Veronica Shorr

Myriah Farrar is the founder of Dancers Workshop of Yuma, which she opened in 2006 with grit, heart, and a vision that started small and grew into one of Yuma’s leading dance and gymnastics programs. Her leadership has helped shape confident, disciplined, and driven young performers (JAMS) across the community.Alli Bohner is the Director of the DAZZLERS Acrobatics and Tumbling Program, leading nationally ranked teams currently sitting 1st and 2nd in the nation. A Yuma native and longtime coach, Alli brings structure, purpose, and heart into everything she does.

Carol Smith is a Yuma native, registered nurse, and Yuma City Council Member with nearly 12 years of experience caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Her work in healthcare, education, and public service gives her a unique, grounded perspective on public safety, wellbeing, and the future of Yuma. She is proud to be part of the City of Yuma's first Youth Government Program.

Mrs. Ruby Ramirez is the owner of Bake It Good (formerly Ruby's Sweets) in Yuma. As a young girl, she was inspired to cook by her mother and Food Network shows like Cake Boss. Now, she bakes for her family, friends, and community. Ruby brought us Valentine's treats. She also brought her husband—her taste-tester and greatest supporter— with her. He is the owner of Whack Shack, Yuma's first mobile golf simulator rental.

Tom Hurt is the Yuma County School Superintendent and a longtime educator whose career has spanned decades in classrooms, campuses, and district leadership. From serving as a principal at Vista High School to helping shape academic systems across multiple school districts, Tom has focused on one thing throughout his career: improving how schools serve students. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about academic leadership, his time at Vista High School, and the implementation of block scheduling — why it mattered, what problems it was designed to solve, and how changing the structure of the school day can impact student engagement and learning. We’re also diving into his current role as superintendent and the challenges and opportunities facing schools across Yuma County.

Amber Thornton brought the community side of today’s conversation, sharing her work with Culligan Water of Yuma and her leadership as the Lead for Relay For Life of Yuma County. We talked about the record-breaking 2025 Relay, raising over $204,000, the impact of community-driven fundraising, and how Yuma residents continue to show up in powerful ways for one another. Relay For Life of Yuma County was named the 2025 American Cancer Society West Region Event of the Year.

Jon Wente joins the show to talk about his connection to Yuma, returning to the ACCAC, and stepping into the role of Head Baseball Coach at Arizona Western College. With nearly three decades of coaching experience across junior college, Division I, and international competition, Joe shares his vision for Matador Baseball and what fans can expect moving forward. Jon teaches the student-athletes to play for the name on the front (of the uniform), more than the name on the back. Live and On-demand AWC Matador games can be found online.

Cris Drewek, is a creative and performer whose journey to Yuma began through community and collaboration. Since arriving, he’s become deeply involved with Yuma Community Theater, not only acting in multiple productions but also helping build sets behind the scenes. His work with YCT reflects a hands-on commitment to storytelling, craftsmanship and strengthening local arts through true community involvement. Today’s conversation dives into purpose, creative work that matters and why building — whether with metal or on a stage — can change lives and communities. Thank You toTaco Lab, who surprised us with a snack.

Shanen Aranmór is an educator, Certified Welding Inspector and national presenter who took an unconventional path into the skilled trades after leaving a career in academia. She’s the founder of Weld Like A Girl, where she works with people of all ages through welding education, community projects and certification services. Today, her work also includes Welder Corps, a job-readiness program focused on veterans and their families while addressing the skilled trades gap. She also hosts , The Money Machine, a program about trades.

Joel Prickett is the head softball coach for the Arizona Western College Matadors and is entering his second year leading the program. After being hired in May of 2024 with just six players signed, Coach Prickett quickly built a roster that went on to win the Region 1 Championship and earn a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament. With more than 26 years of collegiate coaching experience and over 760 career wins, Prickett brings a proven track record of winning, player development, and graduating student-athletes while building championship culture wherever he goes. The AWC Softball schedule can be found here.

Jeff Byrd is a longtime Yuma community leader who’s worn a lot of hats over the years, from financial services to nonprofit board service. Jeff recently joined the Avenir Financial team. He’s been deeply involved in causes that matter locally, including food insecurity and community support, and today he’s back on the show to talk about something new he’s been working on. This conversation gives Jeff space to share what sparked it, why it matters, and how it connects back to Yuma. Operation: Stop Scams will be presented on Tuesday, February 3rd at the Yuma Main Library.