Jamestown City Council’s President and Finance Committee Chair are grateful there are no lay-offs proposed in the 2027 Executive Budget. Mayor Kim Ecklund’s executive budget clocks in at $47.3 million with a 7.39% increase in the tax rate. Council President Regina Brackman said the biggest thing for her in the proposed budget is that no firefighters will be laid off, “That was something even when the SAFER grant came around that there was always that potential that come 2026 we would have to lay off those firefighters. So, I'm glad that, although that puts now an additional cost out of the city to keep them, but I'm happy that we're at least keeping the city staffed.”

A $7.3 million contract has been awarded for a Barcelona Harbor project to remove sediment and install a wave-absorbing structure on the westside breakwater. The funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District will go to Michigan-based Great Lakes Dock and Materials for the project. It will provide a long-term solution to significant shoaling and blockage of the federal navigation channel which has caused dangerous conditions for boaters on Lake Erie and posed a threat to the economic viability of the harbor. For years, sediment has piled up along the lakeward side of the West Breakwater, creating a ramp for water and sediment to travel up and over the structure, especially during storms.

The Chautauqua Center, in partnership with Roswell’s Eddy Mobile Cancer Screening Unit, Brooks Hospital TLC Dunkirk, and UPMC Chautauqua is offering its annual Mammogrammy events this week. The events are part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and are about empowering through prevention and encouraging everyone to "Be bold, get screened!" The Mammogrammys aim to provide expedited mammogram screenings for current patients at TCC, while also offering a relaxing and supportive atmosphere to the entire community. While all mammogram appointments have been filled on the Eddy unit and at the hospitals this year, everyone is encouraged to attend the accompanying free and open events.

Jamestown Community College is hosting Jayhawk Open House Days for prospective students and their families. The open house events will take place at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 18 at the Jamestown Campus and 1:00 p.m., Sunday, October 25 at the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, speak with faculty, learn more about academic programs and student support services; meet current students, apply to JCC, and receive financial aid information. JCC’s open house events are free to attend and open to prospective students and their families. For more information or to register, visit sunyjcc.edu/OpenHouse.

WRFA's Julia Ciesla-Hanley spoke with Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund two days before her proposed 2027 Executive Budget was released. While she wouldn’t get into specifics, we did learn about some of the challenges facing the City in 2027. We also discussed the proposed local law to abolish the Strategic Planning & Partnerships Commission along with a proposed Abandoned Shopping Cart ordinance.

Folks from the Chautauqua County Humane Society discussed how the shelter is handling an influx of cats and dogs as well as several upcoming events.

Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund’s proposed $47.3 million Executive Budget includes a 7.39% tax increase and no layoffs. The 2027 spending plan increases appropriations by 3.8% or $1.7 million. The proposed 2027 tax rate is $27.63 with a corresponding tax levy increase of $1,302,414. Ecklund has proposed using $2,775,406 from the City’s unassigned fund balance toward the budget. Ecklund said fixed costs related to health and dental insurance; retirement contribution, stop-loss coverage, contractual expenses, and general operations supplies consume a significant portion of the city’s annual budget. She said fuel costs have increased 62% since 2026 and salt has increased more than 107% since 2025.

More than 20 local manufacturers recently met to explore opportunities connected to the NY SMART I-Corridor and regional semiconductor supply chain. Presented through the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) Workforce Development work group, the luncheon brought together business leaders, economic development partners, and industry representatives to discuss how specified Chautauqua County companies may be able to participate in future supplier, contracting, and business development opportunities connected to the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub. Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Advisory Board Co-Chair…

Admission to the Audubon Community Nature Center building will be free Monday, October 12 in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Visitors can visit the building for free between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In addition to the indoor Nature Play Area, there are interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. The nearly 600-acre nature preserve outdoors is always free, dawn to dusk. For more information, visit AudubonCNC.org.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities will be open Monday, October 12. Garbage and recycling collection will remain on the regular daily schedule throughout the week of October 12 to 16.

