Regional Briefs – November 24, 2015

NJ Turnpike Service Area Destroyed by Sandy Reopens

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – A familiar stop on the NJ Turnpike is back in business three years after it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, The Associated Press reported. Officials on Monday reopened the Grover Cleveland Service area between exits 11 and 12.

Christie Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Mali Victims

TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie ordered flags on state buildings to fly at half-staff Tuesday to mourn the 20 victims of last week’s attack in Mali that killed a woman raised in New Jersey, The Associated Press reported. Anita Datar, 41, worked for Palladium Group, an international development organization.

Rehab to Pay $35K for Denying ASL Interpreter

TRENTON – A rehab center will pay a deaf former patient $35,000 for denying him a sign language interpreter, The Associated Press reported. Park Crescent claimed Thomas Snyder was able to communicate through writing. But the state ruled that facilities aren’t sole arbiters of what’s best for patients.

Bridge Engineer Hired For Tappan Zee Project

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – A bridge engineer who specializes in long spans and working in cold weather will serve as project engineer on the new Tappan Zee Bridge, the Journal News reported. Jamey Barbas will make sure the $4 billion crossing opens on schedule in 2018.

Water Restoration Delayed in Hoboken After Another Break

HOBOKEN, N.J. – With a second water main break on Monday, Hoboken says that full water pressure won’t return until the weekend, The Associated Press reported. The problem started Sunday when a pipe broke. Residents were told to boil water for one minute.

Buffalo Auto Clerk Gets Probation for Taking Bribes

BUFFALO – A Buffalo DMV clerk was sentenced Thursday to one year of probation for accepting bribes to help people get learner’s permits, The Associated Press reported. Michael Young illegally accessed secure computers to find people who failed tests than offered to provide them with the correct answers.