HYDRILLA FIGHT CONTINUES AT EASTMAN LAKE — The hydrilla infestation in 100 acres of Eastman Lake and 25 miles of the Chowchilla River is forcing officials to close Eastman Lake indefinitely. Thus far, the state has spent $500,000 battling the rapidly growing water weed in the popular recreation spot. The first new sprouts of the weed were discovered in the lake two weeks ago, said Madera County Agricultural Commissioner Don Cripe. Hydrilla is a remarkably fast-growing water weed that can clog waterways, canals, and equipment. It can also present a hazard to swimmers. Eradicating the weed is a long fight, often lasting five to 10 years.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO SMOKING POLICY SET—ALMOST — After two months of discussions, Madera Unified School District approved a no smoking policy on school grounds and district facilities. It did, however, leave one problem up in the air. According to MUSD Director of Field Operations Robert Owen, smoking at sporting events is still up in the air. Owen said it would be left to the discretion of the athletic director or administrator at the event to figure out how to enforce the new smoking policy in those cases. The policy does make clear that smoking will be prohibited in the district’s buildings and grounds, except for designated outside areas.
MURDER SUSPECT PLANNED ROBBERY WHILE IN JAIL — Archie Howard Smith, who faces the death penalty for the March 8 murder of Edward Dubin, 70, and Juanniece Durbin, 65, was taped at the Madera County Jail planning a liquor store robbery with a would-be accomplice. When Thomas Antszak told authorities about the proposed robbery, he agreed to be wired and visited Smith in jail. Smith gave Antszak a detailed description of how to rob a certain liquor store in Fresno. He also told Antszak where to find a .38 caliber pistol, which the defendant dropped in the harbor at Moss Landing. The gun fit the description of a gun missing from the Dubin’s home.
CHOWCHILLA TO TAKE COUNTY TO COURT — The city of Chowchilla is taking Madera County to court, alleging the county must accept its proposed property tax sharing agreement. Chowchilla wants to annex 1,200 acres east of Highway 99 for the development of a golf course and housing. Chowchilla and the county had an agreement that Chowchilla would give the county 100 percent of the property tax revenue and redevelopment property tax increments. It did not agree, however, to give up any part of sales tax revenue. Now the county has cancelled the agreement, stating that it wants part of Chowchilla’s sales tax revenues...