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 08 Open Mic – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown The Karl-Marks Revolution – Good Time Saloon – Jamestown Jerod Eggleston – Wicked Warren’s – Warren, PA Johnny Smooth Duo – Warren Moose Lodge – Warren, PA FRI OCT 09 Logan Alexander and Laura “The Landshark” Ferraro – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown…

Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund will present her 2027 Executive Budget today. Ecklund said increasing prices for many items including fuel and road salt have put pressure on the budget process. She told City Council members Monday night that not having the latest sales tax revenues along with fluctuating stop-loss costs under health insurance makes it difficult to know how to budget for revenues and expenses. The presentation will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Police Training Room on the fourth floor of City Hall. It is open to the public and also will be livestreamed on…

The Jamestown Public Schools District has received a clean audit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The audit, conducted by Buffamante Whipple and Buttafaro; said the overall net position from operations of the District increased in the amount of $14,043,000 as compared to an increase of $14,520,000 during the prior fiscal year. The District’s total revenue increased 7% from $127,098,000 during the year ending June 30, 2025 to $135,892,000 during the year ending June 30, 2026. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in state funding due to an increase in excess cost aid, foundation aid and smart school bond act funds offset by a decrease in federal pandemic aid.

The Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, Inc. has completed its “Protect the Wetlands” Trail Project in North Harmony State Forest. Developed in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the project rerouted approximately 1,300 feet of existing multi-use trail away from a designated wetland to higher, drier ground while improving additional sections of the trail. In total, approximately 3,955 feet of trail received upgrades, including stabilization fabric, about 800 cubic yards of gravel, and grading to improve drainage and durability. The improvements help protect sensitive wetland habitat, reduce erosion and impacts on water quality, and provide a safer, more sustainable route for equestrians and other trail users.

Jamestown Pride is celebrating National Coming Out Day with an event this Saturday. The “Out Loud” event will take place at the Robert H. Jackson Center from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10. It will feature a mix of community members sharing their experiences, as well as an open-mic period for others in the LGBTQ+ community who want to share a testimony, celebrate themselves or a loved one, or provide support for the LGBTQ+ community. National Coming Out Day is observed on October 11th each year, commemorating the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has named Megan Arnone Eckwahl to succeed Becky Robbins as their Communications Coordinator. Robbins is retiring after 20 years at the BPU. Eckwahl had been employed as Manager of Marketing & Communications for the National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum since 2022. In 2025, the New York State Tourism Industry Association recognized Eckwahl for innovations and leadership in tourism marketing across New York State. Previously, she was the Director of Marketing, Communications and Sales at the Northwest Arena, and spent four years at the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau in the role of Marketing & Communications Coordinator.

The historic Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House is holding a fashion show this month. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the Marvin Community House along with GG My Love of Chautauqua Institution will host an evening of all-season fashions, refreshments and friendship at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 15. The event will feature trendy, contemporary clothing and looks that blend comfort with style. The evening will also feature a special GG My Love Pop-Up Shop, giving guests an opportunity to browse and purchase fashions and accessories featured in the show. Proceeds from the show go toward helping preserve the Marvin House.

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.

Tj Buck is back on the show to talk all about his new novels Kingdom of Dirt and Show Me the Devil as well as what he has been personally reading and listening to www.instagram.com/tjbuck1963

A local law to abolish the Strategic Planning and Partnerships Commission is moving forward. Public Safety Chair Jeremy Engquist said that at this point he still is unsure how he’d vote on the floor. Two citizens spoke on the law during open session, including City Council candidate Jason Sample, who asked if Council members understands issues and challenges facing stakeholders in Jamestown and what is needed from local government to help address that,  “If the answer is yes, then perhaps you do not need the commission or process for conducting strategic planning.

New York State’s minimum wage will be frozen in 2027 due to the loss of private-sector jobs. The Albany Times-Union reports that this would be the first time the state’s minimum wage is not increasing since 2024, when the state began tying it to the rate of inflation. According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, private education and hospitality sectors were hit particularly hard this year for job losses, which triggered a state law that requires regulators freeze the minimum wage. Read the full article here:

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities’ Communications Coordinator will retire in November after 20 years of service. Becky Robbins came to the BPU after four years at the Robert H. Jackson Center, where she worked as the director of development and in public relations. In her years at home with children, she worked as part-time executive director of the WCA Foundation, Inc., and as a freelance grants writer. BPU General Manager Kris Sellstrom said, “Becky has helped tell the BPU’s story for 20 years, always keeping our customers and community at the heart of her work.

