The Binghamton Police Department arrested 59 year old Jerry Hopkins of Binghamton, for 2nd degree Arson, for allegedly setting fire at the Dixie 2000 Rooming House at 106 Henry Street Monday Morning.  Police stated that the 1st floor office was broken into & a liquid accelerant was ignited, which led to an explosion & significant damage.  The fire was extinguished by the buildings sprinkler system, no injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to call Binghamton Police at 772-7080.

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Securities industry profits in 2018 were 11% higher than the previous year, but the average bonus paid to industry employees declined by almost 17%, according to an estimate released by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  Despite increased market volatility, and the worst December for the Dow Jones Industrial Average since 1931, the industry had an 11% growth in pretax profits for the broker/dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange member firms.  Profits totaled $27.3 billion in 2018, up from $24.5 billion in 2017, Employment in the securities industry increased to 181,300 jobs, the highest level in a decade.

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Governor Cuomo announced available assistance for farmers impacted by extreme rainfall and wet weather conditions last summer. Last week, the federal government declared 12 counties across the state as natural disaster areas. With these designations, farmers in the impacted areas may be eligible for assistance, including emergency loans, from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.   Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information, more information is available at fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/New-York

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More than 500 fire departments across New York have already signed up for the 9th Annual Recruit NY Weekend (April 27 – 28). Recruit NY is a cornerstone campaign of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, with the goal of increasing membership in the State’s volunteer fire service.  During the weekend, volunteer fire departments will open their doors and provide the public with a glimpse of what it means to be a volunteer firefighter.  To find a local Fire Department participating, go to recruitny.org/participation-area.

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Tickets have gone on sale for Don McLean & Pure Prairie League concert, scheduled for Friday, August 9th at the Osterhout Concert Theater.  Tickets are available online at anderson.binghamton.edu, at 777-ARTS, or at the Anderson Center Box Office. 

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Animal Adventure in Harpursville is conducting another “Name The Giraffe” Contest, which is now into the 2nd round.  April & Oliver welcomed a healthy male calf on Saturday, March 16th, he was 139 lbs and stands 5′ 11″.  Those wishing to participate can go to namethegiraffe.com.

Broome County DA Steven Cornwell announced that a Broome County Grand Jury handed up a 5-count indictment against 45 year old Wilfredo Pica-Torres of Binghamton, for 2nd-degree murder, attempted Murder & 1st & 2nd degree arson in connection with incident on Walnut Street in Binghamton in February.  Pica-Torres is accused of intentionally setting a fire to a building at 109 Walnut Street in Binghamton on February 9th, which led to the death of Victor Banayan.

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Osteoporosis will be the next topic that will be discussed by Melissa Tworkowsky of UHS Orthopedics of Norwich, at Bohemian Moon at 103 W. Main Street in Norwich this evening.  The program is part of UHS Chenango Memorial’s 2019 Women’s Health Series, held monthly at the Norwich restaurant.  The event will begin at 6:00 PM, more information on the series or to reserve a seat is available at 337-4183.

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