Missed Southern Tier Local News? Here Is Your Recap

Every Monday, 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 here on local, regional, or state news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of March 4th, 2024, 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.

Binghamton Police Assaulted While Investigating ATV Use at School

Two city police officers were assaulted while investigating a report that people had been riding ATVs outside a Binghamton school. Authorities said the attack happened around 7 p.m. Monday after a caller said all-terrain vehicles were being operated on the baseball field behind Benjamin Franklin Elementary School at 262 Conklin Avenue. A disturbance erupted as police tried to take one person into custody. While placing him under arrest, two officers were assaulted. One was kicked in the head while the other was punched in the head and jaw.

West Endicott Motel Near En-Joie Golf Course to Be Torn Down

An abandoned town of Union motel that's been targeted by vandals and arsonists for years is about to be demolished. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the place "has been sitting there forever - getting worse and worse." He said the site has been "one of the big last remaining eyesores" in the county. Garnar told WNBF News the property has just been acquired by the Broome County Land Bank and "the whole thing's going to be demolished within the next few months."

Plans Detailed for New Use of Old CVS Store Near Binghamton Plaza

A new use is being proposed for an abandoned chain pharmacy store in Binghamton. The CVS Pharmacy at 34 West State Street on the city's North Side was closed in March 2022. The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier is planning to develop a new facility at the site of the old store. The Binghamton-based agency wants to establish a supportive crisis stabilization center in the building, which it acquired last year for $450,000.

Johnson City Discount Store Opens in Former Olum's Building

Sami Liquidation has opened its doors in the building at 222 Main Street in Johnson City. The site had been vacant for the past five months after Dollar General moved to a nearby building. The overstock merchandise includes items that would be sold at major retailers like Cosco, Walmart, and Target. The 7,200-square-foot store stocks a wide array of larger items like furniture, appliances, and tools. Large bins loaded with smaller items fill one side of the selling area.

Work Resumes on New Dunkin' Outlet Near Johnson City

Construction of a new Dunkin' doughnut and coffee shop in the town of Union is moving forward after a delay of several months. Work at the site in Westover started late last summer. Some excavation operations occurred at the property at the intersection of Main Street and Oakdale Road. BAPA Network of Horseheads plans to operate the Dunkin' store. BAPA CEO Manish Patel could not be reached for information about what held up construction or when the shop will open.

Broome County NY Sheriff's K9 Marley Sniffs Out Illegal Substance

The newest addition to the Broome County Sheriff's Corrections Investigation Unit is K9 Marley has already been a great asset to the CIU. In February 2024, K9 Marley was instrumental in uncovering drugs in two incidences at the Brome County Correctional Facility that led to multiple felony charges. The first incident was on February 14, 2024, as the CIU, along with K9 Marley were conducting a search of of female-occupied K-Dorm. The second incident occurred in the male-occupied F-pod housing unit, where with the help of K9 Marley, the CIU conducted a cell search.

New Senior Housing Coming To Vestal 

The new Vestal Chateau Apartments are being built at 2040 State Route 26 in Vestal and are expected to be completed in late April. When completed, the Chateau Apartment complex will consist of 30 units, with 20 being one-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom complexes. These apartments are being designed for affordable senior housing. Seven of the apartments will be specifically for mobility-impaired individuals, two for those with hearing/vision impairments, and five for fragile elderly seniors. Ground-floor units are adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.

Mets Spring Breakout Roster: 11 Rumble Ponies Prospects To Watch

Spring training and games are already in progress for the Mets organization at their Clover Park Spring Training home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Current and future Rumble Ponies prospects are preparing for another exciting season in Binghamton. According to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Major League Baseball announced on March 7th, that eleven players from the 2023 Binghamton Rumble Ponies will be on the 2024 New York Mets Spring Breakout roster. The top prospects will play the Washington Nationals top prospects on Friday, March 15th at at Clover Park. The Rumble Ponies note that the roster will include shortstop/outfielder, Jett Williams, outfielder Drew Gilbert, and shortstop/2nd baseman Luisangel Acuña.