The State Labor Department announced that in March, the State’s private sector job count rose to 8,152,500, which is a new all-time high. The statewide unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.6% in March, the lowest rate since July 2007.
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New York state is restoring the voting rights of 35,000 parolees under an executive order from Governor Cuomo. The governor issued the directive on Wednesday, adding New York to a list of 14 states and the District of Columbia that allow people to vote once they have served their sentence.
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The Otsego County Planning department is launching a housing survey to provide fresh information about how Otsego County residents perceive their housing conditions and housing needs. The online survey is located at otsegocounty.com, The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, the deadline to return it is July 27th.
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Governor Cuomo today announced a multi-prong effort to further protect children from sex trafficking, including legislation to strengthen prosecutors’ ability to seek justice on behalf of child sex trafficking victims. While federal law recognizes no child willingly becomes a prostitute, New York law requires prosecutors to prove force, fraud or coercion was used to make a child participate in prostitution. Frequently, the only way to do this is through the testimony of the child victims sought to be protected. The Governor’s legislation would effectively remove this requirement, and give prosecutors the ability to seek proper justice for these victims without the need to put them through the trauma of appearing in court. the National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888
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The Jericho Arts Council features a concert this evening beginning at 8:00 PM featuring the B-G Jazz Band, Pops Choir and The Fabulous Moonlighters. Ticket reservations can be made at 288-3882
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A Village of Greene resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 3 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Deputies arrested 41 year old John Fox Jr. after responding to a domestic dispute in the Village of Greene. Fox is alleged to have thrown a victim to the ground in the presence of three minors under the age of 17; he was arraigned in the Village of Greene Court and was released on recognizance, to reappear in court at a later date.
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A fundraiser is being held Saturday in Sidney to benefit 2 year old Trinity O’Connor of Sidney & her family. Trinity is suffering from a stage 4 cancer, and the medical bills & chemo therapy expenses are difficult for the family. Family friend Kelly Phelps explains:
(Kelly Phelps 4-18-18)
Donations are also being accepted through the O’Connor Strong Facebook page, Saturday’s fundraiser will be held at the Sidney Elks Lodge on River Street from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.
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The Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton is opening for its 143rd season on Saturday, visitors will see the exhibit upgrades, projects, and animals born or acquired in the off-season, more information is available at 724-5461 or rossparkzoo.com.
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The Annual Earth Festival will be held at the Milford Central School District tomorrow, featuring exhibits, workshops, vendors, food and entertainment. The event will be held Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Milford Central School, more information is available at 547-4488.
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