Regional Briefs – February 16, 2017

Family Shocked at Wrong Headstone on Girl’s Grave

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – A Long Island family is reeling after discovering on Tuesday the wrong headstone on the grave of their 9-year-old daughter, Newsday reported. Amiyah Dunston died in 2015 after being mauled by a dog. Her family had ordered a headstone, but it hadn’t arrived yet.

State Creates New Advisory Group to Boost NY’s History

ALBANY – Two dozen historians and scholars were named Wednesday to the newly created New York State History Advisory Group, The Associated Press reported. They will meet periodically to advise the state historian on issues related to state history, including heritage tourism.

Pair of Burglars Assault and Rob Elderly Homeowners

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. – Two men broke into a home Wednesday demanding money and beating the two elderly homeowners before leaving, NJ.com reported. The extent of the injuries is not known.

Amtrak Supervisor Pleads Guilty in Overtime Scheme

NEWARK – A 39-year Amtrak supervisor pleaded guilty Wednesday on charges he overbilled for overtime and regular hours that he claimed to be working when he really wasn’t, The Associated Press reported. Richard Vogel, 64, faces up to a year in prison and $71,946 in restitution.

Bull Escapes Livestock Auction Show in New York

JACKSON, N.Y. – A bull being unloaded outside a livestock auction show escaped Tuesday night, sprinting away and nearly getting hit by a car, WTEN reported. Authorities are warning people to stay away from the bull because it’s agitated.

Assembly Passes Bill to Raise The Age for Juvenile Justice

ALBANY – Assembly Democrats passed Tuesday night a hotly contested bill to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 16 to 18 by 2018, The Associated Press reported. The proposal would redirect most crimes to family court. New York and North Carolina are the only two states that prosecute them as adults.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 17th, 2017 edition of Hamodia.