Missed It? Binghamton Area News – What You Need To Know

Each week, we recap some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM, 92.1 FM, and 93.9 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 September 29, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski Quits

(Bob Joseph)
Joseph Zikuski, the long-time chief of the Binghamton Police Department, has resigned. Zikuski submitted his paperwork to retire earlier this month. Mayor Jared Kraham announced the police chief's departure in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon. According to Kraham's statement, he accepted Zikuski's resignation on Monday. His retirement is to be effective October 6. John Ryan, who has been the acting Binghamton police chief since Zikuski was placed on leave, will continue to oversee the department "in an interim role." According to the mayor, the city will follow state law "on the appointment of a new permanent chief of police, which is a tested civil service position."

Two-Alarm Fire Damages Vestal Parkway Business

(Bob Joseph)
A fire at the American Family Fitness Center at 1806 Vestal Parkway East was reported around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. It originated in the aerobics area of the gym complex. Vestal fire chief John Paffie said the first firefighters on the scene discovered a fire in the wall. He told WNBF News a second alarm was issued around 7:15. Paffie said no injuries were reported in what was believed to have been an electrical fire. He said Broome County fire investigators were called to determine the cause.

Binghamton University's Value Rises In 2026 Rankings

(Don Morgan)
On September 30, 2025, Binghamton University announced that they have been named one of the nation’s best universities and best values in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. BU was recognized for strong academic quality and affordability. The report lists Binghamton University as the 35th best college in the nation for value. BU was 38th in 2025 and 85th in 2024. In the public university category, BU ranked 3rd for best value in the U.S., 1st for best value in New York State, 34th among the nation's best public universities, and 73rd among the nation's best overall universities.

Homeless Scatter After Being Evicted from Binghamton Church Site

(Bob Joseph)
Dozens of people who had been staying at an encampment next to a downtown Binghamton church have had to scramble to other locations. Those who are homeless have been allowed to set up tents in a grassy area owned by Christ Episcopal Church at Henry and Water streets. The church rector, Rev. Scott Parnell, said he had been advised by Mayor Jared Kraham that the city was preparing to take legal action because the encampment was "unlawful." Parnell advised those staying on the church property of the situation, and they packed up their belongings to head somewhere else. By Tuesday afternoon, the lawn next to the church near the Metrocenter parking was empty.

Tompkins County Smash-and-Grab Theft

(Don Morgan)
Some Tompkins County residents have been victims of smash-and-grab thefts, according to a recent report to the New York State Police at Ithaca. State Police troopers, along with the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, reported recently a string of vehicle smash and grabs in the eastern portion of the county.  A smash-and-grab crime involves a suspect or several suspects breaking windows and quickly stealing valuables from parked cars.  Law enforcement notes that the crime can be as quick as just a few seconds. New York State Police and the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department have been reminding residents and anyone visiting the county to take precautions and report any suspicious activity.

DOWNTOWN BINGHAMTON DISPUTE: Man Slashed on Court Street

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton police are investigating a downtown disturbance that resulted in injuries to one person. Several people reported a dispute involving two men in the area of Court Street and Commercial Alley around 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The first officers on the scene observed people running north from the area down Commercial Alley. A significant amount of blood was noticed on the sidewalk. Those involved in the altercation were no longer around when police arrived on Court Street. Several minutes later, police and medics were sent to the nearby Metrocenter parking lot to assist an injured person.

Road Closures And Construction Updates For Binghamton Drivers

(Don Morgan)
Road work and construction continue throughout the Southern Tier of New York. Take a look at the following road work areas to be aware of when you head out. Road work schedules can change at any time. Check out what's happening on Southern Tier roadways for the week of October 6th, 2025. Remember to slow down in road work/construction areas. Let's keep everyone safe - the road crew, other motorists, and of course you and your passengers.

EPA Orders Asbestos Cleanup at Goudey Station in Johnson City

(Bob Joseph)
The owner of a former NYSEG power plant in the town of Union has agreed to clean up asbestos contamination at the site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced it is holding NRGY Development LLC accountable for the contamination the company has caused at the former Goudey Station in Westover. The 33-acre property is just outside the village of Johnson City. An EPA news release said the move will reduce the risk that asbestos contamination will wind up in the nearby Susquehanna River. NRGY Development is to "enhance existing security measures" at the old generating facility. The company must also remove asbestos that can get into the air.

Vestal Considering Carousel Restoration Project

(Bob Joseph)
The Vestal town board has announced that a family has donated parts for an original Herschell carousel. The family's name was not revealed. Vestal officials are assessing the feasibility of restoring the merry-go-round. While many parts of the century-old carousel appear to be in good condition, some pieces are missing and would need to be replaced. The original wood parts would require restoration work. Town supervisor Maria Sexton said a key structural component will be tested to determine whether it can be put back into use. Sexton said it would be "a wonderful thing" for Vestal to rebuild and restore the carousel. She said if the project moves forward, it would be paid for using grants and donations. The town could seek a state grant and other private funding for the needed work. Sexton said no local tax money would be used.

Binghamton to Tear Down Crumbling Downtown Garage

(Bob Joseph)
A deteriorating city-owned parking ramp in Binghamton will soon be closed and demolished. The State Street garage opened in June 1970. It's expected to be gone by the end of this year. Mayor Jared Kraham said the structure is "beyond its useful life." He said engineers have concluded it "needs to be torn down." The mayor told WNBF News the state of the garage "is an embarrassing condition for anyone who visits downtown." Kraham said the goal is to demolish the parking facility "before the heavy snow this winter." Then, in the spring, the plan is to open a temporary surface parking lot.

How The Pink Patch Project Aids Families Facing Breast Cancer

(Don Morgan)
The Pink Patch Project has returned for 2025. For the 3rd year in a row, Broome County Sheriff’s Corrections Officers and Deputies are going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helping to raise funds for local families battling cancer. During the first 2 years of the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Pink Patch Project, over $7,400 was raised for the Community Foundation, the Tina Fund, and Traci’s Hope. Proceeds went toward assisting local families fighting cancer by assisting with groceries, childcare, or other expenses related to the fight against cancer. For more information, visit the Pink Patch Project website. To donate directly to Traci's Hope, visit their website.

Binghamton Blight Fight: Trial Date for Owners Set for Next Month

(Bob Joseph)
The long-running legal saga involving an abandoned apartment building in the heart of downtown Binghamton has been stalled in recent months. The city has taken the owners of 263 Washington Street to court. According to the mayor's office, Kevin Findley and Phillip Costa each were charged with 53 code violations related to the property. The city sought a trial after the owners didn't make the required repairs. Mayor Jared Kraham had expected the case to be heard over the summer. But according to his office, there was "a delay in scheduling the trial date because the previous attorney for the property owner withdrew from the case." The trial is now scheduled for November 17. The abandoned building has been for sale since last spring, when the original listing carried an asking price of $499,000. The price has been reduced to $294,000.

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