You Need To Know: The Latest Binghamton Area News

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 October 13, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

"Pray 4 Gaza" Graffiti Scrawled Around Downtown Binghamton

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton police are trying to find the person responsible for a wave of downtown vandalism discovered by business owners on Columbus Day. A red spray-painted "Pray for Gaza" message was scrawled on a city-owned parking garage and at least three buildings. The vandalism was spotted early Monday as world leaders hailed the Gaza peace deal. Police were called to the Centre Plaza complex at Henry and Chenango streets just before 8:30 a.m. to investigate the graffiti painted at the base of the eight-story structure. The former office building is being converted into student housing.

Binghamton Lawmakers May Call for Zikuski Criminal Probe

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton city councilmembers may call on the New York state attorney general's office to conduct a criminal investigation into the actions of former police chief Joseph Zikuski.Lawmakers are planning to vote next week on a resolution that would call for a legal review and "public accountability" after the release of a law firm's review of Zikuski's conduct. The long-time police chief was placed on paid leave in July after a video recording was posted to social media showing part of a dispute involving Zikuski's girlfriend and two neighbors. Zikuski, who was off-duty, was at the scene of the incident on Ackley Avenue in Johnson City.

What The New Electric Bus Fleet Means For Broome County

(Don Morgan)
Local and state leaders joined together on October 14th to announce the launch of Broome County Transit’s first fully electric buses. Broome County is modernizing its public transportation system, which helps to reduce emissions and strengthen sustainability. The fleet now consists of six 40-foot Gillig battery-electric buses. According to the announcement, these electric buses, a $10.4 million project, were funded primarily through federal and state grants. Approximately 95% of the project cost was funded by external sources. Broome County contributed just over $540,000, amounting to approximately 5% of the total project cost.

Chenango Town Supervisor and Bookkeeper Resign

(Bob Joseph)
There's more local government turmoil in the town of Chenango following the resignations of the town's supervisor and bookkeeper.Michael Lumsden had served as supervisor for a short time. He was not available for comment but his wife, Roxann Lumsden, told WNBF News he had resigned from the post "due to personal reasons." She said his resignation was effective last Thursday. The town of Chenango bookkeeper also has stepped down from her post. Laurie Eldridge gave two weeks' notice in September. According to the town website, in addition to supervisor, Lumsden was the chief fiscal officer and the finance supervisor for Chenango. The website indicates in addition to serving as the town bookkeeper, Eldridge also was Chenango's budget coordinator.

Man Admits Trying to Kidnap Girl at Binghamton Price Chopper

(Bob Joseph)
A Binghamton man has admitted to trying to kidnap an 8-year-old girl at a Price Chopper supermarket in what prosecutors said was a "sexually-motivated" crime. 37-year-old Donald Beetlestone pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to second-degree attempted kidnapping. Beetlestone attempted to abduct the girl shortly after 6 p.m. August 1. She had been shopping with her mother in the Price Chopper store on Glenwood Avenue. A woman who works for Price Chopper heard the struggle and intervened, trying to stop Beetlestone. She and other shoppers struggled with the man until he was subdued and restrained until police arrived.

New Affordable Housing Projects Announced For Binghamton

(Don Morgan)
Today, October 16, 2025, plans to allocate $1.9 million to support three housing projects in the City of Binghamton were announced. Mayor Jared Kraham's announcement noted that the funding would come from the City’s allocation of the federal HOME-American Rescue Plan Program. Metro Interfaith funding would amount to $900,000. This funding would be allocated to redevelop an abandoned apartment building located at 109 Oak Street in Binghamton. This building will be converted into eight affordable rental units for families at risk of housing instability. The proposal awaits approval by Binghamton's City Council.

Apartments at Old Johnson City Phila. Sales Site Almost Ready

(Bob Joseph)
Hundreds of people soon will be living on the site of the iconic Philadelphia Sales store in Johnson City. Construction crews now are applying the finishing touches to the $31 million apartment complex that's been built at 333 Grand Avenue. The Westchester County company worked with local and state officials to develop plans for the Homesteads on Grand residential project. It will include 27 one-bedroom units, 41 two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom apartments. The complex also features 6,200-square-feet in non-residential space.

LIVE ON-AIR DEBATE: Binghamton Mayoral Candidates on the Issues

(Bob Joseph)
The candidates running for the office of Binghamton mayor returned to the WNBF Radio studios for a second debate on city issues. Incumbent Republican Jared Kraham and Democratic candidate Miles Burnett were questioned on several topics during the joint appearance Friday morning. It was broadcast live on WNBF Radio. Kraham and Burnett appeared on the station for an unusual summer debate on August 14. They had agreed to a second debate on the station before the start of early voting on October 25.

UHS Is Enhancing Healthcare Access In Delaware Valley

(Don Morgan)
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Wednesday, October 22nd, at 2 p.m. at theDelaware Valley Hospital in Walton. This ceremony is to celebrate the start of construction on the new UHS DVH Medical Neighborhood. It's described as a transformative project aimed at expanding access to integrated, patient-centered care in the Delaware Valley region. According to UHS officials, this new facility will expand access to integrated, patient-centered care in the region, bringing together primary care, specialty services, and wellness programs under one roof, fostering collaboration and improving outcomes for patients.

New Restaurant Coming to Former Johnson City VFW Hall

(Bob Joseph)
Moghul Halal Express is expected to open soon at 207 Grand Avenue, a couple of blocks from Wilson Medical Center and the Binghamton University Health Sciences campus. The new eatery will be owned by members of the family who previously operated the Moghul Indian restaurant at the University Plaza in Vestal. Renovation work has been underway at the Johnson City building over the past several weeks. After the VFW post left the site, the property was home to Mai Thai restaurant from 2017 to 2023. The family that had operated that business now has a similar business on Washington Avenue in Endicott.

What Makes Owego, NY A Charming Small Town Destination?

(Don Morgan)
Recently, a couple of online magazines have been giving the Village of Owego some love. On October 9th, staff writer Corey Fuller wrote an article on the website Secret NYC  about the village and, among other great remarks. The articles highlights the Victorian storefronts, scenic waterfront, architecture, dining and shopping options, galleries, and festivals. Mentions of the riverwalk, downtown eateries, overnight accommodations, and the history of the village as a plus for why it's the perfect place to visit.

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