Southern Tier Local New Recap For Week Of September 4th

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

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 September 4th, 2023 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.

Local Lifeguards Awarded Prestigious Award
(Don Morgan)
The Jim VanDeusen Cup for New York State Lifeguards is awarded at the end of each New York State Parks beach season to the facility that continuously performs to the highest standards and implemented best practices throughout the summer swim season. This year, the Cup went to the Chenango Valley State Park Lifeguards, led by Anastasia Rusnick.

Owego-Apalachin School District Changes Nickname
(Bob Joseph)
The Owego Apalachin Central School District officially dropping the nickname "Indians."
The New York State Department of Education directed all school districts to stop using Native American mascots, nicknames and logos whether the move was supported by local residents. Districts that balked at the order faced the prospect of losing millions of dollars in state aid.

Pet Owners Petitioning For After Hours Pet Care
(Bob Joseph)
A petition posted at change.org is directed at veterinarians of Broome, Tioga and Chenango counties. It seeks to make them aware "of the sadness, angst and feelings of helplessness when a pet owner is faced with the need" of after-hours care when it's not available. The petition calls on area veterinarians to reestablish a rotating pool to provide after-hours emergency care.

Beer Garden Under Construction In Downtown Binghamton
(Bob Joseph)
Richard David said the steel for the pre-engineered building at 138 Washington Street has been erected. He said the business will be a sports bar and "beer garden." The new business will be called Stadium 138 with an indoor capacity of 50 to 75 people. Outdoor seating for several dozen more patrons also will be available.

Dunkin Coming To Westover
(Bob Joseph)
A new doughnut and coffee shop is being constructed at 724 Main Street in Westover. The location is just east of the West Family YMCA. A 1,700-square-foot building is being constructed for a new Dunkin' shop. The town of Union planning board first approved the project in August 2020.

NYS Enhanced Gun And Ammo Backgorund Checks Set To Begin
(Traci Taylor)
The state of New York is preparing to implement a new background check system for all gun and ammunition purchases beginning on Wednesday, September 13. The fee for firearm purchases will be $9, while the fee for ammunition purchases will be $2.50, charged per transaction. These fees are expected to fund the state police's handling of background checks, which is mandated by the decade-old New York SAFE Act.