During the Valentine’s Day night shift, Officer Tyler Aldecoa responded to the 600 block of South Street after a citizen reported a subject spray painting a residential fence.  Upon arrival, Officer Aldecoa located, and attempted to contact 19-year-old Brayan Pacheco, who matched the description provided by the witness.  When Officer Aldecoa approached, Pacheco immediately fled on foot, and attempted to discard two spray paint cans. He was apprehended a short distance away.

The Madera Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are seeing an increase in scam calls designed to create fear and panic within the community. This rise appears to be linked, in part, to the widespread media coverage surrounding the Nancy Guthrie missing person case. In this latest scheme, scammers are contacting residents and falsely claiming that a family member has been kidnapped. They then pressure victims to send immediate ransom payments, often requesting

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to take the weather seriously and prioritize safety above all else. Small preparations today can make a big difference in ensuring your safety during a storm. Here are some tips to be prepared. • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with weather alerts and advisories through the Madera Sheriff App, local news, the National Weather Service, or reliable weather apps. • Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have an emergency kit wit

For The Madera Tribune The Madera Coyotes wrestling team celebrates with the Div. II Championship plaque and flag at Clovis East High School on Saturday after capturing its first title since 1990.  In the storied history of Madera Coyote wrestling, there has been one thing missing for the past 35 years — a section championship.  The 2026 Madera Coyotes wrestling climbed the mountain to win the Div. II Central Section Championship on Saturday at Clovis East High School.  “It’s

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Matilda Torres’ Jayden Corona, left, drives the lane for a bucket against Liberty’s Titus Johnson during Friday’s Torres playoff victory over the Hawks. Corona scored all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter comeback.  The Liberty Hawks boys basketball team secured a double-digit second quarter lead over the Matilda Torres Toros in the first round of the Div. V Central Section playoffs.  However, the 12th seeded Toros outscored the fifth-s

For The Madera Tribune The Madera South Stallions wrestling team and coaches celebrate with the Div. III Championship plaque and flag after winning the title Saturday at Edison High School. It was the program’s first-ever Divisional title.  Although the Madera South Stallions claimed one champion in the Div. III Central Section Wrestling tournament at Edison, the rest of the team did enough for the Divisional Championship, a first for Madera South.  “I knew going into the fin

Tyler Takeda/The Madera Tribune Liberty’s Macie Webster shoots a 3-pointer in Saturday’s playoff loss. Webster scored 18 points to lead the Hawks.  The Liberty Hawks girls basketball team held a fourth quarter lead, but let it slip away in the first round of the Div. VI Central Section playoffs.  The 11th seeded Orosi Cardinals didn’t play good Valentine’s Day guests Saturday in a 41-35 overtime victory over the sixth-seeded Hawks.  However, the Hawks didn’t help themselves b

My wife and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this year over two nights in Madera and Oakhurst. Numerous family members from out-of-state will celebrate with us. I won’t be taking them through downtown Madera. It’s an embarrassment. Given our 48-year history in this community, they would understandably ask, “why do you live here?” My wife served as a Madera County probation officer, Madera County Family Court Services mediator, and Madera Unified School Distr