The New Neighbors Coalition and Jamestown Justice Coalition held a Community Conversation on Welcoming and Belonging in Jamestown at the Robert H. Jackson Center on September 16, 2026.

The Greater Jamestown Riverwalk Bike Path is going to be renamed in honor of longtime City Council member and community leader Anthony “Tony” Dolce. The City of Jamestown will hold a public unveiling of the new name at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, October 15. The community is invited to join Tony’s family, friends, fellow public servants, colleagues, and community members as the City dedicates the Riverwalk Bike Path in his memory. Tony passed away unexpectedly in July, following more than three decades of dedicated service to the City of Jamestown. He served on the Jamestown City Council for more than 30 years, including as Council President, while also spending more than three decades as a teacher at Jamestown High School.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is notifying the community about possible measles exposures at UPMC Chautauqua. The Department said people who tested positive for measles were at the hospital during these times: Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The people who tested positive for measles do not live in Chautauqua County. The County Health Department is working with UPMC Chautauqua Hospital to identify and notify people who may have been exposed. People who are known to have been at the hospital during these times are being contacted by the Chautauqua County Health Department or the local health department where they live.

Local Democrats will open their South County Headquarters in downtown Jamestown today. Representatives of the Jamestown and Lakewood-Busti Democratic Committees will be joined by Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate for Congress Aaron Gies for the grand opening that will be held at 6:00 p.m. at 19 East Third Street. Gies’ campaign will share the Jamestown headquarters as it continues its campaign in Chautauqua County. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, refreshments, and remarks from Gies and other candidates. There are 15 Democratic candidates running for county legislature this year, as well as State Senate Candidate…

The Robert H. Jackson Center’s next installment of its 25 Years of Asking Questions lecture series will focus on "Who Belongs in America?." The program will take place from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 8 at the Jackson Center located at 305 East Fourth Street in Jamestown. The program will feature Robert L. Tsai, Professor of Law and Harry Elwood Warren Memorial Scholar at Boston University School of Law. Tsai served during the 2024-2025 academic year as a Laurance Rockefeller Visiting Faculty Fellow at Princeton University's University Center for Human Values.

The Sing along edition of The Greatest Showman will show at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts on October 10. The 2017 movie-musical was inspired by the legend and ambitions of America’s original pop-culture impresario, P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman. The inspirational rags-to-riches tale proves that anything you can envision is possible and that everyone, no matter how invisible, has a stupendous story worthy of a world-class spectacle. Popular songs from Broadway veterans Pasek and Paul, populate the soundtrack including "From Now On", "A Million Dreams", and the Oscar-nominated "This is Me."

Local officials recently traveled to New York City to learn more about the rapidly evolving nuclear industry. Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency CEO and Deputy County Executive of Economic Development Mark Geise and Dunkirk Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy attended the 2026 Nuclear Energy Policy Summit. Representatives from Genover LLC, the current owner of the former NRG property, also participated in the summit. Hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, the two-day event brought together leaders from government, industry, finance, and the energy sector to discuss the future of nuclear energy and the deployment of next-generation technologies.

Fire departments in the town of Kiantone and village of Sinclairville have been awarded federal funding. Kiantone Independent Fire Department will receive $50,988.95 and the Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will receive $97,142.85. The funding will be used to provide protective gear, training, and supplies to emergency personnel. This federal funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to applicants that most closely address the program’s priorities and demonstrate financial need.

Alley ways in Jamestown will receive new artwork this Spring. The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is collaborating with Stephanie Baker at Southwestern High School and Chautauqua Art Gallery to update the public artwork currently displayed in Potter's Alley, Chautauqua Art Gallery and Winter Garden Plaza in downtown Jamestown. With the help of Stephanie Baker, a call for art has gone out to all Chautauqua County High Schools. Art teachers have been asked to submit work from their senior class artists for an annual show at Chautauqua Art Gallery in May 2027.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is currently at capacity and has paused cat and dog intakes. The shelter posted on social media that their team recently has taken in more than 33 cats from a single home. The agency stresses that it was not related to cruelty or neglect. However, the large number of new animals has placed a sudden and significant strain on the Humane Society’s space and resources. The cats have been described as very timid and need to be handled very carefully; and will need a lot of work before they can be made available for adoption.

