Don’t Miss Out On These Important Southern Tier News Updates

Every week, we recap some essential local news we reported on 1290 AM/92.1 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations on-air, our websites, and social media platforms.

Catch up on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of April 22, 2024, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

Man with Loaded Gun Grabs Girl at Johnson City School Track Meet

(Bob Joseph)
A man armed with a loaded handgun and a knife was arrested after he grabbed a girl during a track meet at Johnson City High School. Authorities said 40-year-old Colin Williams of Johnson City has been charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon. He also faces a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Village police were called to the high school on Reynolds Road around 2:40 p.m. Saturday when people reported a man grabbed a female athlete and escorted her toward a parking lot while telling her she had to leave with him.

New 'Fentanyl Fighter' Pilot Program In Broome County Aims To Save Lives

(Don Morgan)
On April 22, 2024, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced that county deputies and corrections officers are now equipped with a new tool to help save lives and prevent overdose deaths both in the Broome County Correctional Facility and in the community. An FDA-approved opioid antagonist - Opvee is a nasal spray that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose and quickly helps restore blood pressure, breathing, and consciousness to those experiencing a potentially fatal overdose.

Raymond Corporation Buys Two Kirkwood Buildings for Expansion

(Bob Joseph)
A major Southern Tier manufacturing firm is expanding operations in Broome County with the acquisition of a pair of properties in the town of Kirkwood. Raymond Corporation of Greene has announced it has purchased two buildings to provide more space for warehousing and light manufacturing operations. The company makes forklifts and other material-handling equipment. According to Broome County property records, Raymond acquired the buildings at 191 and 196 Corporate Drive for $9.8 million on April 1.

 New York State Sheriffs Advocate For Police Officer Safety

(Don Morgan)
On Tuesday, April 24, 2024, according to the New York State Sheriff's Association Facebook page, Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond held a news conference as President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association, to speak about the recent trend in the Empire State of violence against police officers. Joined by sheriffs from across New York State, Dumond issued a call for lawmakers to prioritize the safety of law enforcement officers and an end to this type of violence. He spoke about recent violence against police officers who have been killed or injured.

Suspicious Fire Tears Through Downtown Binghamton Houses

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton firefighters battled a fast-moving blaze that erupted in an abandoned building and spread to a neighboring structure. The fire started in a two-family house at 124 Henry Street. It was reported shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday. The two-story wood frame building was engulfed in flames when the first police officer arrived at the scene. The fire quickly spread to the rear of a neighboring house at 126 Henry Street. A man who had been inside the second building made it out safely.

Binghamton University Names New Head Coach Of Women's Basketball

(Don Morgan)
On April 24th, Binghamton University Athletics announced via the BU Bearcats website, the new head coach for the BU Division I Wdmen's Basketball Program. 21-year coaching veteran, Mary Grimes, who most recently coached Le Moyne for the past three seasons, will be introduced in a press conference at 2 p.m. Friday, April 26th at the Events Center. According to Binghamton University Athletics, Grimes led the Le Moyne Dolphins to 18 wins during the past season, including a 14-2 conference record, runner-up NEC tournament finish, and the program's first-ever WNIT berth. Grimes was chosen as the NEC Coach of the Year by her peers.

Site Work Starts on Controversial Vestal Housing Project

(Bob Joseph)
Crews have started the process of clearing a heavily wooded area of Vestal for a massive housing development. Landmark Properties of Georgia is moving forward on the 161-unit project on 43 acres between Bunn Hill Road and Jensen Road. A group of Vestal residents spent several years trying to block the project. Opponents expressed a range of concerns, including safety issues because of the increased traffic that would be generated by the project. A state appeals court ruled against the opponents and the current town board opted not to fight the developers.

Binghamton University To Graduate Over 5900: What You Need To Know

(Don Morgan)
For the 2024 spring graduation season, according to the Commencement section of the Binghamton University website, nine graduation ceremonies will be held from May 9th through the 11th, 2024, which is a Thursday through Saturday time frame. That means roadways around the campus in Vestal will be busy during that time including hotels and restaurants. Downtown Binghamton usually sees an increase in traffic as well as pedestrians. Be aware as you travel through these areas over those three days.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies Being Sold by David Sobotka

(Bob Joseph)
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are about to be acquired by a company that owns dozens of other minor league baseball teams in the United States and Canada. The Rumble Ponies have entered into an agreement to sell the team to Diamond Baseball Holdings. According to Friday's announcement, the team will continue to play at Mirabito Stadium, a city-owned facility in downtown Binghamton. The sale comes less than two-and-a-half years after David Sobotka purchased the team from John Hughes. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Great News for Binghamton Small Businesses with NY Budget Item

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Liquor Authority recently announced significant changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. in the Empire State. Governor Kathy Hochul has been working on modernizing the state’s antiquated ABC laws. More are included in this year’s Enacted Budget including a five-year extension for the current 'Alcohol-To-Go' provision to continue through 2030, beginning in 2025. This allows bars and restaurants in New York State to sell alcoholic beverages "to-go" for off-premises consumption under appropriate limitations, according to the New York State Liquor Authority.

Binghamton Elementary School Upgrade Will Receive More State Aid

(Bob Joseph)
Needed renovation work at an old Binghamton elementary school could start sooner with the approval of additional state funding for the project. For years, Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School on Ogden Street on the city's North Side has been in need of upgrading. Parents and neighborhood residents spoke out against the possibility the school might be closed. Now, according to Senator Lea Webb and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, a provision was included in the just-approved New York budget.