Regional Briefs – July 2, 2017

Teen Who Bought Lotto While Filling Tires Wins $1M

BALLSTON, N.Y. – A teenager who stopped at a convenience store to put air in his tires and ended up buying a lottery ticket won a $1 million jackpot on Friday, The Associated Press reported. Anthony Iavarone, 19, will receive a one-time lump sum of $661,800 after taxes.

Brooklyn Cemetery Honoring Irish Civil War Hero

BROOKLYN – Green-Wood Cemetery unveiled Saturday a bust of an Irish freedom fighter and Civil War hero who died under mysterious circumstances 150 years ago, The Associated Press reported. Thomas Francis Meagher (pronounced Mar) was territorial governor of Montana when he disappeared.

Farmers Market Shuttered By 9/11 Reopens Downtown

NEW YORK – A farmers market that once operated at the World Trade Center has returned to the area for the first time since the 9/11 attacks, The New York Times reported. It will be open every Tuesday through November.

Niagara Falls Looks to Attract Tourists Beyond Famed Falls

NIAGARA FALLS – The town of Niagara Falls wants to get tourists who visit the famous falls to stay for other attractions. The state asked private developers on Friday to come forward with plans to improve hiking, biking, climbing and fishing along the Niagara River, The Associated Press reported.

Man Fined for Poisoning Bald Eagles on Farm

TUSCARORA, N.Y. – A farmer was fined $3,500 for killing two bald eagles by directing his employees to pour a toxic pesticide over sheep carcasses on his farm, The Associated Press reported. Because of William Wentling, 68, two bald eagles, two red-tailed hawks and a rough-legged hawk fed on the sheep and died.

NY to Limit Lane Closures For Holiday Weekend

ALBANY – New York state will suspend all non-essential construction-related lane closures through July 5. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said officials are doing “everything in (their) power” to make traveling as painless as possible this Independence Day.