(BINGHAMTON, NY) – The Broome County Public Library will be temporarily closed for construction from Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17, 2026.
The library will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 and resume normal operating hours.
Category: Uncategorized
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Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 7/13
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, July 13th.
- Cleaning ditches on Greenwood Road, Dunham Hill Road, Old Route 17 & Powers Road
- Culvert work on North Sanford Road, East Maine Road, Oquaga Lake Road & North Road
- Grader patching on Colesville Road with hot mix asphalt
- Guide rail repairs on Day Hollow Road, Powderhouse Road, Industrial Park & Trim Street
- Mowing the right of way on county roadways
- Striping county roadways with paint truck
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Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 7/6
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, July 6th.
- Blacktop repairs on Twist Run Road, Between Taft Avenue & Nanticoke Drive
- Cleaning ditches on Greenwood Road, Dunham Hill Road, Beartown Road, Old Route 17, North Sanford Road & Old State Road
- Culvert work on East Maine Road, Old State Road & North Sanford Road
- Grader patching on Colesville Road
- Guide rail repairs on Industrial Park, Day Hollow Road, North Sanford Road & Nanticoke Road
- Mowing the right of way on county roadways
- Striping county roadways with paint truck
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Broome County Landfill Holiday Hours for Independence Day 2026
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Landfill will have modified operating hours in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
On Friday, July 3, the landfill will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
The landfill will be closed on Saturday, July 4.
Residents and commercial haulers are encouraged to plan accordingly and adjust disposal schedules to accommodate the holiday hours.
The Broome County Division of Solid Waste wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday.
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Bridge Inspection Scheduled for CR 48 Bridge Between Vestal & Endicott
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Department of Public Works, in coordination with the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, will begin a comprehensive inspection of the County Route 48 truss bridge connecting the Town of Vestal and the Village of Endicott.
The inspection is scheduled to take place July 6-10 and July 13-17, 2026, and is part of the planning process for a major bridge rehabilitation project currently scheduled for design and bidding in 2026-2027, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028.
During the inspection, motorists should expect daily lane closures with alternating one-way traffic across the bridge. Significant traffic delays are anticipated, and drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes whenever possible.
Additional information regarding the rehabilitation project will be shared during a public information meeting anticipated to take place in early 2027.
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Strand Commons Opens in Downtown Endicott
Project Funded Through a State/Local Partnership
(VILLAGE OF ENDICOTT, NY) – Today, Broome County, the Village of Endicott, Town of Union, New York Department of State and Empire State Development, and other project partners celebrated the official opening of Strand Commons, a new public gathering space designed to serve as a destination for residents, visitors, and community events in the heart of downtown Endicott.
“Public gathering spaces and public art are essential elements of a downtown’s vibrancy, culture and livability,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Public spaces provide an ideal opportunity for people of all ages, incomes, backgrounds and abilities to engage with one another and just enjoy the excitement and diversity of this burgeoning downtown. We are proud to have supported this project through our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which has been creating public gathering spaces like this throughout the State for the past decade.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul continues to support community-based investments and Strand Commons represents what can be achieved with strong collaboration between local and state partners. This project reimagined and redeveloped a parking lot into an engaging space that invites residents and visitors alike to the heart of Endicott, encouraging new regional growth and opportunities.”
Located at 121-125 Washington Avenue, Strand Commons transformed a former parking lot into a vibrant, multi-functional public space featuring a six-foot illuminated art installation, performance pavilion, lighting, walkways, seating areas, landscaping, and other placemaking amenities.
Construction on the project began in August 2025 and was completed through a collaborative effort involving Broome County, the Village of Endicott, the Town of Union, New York State Empire State Development, and the New York State Department of State.
The project was developed with input from community members through public surveys and stakeholder engagement efforts, helping ensure the final design reflected local priorities and community needs.
