Binghamton New York Area News Stories For The Week Of July 21

Every week, we 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, 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 July 21, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Police Chief's Girlfriend Charged in Johnson City Case

(Bob Joseph)
A woman who has been identified as the girlfriend of the Binghamton police chief faces charges after a dispute in the village of Johnson City. Authorities said 44-year-old Susan Rice was arrested Monday after detectives interviewed her in connection with the incident that occurred on Friday. According to Johnson City police, Rice was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. She also faces violation counts of trespass and second-degree harassment.

Two Endicott Police Officers Hurt After Street Fight

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities said two village police officers were injured when they responded to the dispute in the 300 block of Jackson Avenue. The disturbance was reported shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday (July 21). Police said the incident involved several people who were in a dispute "over stolen property." Endicott officers called for back-up from state police, Vestal police, and Broome County sheriff's deputies to control a crowd that had gathered. According to a news release, two Endicott officers sustained minor injuries while taking people into custody. Both were treated and returned to duty. Police said several arrests were made, but no details were released regarding charges filed as a result of the dispute.

Binghamton Residents Concerned About Future of Iconic Store

(Bob Joseph)
A family-owned business that has been a fixture in a Binghamton neighborhood for the past 75 years is closed, and some long-time customers are worried it won't reopen. Cavanaugh's Grocery & Deli at 69 Leroy Street on the city's West Side has been idle for a few weeks. A sign on the door indicated the store was "closed for summer break through July 7th." The date was then changed to July 14, but the place remains dark. Robert Cavanaugh II, a Binghamton city councilman who has been operating the family business in recent years, is uncertain about what will happen with the store.

Kraham: Zikuski on Paid Leave Pending Independent Investigation

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski remains on paid administrative leave while the city prepares to launch an investigation into an incident involving a woman who has been described as his girlfriend. Mayor Jared Kraham made his first public comments to reporters on Wednesday since announcing that Zikuski would be off the job after a video of a Johnson City dispute was posted on social media. The brief recording shows an interaction on Friday evening involving Susan Rice and two teenagers on the porch of a home on Ackley Avenue. Johnson City police said during an argument, Rice punched both teens. One of them - a 16-year-old boy - is seen striking the woman in the face, causing her to fall to the floor. Zikuski then assisted Rice and led her from the scene.

Binghamton Moving Forward on Planning for New Fire Station

(Bob Joseph)
The city of Binghamton has hired an architectural firm to help develop plans for constructing a fire station to replace a 65-year-old facility. CPL Binghamton will work to analyze information to determine the location of a new North Side station. Mayor Jared Kraham on Wednesday said CPL will review data on response times and calls for service. The study will be used to help make a decision on the best site for a facility to replace Engine Company Number 3, which is located at 39 West State Street. The station next to the Binghamton Plaza went into operation in the fall of 1960. Kraham said the focus will be on site selection as well as the design and budget for a new fire facility. He said the review process will cost about $100,000.

Binghamton, Endwell Rite Aid Stores Start Massive Final Sale

(Bob Joseph)
The pharmacies at Rite Aid stores in Broome County have just been shut down as the company winds down its operations in Binghamton and Endwell. Local Rite Aid employees were advised of the plans to close the stores in May, but the "Going Out of Business" signs were posted in the last few days. The pharmacy at the Conklin Avenue store on Binghamton's South Side was closed on Monday, and the pharmacy at the Hooper Road store in Endwell ended operations on Wednesday. Signs at both stores indicate the remaining merchandise is being sold at 20 to 50 percent off, with the disclaimer "limited exceptions may apply."

Police: Drunk Driver Tried to Hit Troop Car During I-81 Chase

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities say a man intentionally veered a pickup truck toward a police car during a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 81 in upstate New York. The incident started around 6:40 p.m. Thursday when a state trooper tried to stop a Dodge Ram truck in Oswego County after the vehicle was seen being operated recklessly. According to a New York State Police news release, the northbound vehicle left the roadway, entered the median, and reentered traffic. The truck was said to have swerved across multiple lanes at speeds above 100 miles per hour. As the vehicle was being pursued by a state trooper, it moved toward a marked troop vehicle, narrowly missing it before continuing. The truck then struck a traffic sign and wound up with a flat tire. The pursued vehicle continued on three wheels before eventually coming to a stop on the shoulder of the highway.

Johnson City Grocery Store Site Back on the Market

(Bob Joseph)
A building on Main Street in Johnson City that's been home to many businesses over the years is now available for sale. A Save-A-Lot grocery store that had operated at the site for more than a decade was forced to close in October 2022 because its lease was not renewed. The property was sold for $950,000 a few months later. A Texas-based plasma collection company announced plans to set up a donation center at the location. The old store was gutted and renovated. The place was outfitted with new equipment, but ImmunoTek Plasma never opened the facility. A CBRE listing posted last week indicates the 14,726-square-foot building is now available. No asking price was indicated.

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