News

Madera Unified Extends School Closure to May 1

MADERA - After careful deliberation with health agencies, local officials, and a special school board meeting, Madera Unified School District has decided to extend the school closures to Friday, May 1, 2020, to limit the community spread of COVID-19.

With continuing consultation and review of the COVID-19 situation and guidance from the Madera County Department of Public Health, the schools will reevaluate the possibility of reopening on May 4, 2020. The reopening of schools will be based on both safety conditions and the current information available from local, state and federal officials at that time.

Madera County Department of Public Health Confirms First Death Due to COVID-19

MADERA - Madera County Department of Public Health reported the first death of a Madera County resident due to COVID-19. The male in their 60s suffered from underlying health conditions and passed away at Madera Community Hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19 on March 23, 2020, from what was believed to be a person-to-person transmission.

To date, Madera County has had a total of 10 cases including three new cases confirmed on March 26, 2020. The three new cases are person-to-person contacts of March 19, 2020, confirmed COVID-19 case.

Madera County Deputy Resting at Home Following Oakhurst Officer Involved Shooting

OAKHURST – A deputy with the Madera County Sheriff’s Department was transported to a local hospital following an officer-involved shooting on Highway 41 in the area of Oakhurst. The shooting also sent a 32-yar-old male suspect to a Fresno hospital by way of a life-flight helicopter.

Around 10 am Thursday MCSO Dispatchers notified law enforcement of a person acting erratically at a bus stop on Highway 41. According to Madera County Undersheriff Tyson Pouge, the suspect was reported to be in the middle of the road causing a disturbance.

United States Attorney Shares Tips for Avoiding COVID-19 Scams

SACRAMENTO - Today, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott warned of several new fraud schemes seeking to exploit the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health emergency often targeting vulnerable populations.

Scammers have already devised numerous methods for defrauding people in connection with COVID-19. They are setting up websites, contacting people by phone and email, and posting disinformation on social media platforms. Some examples of scams linked to COVID-19 include:

Madera Community Hospital Takes Steps to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

MADERA - The Madera Community Hospital implemented a temporary no-visitor policy, halted elective surgeries and expanded their safe screening procedure, while maintaining the vital function or our Emergency Department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The health and safety of our workforce, patients and the communities we serve, remain our top priority,” said Karen Paolinelli, Chief Executive Officer. “We must do everything we can to ensure Madera Community Hospital continues the essential duty of providing vital healthcare services for our community.”

Former Edd Employee Sentenced To Over Six Years Imprisonment For Unemployment Benefits Fraud

SACRAMENTO - Pamela Emanuel, 58, of San Jose, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Morrison C. England, Jr. to 6 years and 3 months in prison and ordered to pay $773,733 in restitution for her role in scheme to defraud the State of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

“Pamela Emanuel conspired to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, diverting vital taxpayer resources away from those in dire need of unemployment benefits. Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the unemployment benefits for those who need it, especially during this critical time,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor. Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles Region.

Jose de Jesus Figueroa Convictd of Felony DUI After Jury Trial

MADERA - In the early morning hours of July 5, 2018, the California Highway Patrol received a call of a potential DUI driver in the area of Road 29 ½ and Ave. 8.

When CHP officers arrived, they found the defendant, Jose de Jesus Rodriguez Figueroa, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle given to CHP.