Local News

The History of Big Valley News

MADERA - Big Valley News is an independent news organization based in Madera, California, that has developed from a small local computer bulletin-board system into a broader digital news and media operation serving California's Central Valley. Its history reflects the transformation of local journalism during the rise of the internet and illustrates the continuing importance of community-based reporting.

Today, Big Valley News describes itself as an independent Central Valley news source and publishes news, sports, agriculture, obituaries, weather, local arrests, editorials, and other community information. JW Porter is its publisher and editor, and the organization identifies 1997 as its founding year.

2026 Madera District Fair Recap: An All-American Party in the Heart of Madera

MADERA - For four days in September, the Madera District Fairgrounds once again became one of the busiest gathering places in the Central Valley. The 2026 Madera District Fair, held September 10 through 13, brought together carnival rides, livestock, agriculture, food, music, contests, family entertainment, and community traditions under this year's theme, “All American Party!” The theme tied the fair to the nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary while keeping the focus on the people, families and traditions that make Madera County unique.

The fair's 2026 edition continued a tradition dating back more than eight decades. The Madera District Fair has long served not only as an entertainment event but also as a showcase for agriculture and education. That combination remained evident throughout this year's four-day celebration. Livestock exhibitors, agricultural displays, competitive exhibits, community organizations, performers, food vendors, and carnival attractions all shared the fairgrounds, creating the familiar atmosphere that generations of Madera-area residents associate with the annual event.

The 1985 Murder Spree of Darrell Crider

Darrell E. Crider was a violent American criminal whose name became associated with a series of murders and robberies across the United States during the mid-1980s. His crimes attracted national attention because of the number of jurisdictions involved, the apparent randomness of some of his victims, and the difficulty investigators faced in tracking a transient offender who frequently moved from state to state. Although accounts of his total number of victims vary, investigators eventually connected Crider to multiple murders and believed he could have been responsible for many more.

Crider's known criminal career is particularly disturbing because transportation and money appear to have played an important role in his crimes. According to statements attributed to his younger brother, Russell Crider, Darrell would sometimes hitchhike, gain the confidence of people who gave him rides or shelter, and then rob them of their cars, money, or credit cards. In some cases, these encounters ended in murder. A contemporary report described authorities as investigating at least five murders involving gay men in Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, and New Mexico.

The 1985 Murder of Thomas Jefferson Teacher - Glenn Reitz

MADERA - The murder of Glenn Reitz in Madera, California, remains one of the Central Valley's most disturbing unsolved homicide cases. Reitz was a 35-year-old English teacher at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, well known to his students and colleagues. On March 19, 1985, he failed to appear for work, something that was highly unusual for him. When school officials went to check on him, they discovered that Reitz had been brutally murdered inside his home. More than four decades later, questions remain about who killed him and why. The investigation produced numerous leads, several competing theories, and evidence suggesting that his killer may have traveled across state lines. However, no person has been conclusively identified or convicted for Reitz's murder.

Glenn Reitz taught at Thomas Jefferson Junior High for about thirteen years. Accounts of his life describe him as active, athletic, and deeply involved with his students. He was also helping establish a drum and bugle corps associated with the Boy Scouts of America. Former students remembered him as a teacher who cared about young people and was willing to help them both inside and outside the classroom.

Illegal Alien Gang Member Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute in Fresno County

FRESNO - A federal grand jury today returned an indictment against Joaquin “Rascal” Aranda, 40, a Mexican national illegally residing in Sanger, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, an investigation began in October 2025 into the Sureño criminal street gang operating in Fresno County. Investigators identified Aranda as a high-ranking Reedley Sureño gang member and conducted three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from him between January and May 2026. On May 28, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at Aranda’s residence and recovered more methamphetamine along with digital scales, spoons, and baggies. In total, Aranda was found with 297.52 grams of methamphetamine throughout the investigation.