Local Politics · Madera County
Madera County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters Rebecca Martinez announced that a Consolidated General Election will be held on November 3, with vote centers and ballot drop boxes available across the county from October 2 through Election Day. Voting locations include sites in Madera, Oakhurst, Chowchilla, Coarsegold, North Fork, O'Neals, and Madera Ranchos, each with specific opening dates ranging from October 2 to October 31 and hours varying by location. All drop boxes close and lock at 8 p.m. on November 3 Election Day. Additional information is available in the County Voter Information Guide or at www.votemadera.com.
Local Business · Madera, CA
The North Fork Mono Casino will officially open at midnight on October 28, marking the completion of a project more than two decades in the making. Located adjacent to Highway 99 in Madera between Avenue 17 and 18 1/2 exits, the $725 million facility features over 2,400 slots and 40 table games. The venue includes eight dining venues and four bars, aiming to serve guests from Bakersfield to the Bay Area.
Local Politics · Madera, CA
The City of Madera’s Citizens Academy recently presented detailed information on city finances and human resources at the Frank Bergon Senior Center. Director of Financial Services Michael Lima reported a balanced budget for eight consecutive years, with total expenditures of $242.1 million for the current fiscal year. Key spending areas include Public Works ($103.5 million), Engineering ($63 million), and Police ($23.3 million). The presentation also outlined upcoming transit changes, including the elimination of two fixed routes and a target launch date of July 1, 2028, for a new system featuring increased frequency and micro-transit options.
Public Safety · Madera County
California Highway Patrol officers responded to a fatal crash on southbound State Route 99, south of Cleveland Avenue, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday. A female pedestrian was found deceased after being struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene without stopping. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are requesting public assistance in identifying the driver.
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Public Safety
The NWS Hanford office issued a winter weather advisory at 12:51 p.m. Tuesday, valid from Wednesday 11 a.m. through Thursday 11 a.m., covering Yosemite, Upper San Joaquin River, Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and South End of the Upper Sierra zones. The NWS forecasts an 80% chance of 4 or more inches of snow along Tioga Pass and Highway 120, and a 50–60% chance of 4 or more inches above 8,000 feet in Tulare, Madera and Fresno counties. Officials warn that roads, bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous, urging drivers to slow down and avoid travel during icy conditions.
Local Politics · Madera County
U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R) is campaigning to retain his seat in California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes a large portion of Madera County. The district was previously designated as the 4th Congressional District before redistricting last year. McClintock attributes recent population shifts and political changes in the state to what he describes as "man-made" issues rather than natural disasters. He emphasizes freedom as his primary platform and references historical speeches to illustrate his views on national division.
Public Safety · Madera, CA
Valley Children's Hospital's main campus was placed on lockdown Saturday following reported threats, with Madera County Sheriff's Office deputies and CHP officers responding to ensure the safety of patients, families, staff, and the public. The lockdown has since been lifted. Investigators believe the threats may have been intentionally fabricated, but the MCSO investigation into the source of the phone call remains active.
Public Safety · Madera County
A wildfire named the Lost Fire was first discovered at 9:16 a.m. on October 21 in Madera County, California. The fire is burning on private land, and its containment status and cause remain undetermined as of publication. The report was sourced from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Community brief · Madera County
Resort Life Carts, owned by Paul and Tracy Spraetz, was named the Top Honoree in the Growth Accelerators category of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 CO—100 program. The Madera County business expanded from a garage startup to a multimillion-dollar operation with two locations in the county. Owners traveled to Washington, D.C., for the recognition celebrations.
Community brief · Madera, CA
The Madera County Master Gardeners will host a free Fall Festival at the Three Sisters Garden on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located behind Madera Community College, the event features educational activities for children and adults, including games, crafts, and gardening advice. Attendees can purchase plants and art pieces, enjoy performances by student groups and a bluegrass band, and view pygmy goats in Halloween costumes.
