Regional Briefs – December 4, 2016

Dem Declares Victory in Tight Senate Race as Count Goes On

LONG ISLAND – With hundreds of votes remaining to be counted in a state Senate race, Democrat John Brooks declared victory on Thursday with 41 votes more than Republican incumbent Michael Venditto, The Associated Press reported. Venditto isn’t giving up, and it’s likely to be a couple of weeks before a victor is declared.

Video Shows Bus Driving Wrong Way on Highway

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – NJ Transit is investigating after a driver recorded a bus driving the wrong way on the Garden State Parkway Thursday, 101.5FM reported. The bus nearly collided with traffic but there was no accident or injuries reported.

Part-Time School Administrator Paid $850 a Day

PATERSON, N.J. – A part-time school administrator in Paterson gets paid a whopping $850 a day, The Record reported. Juanita Petty, a retired administrator, works two days a week for $54,000 per year. The previous administrator was paid an annual salary of $114,240.

Feds Offering Disaster Loans To Businesses Hit by Drought

ALBANY – The federal Small Business Administration is offering disaster loans to New York businesses hurt by the months-long drought which began in late May. Most private nonprofits are eligible. Loans can total up to $2 million and may only be used to pay up debts.

Man Arrested for Taking City Bus on Joyride

STATEN ISLAND – A bus devotee who took an empty city bus for a joyride two years ago did it again Friday, The Associated Press reported. Nicholas Ellias entered the parked MTA bus at the Saint George Ferry Terminal and drove it about four miles. He was arrested.

Pizza Burglar Caught After Getting Stuck in Vent

PENFIELD, N.Y. – A would-be pizzeria burglar was caught Friday after he got stuck in the oven vent at a western New York pizzeria, The Associated Pres reported. Police rescued Richard Graham, 53, after he was heard yelling for help at 3:45 a.m. They found him stuck in ductwork that led from an oven to a roof vent.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the December 5th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.