Strand Commons advances the goals outlined in several local and regional planning initiatives, including the Endicott iDistrict Revitalization Plan, the Greater Binghamton Fund Strategic Investment Plan, the Village of Endicott Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan, and the Imagine Endicott Revitalization Plan Brownfield Opportunity Area Nomination Study.
The total project cost was approximately $1.14 million, including design, engineering, and construction. Funding was made possible through New York State’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative, including approximately $805,000 through Broome County’s Greater Binghamton Fund allocation and approximately $333,000 through the Village of Endicott’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.
LaBella Associates provided project design and engineering services, while construction was completed by Boland’s Excavating & Topsoil, Inc.
Strand Commons is now open to the public and available for community use, events, and gatherings.
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3rd Update on Salmonella Cases at the Broome County Correctional Facility
(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) On Thursday, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Health Department provided the public with what they believe will be the final update on the coordinated response to the outbreak of Salmonella that hit the Broome County Correctional Facility in May of 2026.
Medical Update
With zero deaths, zero current hospitalizations related to Salmonella and zero individuals exhibiting salmonella-related symptoms in the Correctional Facility, officials believe the worst is behind us on the medical side of the outbreak. Twelve individuals were hospitalized in total due to Salmonella over the past several weeks.
“On the patient side, I think we can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Dr. Lazarus Gehring, Broome County Medical Director. “The investigation on the how and why and where, that’ll burn on for a while.”“The Undersheriff and I will forever be grateful for the people standing behind me who really stepped up in a very amazing way. Our friends at UHS Hospital stepped up in a big way, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, our partners in government, the Broome County Health Department, and PrimeCare Medical, especially, stepped up and did a remarkable job ensuring that our incarcerated population had everything that they needed from a medical perspective. Thanks to our partners and our Corrections Division, from the command staff to the team they lead, we’re on the other end of a significant event without losing any human life. We have much to do moving forward, but I feel very good about where we are today.”
Health Department Investigation Ongoing
While investigation into the infection by the Broome County Health Department is ongoing, 23 samples tested from infected individuals all showed exact matches to the sample of a chicken salad meal served on Sunday, May 24, 2026. No other meals have tested positive.
Broome County Health Department officials believe inadequate cooking, cooling, storage and preparation of the May 24th meal likely contributed to the contamination.
Health Department food safety training has been completed with all food vendor staff and inmate workers. A hearing will be taking place next week regarding multiple handling, cooking and storage violations related to the preparation of the meal in question. The Health Department will also continue reinspection of the kitchen to ensure that all the violations have been addressed.
“We will continue working with the USDA, NYS DOH and CDC as this investigation continues,” said Olivia Catalano, Broome County Director of Public Health. “I am grateful for the amazing team at the health department who came together to quickly respond and help us find care for the community.”Food Vendor Reevaluation
Discussions are ongoing between the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the County Attorney and the Broome County Executive’s Office on the future of food service at the Broome County Correctional Facility. A list of all food service providers currently utilized by Sheriff’s across New York State is currently under review.
“Anytime you’re talking about a vendor providing service of this magnitude, those conversations must take place,” Sheriff Fred Akshar. “It’s easy to say ‘Well you should just fire them,’ and people may be right, but then what? You have to have a plan in place to be able to provide three meals per day to 500 or more people on a daily basis. We will continue working with our partners in government to determine what that relationship looks like going forward.”
Trinity Services Group has been providing food service to the Broome County Correctional Facility since 2018.
6.19.26 – Sheriff, Health Deartment Provide Final Update on Salmonella Response and Investigation.pdf -
Broome County Offers Free BC Transit Rides to Cooling Stations During Extreme Heat
Libraries, Senior Centers, Pools & County Parks Available to Help Residents Beat the Heat
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – With extreme heat expected across the region this week, Broome County is reminding residents of local cooling stations and offering free rides on Broome County Transit buses to help people stay safe and cool.
From Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, July 3, 2026, Broome County Transit will provide free rides to designated cooling locations, giving residents a safe, air-conditioned way to escape the heat.
Residents can cool off at the following locations:
Libraries
- Broome County Public Library – 185 Court Street, Binghamton
- Fenton Free Library – 1062 Chenango Street, Binghamton
- Mary L. Wilcox Memorial Library – 2630 Main Street, Whitney Point
- George F. Johnson Memorial Library – 1001 Park Street, Endicott
- Vestal Public Library – 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal
- Your Home Public Library – 107 Main Street, Johnson City
Senior Centers
- Broome West Senior Center – 2801 Wayne Street, Endicott
- Chenango Bridge Senior Center – 740 River Road, Binghamton
- Deposit Senior Center – 14 Monument Street, Deposit
- Eastern Broome Senior Center – 27 Golden Lane, Harpursville
- First Ward Senior Recreation Center – 226 Clinton Street, Binghamton
- Johnson City Senior Center – 30 Brocton Street, Johnson City
- Northern Broome Senior Center – 12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point
- Vestal Senior Center – 201 Main Street, Vestal
Pools & Spray Pads
- Columbus Park Spray Pad – 38 Carroll Street, Binghamton
- Fairview Pool – 54 Fairview Avenue, Binghamton
- MacArthur Pool – 1081 Vestal Avenue, Binghamton
- North Side Pool (Cheri Lindsey Park) – 1 Truesdell Street, Binghamton
- Recreation Park Pool – Beethoven Street & Seminary Avenue, Binghamton
- South Side Pool – 95 Jackson Street, Binghamton
- Highland Park Pool – 801 Hooper Road, Endwell
- West Endicott Park Pool – 525 Maple Street, Endicott
Residents are encouraged to check the hours of operation for each location before visiting, as hours may vary.
As an additional reminder, Broome County parks and beaches are open and free to the public, providing another opportunity to cool off during the hot weather. Parks are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until dusk, and beach hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Broome County Parks
- Dorchester Park – 5469 State Route 26, Whitney Point
- Greenwood Park – 153 Greenwood Road, Lisle
- Nathaniel Cole Park – 1674 Colesville Road, Harpursville
Broome County urges all residents to take precautions during periods of extreme heat by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and checking on neighbors, friends, and loved ones who may need assistance.
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Broome County Health Department Reminds Residents to Protect Themselves from Tick Bites This Summer
(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – As residents spend more time outdoors this summer, the Broome County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division is reminding everyone to protect themselves from ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Ticks are common throughout New York State and can be found in wooded areas, tall grass, gardens, and even backyards. While not every tick carries disease, tick-borne illnesses continue to rise across the state. In 2025, Broome County reported 496 cases of tick-borne illness.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in New York, but ticks can also spread other serious diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan virus disease, and alpha-gal syndrome.
Protect Yourself from Tick Bites
- Wear protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, enclosed shoes, and light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot. Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants when possible.
- Stay on clear, well-traveled trails and avoid tall grass, dense brush, and wooded areas where ticks are common.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow all label directions.
- Check yourself, children, pets, clothing, and gear for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- Bathe or shower within two hours of coming indoors and perform a full-body tick check, paying attention to hidden areas.
- Remove attached ticks promptly and properly to help reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Know When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
If you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or other flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider immediately. While antibiotics are not routinely recommended following every tick bite, preventive treatment may be beneficial in some cases. If these circumstances apply, discuss treatment options with your doctor or licensed healthcare provider.
Tick Prevention Videos
Learn additional ways to protect yourself from tick bites:
For more information about tick-borne diseases and tick bite prevention, visit the New York State Department of Health website or contact the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-3922.
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Broome County Sheriff’s Office and Broome County Health Department Provide Update on Salmonella Cases at the Broome County Correctional Facility
(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) On Thursday, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and the Broome County Health Department provided the public with the latest update on the coordinated response to the outbreak of Salmonella that hit the Broome County Correctional Facility in May of 2026.
