Local News You May Have Missed For The Week Of November 6

Every week (usually on Monday afternoon) I 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, on our websites, and on social media platforms.

Below are some local, regional, or state news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of November 6, 2023, 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.

Tioga Downs Arson Suspect Identified

(Bob Joseph)
The man suspected of setting the fire that killed more than two dozen racehorses at Tioga Downs Casino Resort faces several felony charges. Authorities said 32-year-old Boyd Fenton of Athens, Pennsylvania was arrested in connection with the blaze that tore through a horse stable at the racetrack in the town of Nichols. Fenton has been charged with third-degree arson and third-degree burglary.

Broome County Tax Cut For 2024

(Don Morgan)
This is the 6th year in a row that taxes have gone down in Broome County. The final budget reduces the property tax rate by 4%. The 2024 budget will also include additional investments in public safety, infrastructure, and upgrading the county workforce.

Historic Bells Removed From Endwell Church

(Bob Joseph)
Salvage crews used a crane to remove nearly a dozen bells that had been a fixture in a tower at an Endicott church for more than a century. The bells at First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue recently were taken down one by one. They were loaded onto a trailer to be transported to an unknown destination.

Binghamton Airport Tp Become A "State-Of-The-Art Gateway"

(Don Morgan)
Of the $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition money earmarked for nine Upstate New York airports, $32 million was awarded to the project to upgrade the Greater Binghamton Airport in September 2022.

Another Local Pharmacy Closes In Johnson City

(Bob Joseph)
Many customers of a Broome County pharmacy were caught by surprise by the closing of the store. The Walgreens unit at 335 Main Street in Johnson City was shut down this week. A sign posted at the store entrance advised people that the store was closed on Monday.

Search Warrant Leads To 9 Felony Charges In Johnson City

(Don Morgan)
During the search, investigators found approximately 4.3 grams of Fentanyl pills,123 Oxycodone pills, digital scales and packaging materials commonly used in the sale in distribution of controlled substances, plus an illegally possessed and loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun.

Vestal Tree Heads To Rockefeller Plaza In NYC

(Bob Joseph)
The Binghamton area's most famous tree was chopped down and trucked to Manhattan as part of a holiday tradition. The 80-foot tall Norway spruce in Vestal has received a bit more than 15 minutes of fame since the world learned it had been selected to be displayed at Rockefeller Center.

$8.1 Million Project To Help Binghamton Area Homeless

(Don Morgan)
On November 8th, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grand opening of 27 apartments that will provide supportive housing for formerly homeless families and individuals in Binghamton.

Endwell State Police & Union Town Court Building Changes

(Bob Joseph)
Construction crews are renovating an Endwell building to accommodate a state police station and the town of Union court operations. A project to reconfigure and expand the town-owned structure on East Main Street is nearing completion. The state police facility is expected to be relocated from its current space in the building to the lower level.