Local News

Sheriff Detectives Seeking Suspect ID for Multiple Commercial Burglaries in Eastern Madera County

OAKHURST - The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in gathering information related to a string of commercial burglaries that occurred in Eastern Madera County in the late evening hours of January 20, and the early morning of January 21. On 1/20, shortly after 11:00pm, Madera County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Grocery Outlet in Oakhurst for an alarm call.

Upon arrival at the scene, they found evidence of a break-in. While on scene, an alarm call was received from Napa Auto Parts in Coarsegold, followed by a call from Meadowridge Chevron, and shortly thereafter, Skywalk in Rolling Hills/Business 41 area. Each business showed obvious signs of a break-in, and reported missing items, primarily cash.

Minimum-Security Inmate Walks Away from Pleasant Valley State Prison

COALINGA - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials and the Coalinga Police Department are looking for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the minimum-support facility at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

Inmate Hector Fernandez was discovered missing at 12 a.m. after an inmate count was conducted. On-duty staff immediately began searching the surrounding areas. Notification was made to local law enforcement agencies and CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety.

Deputies Rely on Chainsaws to Rescue Couple During Fierce Winter Storm

Shaver Lake - Around 7:30 pm on Wednesday, a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the mountains was dispatched to help a husband and wife whose vehicle was unable to drive any further due to a fallen tree that was blocking the roadway. The couple had a cell phone, but it did not have an active subscription. However, it was still able to successfully dial 911.

The deputy drove to Shaver Lake to try and find the couple, but do to directions, had difficulty trying to locate them. During this time there was heavy rain and strong wind in the area. Around 10:30 pm, a total of four deputies were now assigned to the call and they received better information that the couple was stranded on Old Railroad Grade Road, so they headed that way.

Madera County Sheriff's Department Reorganized & Promotions with Undersheriff Position Added Back

MADERA - The Madera County Sheriff’s Office hosted a swearing-in, promotional, and special awards ceremony to recognize recent new hires and promotions within the department. Family, friends, media and elected officials such as the newly sworn in Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno were in attendance.

The position of Undersheriff was added back into the command structure after a four year absence. The position once held by Michael Salvador was eliminated shortly after the 2014 election, as the department went to a Sheriff/Commander/Lieutenant hierarchy. The position is now back with former Commander now Undersheriff Tyson Pogue being elevated to the new number two position in the department.

Kenny Paolinelli Goes Full Circle From Star Quarterback to Varsity Coach – A Real Coyote Comes Home!

MADERA – Thirteen years ago a tall kid with a silly grin took the football field at Memorial Stadium for his senior year. He was the quarterback. He was the kicker with one ugly white shoe. By the end of his senior year he was the student athlete of the year for the Madera High School class of 2007. Thursday evening at a press conference at his Alma mater Kenny Paolinelli will be named the new varsity football coach for the Madera Coyotes.

Following in the footsteps of Randy Blankenship, Dennis Fink, Andy Beaks and Bill Sparks, Paolinelli will inherit a rather successful Coyote squad from former Madera High Coach Yosef Fares. Fares resigned last year to accept a position as co-coach for the Bullard Knights in Fresno.