What Greater Binghamton New York Local News Did You Miss?

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 January 27th, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Johnson City Retail Scheme Likely One of Region's Biggest Ever

(Bob Joseph)
Most of the $80,000 in merchandise ripped off from a Johnson City store over the last several weeks will never be recovered. Village police were alerted to the huge retail theft scheme by the business last week. Store officials requested that the place not be identified. Investigators learned the merchandise that was stolen was primarily "high-end clothing" including expensive sneakers. Johnson City police chief Brent Dodge said he's not aware of any larger theft operation targeting a local store. He believes it might be the biggest such scheme ever in the region "by a long shot." Dodge told WNBF News that two insiders - people who worked at the store - worked with several others to take merchandise at large unauthorized discounts. The discounts frequently were as high as 99 percent.

Proposal To Restrict Smartphone Use In New York State Schools

(Don Morgan)
On January 22, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul joined with students, parents, teachers, social justice advocates, and law enforcement officials to announce a push to restrict smartphone use in Empire State schools from Kindergarten through grade 12 statewide. This proposal is part of the Governor's legislative proposal for the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget Proposal. Governor Hochul noted that this is regarding excessive smartphone use in schools, and is her commitment to protecting youth mental health and student success in the digital age. New York State students would continue to have access to simple cell phones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

Endicott's iM3NY Battery Operation Files for Bankruptcy

(Bob Joseph)
Struggling lithium-ion battery maker iM3NY is out of cash and into bankruptcy, according to a Bloomberg news report. The Endicott company and its affiliate Imperium3 have filed for bankruptcy protection in a federal court in the state of Delaware. iM3NY has encountered a series of financial and production problems since plans for a so-called "gigafactory" were announced in October 2017. The bankruptcy filing indicated iM3NY had amassed a total debt of more than $142 million by the end of last year. Bloomberg reported the company has secured a $2.5 million loan in a financing plan that must be approved by a judge. iM3NY has retained a company to try to find a buyer for its assets.

Demolition Project Targets 6 Blighted Properties In Binghamton NY

(Don Morgan)
On January 28th, the first of six blighted property demolitions began in the City of Binghamton, according to the Office of Mayor Jared M. Kraham. The Mayor along with others were at 22 Clarke Street on the West Side of Binghamton, to begin the demolition of six properties in the city, including five buildings that landlord Isaac Anzaroot once owned. Mayor Kraham's Office noted that the City of Binghamton purchased five of the properties through a major court settlement against landlord Isaac Anzaroot, who has been banned from owning or managing property in Binghamton over the next 15 years.

$20,000 Reward Offered in Search for Broome County Car Dealer

(Bob Joseph)
The family of a missing Vestal man is offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads directly to his whereabouts. 69-year-old Adib "Eddie" Rouhana has been missing for more than two weeks. Authorities said Rouhana was last seen around noon on January 11 at his place of business - Cars-R-Us - in the town of Chenango. The vehicle dealership is located at 1170 Upper Front Street. Rouhana's family reported him missing on January 14. The Broome County Sheriff's Office has been investigating his disappearance. Sheriff Fred Akshar said detectives have followed through every lead and used "every investigative tool available" in the effort to located Rouhana.

Governor Hochul Unveils $100M Funding For NYS Housing Projects

(Don Morgan)
On January 28th, new investments of more than $100 million for projects located in certified Pro-Housing Communities were announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. This investment is part of $123 million that has been allocated as part of the latest round of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative, which allocates up to $650 million every year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to modestly increase their housing supply. For the Southern Tier, in Broome County, $125,950 will go to the City of Binghamton for the blight removal project, demolishing several dilapidated properties to be reconstructed for critical housing and commercial spaces. Also, $902,892 will benefit the  Broome County Urban League for the Cameo Theater rehabilitation project. The facility is planned to serve as an entertainment venue and training center for youth development and career education programming.

Apalachin Woman Dies After House Fire

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities have released the name of a Tioga County resident who died following a residential fire. The blaze at 457 Main Street in Apalachin was reported by a neighbor around 1 a.m. Wednesday. When firefighters arrived at the house, they encountered a working fire with heavy smoke on the first floor of the structure. They were advised that a woman was inside the burning building. Firefighters located the woman after a brief search of the home. She was transported to a hospital where she died hours later. According to New York State Police, the woman was 85-year-old Patricia Pendergast. The blaze was brought under control about 20 minutes after firefighters arrived.

Latest Arrest Report From The Broome County New York Sheriff

(Don Morgan)
The Broome County Office of the Sheriff released its most recent arrest report for January 2025. The BCSO notes that this report does not encompass all law enforcement activity performed by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Arrests made in Broome County by other law enforcement agencies are open and ongoing investigations by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force, or other law enforcement agencies. It's important to note that every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. This is not a complete list. For the entire list provided, visit the Broome County Office of the Sheriff website.

Teenager Arrested After Johnson City Home Hit by Gunfire

(Bob Joseph)
A 17-year-old boy faces felony charges following an incident in which an occupied house was struck during a shooting incident in Johnson City. Authorities said village police officers were sent to Sanford Street near Ackley Avenue around 9 p.m. Thursday to investigate a report of gunshots in the area. As police were heading to the neighborhood, dispatchers provided updates regarding the description of the suspect and his direction of travel.  According to a police department news release, the teenager possessed a loaded .32 caliber revolver and several expended shell casings.

"Burger Mondays" Announces Plans to Close Binghamton Restaurant

(Bob Joseph)
The co-owners of Burger Mondays Bar & Grille at 23 Henry Street have announced plans to close. The restaurant opened in February 2011. Matt and Suzie Jones posted a message on social media late Thursday informing their customers and friends that they "will be closing the doors to Burger Mondays" on Sunday, February 9. The announcement was made "with bittersweet excitement" as they prepared to move on "to our next adventure." The co-owners thanked the community for its support which "single-handedly helped us enjoy the most incredible of times and persevere the most uncertain of lows."