Jamestown Tarp Skunks Announce 2026 Promotional Schedule The Jamestown Tarp Skunks have released their promotional schedule for the 2026 season. The Tarp Skunks, members of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, begin their season at home against the newest league member, the Olean Oilers, on Friday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the start of the game, the team will host a free tailgate festival featuring live music by the band “Porcelain Bus Drivers,” a food truck, and a bounce house. At the conclusion of the game, there will be a fireworks show to kick off the Tarp Skunks' sixth season.

Jamestown Tarp Skunks Announce 2026 Promotional Schedule

The Jamestown Tarp Skunks have released their promotional schedule for the 2026 season. The Tarp Skunks, members of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, begin their season at home against the newest league member, the Olean Oilers,…

Residents Asked To Participate In ‘Lights Out’ Initiative To Help Protect Migrating Birds Residents are asked to help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the “Lights Out” initiative. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) announced that State buildings participating in Lights Out will keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York. Many species of shorebirds and songbirds rely on constellations to help them navigate to and from their summer breeding grounds throughout the state. Excessive outdoor lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions, can disorient migrating birds, a phenomenon known as fatal light attraction.

Residents Asked To Participate In ‘Lights Out’ Initiative To Help Protect Migrating Birds

Residents are asked to help protect migrating birds as they navigate night skies by participating in the “Lights Out” initiative. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office…

Law Student From Dunkirk In The Running To Win Entrepreneur Of Impact Award A law student from Dunkirk is in the running to win the Entrepreneur Of Impact Award. Emily-Jane Berakah, a native of Camaroon, West Africa, graduated from Dunkirk High School, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and is now enrolled at Ohio Northern University. The Entrepreneur of Impact, hosted by "The People's Shark," Daymond John, founder of FUBU and investor on ABC's Shark Tank, is a nationwide campaign that invites entrepreneurs ages 13+ to compete for mentorship, and a $25,000 prize while supporting national non-profit GENYOUth.

Law Student From Dunkirk In The Running To Win Entrepreneur Of Impact Award

A law student from Dunkirk is in the running to win the Entrepreneur Of Impact Award. Emily-Jane Berakah, a native of Camaroon, West Africa, graduated from Dunkirk High School, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and…

Juneteenth BBQ Fundraiser Set For April 25 The Jamestown Juneteenth Committee is holding its 4th Annual Chicken BBQ and Basket Raffle this Saturday. The event will take place noon to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at the Morton Club on Pratt Avenue in Jamestown. The barbecue will feature a ½ Chicken, choice of Macaroni or Potato Salad, Baked Beans and a Dinner Roll for a donation of $18.00. There also will be live music by Karl and Mark’s Revolution from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event will include a basket raffle drawing, a 50/50, and more. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Jamestown Juneteenth Scholarship Fund. To donate a raffle basket, gift cards, or make a general donation, contact Regina Brackman at 716-499-5849.

Juneteenth BBQ Fundraiser Set For April 25

The Jamestown Juneteenth Committee is holding its 4th Annual Chicken BBQ and Basket Raffle this Saturday. The event will take place noon to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25 at the Morton Club on Pratt Avenue in Jamestown. The barbecue will feature a ½…

Jamestown Farmers Market, Third Thursdays Submit Applications To Move Event Locations The Jamestown Farmers Market and Third Thursday Concert Series are looking at moving the location of their events within Downtown Jamestown. Special Event Permit applications for both will be voted on by the Jamestown City Council Public Safety Committee tonight. Both applications seek to move the events to East Third Street between Spring and North Main Streets. The Farmers Market has operated on West Third Street between Cherry and North Main Streets since 2021. It was previously located on Cherry Street between West Fourth and West Third Streets. According to the application, Food Access Program Director…

Jamestown Farmers Market, Third Thursdays Submit Applications To Move Event Locations

The Jamestown Farmers Market and Third Thursday Concert Series are looking at moving the location of their events within Downtown Jamestown. Special Event Permit applications for both will be voted on by the…

Gov. Hochul Proposes Plan To Protect Residents Against ICE Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a comprehensive plan to protect residents against ICE. Hochul said this plan builds on previous proposals and would “...enhance protections and safeguard the rights of New Yorkers from the overreach of rogue federal immigration authorities.” The proposal would prohibit state, local and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public. This excludes tactical equipment, sunglasses, or medical masks from the definition of face covering. Officers who willfully violate the statute would be charged with a misdemeanor. The proposal also would prohibit state and local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration enforcement for non-criminal violations like jaywalking or minor vehicle and traffic violations.