Medical Update
After 11 days, operations at Broome County Correctional Facility have largely returned to normal, while increased medical staff remains vigilant in treating individuals recovering from Salmonella infection.
“We’re seeing some lingering symptoms, but overall, everything is well within the right direction,” said Dr. Jason Croad, Assistant Medical Director for PrimeCare Medical, Inc., the medical provider at the Broome County Correctional Facility. “Overall, we are looking much, much better.”
Over the past weekend, over 120 intravenous hydration treatments were conducted, with individuals identified as high-risk by medical staff was put on antibiotics. Ten individuals were hospitalized for treatment related to Salmonella infection. To date, eight have returned from the hospital, with two still receiving treatment.
“The response to this outbreak was fast and appropriate,” said Dr. Lazarus Gehring, Broome County Health Department Medical Director. “As someone who was treating patients both at the hospital and at the facility, the coordination with the community was amazing. With the amount of patients hospitalized and on antibiotics, based on history regarding Salmonella outbreaks in general and the population of the Broome County Jail from a medical standpoint, we would have expected to see some mortality in the range of 8-12 people. That is not the case thanks to all the work performed by the staff at UHS, PrimeCare Medical, Broome County
Officer of Emergency Services, the Broome County Correctional Facility Staff and the Broome County Department of Health. The State Health Department noted that this is some of the best outbreak management we could have seen.”Source of the Infection
While investigation into the infection by the Broome County Health Department is ongoing, PCR testing of meals from before, during and after the outbreak showed a positive result for Salmonella in sample of a chicken salad meal served on Sunday, May 24, 2026. No other meals have tested positive.
The Broome County Health Department investigated the preparation of this meal via security cameras, interviews and testing, identifying multiple violations related to food preparation and storage that could have led to the outbreak. The lack of temperature checks, improper storage and cooking methods, improper handwashing and hygiene practices by food service workers, along with improper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and utensils were all found to have been potential contributing factors.
“Several of the violations identified during this investigation are repeat violations that have previously been cited to the food vendor, particularly those involving the cooling of food,” said Broome County Director of Public Health, Olivia Catalano. “Similar violations were documented in June 2024 and April 2023, but whenever violations are identified, our staff provide education and corrective guidance to facility personnel. Critical violations must be corrected immediately and may result in closure if they pose an imminent public health risk. Minor violations must also be corrected within the timeframe established by the health department. Copies of inspection and complaint investigation reports are provided to the food vendor following review and discussion of the findings.”
The Health Department will continue working with the New York State Department of Health on additional laboratory testing to determine whether the Salmonella strain identified among the inmate population matches the Salmonella detected in the chicken salad, with the results expected in the coming week.
The Broome County Health Department found no issues or concerns after investigating the water quality at the Correctional Facility.
“Our focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of those recovering from this outbreak, but we are also examining every factor that may have caused this incident and working to make sure it never happens again,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar.Dispelling False Claims
Sheriff Akshar also took the time to dispel recent falsehoods and unsubstantiated claims shared by major media outlets.
Video footage from security cameras around the facilities was released to refute claims of unsafe or unavailable water, lack of medical attention, laundry services and improper facility deep cleaning by Servpro. Video also shows correctional facility staff distributing pallets of additional water and electrolyte packets throughout the facility.
“The fact is that every incarcerated person has full, unrestricted and unlimited access to clean, safe water and we have the tests to prove it,” said Sheriff Akshar. “Conservatively, we distributed over 13,000 bottles of water and over 10,000 electrolyte packets to help provide additional hydration throughout our facility.”
“As public servants, we have a duty to be transparent, to speak truth,” Akshar continued. “I would beg of all of you in the Press Corps, you too have a responsibility to do that. Not focus on clicks. Not focus on likes, but focus on disseminating truthful and factual information to the public who so desperately need that.”