Community Matters

We talk with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel about his State of the County address that included everything from exploring nuclear energy to shelters for the homeless.

Even before the Pandemic started five years ago, isolation and loneliness were becoming a concern for local communities. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Chautauqua Connection Collective, and Live CHQ and Choose CHQ have banded together to create an event aimed at that those issues that also helps build community.

Jamestown Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Brittnay Spry presented the proposed 2025-26 budget to the Jamestown School Board on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

We talk with Collaborative Children's Solutions owner Pat Smeraldo about the "Turn The River Green" event for St. Patrick's Day and other events coming up for the organization.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County began distributing boxes of food on March 12 as part of the Grow Chautauqua food distribution program. Community Food Systems Educator Linnea Haskin gives us the details.

Drescher and Malecki Partner Carl Widmer presented the results of the 2023 audit of City of Jamestown finances to City Council on March 10.

Chautauqua County Humane Society's Brian Papalia tells us about a longtime cat resident at the shelter as well as the upcoming All Star Hockey Fundraiser in April and the Pet Expo this Fall.

We talk with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund about lingering winter issues on city streets, contract negotiations, and her thoughts on how Chautauqua County's additional 1% sales tax could be better divided between municipalities.

We talk with Chautauqua County Executive Wendel about the Corrections Officers’ strike, concerns about Federal Funding, and his announcement that he’s running for a second full term.

The Jamestown Planning Commission had a work session as part of their monthly meeting on February 18, 2025 to discuss a proposed Local Preservation Ordinance (LPO). City Principal Planner Ellen Shadle led the discussion.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley talks with Jamestown Farmers Market Food Access Manager Nick Weith about Winter Market activities and other programs in the "off-season."

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley talks with the YWCA Jamestown about the Coldest Night of the Year event coming up on February 22, 2025.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is changing up how it conducts one of its annual fundraisers.

We discuss immigration issues and concerns about ICE agents in Chautauqua County with the New Neighbors Coalition.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley discusses the the 2025 State of the City report with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund

Congressman Nick Langworthy gave a press briefing on Tuesday, January 28 about targeted deportation efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Western New York.

State Senator George Borrello shares his thoughts on Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed state budget and discusses goals for this legislative session.

State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor took office on January 1, 2025. He shares how his first few weeks in office have gone as well as his thoughts on the proposed New York State Budget.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley talks with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel to discuss the State Budget and State of the State; the Jamestown Airport, immigration, and more.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone, Jamestown Justice Coordinator Justin Hubbard, and County Jail Warden Matt Stuczynski comprised the panel for a public discussion on law enforcement and justice held at the Robert H Jackson Center January 13, 2025.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is celebrating its 120th Anniversary. We learn more about their plans for this year from Fundraising & Communication Director Brian Papalia.

Robert Brooks, a man incarcerated in Marcy Correctional Facility near Utica, died in custody after being beat to death, allegedly by Correction Officers. While no arrests have been made in the case, New York State has fired 14 workers in connection with the case. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone will be leading a discussion along with the YWCA Jamestown and Jamestown Justice Coalition on Ja...

We look back now on Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund's first year leading the city in the top executive position.

We talk with representatives from the Jamestown Tarp Skunks about their new team manager and new programming for the upcoming 2025 season.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel discusses the results of the Jamestown Airport Market Study, possible plans to move county offices to the Chautauqua Mall and more.