For The Madera Tribune Judge Joe Barcroft. A few folks in Madera still remember Joe Barcroft. He was one of Madera’s most colorful judges and a prominent attorney in the early 20 century. In 1933, in collaboration with Lilbourne Winchell, he co-authored the highly popular history of Fresno and Madera County — a work that is much sought after today. Judge Barcroft has been gone for 85 years, and he is one of those significant pioneers of Madera that we are in danger of forgett

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting subjects breaking into vehicles in the area of El Vado Drive and Avenue 18 1/2. Deputies responded to the area Sunday morning at about 1 a.m., and found a vehicle matching the description provided by callers. The vehicle immediately fled at a high rate of speed. The vehicle lost control, and was involved in a single vehicle collision at Avenue 17 and State Route 99.

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

Madera Police officers responded to Granada Drive and Cleveland Avenue regarding a vehicle versus pedestrian collision in the afternoon on February 7. The investigation determined that the vehicle made a southbound turn from Cleveland, and struck three pedestrians as they were walking in the crosswalk. The pedestrians, a 9-year-old female, a 10-year-old female and 72-year-old female, were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.

For The Madera Tribune Sheriff John Barnett (right) came up against Madera’s flourishing Redlight District and lost. Prostitution was a fact of life in Madera from its early beginnings. The town had barely been founded when entrepreneurs of the world’s oldest profession descended upon the little village, and by the turn of the century the illicit traffic in human flesh was an embarrassment to most of the “law-abiding” folks. Although occasionally a saloon or hotel east of the

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Madera Unified School District students participate in a peaceful protest at Lion’s Town and Country Park on Friday. Madera Unified students participated in a peaceful protest, not affiliated with the district, resulting in some students missing school or arriving late Friday morning. Prior to that morning, the district proactively shared protocols with staff and families to promote transparency, prioritize student safety, and maintain instr