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Author: Bill Coate

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September 5, 2026 • Bill Coate

Sheriff escorted cop killer to gallows

It was Friday morning, and although it was cold and windy in San Quentin, Madera County Sheriff John Barnett was up early. He had a...
September 2, 2026 • Bill Coate

Sunny Nishimoto’s silent acts of forgiveness

Scattered throughout Madera’s past are several quiet heroes — not heroes because of acts of bravery, but heroes because they engaged in silent acts of...
August 29, 2026 • Bill Coate

Madera’s political turf wars began in 1926

For the first 19 years of its existence as an incorporated city, Madera’s political machinery ran without rancor or hard feelings, for the most part....
August 26, 2026 • Bill Coate

Remembering Judge Crocker

The year was 1958, and President Dwight David Eisenhower was looking for a few good judges. Since one of the federal vacancies he was attempting...
August 22, 2026 • Bill Coate

The boy delivered the Tribune on horseback

The teenager saddled his horse, mounted it, and prepared to make his usual trek to Arcola School. He didn’t live far away — just up...
August 19, 2026 • Bill Coate

Soul of King Husein School unveiled

The affair was billed as a ribbon-cutting, but it turned out to be so much more. In reality, what took place was a revelation of...
August 19, 2026 • Bill Coate

The principal reflects

“The dedication of King Husein School on Friday revealed what it looks like to believe in something bigger than yourself and then take action to...
August 15, 2026 • Bill Coate

The prince of Cottonwood Creek

The year was 1868; it was summertime, and three Southern planters were in California searching for a refuge from the ravages of Reconstruction. The Yankees...
August 12, 2026 • Bill Coate

Remembering Brooke Wissler

Every year in November, my mind is filled with memories of the Mordecai family. This is when the descendants of George Washington Mordecai gather at...
August 8, 2026 • Bill Coate

2026; a year for remembering

Never in the history of Madera have so many milestones emerged to be celebrated in a single year, but this year we are setting a...

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