Today may be October 1st, but motorists in Jamestown are reminded that daily alternate parking does not start until November 1st. Motorists should park on the even numbered side of the street today starting at 10:00 a.m. You are not required to move until November 1st when alternate daily parking then goes into effect. Jamestown City Council approved the change in the start date for daily alternate parking in 2025. The date that daily alternate parking ends remains March 31.

THE WRFA ROCK AND ROLL RUNDOWN A listing of live entertainment events happening in the greater Jamestown area. Have an event you want us to know about? Use the contact page on our website or send an email to wrfaprogramming@reglenna.com. THU OCT 01 Open Jam – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown Campfire Junkie – Busti Tap House – Busti FRI OCT 02 The Beatlemaniacs – Reg Lenna Center for The Arts – Jamestown Bill Ward (John Prine tribute) – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown Ion Sky Trio – Lakewood Rod & Gun Club – Lakewood…

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities’ proposed District Heat and Solid Waste 2027 budgets have rate increases. Accounting Supervisor Jami Rishel said District Heat users will see a 10% rate increase due to the rising cost of operations. Capital projects proposed in the 2027 budget include repairs to pipes along the Harrison Street Bridge, which has already started this year; catwalk work in the amount of $100,000, valve work for $300,000, and work on the UPMC loop, which is estimated to be around $1 million. Rishel said revenue for the Solid Waste Division is down about 5% from 2025 with operations and maintenance costs up about 6%.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has approved a resolution to establish a Digital Services Division. BPU General Manager Kris Sellstrom said the resolution requests Jamestown City Council to pass a local law to recognize the new division, “City Council can do one of two things. They could designate it as a public utility, in which case the current Charter would cover most of it. I think they're going to go with the charter amendment to actually more formally add the language about the Digital Services and Infrastructure Division into the…

A statewide fellowship artist opportunity is now accepting applications. The application process has opened for New York State artists to partner with State agencies to develop innovative engagement for key state initiatives. Launched in 2026 and now entering its second year, The New York State of the Arts Fellowship, administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), brings artists and State government together to foster community connection, enhance public spaces and amplify vital public service initiatives. Guidelines for the program are available at arts.ny.gov/SOAfellow. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m., October 21, 2026.

Enrollment for the 4-H Program opens Thursday, October 1. The 4-H program teaches real world skills to children and teens. Clubs and other regular programs teach skills like sewing, gardening, leather stamping, carpentry, cooking and other assorted useful skills. Animal programs teach children the responsibility of caring for another living being. This might be an animal that has to live in the country, like a goat, lamb or hog, or an animal that can happily dwell in the city, like a rabbit or dog. The 4 H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health.

A homeless man has been arrested in the theft and damage to St. Susan Center’s refrigeration system. The Jamestown Police Department said that 33-year old Jarall Reid has been charged with 2nd Degree Criminal Mischief and 5th Degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. St. Susan Center officials notified JPD on August 16 that their cooling system had been destroyed. Video surveillance footage showed a man walking to where the cooling system is on the outside of the Soup Kitchen building. The man, who JPD says is Reid, then removed various copper parts and the radiator.

Jamestown Community College’s Success Centers have been awarded a $100,000 grant to support student mental health and wellness. This is the third consecutive year for the funding through the State University of New York. It supports efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, increase access to mental health services, and provide programs and events that promote the overall well-being of JCC students. During the past year, JCC used grant funding to expand access to free mental health services through BetterMynd, a teletherapy platform available at no cost to all JCC students, including those attending the Jamestown or Cattaraugus County campuses and those enrolled fully online.

State Senator George Borrello honored U.S. Army veteran and longtime veterans advocate Lori Dispenza during a special ceremony recognizing her induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Dispenza, a Portland native and graduate of Brocton Central School, served more than a decade in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her military career included assignments in Alaska, South Carolina, Honduras, Southern California and Fort Drum, as well as a 15-month deployment to Kirkuk, Iraq, with the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division.

Jamestown resident James B. McIntyre has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Joseph H. Mason Community Service Award. The award is presented annually by United Way of Chautauqua County. Now in its 46th year, the Joseph H. Mason Award recognizes the exceptional community involvement and volunteerism of a local union member. McIntyre will be recognized with the award during United Way’s annual “Salute To Labor” dinner, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 21 at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. A retired member of IBEW Local 106, McIntyre spent more than 39 years with Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric in Jamestown, beginning as an apprentice electrician in 1987 and progressing through roles as a journeyman, small and large project foreman, and ultimately Senior Estimator and Project Manager.

