Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 4 Mar 2008 6:44 am |
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From today's Virginia Pilot.....
Randy Parton and the city of Roanoke Rapids, NC have reached a settlement that ends the country singer's affiliation with a "flagging" music theater that once bore his name. The settlement of up to $750,000 relieves the city of a contract that would have paid Parton (the brother of Dolly Parton) $1.25 million over five years.
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that the agreement will give Parton $546,986 in addition to $203,013 in three bank accounts that were in his name. Up to $70,000 of that money could be claimed by local vendors with outstanding bills.
Roanoke Rapids officials had wooed the country singer with an agreement to build the 1,500 seat Randy Parton Theater. The city borrowed $21.5 million for the project they hoped would anchor an entertainment district.
Parton was kicked off the job amid poor ticket sales, concerns that he misused city money, and accusations that he was intoxicated before a show. Parton has denied the allegations. He has said the city could have helped the project by completing its plans to attract hotels and retail outlets to the site............
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This is pretty close to where I live and leaves out some details IMHO. Although he got some good cash out of the thing, I think Randy might have gotten a little "shafting" too. Roanoke Rapids had grand ideas of becoming another Branson, Missouri. The theater started out good with some nice shows including the Merle Haggard, Ray Price, & Willie Nelson bash which was very well attended. There were supposed to be some more high quality lodging sites, restaurants, etc. built around the site but I don't believe that ever happened. I don't know Randy but I don't think he's guilty of misusing any city money. I think the city's guilty of dragging its feet on their end, just my opinion.....JH in Va.
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Don't matter who's in Austin (or anywhere else) Ralph Mooney is still the king!!! |
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