Local News

Phone Scammers Using Fake Sheriff’s Office Hotline to Target Citizens for Cash

FRESNO COUNTY - The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office wants to make the public aware of an ongoing scam. We are continuously receiving multiple reports of a person making random phone calls to citizens where he identifies himself as a deputy with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office or officer with the Fresno Police Department. The incoming number on the citizen’s caller ID may even say Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, but it is not one of our official phone lines. The caller actually spoofs the ID in order to entice the citizen to take the phone call.

In these documented cases, the scammer claims the citizen has failed to report for jury duty so a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The fake deputy / officer tells his target they must pay a certain amount of money in fines to avoid being arrested and taken to jail. In order to pay the fines, the person needs to call a local number that the scammer gives them.

International Agri-Center Kicks Off World Ag Expo w/Photo Gallery

TULARE - International Agri-Center® to hold its 51^st World Ag Expo® farm show kicked off Monday for its three day run . The largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, World Ag Expo® boasts more than 1,500 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Over 100,000 people across the country and 71 countries are expected to attend the 51st annual World Ag Expo®.

During it’s three day run, the World Ag Expo® Arena will once again offer daily Equipment Showcases, where exhibitors will perform live demonstrations of their latest products. Seminars will be offered in a variety of categories, including dairy, irrigation, international trade, business and farm management, marketing and media, and general agriculture. These seminars are presented by professionals in the industry and provide attendees with valuable information to improve their operations.

Correctional Sergeant Attacked by Inmate at California State Prison, Corcoran

CORCORAN – A correctional sergeant is recovering from injuries sustained during an attack by an inmate Tuesday at California State Prison-Corcoran. At around 7:46 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, inmate Peter Matus, 33, was being escorted to his assigned cell by a correctional sergeant when he attacked the sergeant, punching him in the face. Matus immediately took a prone position on the floor and was restrained by responding staff.

The sergeant was transported to an outside hospital, where he was treated for a broken orbital bone and a laceration requiring 17 stitches. He was treated and released and is recovering at home. Matus sustained no injuries in the attack and was moved to COR’s Short Term Restricted Housing as the incident is investigated.

Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Arsons in Long-Running Arson Fraud Scheme and Is Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

SACRAMENTO - Jamal Shehadeh, 59, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to two counts of arson to commit a felony in furtherance of a long-running arson and insurance fraud scheme and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 30 years in prison, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

“Jamal Shehadeh avoided prosecution for decades as he set fire after fire with complete disregard for the lives of anyone nearby including firefighters,” U.S. Attorney Scott stated. “Shehadeh’s time committing the violent crime of arson and insurance fraud for the purpose of enriching himself has come to an end thanks to the hard work of all the federal law enforcement agencies that investigated and assisted with this case, and the local Sacramento authorities who provided tremendous assistance.”

Bichon Frise For The Win! Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Crowns 11th "Best in Show" Champion

ST. LOUIS - For the 11^th time in 12 years, the "Best in Show" winning dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a Pro Plan-fed dog*. Last night, GCH Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love, or Flynn, for short, a Bichon Frise handled by Bill McFadden, joined an elite group of canine competitors by taking home the exclusive title at the 142^nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Purina Pro Plan has a long, rich history in conformation and the sport of purebred dogs. The brand has fueled many of the world's elite dogs to victory through innovative products and outstanding nutrition. In addition to the "Best in Show" winner from the Non-Sporting Group, the remaining six Westminster Group winners, as well as 97 of the top 100 AKC All-Breed Show Champions, are Purina Pro Plan fed¹.

"Our outstanding nutrition has been fueling champions in the ring and the champion dogs in our own lives for more than 26 years," said Christi Maginn, brand director, Purina Pro Plan. "From James in 2007, to Flynn in 2018, we're proud to have been part of 11 champions' journeys to the Westminster winner's circle and congratulate Flynn and Bill on their well-earned success."

A leader in the performance nutrition category, Purina Pro Plan offers more than 70 formulas across five distinct nutritional platforms to meet the nutritional needs for dogs of all ages and activity levels.

"Though Flynn might not look like an athlete, we think of him as one and Purina Pro Plan has always been a champion of providing quality formulas for dogs which helps with the quality of his coat and muscles," said McFadden. "We do a lot of dog shows and nutrition plays an important aspect for him, so it's nice to have a dog food company that has the best interests for our dogs at heart."

The ten previous Westminster "Best in Show" winners fueled by Purina Pro Plan include:

2016 -- GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey ("CJ"), German Shorthaired Pointer
2015 – GCH Ch Tashtins Lookin For Trouble ("Miss P"), Beagle
2014 – GCH Afterall Painting The Sky ("Sky"), Wire Fox Terrier
2013 – GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari ("Banana Joe"), Affenpinscher
2012 – GCH Palacegarden Malachy ("Malachy"), Pekingese
2011 – GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind ("Hickory"), Scottish Deerhound
2010 – GCH Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot ("Sadie"), Scottish Terrier
2009 – GCH Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee ("Stump"), Sussex Spaniel
2008 – GCH K-Run's Park Me In First ("Uno"), Beagle
2007 – GCH Felicity's Diamond Jim ("James"), English Springer Spaniel