The Southern Tier News You Missed Last Week Is Right Here

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 May 27, 2024, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

Steel Replacement Will Add to Square Deal Arch Renovation Cost

(Bob Joseph)
The project to repair and stabilize Johnson City's Square Deal Arch is getting more complicated and more expensive. The historic structure on Main Street at the east end of the village has been in need of renovation work for several years. Now that the job is underway, it's becoming apparent that the project isn't going to be as simple as officials had hoped. Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the steel that has made up the steel superstructure of the arch is coated with lead paint, so it must be removed and replaced.

National Pipe Renovating Felix Roma Bakery for Endicott Expansion

(Bob Joseph)
An iconic bakery building in Endicott will soon have a new use after its recent acquisition by National Pipe and Plastics. The expansion project could result in dozens of additional jobs for the company, which produces PVC pipe at its manufacturing facility on Mills Avenue. The Felix Roma & Sons - once considered the largest bakery in the Southern Tier -ended production at its South Page Avenue bakery on May 27 last year. Company president Matt Siegel told WNBF News renovation work has started on the former bakery to bring the building up to standards for a small pipe fabrication shop.

Technologists Endorse New York Bill To Regulate Meta

(Don Morgan)
Over a dozen technologists, including Chris Hughes, an original co-founder of Facebook, along with Joe Toscano, a former Google Experience Design consultant, sent a memo of support to Albany leadership calling for the passage of the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act (SAFE for Kids Act.) The New York State's legislative session ends on June 6th. According to the release, the group refutes many of Big Tech's false claims as they lobby to keep the status quo, including the claim that prohibiting the use of addictive algorithmic feeds would "make things worse" for minors.

$4.3 Million Makeover Transforming Grippen Park in Endicott

(Bob Joseph)
A new roof is being installed on the old Grippen Park ice rink building in West Endicott as a big renovation project moves forward. The park is operated by Broome County. The facility has been underutilized in the years since the skating facility sustained severe flood damage in April 2005. The county is redeveloping the park as part of a $4.3 million initiative that will repair and modernize the rink building. Additional amenities also will become available at the park. The county executive said he expects much of the park upgrade can be finished by late this summer.

Above Average Hurricane Season Predicted for New York

(Don Morgan)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has made its prediction for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and it's not on the lighter side. According to a report on the NOAA website, they predict an 85% chance of an above-normal season, a 10% chance of a near-normal season, and a 5% chance of a below-normal season. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season could experience anywhere from 17 to 25  named storms with winds no less than 39 mph.

Stolen Kia Crashes into Binghamton Police Car and Races Away

(Bob Joseph)
A man has been arrested after he allegedly smashed into a police car in Binghamton while driving a stolen Kia and then drove from the scene. Authorities said 24-year-old Tyeheem Crawley of Binghamton was charged with felony reckless endangerment after he was taken into custody in the First Ward. A city police officer attempted to stop a 2017 Kia Forte that had been reported stolen in Owego, on Edwards Street on the city's West Side around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. In addition to the reckless endangerment count, Crawley was charged with criminal possession of stolen property and criminal mischief. He was held for arraignment in Binghamton city court.

New York State Fair Ticket Price Changes for 2024

(Don Morgan)
As with everything else that pulls money out of your pocket, the fair admission price will increase for the second year in a row. It's not much, but it is still an increase. According to an article in Syrcause.com, last year, one adult admission was $6. For 2024, it will be $8, and the fair lot parking will also increase from $10 to $12 per vehicle. These prices are better than in years past. For example, tickets for the 2001 and 2002 fair adult admission were $8; from 2003 to 2019, it was $10.

Site Work Starts for Two Town of Dickinson Solar Projects

(Bob Joseph)
Two solar energy facilities are being built in the town of Dickinson but no additional projects will be approved by the town until further notice. The solar projects now under construction were approved before the town adopted a temporary moratorium on future installations. Town supervisor Michael Marinaccio said the two projects off Glenwood Road are currently being developed. Trees are being clear-cut at one of the sites located near Glenwood and St. Michael's cemeteries.

Groove In The Park: Broome Bands Together Concert Series Lineup

(Don Morgan)
The Broome County Parks, Recreation, & Youth Services announced this week that the annual Broome Bands Together Concert Series is returning for the 2024 summer season. 10 concerts are on the schedule this year. The concerts will be held at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton. Broome Bands Together Concert Series is free to attend and will occur between 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays in June, and July, and one date in August. For more information about Broome Bands Together or any services and events from the Broome County Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services, visit the GoBroomeCounty.com website.

New Store to Open at Site of Closed Binghamton Subway Shop

(Bob Joseph)
An old fast-food restaurant in Binghamton is being renovated as a new business prepares to open its doors. A grocery and deli is expected to open where a Subway sandwich shop had been located at Conklin Avenue and Tompkins Street on the city's South Side. The Subway restaurant suddenly closed about three years ago. It was one of several Subway operations that have gone out of business in Broome and Tioga counties since 2020. Zead Ghanem of Johnson City told WNBF News he is planning to open the Stop 'N' Shop Deli in the former Subway building.

New York DOT Vestal Maintenance Facility Temporarily Closed

(Bob Joseph)
Trucks and other equipment have been removed from the state Department of Transportation maintenance site in Vestal. The facility on Route 26 north of Pierce Hill Road has four buildings, including a large storage barn for road salt. In an email to WNBF News, an agency spokesperson said a new "sub-residency" facility is to be built. The state Office of General Services has taken over the site to oversee the project. The Office of General Services said a contract for the project has been awarded but work has not started. The contractor is finalizing the schedule and submitting information for review. The project's substantial completion date is December 2025.