Gov. Hochul Proposes Plan To Protect Residents Against ICE

Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a comprehensive plan to protect residents against ICE. Hochul said this plan builds on previous proposals and would “...enhance protections and safeguard the rights of New Yorkers from the overreach of…

Jamestown Community Mourns The Loss Of Johnny LaMancuso The Jamestown community is mourning the lost of Johnny LaMancuso, who died April 15. LaMancuso, who was 10 years old and a fourth grader at Fletcher Elementary School; had been battling Ewing's Sarcoma. Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said in a statement, “Johnny touched many lives at Fletcher School and across our school district, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who loved him. Our school district stands ready to support the LaMancuso family, students, staff, and families during this incredibly difficult time.”

Jamestown Community Mourns The Loss Of Johnny LaMancuso

The Jamestown community is mourning the lost of Johnny LaMancuso, who died April 15. LaMancuso, who was 10 years old and a fourth grader at Fletcher Elementary School; had been battling Ewing's Sarcoma. Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent…

[LISTEN] Community Matters – Jamestown Public Schools 2026-27 Budget Presentation – April 16, 2026 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. View budget presentation slides here:

[LISTEN] Community Matters – Jamestown Public Schools 2026-27 Budget Presentation – April 16, 2026

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…

[LISTEN] Community Matters – Jamestown Public Schools Innovation Center Presentation – April 16, 2026 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. View presentation slides here:

[LISTEN] Community Matters – Jamestown Public Schools Innovation Center Presentation – April 16, 2026

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…

Jamestown Woman Dies Following Accident On Thruway A Jamestown woman died following a car accident on the New York State Thruway in the town of Evans Wednesday morning. New York State Police said a minivan traveling eastbound veered out of its lane and then back onto the north shoulder, causing it to overturn. Police say a passenger, 69-year old Linda Haney, suffered serious injuries. She was airlifted to the Erie County Medical Center where she died. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation is still actively investigating the collision.

Jamestown Woman Dies Following Accident On Thruway

A Jamestown woman died following a car accident on the New York State Thruway in the town of Evans Wednesday morning. New York State Police said a minivan traveling eastbound veered out of its lane and then back onto the north shoulder, causing it…

Forestville, Frewsburg Fire Districts Owe Unpaid Fees To Chautauqua County Forestville and Frewsburg Fire Districts have unpaid fees owed to Chautauqua County. The Chautauqua County Attorney's Office is taking steps to resolve unpaid fees for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance intercepts and is preparing next actions to ensure compliance. If the Districts continue to refuse payment of the amounts due, the County may be forced to suspend certain services currently provided to the Districts. County Attorney Emily Woodard said, “Our duty is straightforward: when the County lawfully bills for the services it provides, we must pursue payment for those services so that taxpayers are treated fairly.

Forestville, Frewsburg Fire Districts Owe Unpaid Fees To Chautauqua County

Forestville and Frewsburg Fire Districts have unpaid fees owed to Chautauqua County. The Chautauqua County Attorney's Office is taking steps to resolve unpaid fees for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance intercepts and is…

States Win Lawsuit Against Live Nation, Ticketmaster A lawsuit involving dozens of states, including New York, has won their lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. A jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by eliminating competition and driving up costs for fans, artists, and venues across the country. Live Nation reached a deal with the Department of Justice in March to pay $280 million to states that sued the company over its practices. However, a coalition of more than 30 states rejected the federal settlement and vowed to move forward with litigation, with New York Attorney General…

States Win Lawsuit Against Live Nation, Ticketmaster

A lawsuit involving dozens of states, including New York, has won their lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. A jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by eliminating competition and driving…

Audubon Holding Volunteer Day April 18 The Audubon Community Nature Center is celebrating Earth Day with a Volunteer Day on April 18. Staff and other volunteers will split into groups to tackle different projects such as sprucing up the gardens, cleaning, grounds work, and more. This is a family-friendly event with something for all ages and abilities. To register ahead of time, call the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345, or go online to auduboncnc.org/volunteer-day. While the program is free, click through check-out to complete your registration. Walk-ins the morning of the event are welcome. Registration is from 9:00 to 9:15 a.m. 

