GREAT PUMPKIN FOUND IN DE CESARI YARD — If Linus wants to find the Great Pumpkin, all he has to do is come to Madera and see the yard of Robert and Marilyn De Cesari. Their home at 604 N. I St. features a garden, which at this time is the home of a “great” pumpkin. The couple says they only planted six seeds and came up with a 70-pound pumpkin. The De Cesaris work three days a week in their garden, which has been fortified with fill dirt from the septic farm. A local horseman gave them manure to beef up the soil, and judging from the size of their super pumpkin, they say “it was magic.” De Cesari says his wife brought her gardening expertise with her when she came to Madera.
BOARD PONDERS WATER WOES — Faced with the possibility of a fifth year of drought, county supervisors are looking at drafting a water-saving ordinance for Madera County. “I think we may be at a critical stage,” said Board Chairman Harry Baker. Baker said the Oakhurst area has experienced wells drying up due to heavy underground drafting from the increased population, along with the drought. Supervisor Al Ginsburg reminded the board that people have short memories. “If the rains come in the next few years, thought of water conservation will dry up,” he said. Baker said that one suggestion would be to use Bass Lake for drinking water.
RANDY COOPER HONORED AS FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR — A 12-year member of the Madera Fire Department was honored as the county’s firefighter of the year Friday by the Madera Exchange Club. Randy Cooper was chosen for the honor for his work on the job and for the concern he shows for children. Cooper has been a member of the Madera Fire Department since 1978, and has been active in the Boy Scouts of America Fire Explorer Post, the Muscular Dystrophy telethon, the Madera Day Care Facility, Toys for Tots Program, and the Madera Christmas Basket Program. Cooper said he accepted the award on behalf of all of the department’s firefighters.
COMMUNITY LEADER DON PITMAN DIES AT 79 — Donald G. Pitman, 79, died Saturday following a lengthy illness. Mr. Pitman was a member of a prominent agricultural family and was instrumental in the organization of the California turkey industry. Mr. Pitman was the second of five sons born to Alice Cunningham and Eli Pitman. He was a grand-nephew of Jennie Cunningham Mace, Capt. Russel Perry Mace’s second wife. In 1940, Mr. Pitman married the former Carolyn Beckham of Pasadena. She was an English teacher at Madera High School. After his service in World War II, Mr. Pitman and his brother, Willard, started Western Grain and Milling Company...