Community Matters

Chautauqua County Humane Society's Brian Papalia and Amanda Sublett visit WRFA to talk about upcoming events and future updates to the shelter.

The public will vote on school district budgets across New York State on Tuesday, May 19. Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker stopped by our studios to provide information about what’s in the district’s proposed budget as well as some other updates.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities will hold their 5th annual ReTool'26 Conference on Tuesday, June 9. BPU Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto gives us the details.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel recently presented his 2026 State of the County to the CHQ Chamber. We get into some details of that address as well as discuss how the County’s Government Reduction Initiative is going.

National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson tells us about the headliners coming to this summer's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel delivered his 2026 State of the County address before the CHQ Chamber on April 21, 2026. The address was followed by a question and answer session led by CHQ Chamber President & CEO Dan Heitzenrater.

Voters across New York State go to the polls Tuesday, May 19, 2026 to vote on school district budgets. We bring you the presentation to the Jamestown School Board on the proposed 2026-27 Jamestown Public Schools budget by Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations Brittnay Spry.

The Jamestown Public Schools District opened the Innovation Center at the former Rogers Elementary School in 2023. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker gave a presentation to the Jamestown School Board on the direction they’d like the Center to take in the future.

Jamestown has a new Police Chief and Fire Chief. Mayor Kim Ecklund tells us more about that and we talk about properties being taken over by the city as well as roadwork.

Jamestown Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and School Improvement Tina Sandstrom and Coordinator of Literacy Dr. Jennifer Aaron recently provided a mid-year update to the Jamestown School Board on the Kindergarten through 8 grade literacy program.

We talk with City of Jamestown Principal Planner Jason Kulaszewski about the city's Safe Streets For All Initiative and how citizens can get involved in that process as well as give input on the City's overhaul of its Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.

We hear about the success of St. Pawtrick's month promotion and about other animals looking for their "fur-ever" home from Chautauqua County Humane Society's Brian Papalia and Amanda Sublett.

We talk with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about discussions underway to merge several north county municipalities, as well as updates on the CHQ Transit Hub being built in downtown Jamestown, and Chautauqua Lake news.

The Chautauqua County Community Health Assessment for 2025-2030 has been released. We spoke with members of the Chautauqua County Health Department about the findings of the assessment and the improvement plan.

WRFA spoke with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund about her State of the City address, the possible increase in temporary aid from New York State, updates on lead rehabilitation efforts, and more.

The Jefferson Project gave their annual presentation on research on Chautauqua Lake to the Chautauqua County Legislature on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

A special furry guest makes a surprise interview appearance to help with St. Pawtricks promotions at the Chautauqua County Humane Society this month.

We sit down with the new Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager Kris Sellstrom to learn more about him and what’s in store for the municipal utility.

The Jamestown Justice Coalition held a discussion on February 4, 2026 with some local businesses owners about how they got started in Jamestown as well as the challenges and successes they’ve had along the way.

State Senator George Borrello shares his thoughts on Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed 2026-27 State Budget.

State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor shares his views on the proposed 2026-27 State Budget and his goals for this legislative session.

We talk with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund about the Police Chief retiring as well as a list of priorities presented to the administration and City Council by the Jamestown Justice Coalition.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society has couples and love on the mind with their Furever Valentine and Dynamic Duo promotions.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel discusses the announced closing of the Heritage Village Nursing Home, the City of Dunkirk’s finances, what’s happening at the Jamestown Airport, and his goals for his new term.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley talks with retiring Jamestown Board of Public Utilities General Manager David Leathers about his time at the utility.