Logan Alexander stopped by the WRFA studios to perform a couple songs and talk new music with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.linktr.ee/loganalexander www.instagram.com/loganalexandermusic www.facebook.com/loganalexandermusic

Craig Robbins is a NYS full-time licensed hunting and fishing guide for 25 years. Through guiding he has successfully guided thousands of fishing clients and their families on Chautauqua Lake to their fishing trip of a lifetime. As a hunting guide Craig has successfully guided visiting and local hunters for geese, ducks, turkey and whitetail. Craig first started writing about the outdoors for the Corry Times. It wasn’t long before he then received a phone call the Jamestown Post-Journal sports editor Jim Riggs about the writing for the Post-Journal. That started his almost three-decade weekly column Outdoors with Craig Robbins. Each week Craig shares his insight, tips, techniques and news regarding the outdoors to sportsmen and women of Chautauqua County, western New York and beyond.

Craig Robbins is a NYS full-time licensed hunting and fishing guide for 25 years. Through guiding he has successfully guided thousands of fishing clients and their families on Chautauqua Lake to their fishing trip of a lifetime. As a hunting guide Craig has successfully guided visiting and local hunters for geese, ducks, turkey and whitetail. Craig first started writing about the outdoors for the Corry Times. It wasn’t long before he then received a phone call the Jamestown Post-Journal sports editor Jim Riggs about the writing for the Post-Journal. That started his almost three-decade weekly column Outdoors with Craig Robbins. Each week Craig shares his insight, tips, techniques and news regarding the outdoors to sportsmen and women of Chautauqua County, western New York and beyond.

Hear performances from Bill Ward & Friends and The Travesties Trio at the 2026 Mayville Bluegrass Festival. Special thanks to Sally Schaefer for the audio! www.facebook.com/mayvillebluegrass

WRFA is proud to team up with the Lake Shore Center for the Arts to bring you the highlights from their monthly Songwriters in Concert Series. Every third Thursday of the month LSCFTA brings together three singer/songwriters to perform their songs and tell their stories. WRFA brings you the best of those performances on the final Saturday of the month at 8 pm. Performers for September 2026 were Jess Royer, Phil Dillon and Grace Lougen www.linktr.ee/jessroyermusic www.gracelougen.com

New York State is suing Polymarket for running an illegal gambling operation in the state through its prediction market platform. Polymarket launched in the United States in December 2025 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of sporting events, promising users “sports – followed by markets on everything.” The lawsuit alleges that Polymarket’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance.

The reconstruction project at the Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site has been completed. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said the improvements to the site on Chautauqua Lake included a replaced boat launch, new boat docks, a kayak launch, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant features to help improve access for boaters and other visitors enjoying Chautauqua Lake. There also are accessible parking spaces near the boat launch, improved sidewalks, and motion-sensor, solar-powered lights to the launch area and sidewalks. The concrete seawall was also removed and replaced with stone rip rap and a vegetated shoreline.

Jamestown City Council will decide on whether to hire three matrons for the City Jail and buying 15 new bulletproof vests at its voting session tonight. One resolution for consideration will authorize the City Comptroller to amend the 2026 General Fund Revenue Budget following the receipt of $1.5 million in State Temporary Municipal Assistance. This is a one time payment from the State. Council also will vote to suspend the hiring freeze to allow for the filling of three vacant on-call matron positions within the Jamestown Police Department. The State requires jails to have women on staff if a woman is brought into the holding facility.

The Jamestown School Board has approved the appointment of Sydney Deppas to serve as assistant principal of Persell Middle School. Deppas succeeds Michelle Buccola, who was recently appointed as the principal of Lincoln Elementary School. Deppas currently serves as an instructional coach supporting Love Elementary School and universal pre-kindergarten across the district. Deppas joined Jamestown Public Schools in 2019, spending four years teaching first grade at Bush Elementary School and two years teaching kindergarten at Ring Elementary School before becoming a district instructional coach. A 2016 Jamestown High School graduate, she received her bachelor’s and administrative degrees from SUNY Fredonia and her master’s degree from Western Governors University.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley discusses the tentative 2027 County Budget with Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

The Robert H. Jackson Center will be wrapping up its programming on the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials in October. We’ll learn about what topics those will focus on as well as a new youth program scheduled for the end of next month.

