These Are Your Binghamton New York Area News Headlines

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 August 11, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Mayoral Candidates Talk Issues in Lively Radio Debate

(Bob Joseph)
It may still be summer, but the candidates running for Binghamton mayor had a chance to discuss their vision for the city during a spirited debate on News Radio WNBF. Incumbent Republican Jared Kraham and Democratic challenger Miles Burnett answered questions about several key issues facing Binghamton during Thursday morning's broadcast. The debate occurred less than 48 hours after it was scheduled on the live WNBF talk show. Burnett was in the studio, and Kraham called into the program last Tuesday.

What To Expect From Operation Healthy Broome’s Free Health Services

(Don Morgan)
Broome County Government has joined with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training program and the United Way of Broome County for Operation Healthy Broome. The program began on Monday, August 11th (2025) and continues through Wednesday, August 20th. This program for Broome County residents and anyone in need from across the region is providing no-cost medical, dental, and vision care services. Residents who wish to take advantage of the Operation Healthy Broome Services need to register. Registration opens each day through August 20th at 8 a.m. The services will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until the daily capacity is reached for each service.

Ross Park Carousel: Construction to Start for "New Home"

(Bob Joseph)
Construction is set to begin on a new building for Binghamton's historic Ross Park carousel. The long-delayed restoration project for the century-old merry-go-round is now expected to be completed by the end of this year. The Ross Park Zoo announced that the city's project to construct the "new home" for the carousel started last week. During the construction work, there will be limited access to the area around the playground near the park pavilions.

Essential Hiking Tips From New York State Forest Rangers

(Don Morgan)
Many times, these brave Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue efforts throughout the year, especially during the warm summer months when many outdoor enthusiasts take to hiking throughout New York State. Click on the above headline for recent heroic efforts by the NYS DEC Forest Rangers, along with tips to make your hiking a safe adventure.

City Receives State Funds to Study Binghamton Plaza Site Options

(Bob Joseph)
A $75,000 state grant has been approved to enable the city of Binghamton to create a detailed redevelopment plan for commercial property on the North Side. Mayor Jared Kraham said the money will be used to pay for a study on new uses for the Binghamton Plaza site on West State Street. The city is working to obtain control of the property using the eminent domain process. Galesi Realty Corporation, the New Jersey-based company that owns the plaza site, has been offered about $1.5 million.

New York's Distraction-Free Schools Law: What Parents Should Know

(Don Morgan)
Mobile phone restrictions will be in place as school districts across the Empire State implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has been holding roundtable discussions with school districts about the implementation procedures this summer in New York City, the Capital Region, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes. The Distraction-Free Schools law requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in grades kindergarten through grade 12 school districts statewide starting in September 2025, when the school year begins.

Fast Transformation at Davis College Campus in Johnson City

(Bob Joseph)
Construction crews are moving forward on a major Johnson City residential and commercial project. Work at the former Davis College campus on Riverside Drive has been underway for more than two months. Plans for the $15.5 million project call for the creation of 67 apartments and the renovation of five single-family homes on the site near the Route 201 roundabout. The first phase of the Riverside Gardens redevelopment project in early June brought the removal of dozens of large trees that had been on the property for decades. Workers are now busy across the 16-acre site, which was acquired by David Drew of Vestal for $4.5 million.

Binghamton Welcomes Captain Griswold As Fire Marshall

(Don Morgan)
On August 14, 2025, the appointment of a new City of Binghamton Fire Marshal was announced. According to a release from City of Binghamton Mayor Jared M. Kraham, the new appointee as Binghamton's Fire Marshall is Captain Arthur J. Griswold. Captain Griswold has been with the Binghamton Fire Department for 19 years and, since 2022, has served as the Assistant Fire Marshal. Griswold became Acting Fire Marshall this year after the retirement of Timothy M. O'Neill. Before becoming a Captain, Griswold was a Lieutenant with the City of Binghamton Fire. He also served as a firefighter for the Village of Endicott Fire Department from 2001 to 2006.

Mooney's Sports Bar & Grill in Johnson City Closed "Permanently"

(Bob Joseph)
A Johnson City restaurant noted for its mac and cheese has shut down operations without explanation. Mooney's Sports Bar & Grill on Reynolds Road, just east of the Oakdale Commons, is permanently closed, according to a recorded message on its phone line. The recorded message at the now-closed Johnson City location advises callers that "it has been a pleasure to serve our loyal customers." It then directs people to other Mooney's restaurants in Horseheads and Corning. A handwritten sign at the entrance to the Reynolds Road site indicates the place is closed but offers no explanation. Employees at those locations said they were unaware of what had happened with the Johnson City restaurant.

Listeria Concerns Prompt Wegmans Cheese Recall In Multiple States

(Don Morgan)
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an announcement was made on August 12, 2025, for a recall of various Wegmans Camembert Soft Ripened Cheese. The recall is because of a possible health risk, a potential foodborne illness - Listeria monocytogenes. These products were sold at all Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. As of August 12, 2025, no illnesses associated with this recall have been reported to Wegmans or its supplier, according to the U.S. FDA.

Conklin Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in Shooting Death of Uncle

(Bob Joseph)
A 21-year-old Broome County man has admitted to killing his uncle during an argument at a Conklin residence. Prosecutors on Thursday announced Matthew Bartosik of Conklin pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the shooting death of 61-year-old Michael Lewis. Police were called to the home at 58 Leslie Avenue on the morning of January 3. Bartosik repeatedly shot Lewis during the violent dispute, causing his uncle's death. He also shot Jessica Lewis, a cousin, several times in the head and back. She survived her injuries. Bartosik then fired at a Broome County sheriff's deputy and a state trooper as they approached the home to try to rescue residents who had barricaded themselves inside. Bartosiki's shot narrowly missed striking the deputy.

Understanding The 'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will be doing their best to help keep people safe on our roadways. As part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, New York State Police and local enforcement agencies are patrolling the roadways through the Empire State during this campaign to prevent drugged and drunk driving. The campaign began on August 13th, 2025, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025, as local and State Police patrol the roadways to remove impaired and reckless drivers from our highways.

Man in Custody After Disturbance at Endwell State Police Station

(Bob Joseph)
Broome County sheriff's deputies were called to assist when a man began pounding on the door of the state police offices in Endwell. The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday at the station that shares space with the Town of Union court in a building on East Main Street. Deputies were advised that an Endicott man was outside the state police facility. He was said to have made "multiple threats about exercising his Second Amendment right," and he allegedly "made mention of explosives." The man was brought inside the station for a short time. He was later allowed outside, where he spoke with members of a mobile crisis team. After a sometimes emotional conversation with the team, along with state police and sheriff's deputies, he was handcuffed and placed in a troop car.

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