Southern Tier, New York News You May Have Missed

Every Monday, 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.

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Catch up here on local, regional, or state news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of February 5th, 2024, 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.

Guthrie CEO Explains How Lourdes Deal Happened and What's Next

(Bob Joseph)
The agreement that resulted in Guthrie's acquisition of Binghamton-based Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital was put together in only a few months. Lourdes and its affiliated units became part of the Guthrie healthcare system last week. Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, Guthrie president and CEO, told WNBF News the process began about a year ago with discussions he started to have with his counterpart at Lourdes, Kathryn Connerton. Sabanegh said as he became familiar with the history of Lourdes and its caregivers, he "felt a connection." He said "we had similar values - keeping the patients in the center of everything" while striving to provide high-quality care.

Two Top-Ranked Community Colleges In New York State Are In The Southern Tier

(Don Morgan)
The college that came in a number at number 2 is (drum roll) - SUNY Broome Community College. BCC had an overall score of 99 (can get much higher than that), a salary after attending average of $37,578, an average net price of $7,410, a retention rate of 47%, and a graduation rate (4-year) of 37%. According to the EdSmart website, they ranked New York State community colleges from the following factors - Salary After Attending, Average Net Price, Retention Rate, and 4-Year Graduation Rate.

Name of Man Who Died in Binghamton Fire Released

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton police say a man whose body was found in a burning house has been positively identified. Firefighters discovered the body about 35 minutes after they forced their way into the boarded-up building at 2 Pleasant Street on the North Side on the morning of January 15. Detective Captain Cory Minor said the man was 39-year-old Nathaniel Jenkins. Minor said his death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

No Impact On Tioga Downs Operations As Real Estate Assets Sold

(Don Morgan)
American Racing and Entertainment, the owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols, NY, and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, NY announced it has sold the real estate assets of Tioga Downs to Gaming and Leisure Properties, Incorporated for $175 million. This transaction will have no impact on the operations of Tioga Downs, nor will there be any changes to customer experience or Tioga Downs employees.

Endwell Homeless Camp Along Route 17 Cleared Before River Rose

(Bob Joseph)
Town of Union and state officials took action to protect people living in an encampment next to the Susquehanna River before waters rose to a dangerous level. A Vestal resident living across the river worked to get something done to address the potentially hazardous situation. He had noticed a growing number of people residing on state-owned land just south of Route 17. Union town supervisor Robert Mack said a tunnel under the expressway at the end of Davis Avenue provides access to a wooded area along the river. Mack told WNBF News structures were built in the homeless encampment last summer. A sign was erected designating the place "The Minion Camp."

Uncover Hidden Savings: Lesser-Known New York State Tax Credits

(Don Morgan)
It's interesting some of the things you can get a tax credit for when filing your taxes. And in New York State, there are a lot of tax credits. Things you may have never thought of. Just a few items include - Child and Dependent Care - Qualified to claim the federal child and dependent care credit. Clean Heating Fuel -  Purchased bioheating fuel that is used for space heating or hot water production for residential purposes. Defibrillator - Purchased an automated external defibrillator. Farm Donations to Food Pantries - Made qualified donations to an eligible food pantry operating in New York State.

2 Hurt After High-Speed Police Chase In Chenango Bridge

(Bob Joseph)
A stolen sport utility vehicle smashed into a pickup truck and a car as a teenager tried to elude a pursuing sheriff's deputy in Chenango Bridge. The driver of the car that was struck was seriously injured and the youth who was operating the SUV sustained minor injuries. Both were taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. The chase ended with the crash near the intersection of Chenango Bridge Road and Matthews Road around 8:20 a.m. Friday.

Program Aims To Help Individuals Battling Substance Use Disorders

(Don Morgan)
Beginning on February 19, 2024, qualifying accused persons who are being arraigned at the Centralized Arraignment Part of the Broome County Court System will be offered an opportunity to be part of the 'Motivation to Change' program. If accepted, the individual will be transported by the Broome County Sheriff's Department directly to Helio Health from the Centralized Arraignment Part of the Broome County Court System where the person will be placed into detox or inpatient residential treatment.

3 Binghamton Residents Charged After Teen Stabbed in Johnson City

(Bob Joseph)
Johnson City police say three Binghamton teenagers face felony charges following a stabbing in the village linked to a social media dispute. Investigators said a 16-year-old boy was injured in the attack, which occurred in the area of Harry L. Drive and North Harrison Street shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday. Some police officers provided medical assistance to the youth who had been stabbed while others circulated in the neighborhood looking for others who were involved.

Get Your Passport Easily In Broome County With The After-Hours Passport Fair

(Don Morgan)
Are you in need of a passport, but can't get to Binghamton during regular business hours to get it taken care of? Broome County has your solution. An after-hours Passport Fair will be held on February 15, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. To schedule an appointment, click HERE or HERE for the form to fill out. The passport fair will be in the Broome County Clerk’s Office located in the Broome County Office Building, 60 Hawley Street, Binghamton.

Binghamton Shooting: One Dead in Downtown Drive-By Attack

(Bob Joseph)
Police are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting incident near Mirabito Stadium in downtown Binghamton. People in the area reported hearing five or six gunshots around the main post office just before 5 p.m. Friday. A police officer found a wounded person lying on the pavement next to a blue car that was stopped on Fayette Street between the stadium and the post office. The victim reportedly had been shot in the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement released Friday night, Detective Captain Cory Minor said the victim was a 20-year-old man. He had been driving the car when he was shot, causing the vehicle to crash.