Years ago in the week of March 19
Courtesy of The Madera County Historical Society
Twenty-five years ago, Al Cheng, president of the Chinese Historical Society of America, visited Borden Chinese Cemetery with a group of Monroe 6th graders. The students went on to publish a book on Madera’s “Forgotten People.”
25 Years Ago Week of March 19, 1992
DISTRICT LOOKS FOR ANSWERS TO LOW TEST SCORES — Madera Unified’s scores on the national Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills has caused alarm within the district as officials search for answers to the poor performance. Assistant Superintendent Julia O’Kane said new tests are the primary reason for the poor showing. Superintendent Tom Riley added overcrowding and a lack of funds as causes. Trustee Ray Seibert said parents need to take more responsibility. “The problem is not that we don’t know what to do; the problem is that we don’t have the resources to do them with,” Riley said.
BLIND CARRIER SEES THE HAPPY SIDE TO LIFE — Monte Lindsay is legally blind but that does not keep him from holding down a job and pursuing his love of woodworking. Lindsay delivers The Madera Tribune on foot, with the help of a guide dog. At home he pursues custom woodworking. At the age of 10, Lindsay was diagnosed as having a brain tumor. Though surgery saved his life, he was declared legally blind. In 1988, in the course of applying for a guide dog, a physical examination revealed Lindsay’s brain tumor had returned. A second surgery to remove the tumor left his sight further diminished. Lindsay says he and his family rely on their faith to see them through the difficult times.
MADERANS SPLIT OVER TYSON’S PRISON TERM — Local reaction to the sentencing of former heavyweight champion turned convicted rapist, Mike Tyson, was sharply divided today as women took a harsher tone toward his six-year prison term than men. “I think it should have been longer,” said Kellie McCullough. “She (the victim) will have to live with that for the rest of her life.” At least one Madera man believes the boxer is being used as a scapegoat. “I think he got hosed,” said Steve Galvan, “I think he should have gotten probation; I feel sorry for the guy.” Josie Perlongo said, “I think it was a just sentence.
WATERING RESTRICTIONS SET TO BEGIN — Although the drought conditions in California have begun to subside during the last two years, water conservation measures in the City of Madera will continue as water levels are still low. Watering restrictions start Wednesday, April 1. Regulations on watering were mailed out to 8,000 customers, and included a list of violations. The first violation of the rules will cause a water patrol officer to issue a citation. A second violation will cost $15, the third, $30, the fourth, $45 and the installation of a water meter. According to Public Works Director David Chumley, outside irrigation is not allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
MAN SHOT, KILLED IN FRONT OF PRIMAVERA BAR — Madera police are looking for the suspect who allegedly shot and killed a man Wednesday in front of the Primavera Bar at 224 South C Street. According to witnesses, two men were arguing inside the bar at about 10:30 p.m. The argument then spilled onto the sidewalk in front of the bar. Two security officers heard shots fired and ran to the front where they found the victim on his back in the gutter. He was bleeding from the head and chest. The victim has not been identified and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
50 Years Ago Week of March 19, 1967
DEATH TAKES ANNE DOMINICI — The first Madera County “Mother of the Year,” Mrs. Anne Dominici, died Monday in a local hospital following a long illness. The 53-year-old Mrs. Dominici was a native of Madera and active in both church and community affairs. Besides being the first “Mother of the Year,” she was a charter member of the St. Joachim Parochial School Parents Club, past president of the Altar and Rosary Society, twice past president of the Young Ladies Institute, a 20-year member of the Senior Church Choir, a teacher in the Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine Program, a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and past president of the Emblem Club. She leaves her husband Julius Dominici, sons Ronn and Julius Dominici Jr., and her daughter, Mrs. Patricia Lari.
MADISON STUDENTS TO PERFORM IN LAS VEGAS — Ten students from Madison School are in Las Vegas today for a music educators conference. The group will give demonstrations for music educators from throughout the West. They were to open a session this morning with a presentation on “New Trends in Music Education” conducted by Mrs. Grace Nash, specialist with the Madera County schools working under the federal musicality program. Tuesday afternoon, the children are to perform an adaptation of the Miwok Indian legend of why the sun shines in the San Joaquin Valley. Transportation to and from the conference is by chartered commercial bus.
TWA INAUGURATES SERVICE TO MADERA — Trans-World-Airlines inaugurated an air transport service with a flight to San Francisco for newspaper representatives. Daily Tribune General Manager Les Hayes made the twin-engine Piper Twinair trip to the press conference and luncheon at San Francisco International Airport. TWA and Piper Twinair are offering air taxi service from hometown airports to connect with TWA flights out of San Francisco. The twin-engine aircraft carries five passengers and cruises at 200 miles per hour. A party of five would pay $20 per person.
SURVEY REVEALS SCHOOL OVERCROWDING — Based on 30 students per classroom, Madera Unified School District is faced with overcrowded facilities, according to a survey conducted by the district. School by school, the recent enrollment survey lists: Madera High — 2,145; Thomas Jefferson Junior High — 813; Alpha — 113; Adams — 471; Berenda — 73; Dixieland — 160; Eastin-Arcola — 584; Howard — 266; La Vina — 271; Madison — 392; Millview — 551; Monroe — 560; Ripperdan — 276; Sierra Vista — 524; Washington — 559; and Webster — 30.
SERVICES WILL MARK EASTER — Both Protestant and Catholic services are scheduled for noon on Good Friday in Madera. The Madera Ministerial Association will sponsor a union service at the Evangelical Free Church, Fifth and B Streets. “Reactions to Redemption” will be the theme this year. Speakers will be the Revs. Edward Klaus, Naaman Haynes, and Donald Randall. Catholic services will be conducted at St Joachim Church with “The Seven Last Words,” with sermons by the Rev. Robert Menard and the Liturgy for the Lord’s Passion and Death and reception of Holy Communion.
