Katrina Soliz/The Madera Tribune The Chowchilla community looks on as the annual Western Stampede commences Friday. Hundreds turned out for the cattle drive along Robertson Boulevard. The event, which spans through the heart of downtown Chowchilla, began in 1958. Madera County is home to the only authentic cattle stampede in the state and hundreds came out for the historic event that kicked off the 69th annual Chowchilla Western Stampede with fanfare, rodeo royalty and plenty

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune The Madera Evening Lions host the 4th annual Running With the Lions Strive for Diabetes 5K run last year at Town and Country Park with more than 100 participants. This year’s event will be April 11. Race coordinators Maggie Stickler and Benny Madrigal are in the final stretch of preparations for the fifth annual Running with the Lions Strides for Diabetes 5K run, sponsored by the Madera Evening Lions. “Right now, we have 45 people registere

The City of Madera City Council issued a proclamation recognizing March as Red Cross Month to honor neighbors who deliver care and comfort through the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter. “As a community, we hope never to need it, but when the need is there, we are always thankful for the services they provide,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rohi Zacharia on behalf of the entire City Council at last week’s meeting. “We celebrate the humanitarian Spirit of the City of Madera and re

Job seekers of all experience levels are invited to attend the Madera and Mariposa County Schools’ Careers in Education Fair on March 17 from 1-5 p.m. at the office of the Madera County Superintendent of Schools. The free event will bring together school employers from Madera and Mariposa counties seeking to fill full-time, part-time, and substitute positions. A variety of classified and certificated positions will be available, including support staff, teachers, and managem

For The Madera Tribune The Berenda Hotel, circa 1880. Once upon a time herds of antelope roamed over much of the San Joaquin Valley. So numerous were they in the 19th century that one community not far from Madera took them for their mascot and named their little town after the fleet-footed animals. Although the town of Berenda is long gone, its name remains in the form of a school and in the memory of a few old timers. Berenda was born when the Central Pacific Railroad cross

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Waffle Spot restaurant owners Kim and Jason Praytor and children, from left, Chloe Praytor, Pepper Praytor and Ashley LeBar at their new up and coming location at 121 South D Street. “We are moving,” said The Waffle Spot owner Kim Praytor. However, the move probably won’t occur until the fall and Praytor plans to keep the existing restaurant open for a while. “Last year, we bought a building in Downtown Madera. Now, we are going through al

For The Madera Tribune From left, Madera Elks Lodge #1919 Bingo Chair Gen Buckley, Madera Rescue Mission Executive Director Jesse Chavez, Madera Food Bank Executive Director Ryan McWherter, Leading Knight Jesus Hernandez, and Bingo Committee member Susan Flores stand together after announcing programs that received the proceeds from the Elks’ Bingo Nights. The Madera Elks Lodge #1918 made cash donations to four organizations last week. The funds were distributed from Bingo N

For The Madera Tribune Although the City of Madera is conducting its annual Curbside Cleanup Program, the Madera Police Department reminds residents that discarded items must be placed neatly by the curb. Illegal dumping like this creates traffic hazards and fines are associated with it. As many residents are aware, the City of Madera is currently conducting its Annual Curbside Cleanup Program. Zone 2 cleanup services will continue through March 13 with Zone 1 completed over