Here's Your Binghamton New York Area Local News Recap

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 6, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Historic Building Near Binghamton High School to Be Renovated

(Bob Joseph)
A multi-million-dollar plan has been developed to restore a large abandoned apartment house across the street from Binghamton High School. Metro Interfaith acquired the four-story building at 109 Oak Street last June. The property had been purchased by a developer about three years ago, but he chose not to move forward with his plans to convert the place into market-rate apartments. Conant Smith, Metro Interfaith president, said his organization will work to turn the structure into family housing.

New York's Burn Ban And Drought Watch Details

(Don Morgan)
There is currently a burn ban for a few days in the fall. This ban began on October 2nd and goes through October 15th due to increased fire risk and continued dry conditions. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, A drought watch is in effect for several drought regions, including the Susquehanna drought regions, which include Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Cortland, Oneida, and Madison Counties. The NYS DEC notes that drought advisories are intended for guidance to public and private water suppliers and withdrawals.

Binghamton Man in Critical Condition After Substation Incident

(Bob Joseph)
A man who was badly burned at a NYSEG substation in Binghamton remains hospitalized. Authorities said 39-year-old Brent Fallon of Binghamton sustained second- and third-degree burns over much of his body in Monday afternoon's incident. Fallon came into contact with energized equipment at the Ansco substation near Charles and West streets in the city's First Ward. Fallon was burned when his clothing ignited when a surge of electricity passed through his body. He was transported to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City. Fallon was then transferred to the burn unit at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

New York College Application Month Offers Fee Waivers For Students

(Don Morgan)
On September 6th, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers can apply to select for free during a limited time. October is New York State College Application Month, and students can apply for waived application fees at The State University of New York, City University of New York, and several private colleges and universities in New York State. Application fees average from $50 to $90, so these waivers will save students money as they take that critical step of applying to college.For SUNY colleges: Waiving up to five application fees per student from October 20 through November 3, and for CUNY colleges: Waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City High School students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.

Report: Chief Zikuski's Conduct "Brought Discredit" to BPD

(Bob Joseph)
An investigation into former Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski's actions related to an off-duty incident involving his girlfriend concluded he violated departmental policies. Zikuski's resignation from the position of chief was effective last Monday. Mayor Jared Kraham released a report of a review conducted by a law firm hired by the city was released late Thursday afternoon. Zikuski had been on paid administrative leave since July 20, two days after he was present during a dispute in Johnson City. His girlfriend argued with two teenagers at a home next to her Ackley Avenue residence. A video of part of the incident was posted to social media. The investigation conducted by the LippesMathias law firm determined the police chief's conduct from July 18 through the end of the investigation violated "numerous" Binghamton Police Department policies and "brought discredit to the City and BPD."

LISTEN: Johnson City Mayoral Candidates Debate

(Bob Joseph)
The candidates running for mayor of the village of Johnson City discussed their positions on a wide array of issues during a live debate on WNBF Radio. Republican incumbent Martin Meaney and his Democratic challenger, Christina Charuk, responded to a series of questions during Monday's broadcast. Meaney is completing his first four-year term as mayor. This is the first time Charuk is seeking public office. The candidates discussed their views on crime and homelessness in Johnson City. They also talked about commercial development, including the continued transformation at what is now the Oakdale Commons, and what steps can be taken to support the village's small businesses.

New Positions In Binghamton's Attorney's Office To Combat Code Violations

(Don Morgan)
On October 9th, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced plans for three new positions in the City attorney’s office to expand the prosecution of repeat Code offenders and problem property owners. The budget adds a new code prosecutor focusing on serious housing cases. In addition, the budget includes a new City attorney position to support the Police Department and Fire Department in public safety matters, as well as a paralegal position to provide legal administrative support. Binghamton's first dedicated code prosecutor was created in 2022.

NYSEG Posts New Warning Signs at Binghamton Electrocution Site

(Bob Joseph)
Several additional signs alerting trespassers to a potentially deadly location have been posted around the area where a Binghamton man was electrocuted. Police said Friday afternoon said 39-year-old Brent Fallon remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He sustained second- and third-degree burns to most of his body when he came into contact with energized equipment at a NYSEG facility. The incident occurred on Monday at the utility's Ansco substation on Charles Street in Binghamton's First Ward. There were a few old warning signs on the fence surrounding the installation before Fallon entered the substation. Since the incident, several new "WARNING" and "DANGER" signs have been installed, alerting people to the danger posed by high voltage at the site.

Woman Dies Shortly After Arriving at Broome County Jail

(Bob Joseph)
Investigations have been launched into the death of a woman who was incarcerated at the Broome County Jail in the town of Dickinson. Authorities announced Thursday afternoon that 38-year-old Chelsey M. Davis of Port Dickinson was pronounced dead several hours after she arrived at the facility on Front Street. Sheriff Fred Akshar said Davis had been taken into custody by deputies with the department's warrant division early Wednesday afternoon. She had been remanded to jail by Chenango town court on a criminal contempt charge. The sheriff said Davis underwent a medical and substance abuse screening as part of the jail's booking process. Based on the screening, she was placed in the medical unit for observation and monitoring.

Everything You Need For Broome County’s Passport Fair

(Don Morgan)
If you need to obtain a passport but have trouble going through the process due to time constraints, Broome County may have an answer for you. On October 9th, Joseph Mihalko, Broome County Clerk, announced an upcoming after-hours passport fair on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Broome County Office Building located at 60 Hawley Street, Binghamton. Appointments must be made in advance by visiting the passport fair web page. Ground-level parking will be free to persons who make reservations.

$3 Million Vestal Rail Trail Extension to Open Soon

(Bob Joseph)
Finishing touches are being applied to the next section of the popular Vestal Rail Trail. The $2.9 million project had been discussed for years. It adds 3,500 feet to the east end of the multi-use pathway. The walking and biking trail has been extended to run along Vestal Road between African Road and Sycamore Road. The new section runs behind the Town Square mall. A parking lot on the southeast corner of Vestal Road and African Road has been repaved. Improvements have been made at a busy intersection as part of the project. A right-turn lane has been added for eastbound drivers on Vestal Road turning onto Sycamore Road. A crosswalk will enable trail users to access Harold Moore Park on the north side of Vestal Road.

Current Roadwork Updates For Local Drivers This Fall

(Don Morgan)
Even though we are getting closer to colder months, road work and construction projects are still happening throughout our local roadways. Click on the above headline to find current projects that we are aware of. Keep in mind that road work schedules can change at any time. 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.