Madera County, CA · Daily edition

Madera County news for Thursday, October 29, 2026

2 stories from Madera County, in about three minutes.

Local Business · Madera, CA

North Fork Casino Opens in Madera; Chukchansi Suit Awaits Federal Ruling

The North Fork Mono Casino and Resort opened Tuesday afternoon off Highway 99 in Madera, California, with more than 1,000 staff hired. The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians filed its third federal lawsuit since 2012 seeking to halt gaming at the new casino, arguing that California voters' 2014 rejection of a state gaming compact annulled then-Gov. Jerry Brown's required concurrence. Federal Judge Kirk E. Sherriff heard arguments Oct. 9 but has not yet ruled on whether gaming can continue while litigation proceeds. North Fork and operator Station Casinos contend the tribe's gaming eligibility was federally established two years before the voter referendum.

Source: The Modesto Bee Read the full story ↗

Public Safety · Madera County

Remains Found Near Bass Lake Identified as Missing Man Kent Cross

The Madera County Sheriff's Office announced that human remains discovered near McLeod Flatt, north of Road 274 near Bass Lake, have been identified through forensic genetic genealogy and DNA testing as Kent Cross, who was reported missing by his father in October 2016. Hikers found the remains on April 27, 2020, near Willow Creek approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, but identification required advanced testing by private laboratory Othram and follow-up analysis by the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Science. Crime Scene Specialist Daniella Romero submitted the remains to Othram in July 2026; the lab returned investigative leads in October. No cause of death was stated; investigators asked anyone with information to call 559-675-7770.

Source: Sierra News Online Read the full story ↗