Southern Tier New York News Pass You By? Get A Recap 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 June 24, 2024, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

Newark Valley High School Student Killed in Car Crash

A Newark Valley High School senior died and three other students were hurt when the vehicle they were in slammed into a tree. Authorities said the crash happened on Bailey Hollow Road in Newark Valley shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday (6/23.) According to the Tioga County Sheriff's Office, the car had been traveling eastbound when it left the roadway and struck the tree. The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle and three passengers were injured. All were taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. Investigators said one passenger - 18-year-old Connor VanZile - died at the hospital.

Mayor, DA Want Binghamton Lawmakers to OK More Police Cameras

Binghamton City Council has balked at accepting money from the Broome County District Attorney's Office to install more surveillance cameras on city streets. Lawmakers have withheld their approval of expanding the existing network of pole-mounted cameras and license plate readers around Binghamton. Critics of the surveillance system have questioned how the information collected is used by the city and Flock Safety, the company that provides the equipment. Flock devices already have been deployed throughout Binghamton and thousands of other cities across the United States. The company's business model has generated privacy concerns in many communities.

Get our free mobile app

1-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Broome County River

An 11-year-old boy drowned while swimming in a river in northern Broome County. Authorities say state troopers were sent to the Tioughnioga River in the town of Lisle shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday. Investigators determined the child - who lived in Marathon - had been fishing with friends when he decided to jump into the river. He went under the water and did not resurface because of the strong current. The boy was swimming in the river north of Killawog when he vanished. His body was found by members of the Broome County Dive Team around 7:15 p.m.

Johnson City Square Deal Arch is Gone - But It Will Be Back

For the first time in over a century, people driving on Main Street between Johnson City and Binghamton are not passing under the Square Deal Arch. The stones and steel that were part of the structure erected in 1920 have been removed and the roadway has reopened after being closed for more than two months. The long-awaited renovation and repair project is on hold as village officials consider options after it became clear the arch's condition was worse than had been thought. Mayor Martin Meaney said the entire arch - except for the bases on either side of Main Street - now has been completely removed.

Opening Day for UHS Wilson Main Tower in Johnson City

UHS Wilson Medical Center's new "Front Door" has opened as the Johnson City hospital's Main Tower has become operational. The $175 million project to develop the six-story complex on the north side of the hospital had been several years in the making. Patients and visitors now will enter the hospital on the Main Street side of the facility. After people have parked, they may access the main entrance from either Baldwin Street or Harrison Street. The Wilson Emergency Department parking lot and entrance is accessible from Baldwin Street.

Binghamton Salvation Army Thrift Store Shutting Down

Customers and employees say they were shocked to learn of the impending closing of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Binghamton's East Side. The store at 5 Griswold Street offers gently-used clothing and other items at low prices. A Binghamton resident who has been a regular shopper told WNBF News that he's "been going there for at least 30 years." He said it's "sad" that the place will be shutting down operations soon. The shopper said changes had been implemented at the store in recent months. Major Thomas Applin, the Salvation Army administrator who oversees the store operation, was not available for comment on Friday.

Work on Binghamton's Court Street Bridge Closing Traffic Lanes

An ongoing bridge maintenance project is affecting traffic between downtown Binghamton and the city's West Side. A project supervisor said the company is performing routine maintenance activities on the span over the Chenango River. He said the job began about two weeks ago and should be completed soon. Drivers have encountered traffic pattern changes while the project is underway. Lanes are shifted to provide space for workers and construction equipment.