Every week, 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 January 20th, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

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New Businesses Eyed for Former Galaxy Brewing Site in Binghamton

(Bob Joseph)
A Johnson City man acquired the property at 41 Court Street for $660,000 at a November auction. He told WNBF News that he is continuing to consider options for the site, which includes second- and third-floor space that had received city approval for use as apartments. While the new owner may pursue his own plans for the 39,520 square feet in the building, he also has listed the property for sale with an asking price of $1,250,000. He said he's willing to sell it if someone wants to buy it. A person familiar with the situation said potential leases are being negotiated with separate parties to establish two new businesses at the site. One lease would be for a bar and restaurant operation while the other would be to use the craft brewing equipment at the site to resume beer production.

Rescued: Over 50 Animals In Norwich New York According To Police

(Don Morgan)
According to the New York State Police Troop C in Sidney, New York, deputies executed a search warrant at a property on Mudge King Road in the Town of North Norwich, around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, for a report of possible animal neglect. The investigation resulted in the removal of over four dozen animals, including 30 horses, a pig, seven sheep, four goats, four chickens, seven dogs, and three cats, according to the New York State Police.  All the animals were found to be in need of immediate medical care. These animals were transported to various animal rescue locations throughout the area.  The report from the New York State Police also notes that multiple deceased animals were also located throughout the property.

Frustrated Binghamton City Councilmember Calls It Quits

(Bob Joseph)
A member of Binghamton City Council has resigned after becoming exasperated with the way things were going after one year. Olamni Porter was elected in November 2023 as the Democratic candidate to represent the city's First District. He submitted his letter of resignation last Thursday. Porter told WNBF News he ran for the council seat with the hope that he could make a difference even though he was "not a politician." During his brief stint on council, Porter came to the conclusion that the system "is broken" and "nobody wants to fix it." He was dismayed because he witnessed "a lot of infighting" among elected officials.

Local Leaders Unite Against Parole For Cheri Lindsey's Killer

(Don Morgan)
On January 23rd, Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti, Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski, Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar, the Crime Victims Assistance Center, the Lindsey Family, and other local officials held a press conference, expressing their strong opposition to the potential parole of James Wales, the convicted murderer of 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey. Wales was convicted in 1984 for the rape and murder of Cheri Lindsey and has been denied parole five times since becoming eligible in 2017. Wales is again scheduled for consideration by the New York State Parole Board, prompting local leaders and community partners to come together and speak out against his release.

More Changes Coming to Oakdale Commons This Year

(Bob Joseph)
Visitors to the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City can expect to see additional construction work as the transformation of the property moves forward. Marc Newman, a partner in Spark JC, said construction work is underway to turn the former Burlington store into an ambulatory surgical center that will be operated by Guthrie. Newman said more infrastructure work is being done on the west side of the property to address drainage issues. A new piping system should be completed within the next couple of months. Planning continues for the development of a 125-unit residential structure on the north side of the property. A new traffic signal will be installed at the north end of the Oakdale Commons near the apartment building, which should be ready for occupancy in 2027.

Ready To Fly In 2025? You Will Soon Need a REAL ID License

(Don Morgan)
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be at least REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and even access certain federal facilities according to the TSA. There had been talk that the TSA might delay the date, but even so, a passenger without a REAL ID could face airport screening delays. According to the NYS DMV, if you are not sure you have a REAL ID already, "If your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document." if you have a valid Passport, a REAL ID will not be required.

Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting at Town & Country Apartments

(Bob Joseph)
A Binghamton man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge in connection with the death of a person who was hit by a stray bullet at a city apartment complex. Police have announced that 19-year-old Darius Palmer entered a guilty plea to a count of first-degree manslaughter in Broome County Court on Wednesday. The charge was brought in the shooting death of 41-year-old Tyrell Norris, who was wounded on September 30 while in his residence at Town & Country Apartments. Norris sustained a gunshot wound to his head around 10:15 on that Monday night last fall. He died a short time later. Binghamton detectives determined Palmer was a suspect in the shooting. He was arrested on October 30 in the Bronx by members of a U.S. Marshals Service task force. He had been wanted on a warrant in an unrelated case that was being investigated by Johnson City police.

Breaking Down Governor Hochul's $5 Billion Tax Cuts For New York

(Don Morgan)
On January 21st, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced some highlights of the 2026 Fiscal Year Executive Budget. The budget will include over $5 billion in tax cuts, credits, and refunds to New York families, along with major education and healthcare investments. In addition, the Empire State will be keeping $21 billion in reserves. Another part of the budget announcement was a statewide proposal that will impose bell-to-bell restrictions on electronic device use in the classroom for kindergarten through 12th-grade students in New York State, along with more investments in education and improvements to the Foundation Aid formula.

 Broken Water Lines Cause Headaches in Endicott and Binghamton

(Bob Joseph)
A huge geyser erupted from a broken water main that flooded part of a town of Union neighborhood and resulted in an icy mess on nearby streets and sidewalks. The trouble occurred on Summit Street between Milan and Irving Avenues Wednesday evening. A torrent of water flowed downhill causing basement flooding at least one home south of the water main break. One residence wound up with about ten inches of water in its cellar. According to Village of Endicott officials, repairs were completed Wednesday night and there was no need for a boil water advisory. Public works crews returned to the area Thursday to clean up the affected streets and sidewalks. Another water-related problem developed Thursday afternoon at a downtown Binghamton hotel. City firefighters were sent to the DoubleTree by Hilton on Water Street shortly after noon to investigate an alarm related to the building's sprinkler system.

Digging Request Submitted for Oakdale Commons Chick-Fil-A Project

(Bob Joseph)
An application has been submitted to allow excavation for a potential Chick-fil-A project at the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. Town of Union supervisor Robert Mack said he was notified recently of the request that was filed with UDig NY, which coordinates any digging activity to ensure underground utilities are protected. Mack said the excavating application that referenced "Chick-fil-A" specified the southeast corner of the mall property near the intersection of Reynolds Road and Harry L. Drive. Mack told WNBF News on Friday he had learned of the request a few days ago. While he was pleased to see the Chick-fil-A reference, Mack said he doesn't know "if it's absolutely going to happen." But he said "I think it's hopeful" although there are no details available about the potential project.

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