PISTACHIO PLANT AUCTIONED OFF FOR $245,000 — A bankrupt Madera pistachio processing facility in debt to the tune of $1.8 million was sold at a noon public auction on the steps of the County Government Center Tuesday for $245,000 to a local pistachio cooperative. The proceeds of the sale of California Valley Pistachio will go to Wells Fargo Bank. Two of the creditors left to their own devices to squeeze reimbursement from the new owners are the City and County of Madera, which together are owed more than $315,000. “Great,” said Supervisor Al Ginsburg upon learning of the sale. “Now what do we do?” Pistachio Products of California was the winning bidder.
LINDA KOCH SAYS SHE HAS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR — Linda Koch started 1990 thinking it was going to be the worst year of her life. She had been diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer just after undergoing surgery for an ovarian tumor, later found to be benign. Going into the Thanksgiving season, Koch says she now realizes there is much to be thankful for. Koch’s positive outlook on life in the face of tragedy has garnered awards for her from the American Cancer Society and the local Soroptimist Club. When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago, Koch did as she is doing now — using her inner strength to carry on through continuing chemotherapy.
VUKOVICH KILLED IN SPRINT CAR ACCIDENT — Billy Vukovich III, who began his short but brilliant racing career at Madera Speedway just nine years ago was killed in a sprint car crash Sunday at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield. Vukovich, 27, a third-generation racer, reportedly suffered massive head injuries after hitting a wall during practice laps. The accident happened just after 11:00 a.m., and he was pronounced dead at 11:55 a.m. at Kern Medical Center. One of the first people to get to Vukovich was Madera’s Vern Reitz. Young Vukovich was following in the footsteps of his grandfather, and two-time winner at the Indianapolis 500, and his father, who raced at Indy 12 times. Billy Vukovich Sr. was killed at Indy in 1955 while leading the race.
BERENDA AND JOHN ADAMS SCHOOLS GOING YEAR-ROUND — Madera Unified trustees decided Tuesday evening that two more Madera schools are going to year-round schedules next year. Principals at Berenda and John Adams have been told their schools will join Alpha, Monroe, Sierra Vista, and Webster as year-round schools. According to Trustee B.J. Robinson, unless a school district establishes year-round schools, it will be nearly impossible to receive state funds for building new schools. Board President Benny Barsotti said without year-round schools, class sizes in Madera could reach 35 to 40 students. Berenda principal Alvin Stansell said, “With all the building going on in my attendance area, I can see us growing by 150 students next year.” ...