Regional Briefs – February 20, 2017

Cuomo Warns New Yorkers Of New Tax Scams

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo is warning New Yorkers of a new scam targeting company payroll and human resources workers, The Associated Press reported. Con artists send emails posing as executives seeking employee Social Security numbers. Some 37 companies have already been victimized.

Defective Cable Causes Smoking Manholes in Queens

QUEENS – A defective cable caused a power outage Sunday night which city officials initially described as a manhole fire, The Associated Press reported. Con Edison says a defective cable made three manholes smoke. There are no reported injuries.

Crews Contain Forest Fire That Burned 570 Acres

MANCHESTER, N.J. – Firefighters on Monday contained a blaze that burned about 570 acres of the Greenwood forest in Ocean County which was initially discovered Sunday, The Associated Press reported. There was no property damage or evacuations.

Avalanche Risk in Adirondack Peaks After Snow, Warmth

ALBANY – The abrupt changes from snow to warm temperatures is leading to a risk of avalanches in the Adirondack High Peaks, The Associated Press reported. The state is advising hikers, snowshoers and backcountry skiers to be extremely careful.

Black, Puerto Rican Legislators Hold Conference

ALBANY – The New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators held its 46th annual weekend of seminars, music, receptions and awards in Albany, The Associated Press reported. The workshops addressed topics such as guns, housing, public health and criminal justice reform.

Cideries From Across New York Gather for Annual Event

ALBANY – Cider makers from across the state gathered Saturday for their third annual celebration of New York’s Farm Cidery Law, which has led to the number of cideries increasing from 8 in 2014 to 28 today, The Associated Press reported. There were tasting rooms for the public to participate.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 21st, 2017 edition of Hamodia.