Good morning, Yuma.

In February, Yuma's unemployment rate was 11%—up from 8.9% a year ago—based on figures from the Office of Economic Opportunity; the numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Yuma School District 1 hosted a finalist forum Wednesday night where candidates Denis Ponder and Suzanne Alka answered anonymous questions from staff, parents and community members about teacher pay, student retention and other district issues—each emphasizing improvements for the schools. The governing board will vote on the new superintendent tomorrow with a decision expected that same day.

Biridiana Martinez, director of outreach at Arizona Western College, was honored on March 27th with the Athena Award from the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce for creating programs that help local students explore college options and support women’s growth—she also developed the AWC Enrollment Tour and co-created the Yuma Women in Education Conference.

Gadsden Elementary School District #32 got a $50,000 award on Thursday from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching to honor student success and teacher work.

District Superintendent Lizette Esparza said the money will help the school add new programs — a plan to improve learning.

The Arizona Fish and Game Department advises Yuma residents to keep a safe distance of 10 feet (a key safety tip) from rattlesnakes seen in yards or on trails.

The local fire department is ready to remove snakes from public areas, and if bitten, individuals should call 911 (immediately) for help.

Yuma County Recorder David Lara said the county is asking some residents for proof of citizenship due to a 20-year-old error that affected 200,000 voters statewide—3,800 in Yuma.

Affected voters with licenses issued before 1996 who registered after 2004 must email or visit the election office with proper documents to resolve the issue before the next special primary election in July.

Yuma County Early Childhood Education Conference

7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Arizona Western College — Free entry — Engage in hands-on professional development for early childhood educators with sessions in English and Spanish.