The Silver Creek Central School District is mourning the loss of a student who died after being hit by a train. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said that 16-year old Keira (Koda) Beckstrom was struck by a train Wednesday afternoon in the village of Silver Creek. Silver Creek Schools Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston said in a statement on social media that Beckstrom was an 11th grade student at the high school and that the district offered their, “...deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with Koda's family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those who knew and loved her.”

The Town of Pomfret has been awarded state funding for a new playground. The funding of $821,221 is part of $67.5 million in grants through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) for 89 projects to build, expand and renovate public playgrounds across New York State. The awards will help municipalities and nonprofit organizations create and improve accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active and connect with their communities. The $67.5 million in state funding will support playground projects representing more than $145 million in total investment.

The towns of Cherry Creek and Pomfret are each receiving wastewater infrastructure grants. Each town will receive $50,000 in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant awards. $3.1 million is being awarded statewide to jumpstart 63 water quality projects statewide by giving local governments resources to develop engineering plans so they may access additional funding for construction. The grant program is administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). EFC’s planning grants encourage communities to move forward with wastewater and sewer projects by funding the development of an engineering report. This program helps communities advance fiscally sound and well-designed projects to construction and empowers communities to seek additional funding.

New York residents can fish for free this Saturday in the state. State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced a statewide Free Fishing Day for Saturday, September 26. During any of the six designated Free Fishing Days, the fishing license requirement is waived for fishing on New York’s fresh waters. This Free Fishing Day coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate traditional outdoor sports and recreation. DEC and its partners also hold free “learn to fish” clinics throughout the year.

The Jamestown High School Marching Band will host its 47th Annual Fall Festival of Bands this Saturday. The JHS Marching Band will perform their 2026 show “Paint It Black” at noon on Strider Field. JHS Marching Band Director Ethan Thompson said, “This year's show is a dramatic, western-inspired show that tells the story of outlaws in a lawless frontier through powerful music and visual storytelling. The students have truly embraced the theme, and we're excited to bring the performance to life throughout the season.” The Fall Festival of Bands is the JHS Marching Band’s most significant annual fundraiser.

A “Mystery at the Marvin” will be held at the Marvin House in October. The Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House is inviting guests to experience an original interactive mystery presented at 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4. Created for the Marvin House’s 75th anniversary, guests will become part of a 1951 live radio broadcast featuring music, vintage commercials, and an episode from an ongoing mystery serial. Clues, surprises, and intrigue will emerge throughout the Marvin House before, during, and after the show. Audience members must watch closely, listen carefully, and connect the details to solve the mystery by evening’s end.

THE WRFA ROCK AND ROLL RUNDOWN A listing of live entertainment events happening in the greater Jamestown area. Have an event you want us to know about? Use the contact page on our website or send an email to wrfaprogramming@reglenna.com. THU SEP 24 The Karl-Marks Revolution – Good Time Saloon – Jamestown Ron Fitch – Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing – Westfield FRI SEP 25 Gerald Jimerson – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown Kyle Jordan – Pearl City Hops – Jamestown Jamie Smith – Lakewood Rod & Gun Club – Lakewood…

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel has proposed in his 2027 Executive Budget to cut the tax rate by 85-cents, for the County’s lowest tax rate since 1975. The proposed $330 million budget would reduce the tax rate from $6.17 per $1,000 of assessed value to $5.32 while also keeps the tax levy flat. The tax valuation in the county is estimated to rise to $14 million from $12.1 million in 2026. Wendel said expenditures in the budget are up 6.5% due to inflation and unfunded mandates. Chautauqua County is required to administer and finance more than 40 state-defined programs, with unfunded mandates projected to cost county taxpayers more than $113 million in 2027.

The City of Jamestown has received a clean audit for 2025. Drescher and Malecki CPAs Carl Widmer and Jared Pickard presented on the results of the audit to City Council Monday night. The auditors noted significant improvements in efficiency, with the audit being delivered three and a half months sooner than the previous year. The audit included a single compliance audit for federal programs like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the SAFER Grant, as well as a state transportation compliance audit for the…

A Jamestown area large engine repair business has been approved for a sales tax exemption as part of its plans to expand the business. The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency approved the exemption in the amount of $40,000 to Evan LLC Oils Motor Sales which operates as Boyles Motor Sales. The company has been specializing in large vehicle engine repairs, hydraulic hoses and fittings; brake services, and maintenance for over 70 years. Boyles Motor Sales is located at 2955 Strunk Road. They plan to add on an addition to increase space and productivity.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Water Division will begin Fall water main flushing September 25. The process begins with a “pre-flush” at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, in the Falconer areas of Aldren, Mapleshade, Ralph and Valmeere. Flushing of the entire village of Falconer will begin at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 26, and continues into Sunday until the entire village is flushed. Water in Falconer and on the north side of Jamestown can be expected to discolor when Falconer flushing occurs. Flushing in the rest of the BPU Water system will take place from 8:00 a.m.

