Two killed on State Route 99
California Highway Patrol Madera officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound SR-99, south of Avenue 12 on Thursday just after 6 p.m. A 37-year-old man from Selma was driving a silver 2002 Honda Civic, southbound on SR-99, south of Avenue 12 within the No.1 lane, at an unknown speed. A 29-year-old woman from Selma, was seated in the right front passenger seat of the Honda. A 33-year-old man from Bakersfield was driving a 2023 blue International semi-truck, pulling
For The Madera Tribune
Dec 18, 2025


Family gathering turned deadly
For The Madera Tribune Dr. Dow Ransom, shown here, was one of the 5 physicians who attempted to save two Madera families who had been struck down by food poisoning in 1918. It was a proud moment for Grover Mitchell, when he joined the growing number of Maderans who had switched from a horse and buggy to the horseless carriage. He was pleased with his new vehicle, and on Sunday, Jan. 27, 1918, Mitchell loaded his wife and two children into the car for an inaugural spin in his
Bill Coate
Nov 29, 2025


Long-time community leader passes
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune File Photo Herman Perez. Madera civic and education advocate, Herman Perez, passed away last Thursday after a two month illness. He was 75. Perez spent the better part of the past three decades leading Madera in a number of ways. “I was working my way to the coast, and I tell people my car broke down in Madera, and I haven’t left,” Perez said in a 2024 interview. “I really liked Madera. Madera and my hometown, Hanford, are both the same siz
Tyler Takeda
Nov 22, 2025
Pedestrian fatally struck by train
Madera Police Department officers responded to a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a train in the area of Gateway Drive. and 3rd Street on Tuesday at about 2:45 p.m. When officers arrived, they found a 52-year-old male, who was deceased, near the railroad tracks. All involved parties were contacted on scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, however there is no indication of foul play.
For The Madera Tribune
Nov 22, 2025


Shoe store suicide mars expansion
For The Madera Tribune A job at Brammer’s shoe store wasn’t enough to dispel Jim Brammer’s despondency. He committed suicide after his father made him a partner. In 1917, Herman Brammer and his son, Will, decided to expand their shoe store and build that three story, brick building that still stands on the north side of Yosemite Avenue. At about the same time, they determined to bring Jim Brammer, Herman’s stepson, into the business by placing him in charge of the new clothin
Bill Coate
Nov 8, 2025
Solo crash claims driver
California Highway Patrol Madera officers responded to a solo vehicle crash on Avenue 14, west of Road 9 on Saturday at about 6 a.m. A preliminary investigation indicates a 79-year-old man from Fresno, was driving a silver 2011 Toyota Camry, westbound on Avenue 14, west of Road 9, at an undetermined speed. For reasons still under investigation, the driver failed to recognize the end of the roadway, and continued onto a dirt access road leading to a metal gate and concrete ba
For The Madera Tribune
Nov 4, 2025


Murrieta’s cook and killer both lived in Coarsegold
For The Madera Tribune Alapoleno, Joaquin Murrieta’s cook, is seen here panning for gold near Coarsegold. Joaquin Murrieta — legends about him are legion, and so conflicting are these stories of his life, that it has often been asserted that there were as many as five outlaws by that name. Whatever the truth behind the lore, one curious anecdote has escaped the history books. William Henderson, the man who fired the shot that killed Joaquin Murrieta, and Alapoleno, the bandit
Bill Coate
Nov 4, 2025
Driver killed in head-on crash
CHP Madera officers responded to a traffic crash involving two vehicles, on Road 400, at River Road on October 16 at about 9:30 a.m. A 61-year-old woman from Madera, was driving a gray 2023 Ford Explorer, northbound on Road 400, approaching River Road. A 40-year-old man from Madera, was seated in the right front passenger seat of the Ford Explorer. A 75-year-old man from Raymond was driving a white 1994 Ford F-350, southbound on Road 400, approaching River Road.
For The Madera Tribune
Oct 24, 2025











