staple to extend a helping hand to brighten the holidays for those in need.
Toys for Tots is another shining example of bringing Christmas joy to children. God bless our Marines not only for the protection they provide, but the example they set by service to the community.
Amberly’s Place continues to provide a safe haven for victims of abuse as well as advocating for those they serve. The holidays can be a stressful time for families in tough situations and the folks at Amberly’s are the gold standard of caring. Their actions exemplify the essence of what this Christmas season is all about.
Last but not least, hats off to all of the service organizations and faith-based groups that usher in the Christmas spirit to those in need.
Merry Christmas, everyone!