ICYMI – Binghamton Area Local News For Week Of July 17

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

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It's our way of informing you of some of the more important local news stories you may have missed over the week. Below are some of the local, regional, or state news items in a short recap that we reported on for the week of July 17th, 2023 from various agencies and from news reporting from WNBF's Bob Joseph.

Johnson City Principal Accused of Luring 16 Year Old Girl For Sex
(Bob Joseph)

The principal of a Johnson City school has been charged with attempted rape after he allegedly agreed to meet a teenage student to engage in sex. Authorities say 55-year-old Daniel Erickson of Greene was taken into custody following an investigation by the Broome County Sheriff's Office. In addition to third-degree attempted rape, Erickson faces a felony count of luring a child.

PSP Towanda Warm Of Phone Scam
(Pennsylvania State Police)
Pennsylvania State Police Towanda has been seeing an increase in a type of crime where callers state they are from a business, a police officer, government agency or lottery service, asking residents of a type of payment using gift cards. If you receive a call from anyone asking for this type of payment, it is a scam.

Fenton Man Who threatened Police Is Now In Custody
(Bob Joseph)

Police have apprehended a Broome County man who had posted a series of online threats against law enforcement agencies. The 36-year-old North Fenton resident was located more than 24 hours after a manhunt was launched. He was found shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday not far from his home on Route 79. According to state police update, "no injuries were reported to the man or to law enforcement."

New Berlin resident Arrested For Aggravated Cruelty To Animals
(Chenango County Sheriff's Office)

A Town of New Berlin resident was arrested by the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office for 2 counts of Aggravated cruelty to animals, 2 counts of Failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal, and 2 counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, failure to provide proper sustenance in the Town of Norwich. Note from the Chenango County Sheriff's Office: All crimes  are allegations, and suspects named are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chestnut Inn at Oquaga Lake Open Again For Business
(Bob Joseph)

The historic Chestnut Inn on Oquaga Lake in eastern Broome County is welcoming guests once again under new ownership. General manager James McHugh told WNBF News that "there's an enormous attachment" to the Chestnut Inn. He's been impressed by the number of phone calls, emails and thank you notes received since the reopening plans were first reported in May.

$150K To Help Serve At-Risk Binghamton Middle Schoolers
(Binghamton Mayor Kraham Office)

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham and Lourdes Youth Service announced  $150,000 for programming targeting at-risk middle schoolers/ The money will go to Lourdes Youth Services to provide in-school and after-school support and programming to Easdt Middle School and West Middle School students and their families.

Nasco Home Store To Close - To Be replaced By A New Chain Store
(Bob Joseph)

The Nasco Home and Flooring Center store at 1272 Front Street north of Binghamton will be closing its doors in a few weeks. Store manager Seth Hamby said employees on Monday learned of the decision to shut down the location. He said the store is expected to close within the next 50 to 90 days. After Nasco closes, the building will be renovated for a new Harbor Freight Tools store.

Vestal Boy Scout Builds Gaga Ball Pit
(Bob Joseph)

Michael Juriga II, a member of Boy Scout Troop 221, decided to construct a "gaga ball pit" at Camp Sertoma. Gaga ball is a bit like dodge ball. It's been played in the United States for decades and has been growing in popularity in recent years. The 16-year-old Juriga worked to raise the money for the wood and other materials needed to build the durable gaga pit.