No injuries reported after an early-morning fire in Piermont on Monday. News 12 reported the fire struck around 4:30am on Piermont Avenue, apparently beginning on the first floor of a three-story building. It reportedly took more than 45 firefighters from Piermont and the surrounding area to put out the blaze and provide mutual aid. It took about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, a challenge in the below-freezing temperatures. The fire does not appear to be suspicious.
Rockland DA to Prosecute Man for Alleged Hanukkah Machete Attack
Rockland’s District Attorney plans to prosecute the man being held in 2019’s Hanukkah machete attack in Monsey, but for now he’ll remain hospitalized, having been declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Last week, Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo signed an order keeping 39 year-old Grafton Thomas held at a psychiatric hospital for at least two more years. A spokesman for the D-A’s office says they are “committed to getting justice on behalf of Josef Nuemnann, and the others injured during this horrific attack. When the defendant is ruled competent, [we] will proceed with prosecution.” Neumann died of severe head injuries three months after the attack. He was 72-years old.
Nyack Schools to Discuss Removing Honors for Former Baseball Coach Tonight
The Nyack Public School board is expected to discuss the removal of a former varsity baseball coach’s name from facilities and events after being accused of ignoring sexual abuse allegations against one of his assistant coaches. That’s according to News 12. Cancer took Dave Siegrist 18 years ago at the age of 43. His name is now on a scoreboard, a scholarship and a memorial tournament. Though Siegrist has not been accused of any abuse, some former players are asking his name be removed. Siegrest has his supporters as well. News 12 says a petition urging his name be kept as tribute has been signed by about 1,200 people. The meeting is scheduled tonight at 6:30 at the Nyack High School auditorium, it’s also on Zoom.