oddly enough

oddly enough

Report: Buddhist monks set off illegal fireworks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

They’ll likely be mindful of any future fireworks ban.

Albuquerque authorities say, among the more than a dozen citations handed out July Fourth for illegal fireworks, one was given to a group of Buddhist monks, KRQE-TV reports.

Albuquerque Fire Department inspector Darrick Pino said the citation was written after authorities stumbled upon an audience watching a fireworks show from the Hoi Phuoc Buddhist Temple.

The monks were setting off a treasure trove of illegal fireworks, including Roman candles and mortars, Pino said.

Albuquerque was under fireworks restrictions because of high fire danger.

A woman with the temple told authorities the monks don’t watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers. She said the monks didn’t know there was a fireworks ban.

“It’s still your responsibility to know the laws of the land,” Pino said.

The citations can carry a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail.

Loch Ness monster it ain’t: 6-foot croc in Greece

ATHENS, Greece

Greece has its own lake monster — and it’s no Nessie.

The fire brigade and authorities on the resort island of Crete say a 6-foot crocodile was spotted last week in a man-made lake near the seaside town of Rethymno.

Crocodiles are not native to Greece.

Regional official Vangelis Mamangakis said Monday it was unclear how long it has been there. He told private Antenna TV that parts of the lake have been fenced off, and efforts will be made Thursday to remove it. He said the crocodile probably was a pet that grew too big for its owner, who “thought it would be a good idea to dump it in the lake.”

Residents are blaming the crocodile for missing lambs and ducks, and souvenir shops are selling inflatable crocodiles.

In tiny NY village, 26 votes could mean victory

DERING HARBOR, N.Y.

In a tiny New York village, getting 26 votes could make you the mayor.

Newsday reports that two elections in Dering Harbor are headed to overtime today after 25-25 ties.

Resident Patrick Parcells scored one of the ties in his write-in bid to unseat 11-term Mayor Timothy Hogue.

Parcells got into the race after a spat with Hogue over hedge-trimming rules and starting a village website.

Hogue says the village is so small, it can spread information more effectively through word of mouth.

The 98-year-old Shelter Island village is 2 square miles and has 11 full-time residents.

Newsday reports anyone who spends part of their time there can vote. That’s about 60 people.

Associated Press