Audubon Holding Volunteer Day April 18

The Audubon Community Nature Center is celebrating Earth Day with a Volunteer Day on April 18. Staff and other volunteers will split into groups to tackle different projects such as sprucing up the gardens, cleaning, grounds work, and more. This is a…

WRFA Rock and Roll Rundown – April 16, 2026 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 APR 16 Open Jam – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown Kallie Williams – Wicked Warren’s – Warren, PA FRI APR 17 Lenin-McCarthy – The Wine Cellar – Jamestown Logan Alexander and Laura Ferraro – Group Ther-Happy – Lakewood Fred Leopard – Buddy Brewster’s Ale House – Lakewood Angel Busch – Big Inlet Brewing – Mayville…

WRFA Rock and Roll Rundown – April 16, 2026

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 APR 16 Open…

Deer Over Population Concerns Raised With Jamestown City Council Again The issue of deer over-population in the City of Jamestown has been brought up to City Council once again. Grant Briggs of Woodlawn Avenue told the Public Safety Committee that the deer are out of hand in his neighborhood, “I know there's no hunting in Jamestown, so they just keep the herd gets bigger and bigger and bigger. I had 17 deer in my side yard the other day. I've got a bank full of juniper out in front of the house, about 100 foot long. It's gone. They ate every bit of it.

Deer Over Population Concerns Raised With Jamestown City Council Again

The issue of deer over-population in the City of Jamestown has been brought up to City Council once again. Grant Briggs of Woodlawn Avenue told the Public Safety Committee that the deer are out of hand in his neighborhood, “I…

Jamestown School Board Approves 2026-27 JPS Budget The Jamestown School Board has approved the proposed $120,898,274 district budget that will now go before voters to consider on May 19. The 2026-27 budget for the Jamestown Public Schools District includes no tax levy increase and the hiring of 15 new teachers. This is the twelfth year in a row the District has not raised taxes. District Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Brittnay Spry said the proposed budget had no numerical changes from when she first presented it to the board in March, “The only change of note from the March work session is that we did select a capital outlay project for the 2026-27 school year.

Jamestown School Board Approves 2026-27 JPS Budget

The Jamestown School Board has approved the proposed $120,898,274 district budget that will now go before voters to consider on May 19. The 2026-27 budget for the Jamestown Public Schools District includes no tax levy increase and the hiring of 15…

Historic Cross Returned To St. Luke’s Episcopal Church A historic cross that was taken from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown has been returned. The cross, which dates back to 1883, was taken from the chapel last week. Social media posts by St. Luke’s said that they shared with Jamestown Police video footage “of an unfamiliar face in the chapel.” JPD used that information and was able to find the cross and a portion of its base, returning it to the church Tuesday morning. A post by the church said, “Later in the afternoon, the individual that had ‘borrowed’ it stopped by the church to return the rest of the base and to apologize.”

Historic Cross Returned To St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

A historic cross that was taken from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown has been returned. The cross, which dates back to 1883, was taken from the chapel last week. Social media posts by St. Luke’s said that they shared with Jamestown…

Borrello, Molitor Raising Concerns With Public Service Commission About NYS Climate Act State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Senator George Borrello have submitted a letter to the State Public Service Commission raising concerns and pushing for a clearer assessment of the state’s current energy strategy. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates include requiring 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a zero-emission grid by 2040. The state representatives say this is proving to be unrealistic. Molitor identified ongoing delays in major projects, shifting contracts, and rising costs as clear evidence that the state’s current approach is flawed and unsustainable, placing a growing burden on families and businesses across New York.

