Be Informed: Southern Tier Local News Recap

Every week, we recap some of the 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 June 30, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Read More: The Latest Arrest Report From The Broome County Sheriff

Burnett Calls on Kraham to Release More Info on Binghamton Plaza

(Bob Joseph)
Miles Burnett, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican Mayor Jared Kraham, is seeking additional details about what the city plans to do with the Binghamton Plaza site. Kraham has announced that the city of Binghamton is preparing to make a formal offer to the New Jersey owners of the North Side property. The mayor on Friday said a third-party appraiser has set a value of $1.55 million for the parcels that make up the plaza site on West State Street. Burnett on Monday said, "Before the city spends another penny to acquire this property, Kraham should tell North Side residents and business owners more specifics about what is planned for the site.

Colesville Man Sentenced To Life For Crossbow Murder

(Don Morgan)
On February 28th (2025), an announcement was made by Paul Battisti, Broome County District Attorney, that Patrick Proefriedt of Colesville, New York, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree in Broome County Court. Proefriedt was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison, which is the maximum sentence permitted by law, for charges from an incident on June 26, 2023. On February 28th (2025), an announcement was made by Paul Battisti, Broome County District Attorney, that Patrick Proefriedt of Colesville, New York, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree in Broome County Court. Proefriedt was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison, which is the maximum sentence permitted by law, for charges from an incident on June 26, 2023.

Another Convenience Store Planned in Binghamton Neighborhood

(Bob Joseph)
A Vestal man is seeking permission to open a Binghamton convenience store less than a block away from a similar business that recently began operating. Balwant Heer outlined his plans to construct a two-story building with the business on the ground floor and three apartments on the second floor. Heer wants to develop the project at 74 Tompkins Street on the city's South Side. The new structure would be located next door to a liquor store he owns. An unoccupied two-story house would be demolished to clear the site for the convenience store. The store would be located about a half block north of Stop N Shop Deli, which opened less than a year ago at the corner of Tompkins Street and Conklin Avenue.

Mayor Kraham Announces Free Parking For Binghamton Saturdays

(Don Morgan)
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared M. Kraham announced that free parking will be available in Downtown Binghamton every Saturday in July. The free parking initiative will run on July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. That means free parking on all downtown streets, as well as in the Downtown Binghamton parking garages, including Water Street, State Street, Hawley Street, and the parking lot on Collier Street. Every Sunday, parking is already free, so now every weekend in Downtown Binghamton is free parking in July.

Dangerous Abandoned Downtown Binghamton Building Secured

(Bob Joseph)
Security fencing has been erected around a downtown Binghamton apartment house that's been described by state officials as a "well-known eyesore." The Kenmore Building at 263 Washington Street has been vacant for nearly two decades. Bricks and other pieces of the three-story structure have fallen to the ground in recent years. People who live near the building have said they've seen homeless people staying in the rundown house during the winter. Despite the apparent hazardous conditions, the city had not taken steps to secure the property. Temporary fencing appeared at the site in recent days. It could not be determined exactly when it was erected.

Jonah Tong And Carson Benge Shine As Futures Game Selections

(Don Morgan)
On July 1st, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies announced that right-handed pitcher Jonah Tong and outfielder Carson Benge were selected to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game to be held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 12th, 2025. The Futures Game features Major League Baseball’s top prospects as part of MLB All-Star Week and will feature a National League vs. American League format. The Futures Game will air live on the MLB Network and simulcast on MLB.TV, MLB.com, and in the MLB app beginning at 4 p.m. on July 12th.

No "Retreat" for Vestal Residents Near Bunn Hill Project

(Bob Joseph)
Some people who live near a planned 700-resident community being built in Vestal have found it difficult to relax lately. Construction crews are using heavy equipment to transform a 43-acre site south of the Binghamton University campus into a massive housing development. Residents of the area between Bunn Hill Road and Jensen Road have been complaining about noise, surveillance cameras, and other problems associated with the project. Workers typically are on the job 12 hours a day - from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Giant earth-moving vehicles and other equipment are preparing the site for the construction of 161 "cottage-style" units for what Landmark Properties calls "The Retreat at Bunn Hill."

Summer 2025: Family-Friendly 5K Races In Broome County Parks

(Don Morgan)
The Broome County Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services have announced their 2025 summer 5K series. The 5K Series is being held this month (July) and August at several Broome County Parks, according to the announcement. The parks include Greenwood, Dorchester, Otsiningo, and Nathaniel Cole. All races are family-friendly, and Broome County Parks notes that all participants of all abilities are welcome and encouraged. To register, visit the race sign-up website. All registrants will receive a t-shirt and medal for all four races, but you must register by July 8th to receive the t-shirt and medal.  Registration for individual races and t-shirt purchases is also available.

Binghamton Garage Walkway to Boscov's Still Unfinished

(Bob Joseph)
More than seven months after Binghamton's new $25 million parking facility opened for its first users, the walkway that will link the ramp to Boscov's department store remains incomplete. The first level of the garage with about 40 parking spaces became operational just before Thanksgiving in order to accommodate holiday shoppers. Mayor Jared Kraham announced the full opening of the five-story facility in mid-March. Although all levels of the 500-space garage were available for use, he said some additional work would be needed to complete the construction project. One of the items that wasn't finished was the walkway connecting the parking structure with the neighboring department store.

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