Community Matters

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley talks with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about nuclear power, Job Corps, the opening of the Hope Haven Women’s Shelter and more.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone tells us why part of the County Jail needs an overhaul.

The James Prendergast Library is ready for summer with a bevy of activities planned from the summer reading program to their annual Block Party on June 28.

The Jamestown Department of Development is seeking public input on their Annual Action Plan and Five-Year Consolidated Action Plan. They're also grappling with what could happen if the funding from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development is eliminated.

The Jamestown Juneteenth Festival will start on Thursday, June 19, 2025 with a flag raising and then continue for three more days of music, community, and celebration.

The Jamestown Justice Coalition is hosting a "No Kings Rally" from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at Dow Park in Jamestown.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley speaks with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund about potential cuts in federal funding, an update on homelessness in Jamestown, and summer road construction.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation's "Give Big CHQ" day of philanthropy takes place Thursday, June 12, 2025. We learn more from CRCF Community Impact Officer Liz Jones.

Chautauqua County Humane Society Director of Fundraising & Communication Brian Papalia talks about events the Agency will be at this month as well as help they need during kitten season.

We talk with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about how the state budget and proposed federal tax cut bill could affect the county's budget and more

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities' 2025 ReTool Conference is set for June 3, 2025. BPU Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto tells us more.

The Jamestown Farmers Market starts Saturday, June 7, 2025. We learn about what to expect this summer and other activities happening around food access.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley speaks with Jamestown Pride organizers about the events coming up for Pride Month.

Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker discusses the proposed 2025-26 district budget.

Jamestown Public Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Brittnay Spry presents the proposed 2025-26 district budget at the public hearing ahead of the May 20, 2025 budget vote.

Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund discusses union contracts, a proposed local law that would end residency requirements for some city employees, and activities planned for Memorial Day.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society has fostering opportunities available for folks who want to help animals at the shelter get ready for their "fur-ever" home.

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is ready to go for August 7 through 10. We talk with Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson about the headliners and more.

A public hearing on the proposal to upgrade the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District’s wastewater treatment plan was part of the Chautauqua County Legislature’s meeting on April 23, 2025.

A Developer’s Forum will be held in Jamestown on April 30. We talk with organizers about the event as well as other economic development activity in the Jamestown region.

WRFA visited the James Prendergast Library to learn more about the construction project that will be shaking up the stacks over the next month or so.

Chautauqua County Humane Society Director of Fundraising & Communication Brian Papalia tells us about the Community Through Hockey/CCHS All Star Hockey Fundraiser taking place Sunday, April 6 and more.

Jamestown Justice Coalition Coordinator Justin Hubbard discusses a protest rally that will be held at Dow Park on April 5 that is part of protests being held nationwide.

Jamestown High School A Cappella Choir and Mixed Chorus Director Lauren Scharf and Concert and Symphonic bands Director Meghan Murray talk about the upcoming 100th Anniversary Concert scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.

We talk with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund about the defeat of a resolution to reallocate funding to remediate a brownfield site by the future Gateway Lofts Project, updates on projects that help the unhoused, changes in City government, and more.