Local News? We Have You Covered Right Here

Whether you lead a busy life or don't get to find out all that's happening news-wise in our community, this is why each week we recap in an article 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, as well as on our websites and social media platforms.

Catch up on the latest local and regional news in a short recap we reported for the week of September 14, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Police Release Name of Man Whose Body Was Found Near Rail Trail

(Bob Joseph)
Vestal police are continuing to investigate the death of a man whose body was found near the town's rail trail. Authorities released the man's identity Tuesday afternoon. They said he was Michael Seeley of Endicott. Seeley's body was discovered early Saturday afternoon in a drainage area next to the pathway across from Ridgehaven Drive. A caller reported a man was down and was not breathing. Police officers and EMS workers were sent to the scene, where the man was pronounced dead. The rail trail around the area where the body was found was closed for a few hours as investigators looked for clues. According to a police department news release, "nothing appears to be suspicious" at this time. The statement said, "There is no known danger to the community."

New Vestal Site Offers Educational Options for Homeschooled Kids

(Bob Joseph)
Homeschooled children in the Southern Tier can now experience additional learning options through a program that's just been launched in Vestal. The Homeschool offers various electives and special events for kids in grades K through 5. Sarah Tesar of Vestal, who was a teacher in the Johnson City School District for 12 years, said she began thinking about developing the initiative a couple of years ago. When it was time to send her oldest daughter to kindergarten, she was concerned that play and hands-on learning opportunities were minimal. The Homeschool provides "hybrid learning experiences" to augment the instruction they receive at home.

New York's $25 Million Plan To Support Volunteer Firefighters

(Don Morgan)
$25 million in capital funding was announced for 65 New York State volunteer fire departments and districts. The funding is earmarked for facility improvements, response capabilities, and emergency preparedness. 10 New York State fire departments will receive the maximum award of $1 million. Governor Kathy Hochul notes that nearly half of New Yorkers rely on volunteer firefighters for fire protection and emergency response. The $25 million capital funding will help offset the financial pressures of rising equipment and construction costs. Fire departments in 9 New York State regions are receiving funding. In the Southern Tier, that includes the Andes Joint Fire District, Delaware County, $40,200; Coventry Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Chenango County, $1,000,000; Delhi Joint Fire District, Delaware County, $298,800; Town of Colesville Fire District #1, Broome County, $593,000 and the Vestal Fire District, Broome County, $418,895.

Surging Binghamton Diesel Prices Closing In On $7 A Gallon

(Bob Joseph)
Diesel fuel prices in the Binghamton area are on the verge of hitting $7 a gallon, shocking truck operators in the region. At least one Broome County retailer had a posted diesel price of $6.85 a gallon Thursday. The driver of a big rig being fueled at the TA Travel Center on Upper Court Street in Kirkwood said the high prices are "not sustainable." According to the AAA fuel price report, the average price for diesel in the Binghamton market Thursday was $6.32 a gallon. That's nearly 80 cents a gallon higher than a month ago and $2.39 a gallon more than a year ago. Gasoline prices in the Binghamton area also continue to rise. The average price for regular in the local market was $4.41 a gallon. That compares to an average of $3.22 a year ago.

DEC: Endicott National Pipe Plant Violated State Regulations

(Bob Joseph)
National Pipe and Plastics is facing big fines if the company doesn't take action to correct alleged environmental violations at its town of Union factory. The PVC pipe production facility on Mills Avenue in West Endicott began operating in 2014. Since then, neighborhood residents have complained of odors and emissions from the plant. The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently advised the company that it has been found in violation of several regulations. In an August 28 notice, National Pipe officials were notified that the company is "in violation of New York State Air Pollution Control Law." According to the DEC letter, the agency has received neighborhood complaints about PVC material deposited on parked vehicles, driveways, plants and gardens. The company was also advised that the state has received persistent complaints from the surrounding community regarding odors emanating from the plant. National Pipe was directed to take steps to address the ongoing problems associated with its facility. The company was advised it could face a civil penalty of up to $18,000 for a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law. Additional fines could also be assessed.

Binghamton University Women's Basketball Opens 2026-27 Season At Monmouth

(Don Morgan)
The Binghamton University women's basketball team announced that they will kick off their 2026-27 season at Monmouth on November 2nd. This year, the Bearcats have 14 non-conference games on their schedule, and that includes six opponents who played in national postseason tournaments last year. The Bearcat women's basketball team will head to Tampa to face the University of South Florida on November 18th, then compete in the Puerto Rico Classic on November 26th and 27th against the University of Texas-San Antonio and Providence. Conference play will begin at home vs. UMBC on New Year's Eve. The BU women will take a couple of home games to the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. Those contests will be on November 22 against Daemon University and the University of Massachusetts on December 5th.

Travel Center on Court Street in Binghamton to Open Soon

(Bob Joseph)
Construction is moving forward on a convenience store and restaurant complex at the eastern edge of downtown Binghamton. The Briad Group of New Jersey is developing the project, which will be anchored by the region's first Circle K location. The Binghamton travel center is expected to be in operation by the end of the year. It may open in phases, with the Circle K convenience store opening first. Two dedicated drive-thru lanes will be available for use by Wendy's and Dunkin' customers. The complex will include eight fuel pumps.

New York Awards 130 Million For Lead Pipe Replacement

(Don Morgan)
New York State announced that over $130 million in grants have been awarded to several communities to identify and replace lead service lines. Governor Kathy Hochul's Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation Grants will help communities pay for projects that protect drinking water and safeguard the public health of New York State residents. The Governor notes that lead is harmful to human health and can enter drinking water when lead service lines, faucets, and fixtures corrode. Lead service lines that connect homes to water mains are typically the most significant source of lead in water, and lead plumbing is likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. 24 New York State municipalities were chosen for the awards, including in the Central and Southern Tier regions: Village of Johnson City - $3,687,000, City of Oneonta - $433,500, Mohawk Valley Water Authority - $3,304,950, and the City of Ithaca - $4,910,000.

Broome County's First Chick-fil-A Opening Soon

(Bob Joseph)
The first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Broome County is expected to open early next month. Construction of the building at the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City has been completed. The signs are up, and the lights are on at the new restaurant. A person familiar with the plans for the location said the Chick-fil-A will open around October 1. The date hasn't been confirmed by a company representative. Signs at the new Chick-fil-A indicate the hours of operation for the dining room, and the drive-thru will be from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Meanwhile, construction work is moving quickly at the site of another future Chick-fil-A in Broome County. The next local eatery operated by the chain will be located in the Town Square Mall in Vestal. It's being built on the site of a closed Storming Crab restaurant.