Regional Briefs – June 27, 2016

Dutch Barge That Ran WWII Blockade is Being Restored

WATERFORD, N.Y. – A sailing barge that was used to bring food to starving people in the Netherlands during WWII is being restored in New York, the Times Union reported. The 113-year-old vessel then known as the Wilhelmina gained fame for running the German blockade in the winter of 1944-45.

NY Reports Record Maple Syrup Production This Year

ALBANY – New York reports its maple syrup production has increased 18 percent this year, breaking last year’s record by more than 100,000 gallons, The Associated Press reported. The 700,000 gallons in 2016 keeps the state the second-largest producer nationally, behind Vermont.

First Female Dean Welcomes New Class to West Point

WEST POINT, N.Y. – West Point’s first female dean on Monday welcomed a new class of cadets, The Associated Press reported. Col. Cindy Jebb was sworn in on Friday. The U.S. Military Academy took in 1,300 cadet candidates to begin six weeks of rigorous training. This includes 282 women, or 22 percent of the class.

14, Including 2 Firefighters, Hurt in Fire Truck Crash

QUEENS – Fourteen people, including two firefighters, sustained serious injuries when a fire truck collided with a bus and a car on Sunday in Queens, The Associated Press reported. The fire engine was responding to a call of a fire.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the June 28th, 2016 edition of Hamodia.