Southern Tier News You May Have Missed For The Week Of July 31st

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.

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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 July 31st, 2023 from various agencies and news reporting from WNBF's Bob Joseph.

Major Retailer To Open Store In Johnson City

(Bob Joseph)
A new business is preparing to open in a Johnson City building that's been vacant in recent months. Construction crews have been busy for the past month renovating the Harry L. Drive structure that had housed the Gander Mountain outdoors store for several years.

The 49,000-square-foot building east of the Oakdale Commons was acquired by Raymour & Flanigan of Liverpool last November. The new store is expected to open soon. Construction crews are expected to complete their work in the building within the next couple of weeks.

Wind Farm Set To Be Operational Soon

(Bob Joseph)
More than two dozen turbines of the Binghamton area's first wind farm could be generating power very soon. The 122-megawatt Bluestone Wind Project consists of 26 turbines in eastern Broome County. Northland Power representatives have not responded to repeated messages seeking information about the delays and when they expect commercial operations to start.

Officials Fighting To Deny Sheri Lindsey Killer Being Considered For Special Parole

(news release from Broome County Sheriff's Facebook Page)
(Town of Dickenson, NY) Broome County leaders are rallying behind the family of murder victim Cheri Lindsey as her murderer is being considered for parole for a second time in the same year. James Wales was convicted for the rape and murder of 12-year-old Cheri Lindsey in 1984 and sentenced to 33 years to life.

After becoming eligible for parole in 2017, Wales has been denied parole four times, including earlier this year. Despite being denied parole in April, Wales is once again being considered by the New York State Parole Board for a potential release, this time on medical parole.

Delays for Okay of Proposed Binghamton Warming Center

(Bob Joseph)
The Addiction Center of Broome County is seeking permission to set up the facility in a First Ward building it recently acquired. Officials and employees with the Addiction Center said there is a tremendous need for such a facility in Binghamton to assist people who have no place to stay overnight during cold weather.

The warming unit would be open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Nearby residents and representatives of some First Ward businesses expressed concern about locating the center in the building just off Clinton

Endicott's 'Z' Pool Closed Due To Incident

(Bob Joseph)
According to a woman's social media post, her son was working as a lifeguard at the "Z Pool" when he was "jumped by 3 people." Those involved apparently were a 25-year-old man and two teenage boys.

Endicott police chief Patrick Garey told WNBF News the incident remains under investigation and he expects charges will be filed. Mayor Linda Jackson said there had been other "small incidents" at the pool this summer but nothing this serious.

Chenango Forks Residents Oppose Bridge Demolition Plan

(Bob Joseph)
Some people who live near an old steel deck bridge in the town of Fenton say they oppose removing it when a new span is completed. Construction of a $12.6 million replacement bridge over the Chenango River is nearing completion.

Nearby residents told WNBF News they plan to circulate a petition calling for the 86-year-old bridge to be retained for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. Residents who are against the planned demolition said using the new bridge will create an inconvenience for many of those who have been able to travel across the existing span for decades.