The James Prendergast Library has Halloween fun planned for the month of October. The annual Haunted Library Fundraiser will take place Saturday, October 24 with shows at 11:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:00 pm. This year’s them is a Storybook Tea Party. Attendees can meet characters from popular fairy tales, play along with “storybook” trivia, and enjoy light desserts and refreshments. The event takes place in the library’s Fireplace Room which will be decorated to transport you to Wonderland. The program runs 90 minutes. Costumes are optional but encouraged. This program is recommended for guests ages 6 and over.

New York State’s SUNY Reconnect program is being expanded to address the impacts of artificial intelligence on the workforce. Starting in January 2027, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 can enroll in a SUNY associate degree program in a high-demand field for free, even if they have already completed a college degree in a different area. The initiative will increase access for tens of thousands more adult learners by allowing individuals with existing credentials to pivot careers and gain valuable qualifications in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing without accumulating debt for tuition, fees, books and supplies.

The Jamestown Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for vandalizing the Washington Street Bridge. Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund posted on social media about the graffiti found on the pillars of the bridge on Harrison Street. She said that reports have been filed and evidence has been collected at the scene by Jamestown Police. Ecklund said the large amount of graffiti will be addressed, especially since some of the content is vulgar. Police Chief Scott Forster said the vandalism occurred Friday night into Saturday. He said the department has information on the possible suspect but encourages anyone who may have information to report it anonymously by calling 716-483-TIPS or 716-483-8477.

The Robert H. Jackson Center is inviting the public to the virtual closing program of 80 Years of Nuremberg: An International Reflection. The year-long international symposium began in November 2025 and has explored the legacy of the Nuremberg Trials and their continuing relevance to justice, accountability and the rule of law today. The final event, After Nuremberg: What Do We Carry Forward?, will take place virtually from noon to 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 9. The program brings the series together after months of examining the path to the trials, the people and institutions involved, the courtroom, the evidence and testimony, Robert H.

A youth-only pheasant hunting weekend will take place this weekend in Western New York. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said the hunting weekend is Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11. The DEC pheasant propagation program supplies over 50,000 adult pheasants to support upland game bird hunting across the state and is an important hunter recruitment, reactivation, and retention tool. More specifically, a large portion of these birds are reserved specifically for youth hunting opportunities. Youth hunts offer a focused introduction to upland game bird hunting with the guidance of an experienced adult hunter to help foster a lifelong connection to wildlife conservation, outdoor ethics, and responsible firearm use.

Construction on the Salvation Army’s Anew Center has been completed in Jamestown. The Anew Center is a 7-unit, 19-bed family shelter that will serve individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. The $6 million project received $4.4 million from the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program to fund the redevelopment and relocation of the agency’s former domestic violence shelter. The Anew Center replaces the Salvation Army’s previous 13-bed shelter, which occupied a historic building dating to the 1860s that was not ADA-compliant and required ongoing costly repairs.

Jamestown City Council will retake up discussion of a proposed ordinance about abandoned shopping carts tonight. The Public Safety Committee tabled the ordinance last month due to lack of time available in committee to discuss it. The proposed ordinance would establish a framework for addressing the removal, abandonment, recovery, storage, and enforcement of the carts. The Public Safety Committee also will resume discussion on a local Law to abolish the Strategic Planning and Partnership Commission. The committee tabled the law last month to allow for further discussion. The committee also will vote on special event permit applications including:

Organizations across the region are celebrating Manufacturing Month in October. The month long observance highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Western New York’s economy and the career opportunities available to the next generation. In Chautauqua County alone, manufacturers generate approximately $5.1 billion in annual shipments, and manufacturing represents approximately 18% of the county’s workforce—more than twice the national share. New York State also identifies manufacturing as a foundational sector of Chautauqua County’s economy. The impact of manufacturing is significant across the Southern Tier. The three-county region of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua, served by the…

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.