Southern Tier New York News You May Have Missed Is Right Here

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 on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of April 1, 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.

How Binghamton Responded to the 2009 Tragedy on Front Street

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton-area residents are reflecting on the mass shooting that resulted in 13 people being killed at the American Civic Association 15 years ago. The tragic events at the building at 131 Front Street occurred on the morning of April 3, 2009. The first word that a man had opened fire inside the facility came in a 911 call at 10:31 a.m.

Long-Delayed Route 17 Repaving Between Vestal and Owego Begins

(Bob Joseph)
Some relief is eventually coming for drivers traveling on the Southern Tier Expressway through eastern Tioga County. A two-year resurfacing project on Route 17 in the town of Owego is now underway. The deteriorating highway surface between Vestal and Owego has been the source of growing frustration for motorists. While the first phase of the construction job is underway, Route 17 traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. For the next several months, all vehicles will use what are normally the eastbound lanes of the highway while resurfacing is being done on the westbound lanes.

This Dangerous Invasive Bug Will Return to New York Soon

(Don Morgan)
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species, that feeds on trees and a variety of plants. The NYS DEC says that currently, the full impacts of the Spotted lanternfly are unknown, but they negatively impact the agricultural and tourism industries and may impact New York's forests. The months of April through July are the time for black nymphs or newly hatched Spotted Lanternflies to appear. You will find Red nymphs from July to September.

YWCA Planning $34 Million Binghamton Housing, Child Care Project

(Bob Joseph)
Construction on a big project to provide better child care and housing options in downtown Binghamton could get underway next fall. The YWCA of Binghamton is finalizing its plans for the initiative that's been in the works for years. Agency executive director Carole Coppens said five properties on Carroll Street and Lisle Avenue have been acquired for what is expected to be a $34 million project. 68 affordable housing units are to be built as part of an "intergenerational campus" planned for Lisle Avenue. One existing building is to be demolished to clear the way for the project. The former Broome County Urban League building at 45 Carroll Street will be renovated for a new child care center. The center will be able to accommodate 96 children.

Raising Awareness & Preventing Child Abuse In Broome County

(Don Morgan)
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Family Violence Prevention Council of Broome County has launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness and prevent instances of child abuse in Brome County. PreventChildAbuse.org is a national organization that works to prevent child abuse and neglect, and this year’s national theme is Building a Hopeful Future, Together. The Family Violence Prevention Council of Broome County joins in with this year's theme, hosting several initiatives that build hopeful futures throughout Broome County in April.

Endicott Business Owners Brace for Big Washington Avenue Project

(Bob Joseph)
The long-awaited massive makeover of Endicott's central business district is about to get underway. Work on the Washington Avenue improvement project is scheduled to start on April 15. Mayor Nick Burlingame said construction crews will begin with the water infrastructure along "The Avenue." The project includes rebuilding the roadway and sidewalks from North Street to East Main Street. New street lights and trash cans will be installed. Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Burlingame said Washington Avenue "should be looking beautiful by the end of the year."

Hochul's Project: Modernizing NY DMV For Better Customer Service

(Don Morgan)
According to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's website, an announcement was made recently about a project to overhaul outdated NYS DMV technology. The goal is to bring significant customer service improvements to residents of the Empire State. Governor Hochul's office notes that a significant portion of the NYS DMV’s current technology, some of which are over 50 years old, will make the DMV more secure, stable, and agile.

New Yorkers Question Delay in State's Earthquake Notification

(Bob Joseph)
Many people in upstate New York were not aware there had been an earthquake on Friday until they received an emergency alert on their phones. The public safety message from the state Office of Emergency Management advised New Yorkers that an "EARTHQUAKE occurred in New Jersey." The alert warned that "aftershocks may occur." People were advised to call 911 only if someone was hurt or if there was an emergency. An emergency alert tone sounded on cellphones across the state around 12:05 p.m. - more than 90 minutes after the earthquake happened.

Hey New York & PA! Girl Scout Cookie Season Extended

(Don Morgan)
According to the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, the cookie season, which normally ends on March 31st, has been extended through Sunday, April 21st! Bad weather during the second half of March forces some cookie drive cancellations. You will be helping to support local Girl Scouts. Girl Scout cookie sales are popping up throughout the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways territory, which includes 24 counties in New York State, including Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Tioga, and Tompkins, along with Bradford and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania. For areas throughout the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, visit the Cookie Finder website - buygirlscoutcookiesnow.com.

Postal Service Vehicle Damaged in Binghamton Smash-and-Grab

(Bob Joseph)
Some mail reportedly was stolen after someone smashed a window in a U.S. Postal Service vehicle in a Binghamton neighborhood. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday while the mail delivery van was parked on Liberty Street near Munsell Street on the city's North Side. A letter carrier reported a passenger side window in the vehicle had been punched out and mail apparently was taken. Binghamton police detective Captain Cory Minor said although it appeared someone rummaged through the mail in the vehicle, it was not known whether anything was taken.