TRUSTEES APPROVE SECOND ROUND OF CUTS — The second phase of cuts proposed by the Madera Unified administration was approved Tuesday night by the trustees. A total of $3.5 million is earmarked for cuts in next year’s budget. The cuts will go into effect July 1. The cuts were divided into three categories: program reductions, classified staff reductions, and reductions in certificated personnel. In the third category, three counseling positions, one nurse and nine teachers at Madera High, and four teachers at Thomas Jefferson will be cut. In the classified category, 13 clerical positions, eight instructional aides, and four custodial positions will be cut.
TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO MEN — Two men passing through town found themselves in jail Sunday after being arrested during a routine traffic stop on South C Street. According to Madera police, an officer on patrol spotted Gerald Jeffrys, 44, of Costa Mesa, fail to yield at a stop sign. After pulling Jeffrys over, the officer found he was wanted on two felony warrants for grand theft of a motor vehicle. While making the arrest, the officer also noticed a male passenger in the vehicle attempting to hide drug paraphernalia. Both men were booked into the Department of Corrections on possession and transportation of narcotics.
FULLERS CELEBRATE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY — Luther and Angie Fuller were recently surprised with a dinner party at Lucca’s to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The evening was spent reviewing the high points of the 50 years with pictures from day one. The following morning, more visiting was enjoyed at a brunch hosted by Gail and Sandy Tesei. A special guest at the meeting was Aileen Montgomery who introduced the couple and later witnessed their marriage. The former Angelina Spera is a lifelong resident of Madera. Luther came to Madera in 1929 and established Fuller’s Garage with his father in 1939.
MERRILL OPENS REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT CONSULTING FIRM — Following more than 20 years experience in dealing with buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants of San Joaquin Valley farm and foothill land, Jim Merrill has established his own real estate brokerage and management consulting firm in Madera. After graduation in 1968 from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Ag Business program, Merrill began his career as a cotton gin manager. “A trusted reputation is everything,” says Merrill. “I am in this business for the long pull just like the farmers, cattlemen, and land owners I work with,” he said. Merrill is a fourth generation California landowner. He and his wife, Cheryl, a teacher, live with their two children in Madera...