Borrello, Molitor Raising Concerns With Public Service Commission About NYS Climate Act

State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Senator George Borrello have submitted a letter to the State Public Service Commission raising concerns and pushing for a clearer assessment of the state’s current energy…

[LISTEN] Arts on Fire – Jay Ernest Kalk – April 10, 2026 Jay Ernest Kalk of the Folsom Prison Experience chats with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about performing as Johnny Cash and what audiences should expect at The Reg Lenna on April 18th www.reglenna.com/events/folsom-prison www.folsomprisonexperience.com

[LISTEN] Arts on Fire – Jay Ernest Kalk – April 10, 2026

Jay Ernest Kalk of the Folsom Prison Experience chats with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about performing as Johnny Cash and what audiences should expect at The Reg Lenna on April 18th www.reglenna.com/events/folsom-prison…

[LISTEN] Arts on Fire – Jade Giambrone – April 10, 2026 Musician and WRFA college intern Jade Giambrone talked music, radio and her upcoming performance at the April edition of the Lake Shore Center for the Arts Songwriters Circle Series with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.instagram.com/jadegiambrone www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070634238271# www.lakeshorecenterforthearts.com/events/songwriters-circle-series-thursday-april-23rd-730pm/?occurrence=2026-04-23

[LISTEN] Arts on Fire – Jade Giambrone – April 10, 2026

Musician and WRFA college intern Jade Giambrone talked music, radio and her upcoming performance at the April edition of the Lake Shore Center for the Arts Songwriters Circle Series with AOF host Anthony Merchant…

[LISTEN] Oakridge Outdoors EP 125 – April 06, 2026 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.

[LISTEN] Oakridge Outdoors EP 125 – April 06, 2026

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…

[LISTEN] The Swedish Hour – April 12, 2026 Take a tour of Scandinavia without ever leaving Jamestown. The Swedish Hour is hosted by Gerd Brigiotta and provides listeners with a weekly opportunity to explore a wide and diverse selection of traditional Scandinavian music. Sundays at 3 a.m. (9 a.m. Swedish Time) and 7 p.m with an additional replay Tuesday's at 6 p.m.

[LISTEN] The Swedish Hour – April 12, 2026

Take a tour of Scandinavia without ever leaving Jamestown. The Swedish Hour is hosted by Gerd Brigiotta and provides listeners with a weekly opportunity to explore a wide and diverse selection of traditional Scandinavian music. Sundays at 3 a.m. (9 a.m.…

Chautauqua Institution Names Mark Coolidge Johnson As Its New President Chautauqua Institution has named Mark Coolidge Johnson as its 19th President. Johnson is a Senior Foreign Service Officer, attorney and third-generation Chautauquan. He has more than 30 years of distinguished diplomatic service and large-scale operational leadership. Johnson currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City — the largest American diplomatic mission in the world — where he oversees more than 3,000 employees, nine consulates and nine consular agencies with a $282 million operating budget. He recently directed the completion of the new $943 million, one-million-square-foot embassy facility, which opened in November 2025.

Chautauqua Institution Names Mark Coolidge Johnson As Its New President

Chautauqua Institution has named Mark Coolidge Johnson as its 19th President. Johnson is a Senior Foreign Service Officer, attorney and third-generation Chautauquan. He has more than 30 years of distinguished diplomatic…

Jamestown Seeking Community Input On Nearly $1.4 Million In Grant Funding The Jamestown Department of Development is looking for community input on how to use nearly $1.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City of Jamestown is designated as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement community and receives annually grant funding to support housing and community development initiatives. To receive this funding, the City is required to submit a Consolidated Plan that outlines community needs and priorities for the use of grant funds. The City has been awarded $1,113,722 in CDBG funds and $279,108 in…

Jamestown Seeking Community Input On Nearly $1.4 Million In Grant Funding

The Jamestown Department of Development is looking for community input on how to use nearly $1.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City of Jamestown is designated as a…

JCC Hosts WNY Community College AI Consortium Six regional community colleges recently attended the biannual Western New York Community College AI Consortium. The meeting was hosted by Jamestown Community College on its Cattaraugus County campus. More than 40 participants discussed effectively implementing and expanding artificial intelligence use on their campuses. Colleges represented include Erie Community College; Finger Lakes Community College; Genesee Community College; Jamestown Community College; Monroe Community College; and Niagara Community College. The consortium first met in October 2025 at Genesee Community College. JCC President Dr. Daniel DeMarte said, "Artificial intelligence is reshaping how community colleges serve students, and gatherings like this one make clear that our region is approaching that challenge thoughtfully and collaboratively."

