New York Southern Tier News Recaps? We’ve Got It 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 13, 2024, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

$175 Million UHS Wilson Main Tower Project Nearing Completion

(Bob Joseph)
Construction will soon be finished on a massive expansion project at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. United Health Services officials spent years planning to develop the Wilson Main Tower on Main Street on the north end of the existing hospital. John Carrigg, UHS president and CEO, said it's "a transformational, monumental project" for the healthcare organization. He said it is "the largest project in our history." Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program on Tuesday, Carrigg said "we are very close to being complete on the first three floors" of the six-story structure.

Broome County-wide License Plate Reader Network To Be Installed

(Don Morgan)
An $834,118 grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Law Enforcement Technology program has been awarded to the Broome County Sheriff's Office according to a release. Most of the funding will help to purchase and install a county-wide License Plate Reader network. This network will integrate with the Southern Tier Crime Analysis Center with the purpose of assisting law enforcement agencies in identifying and locating wanted criminals and fugitives entering the community.

Out-of-Control SUV Hits Pole, Building Near Binghamton City Hall

(Bob Joseph)
A sport utility vehicle apparently sideswiped an office building, knocked out a light pole and veered across a downtown Binghamton street before slamming into a planter about a block away. The incident happened on Hawley Street, just west of State Street, around 2:40 p.m. Thursday. The late model Nissan Murano was traveling westbound past Binghamton City Hall when it jumped a curb and smashed into a trash can while coming into contact with a building at 71 State Street. The SUV careened across the street and veered across the oncoming lanes before striking a planter at the corner of Hawley and Washington streets.

Scammers Posing As Publisher Clearing House Reps In Broome County

(Don Morgan)
One of the latest scams being reported includes one from supposed representatives from the Publisher Clearing House. According to the Broome County District Attorney's Office, residents throughout Broome County have been contacted by persons claiming to be from Publisher Clearing House. The scammers have been informing residents that they have won a substantial prize, and then proceed to ask for payment of fees and taxes to claim the prize. The Broome County District Attorney's Office reminds residents to be vigilant against these scams, noting that legitimate sweepstakes organizations do not require winners to pay fees upfront to receive their prizes.

Binghamton First Ward Apartment Project Could Be Expanded

(Bob Joseph)
A developer is considering an additional phase of a previously announced housing and commercial complex proposed for the First Ward of Binghamton. Long Island-based Metro Group properties last September revealed plans for a 102-unit mixed-use building for a vacant site on Clinton Street. The developer's representatives now have outlined a much-larger project that ultimately could result in a total of 288 dwelling units. Mayor Jared Kraham said for now, the city is focusing on the initial phase of the housing project outlined last September that called for the construction of a single building. Kraham said if that can be fully funded and is deemed a success, an additional phase could be pursued.

Calls For Boost In Federal Funding For Local NYS Fire Departments

(Don Morgan)
On May 15, 2024, during a press conference, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced a push to provide a boost in federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill. This would provide funding for New York State local fire companies to purchase equipment and emergency vehicles, along with addressing staffing shortages. Many New York State fire departments are relying on outdated equipment, and are dealing with staff shortages.

Big Disappearing Act: Demo Crews Remove Abandoned Endicott Motel

(Bob Joseph)
The blighted Red Carpet Inn across from the En-Joie Golf Course in West Endicott has been torn down. Gorick Construction workers demolished the 61-room motel on West Main Street over the past week. The dilapidated building had been an eyesore for neighbors in recent years. The property is located near the Charles F. Johnson Elementary School. Although the structure has been knocked down, crews on Friday continued to load large trucks with demolition debris to be hauled to the Broome County landfill.

Record Amount of Roadwork Set For Broome County New York In 2024

(Don Morgan)
Thursday, May 16, 2024, Broome County Executive, Jason Garnar and Broome County Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, Chet Kupiec announced the Broome County Highway Division's 2024 roadwork schedule. This will be the fourth year in a row for a record amount of roadwork in the county. According to the announcement from Garnar and Kupiec, this year's plan will include over 38 projects over 48.50 miles of roads that will be milled and paved in Broome County.

Hibachi and Sushi Restaurant Coming to Endicott's Washington Ave.

(Bob Joseph)
A building that was home to a popular Endicott restaurant is being renovated for a new establishment. Construction crews have gutted the interior of a structure on the south end of Washington Avenue. The place had been known as Nirchi's on the Avenue for nearly two decades. That restaurant closed in January 2019. It later became Celebrations on the Avenue, which ceased operations last June. People familiar with the plans for the site say a hibachi and sushi restaurant is being developed there. Workers were busy inside the front portion of the future restaurant in the area where the hibachi tables are to be located. The owner of the future restaurant could not be reached to comment on when the business is expected to open.

River Sharks Hockey Leaves Elmira For A NYS City To Be Announced

(Don Morgan)
The Binghamton Black Bears hockey team will no longer be making the short drive to Elmira as the one-year rivalry comes to an end. According to the FPHL website, the River Sharks have ceased operations, were recently purchased, and will have a new name and home in New York State, to be announced on May 20, 2024. Two more teams are slated to join the FPHL beginning in the 2024-2025 season. As for Elmira, according to the First Arena website, it has been announced that a new team will take over the ice as part of the North American Hockey League. The team name will be the Elmira Aviators, and will begin play in the 2024-2025 season.

Hidden in Hillcrest: Historic Camp Property Being Sold

(Bob Joseph)
A Broome County campground that drew thousands of people to summertime events may soon have a new owner. The Pilgrim Holiness Camp in Hillcrest was the site of annual revival meetings for decades. Furniture and other items that remained at the campground have been sold in recent weeks. An auction was held at the site on Saturday. Church treasurer Charles Whitney told WNBF News on Monday the property is "not under contract yet" but discussions are continuing with a prospective buyer.