For The Madera Tribune Major Jim Savage. As difficult as it may be for the 21st century mind to grasp, there once was a time when Major James Savage was thought to be a hero in Madera. In fact, on April 23, 1951, more than 100 local folks held a California Centennial program at his grave, which was then located on land that is now covered by Hensley Lake. Guy Crow presided over the gathering, which featured Walter Chandler, Madera County District Attorney, as the guest speake

Dumping an animal is a serious crime in Madera County. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has vowed they will investigate these cases and hold people accountable. If anyone can no longer care for an animal, there are legal and humane options available. If anyone witnesses illegal animal dumping in Madera County, report it to the MCSO, as animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the County.

For The Madera Tribune Captain Russel Perry Mace. “Pioneer’s passing sent Madera into mourning” Madera Mercury — April 26, 1894 “At 3:15 A.M. Tuesday, the Grim Messenger came and called from our midst that noble and grand, good old man, Captain Russel P. Mace. Mr. Mace had been in comparatively good health most of the winter, and up until recently no immediate danger was apprehended. At 3:15 o’clock this morning his family was awakened by a noise in his room. They went to hi

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Community members join hands to sing “We Shall Overcome” at the conclusion of Sunday’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Local Host Committee put together a program for the annual MLK celebration that was superb, according to many who attended. Alejandro Juarez, Principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School served as emcee for the afternoon. The nearly 250 attendees were welcomed by Donald Holley, presiden

The sentiments of Dr. Martin Luther King will echo off the walls of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School as student speakers memorialize the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The annual celebration for the National Day of Remembrance, sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Local Host Committee, will begin with a reception at 2 p.m., followed by the program at 2:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s festivity is “A Cha

For The Madera Tribune Hard work by Madera firefighters saved lives when the Alta Hotel burned in 1931. As Maderans neared the end of the 1920s, they were full of optimism. Prospects of oil wells on the outskirts of town danced in the heads of some local capitalists, while others dreamed of raising the funds to build a brand new, four-story hotel on Yosemite Avenue. In the end, however, both schemes failed, and the town entered the 1930s rather tentatively as the nation’s eco

Madera Irrigation District is beginning water releases to alleviate flood potential, provide surface water delivery to District landowners, and commence groundwater recharge efforts. The MID Board of Directors at the January 6, Special Board Meeting made the decision to allow operations to begin immediately. The Board of Directors is providing this water at a reduced cost to promote use and recharge, benefiting District growers while supplementing the groundwater aquifer.

I am writing to express my deep concern about the growing number of stray animals in the City of Madera. As someone born here and proud to have returned after graduating high school in the mid-1980s, it saddens me to see how our community has changed. Throughout the years, Madera has become increasingly congested and, in many areas, less clean. While many residents take pride in maintaining their neighborhoods, the number who neglect this responsibility seems to be rising. Wh