(Stu Green 9-16-15)
Magic City Music Hall was forced to leave their former site on Harry L Drive in Johnson City in 2008 due to roofing concerns. WCDO will be giving away tickets for the first magic City Show with REO Speedwagon later this week. Tickets will be available for all shows starting this weekend.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced today his office approved 1,821 contracts valued at $1.9 billion and approved 1.7 million payments worth $8.5 billion in August. His office also rejected 191 contracts and transactions valued at $713 million and nearly 1,600 payments valued at $61.6 million due to fraud, waste or other improprieties. Major Contracts Approved specifically in August were for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for State Fair expenses, including $2 million paid out for 15 contracts to provide entertainers & $1.4 million for 3 contracts for ambulances, mobile restrooms and bedding/manure removal for livestock.
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Governor Cuomo announced today that recent investigations to protect exploited workers in New York State have led to nearly $3.3 million in back wages, damages and settlements for 800 workers. In the upstate counties, State Agriculture Labor Specialists assisted in recovering more than $9,000 in back wages for 23 farm workers who were underpaid. State investigators conducted more than 380 field visits and met with 300 agricultural businesses to offer hiring assistance and educate employers about labor law compliance and available resources. The agency has increased the number of field visits, reduced the number of violations and is protecting workers by helping more businesses comply with the law.
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The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced that $500,000 in grants are now available to help organizations to improve State parks, trails and historic sites. The grants are available for the program will be administered by State Parks and Parks & Trails New York. The program is designed to enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of State parks, trails and state historic sites; as well as promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails and greenways.
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State Police arrested 25 year old Ian Kosciusko of Worcester for sexual abuse. The arrest occurred after troopers were advised of an incident that occurred on September 11, at the Holiday Inn on State Route 23, in the Town of Oneonta. An investigation determined that an employee had unwanted sexual contact with an adult victim, Kosciusko was arraigned and was remanded to the Otsego County Jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 property bond, An order of protection was issued by the court.
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Empire State College will hold public information session about its associate and bachelor’s degree programs at its Binghamton location, State Office Building, Room 505, 44 Hawley Street, Binghamton today at 4:30 PM. More information is available at 721-8651.
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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old George Ballard of North Norwich on multiple charges after an investigation into a domestic dispute. Ballard was charged with 3rd degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, and Unlawful Imprisonment, for allegedly physically assaulting a victim and also hitting the victim with a car. Ballard was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.
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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that more than 60.1 million people visited New York state parks and historic sites in 2013, and campgrounds had the busiest year on record. Overnight stays at campgrounds operated by the state were occupied for 583,016 nights in 2013, surpassing 2012’s record. New York State oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites.
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(Bijoy Datta 10-14-13)
Datta said the “Request For Proposals” was just released; those are due back in 30 days. Corporate naming rights for the Arena would cost $50,000 annually.
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Donald Trump is being considered by a group of New York State Republicans, for a run as governor against incumbent democrat Andrew Cuomo. Trump is considered by state GOP Chairman Ed Cox and other party leaders as enough of a celebrity that he could possibly beat Cuomo in 2014, and maybe seek the presidency in 2016. Trump said on Fox News Sunday that he hasn’t thought about running for governor.
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The State Police have issued their fall “Antler Alert.” Trropers are warning drivers to be on alert as October through November & May through June are the most common times for car-deer collisions. Troopers offer some tips to avoid hitting deer, such as: Be especially alert during peak activity times at dawn and dusk and scan highway shoulders for deer eyes reflecting light. More information is available at troopers.ny.gov
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Visitors to New York State’s parks are now able to smoke on the grounds. The reversal of the no smoking ban in parks comes after a ruling by the State Supreme Court. In February, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation banned smoking in those areas. However, the group “New York City Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment,” filed a lawsuit against the state park saying the agency overstepped its boundaries by imposing the ban.
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Motorists are advised that Work on several Binghamton City streets will be performed between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily through this Friday, as part of the Prospect Mountain project along route 17 and I-81. Crews will be removing the existing substructures of the Interstate 81 Southbound State Route 17 eastbound Bridge over Chenango Street. Front Street will also have periodic, alternating lane closures, Flag personnel will guide single lane traffic through the work zone.
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Advocacy groups are pushing for changes in policy to reverse what they say is a rising tide of hunger among the working poor, children and the elderly. The Hunger Action Network is pushing for expansion of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The AARP says as many as 500,000 older New Yorkers could qualify for the monthly benefit. The AARP is asking the state to streamline its procedures to make it easier for older New Yorkers to apply. The Hunger Action Network wants the state to act on plans to send more fresh food to schools from New York farmers.
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The Broadway classic “HELLO, DOLLY!” starring Sally Struthers, arrives in Binghamton on Sunday, November 10th at the Forum Theatre for 2 performances. Tickets are on sale at the Arena Box Office and Ticketsmaster, by phone at 800-745-3000 or on-line at ticketmaster.com. more information is available at 778-6626 or BroadwayInBinghamton.com.
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