JCC Hosts WNY Community College AI Consortium

Six regional community colleges recently attended the biannual Western New York Community College AI Consortium. The meeting was hosted by Jamestown Community College on its Cattaraugus County campus. More than 40 participants discussed effectively…

Amazing Bubble Factory Coming To The Reg April 22 The Amazing Bubble Factory will bring the amazing art of bubbles to life, live on stage, at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts on April 22. The Bubbleologists' humor and showmanship both excite and entertain as they create thousands of bubbles from the size of a pea to the size of a minivan. This family-friendly performance promises music and audience participation. The Amazing Bubble Factory performance is sponsored by Northwest Bank. The event takes place at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22. Tickets are on sale at the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts box office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Amazing Bubble Factory Coming To The Reg April 22

The Amazing Bubble Factory will bring the amazing art of bubbles to life, live on stage, at Reg Lenna Center for The Arts on April 22. The Bubbleologists' humor and showmanship both excite and entertain as they create thousands of bubbles from the…

NYS Has Launched Lead Rental Registry Program New York State has launched its Lead Rental Registry Program. The City of Jamestown, including all houses in the 14701 zip code area, is one of 25 communities selected for the initiative. The state regulations were finalized last week and the Chautauqua County Health Department, in coordination, with community partners, have begun implementing the program locally. The Lead Rental Registry Program creates a proactive, statewide system to identify and address lead hazards in rental housing—finding and fixing lead paint risks before children are exposed. The law requires that:

NYS Has Launched Lead Rental Registry Program

New York State has launched its Lead Rental Registry Program. The City of Jamestown, including all houses in the 14701 zip code area, is one of 25 communities selected for the initiative. The state regulations were finalized last week and the…

Sherman Teen Wins National Dairy Award A Sherman teen has won a national dairy award. Larsen Swan recently had a new calf delivered to his door from California as part of the Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award (HLLA). The purpose of the HLLA is to provide an aspiring and deserving high school dairy youth a chance to own and show a female cow who has never had a calf but who has exemplary genetics for milk production at local, state and national shows including World Dairy Expo. The Jersey calf, “Vierra Every Little Thing”, is a September daughter of World Dairy Expo Jersey Grand Champion Rivendale VIP Eloise.

Sherman Teen Wins National Dairy Award

A Sherman teen has won a national dairy award. Larsen Swan recently had a new calf delivered to his door from California as part of the Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award (HLLA). The purpose of the HLLA is to provide an aspiring and deserving high school dairy…

Jamestown Police Officer Being Recognized For Work Regarding Impaired Drivers A Jamestown Police Officer is being recognized for his work regarding impaired drivers. Jamestown City Council will review a request by Deputy Chief Adam McKinley and Officer Kyle Liuzzo to attend the 2026 Annual New York State Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon to be held at the Albany Capital Center. Officer Liuzzo is receiving a Recognition of Excellence Award. This award is presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, STOP-DWI New York and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. These awards honor law enforcement officers, district attorneys, and agencies for their dedicated work in impaired driving enforcement, prosecution as well as programs to help curtail impaired driving.

Jamestown Police Officer Being Recognized For Work Regarding Impaired Drivers

A Jamestown Police Officer is being recognized for his work regarding impaired drivers. Jamestown City Council will review a request by Deputy Chief Adam McKinley and Officer Kyle Liuzzo to attend the 2026 Annual New…

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Requesting Return Of Historic Cross St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is requesting the return of a historic cross that was stolen from the church last week. Reverend Luke Fodor told WRFA that the situation is “sad and disheartening.” He said the altar cross in the chapel was taken sometime between the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8 and the morning of Thursday, April 9. Fodor said while there are cameras in the church, video of the theft was not captured. The cross dates back to 1883, memorializing former Rector, the Rev. Theodore M. Bishop. Fodor said the cross was used in the second St Luke's building and was placed in the chapel when it was completed in 1894.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Requesting Return Of Historic Cross

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is requesting the return of a historic cross that was stolen from the church last week. Reverend Luke Fodor told WRFA that the situation is “sad and disheartening.” He said the altar cross in the chapel was…