Southern Tier Local News Recap For Week Of September 17th

Every week (usually on Monday afternoon) I recap some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM/92.1 FM WNBF and our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations on-air and on our websites and social media platforms.

Below are some of the local, regional, or state news items in a short recap that we reported on for the week of September 18th, 2023 from various agencies and news reporting from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

Is It A Mailbox Or A City Trash Can?
(Bob Joseph)
Some of downtown Binghamton's old, drab-looking trash receptacles are being replaced by blue custom-made cans that at first glance look similar to mailboxes. The first reviews from some people walking and working downtown were positive, although several remarked that the new cans resemble mailboxes.

New York State Transparency Law Now In Effect
(Don Morgan)
On Sunday, September 17th, 2023 the New York State Pay Transparency Law went into effect. This legislation was signed into law in 2022 by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. t requires businesses that employ four or more employees to include compensation ranges in all advertisements for job, promotion, and transfer opportunities.

Mayor, Sheriff Spar Over Crime Unit In The Village of Endicott
(Bob Joseph)
Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson is raising questions about the way Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar deployed deputies to the village in recent weeks. The sheriff said some of his agency's initiatives in the village over the summer were conducted "in concert with the Endicott Police Department."

Roundabouts Found To Be The Safer Option
(Don Morgan)
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Roundabouts are better than intersections. "Crashes involving suspected serious injuries were reduced by 24%; crashes involving suspected non-serious injuries were reduced by 51%; and the total number of crashes were reduced by 3%."

Gunfire Outside Binghamton Birthday Party
(Bob Joseph)
The gunfire erupted as a birthday party for a 2-year-old girl was being held on the second floor of the American Legion. About 10 children and 10 adults were at the gathering. The shooter was chased from the scene. Police had the car he left in the parking lot towed away.

Kraft Cheese Slice Recall Issued
(Don Morgan)
Kraft announced a voluntary recall of about 83,800 cases of individually-wrapped Kraft Singles American processed cheese slices. A thin strip of the individual film might remain on the slice after the wrapper has been removed. The film stuck to the cheese slice could potentially cause a gagging or choking hazard.

IBM Country Club Site Development Delayed
(Bob Joseph)
Construction of a 75-unit apartment complex on the site of the former IBM Country Club near Johnson City won't get underway this year. When demolition of the abandoned buildings was announced last October, Broome County officials said they expected groundbreaking for the apartment project would start in the spring.

New Outdoor Fitness Court To Open At SUNY Broome
(Don Morgan)
The fitness court offers free access for high quality workouts and equitable access to exercise for communities in and around Broome County. The outdoor gym will consist of seven exercise stations. The fitness court is for people 14 years of age and over. With all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace.

I-81 Walkway To Become A Thing Of The Past
(Bob Joseph)
An old pedestrian bridge over Interstate 81 in the town of Dickinson is expected to be removed next month. Winter maintenance of the structure had become "increasingly hazardous" so the decision was made to close the bridge. A new pathway for pedestrians opened last year as part of the Front Street reconstruction project.