The Jamestown Board of Utilities is looking to create a sixth division for its fiber project. General Manager Kris Sellstrom, speaking before Jamestown City Council Monday, said the new division would become known as the Digital Infrastructure Division. It would join the existing divisions of Electric, Water, Wastewater, District Heating and Solid Waste. The new division would own, operate and maintain the utility’s open-access fiber network and support future digital infrastructure initiatives. The nine-member BPU board will govern the new division which will be maintained as a financially self-sustaining operation with finances segregated from the BPU’s other utility divisions.

A local law to abolish the City of Jamestown’s Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission has been tabled until October. The City Council Public Safety Committee tabled the law until its October 5 committee meeting to allow for further discussion. City Council Ward 2 Democratic candidate Jason Sample, speaking at privilege of the floor, stated he felt the proposed law by City Administration may have overstepped its powers as the City Code says the Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission’s duties are to consider, develop and make recommendations for strategic initiatives to the City Council and other organizations within the Greater Jamestown area.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel will present his 2027 Tentative Executive Budget tonight at the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting. Wendel will outline his proposed spending plan at 6:30 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers located in the Gerace Office Building at 3 North Erie Street in Mayville. The presentation is open to the public. Residents may also watch the address live on youtube.com/@ChautauquaCounty. Wendel said this year’s presentation is themed, “Putting Money Back in Your Wallet,” reflecting his focus on affordability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. During his address, Wendel will outline how the County plans to maintain and strengthen essential services while continuing to protect Chautauqua County’s strong financial position and responsibly manage taxpayer dollars.

The Championship Night of the Battle of the Badges: The Ladle Showdown will take place this Thursday. St. Susan Center has been hosting the multi-round cooking competition with the final round taking place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 24 at the Center located at 31 Water Street in Jamestown. Doors open at 5 p.m. The three teams who will meet for one final battle are Michelle Torrens and Carol Sweeney from the Jamestown Cummins Engine Plant who will be cooking in honor and recognition of the Falconer Fire Department…

Elliot Raimondo is out as Jamestown’s Corporation Counsel. Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund made the announcement to City Council Monday night. She said while a new City Attorney won’t be starting until sometime in October, the position will be covered, “I certainly want to thank outside counsels that I've reached out to who are contributing and offering assistance, as well as the DA's office in court. So we will be covered. There should not be any issues.” Raimondo was appointed Corporation Counsel in January 2020 by former Mayor Eddie Sundquist. He also began serving as the…

Artificial Intelligence developers will be required to register with New York State and follow strict guidelines come November. AI safety law, the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, will require large frontier AI developers to: Establish safety and transparency frameworks, which must be published on the developer’s website; Report critical safety incidents to the state’s new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity and Trust (DIGIT) within 72 hours and, as required, to other government authorities; File quarterly assessments of catastrophic risks to the DIGIT Office, which may transmit them to other government authorities; and…

A new public art mural will begin to be installed in Bemus Point this week. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development (CCDPD) said Chicago-based artist Michael Ferrarell, of Anytown Mural & Sign Co., will begin work at the mural site of the Bemus Point Village Hall on Thursday, September 24. This project is part of the 2026 Paint CHQ mural program, an initiative dedicated to enhancing communities across Chautauqua County through transformative public art. Ferrarell’s large-scale installation will bring color, creativity, history, landmarks, and local claims to fame to Bemus Point Village Hall.

Jamestown Community College’s 2026-27 History and Culture Film Series will kick off with showings of “Amistad” at the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses. The Steven Spielberg classic will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, at the Jamestown Campus Scharmann Theatre and at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, at the Cattaraugus County Campus Cutco Theater in Olean. Each screening will be followed by a moderated discussion. Admission is free and open to the public. Released in 1997, “Amistad” tells the true story of a group of Africans who seized control of the slave ship La Amistad in 1839 and the landmark court case that followed.