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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Ashley Smith (left), who was sworn in Wednesday as the new Cattaraugus County district attorney, receives a gift from County Legislator Ginger Schroder on Dec. 10 for her service as county attorney.

Ashley Smith is sworn in as Cattaraugus County district attorney

January 2, 2026

LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County has a new district attorney — Ashley Smith, who served as county attorney since 2020. Smith was sworn in Wednesday morning by Cattaraugus County Court

(Olean Fire Department) Olean firefighters responded to two fires on New Year's Day, including one at Paul Brown Motors on East State Street. No injuries were reported.

Olean firefighters respond to two fire reports on New Year’s Day including Paul Brown Motors

January 2, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — No injuries were reported on civilians or Thursday when Olean firefighters responded to two 911 fire calls. At 12:49 p.m., the fire department

Late-game execution hinders Bona men’s hoops as it drops A10 opener to VCU

December 31, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com RICHMOND, VA — With just over eight minutes to play, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team held a seven-point lead over reigning Atlantic 10 champions VCU.

(City of Olean/Facebook) Outgoing Olean Mayor Bill Aiello posted a final statement on the mayor's Facebook page Wednesday thanking the people of Olean for his 12 years in office.

Aiello issues last statement as mayor, thanking people of Olean

December 31, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Outgoing Olean Mayor Bill Aiello issued his last statement as mayor on Facebook shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Aiello’s term ends at midnight

Bona women’s hoops aim to do away with bad habits, continue growth at Fordham

January 24, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com NEW YORK — For the St. Bonaventure women’s basketball team, a tough four-game stretch, all against top-five teams in the Atlantic 10, is reaching its conclusion.

(Photo provided) Rep. Nick Langworthy of the 23rd Congressional District stands in the Capitol Rotunda before Monday's Inaugural ceremony for President Donald Trump.

Langworthy backs Trump’s pardon of 1,500 Jan. 6 Capitol insurrectionists, supports Trump overturning the 14th Amendment

January 24, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy was not surprised at President Donald Trump’s pardon of more than 1,500 rioters convicted in the Jan. 6 insurrection at

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees previously approved the extension. “I’m grateful to our trustees for their show of faith in my leadership. These first three years as president of this remarkable university have been the most fulfilling of my career in higher education,” Gingerich said. “But I want to be clear that their show of faith is just as much about the tremendous work of the administrators, faculty and staff I’ve been blessed to be surrounded with as it is about me.” Gingerich, who’s worked in higher education since 2000, began his presidency at SBU in the summer of 2022. Since then, the university has welcomed the three largest freshman classes in 20 years, with total enrollment in fall 2024 — undergraduate and graduate — reaching the fourth-highest mark in university history. “Our Board’s unanimous approval of Jeff's contract extension is a testament to Jeff's dedicated leadership. We’ve had extraordinary momentum under his tenure, including record student enrollment, new academic programs and greater engagement in the community,” said Michael Hickey, chair of the Board. “We’re very pleased with Jeff’s contributions to our Bolder Bonaventure fundraising campaign and commitment to increasing our endowment. His vision and orchestration of a long-term strategic plan will set the stage for growth and a vibrant future at St. Bonaventure.” Gingerich has traveled extensively across the country during his first three years, meeting with alumni and donors as the university nears the end of its seven-year Bolder Bonaventure campaign. The university is on the brink of reaching its $125 million fundraising goal well before the campaign ends May 31. Work on one of the pillars of the campaign — the major renovation of the Jandoli School of Communication — is scheduled to begin this spring. Gingerich has also worked to increase administrative transparency, communicating with the campus community through regularly scheduled Town Halls, President’s Hours and email updates on topics ranging from sustainability efforts and NCAA challenges to university finances and the complexity of building a budget. In his desire to enhance the university’s relationship with the neighboring Seneca Nation of Indians, the president worked to establish a committee made up of university and Seneca leaders to work on initiatives to rekindle their relationship, including the development of a Land Acknowledgement Statement. The land upon which SBU sits was once Seneca land. Gingerich also established a Sustainability Task Force and charged the University Planning Commission with developing a new strategic plan. Gingerich and his wife, Betsy, have hosted numerous social events across campus and at their home for students and staff to strengthen their bonds with the campus community. The president also established a now beloved campus tradition: the annual Christmas tree lighting at Marchiori Pavilion.

St. Bonaventure President’s contract extended through 2030

January 24, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees

Salamanca girls hoops stave off late Allegany-Limestone comeback attempt in 46-35 win

January 24, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com SALAMANCA — After nearly falling victim to a full-fledged comeback attempt, the Salamanca girls basketball team responded when it needed to most and secured a 46-35

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Latest News

Ashley Smith is sworn in as Cattaraugus County district attorney

Olean firefighters respond to two fire reports on New Year’s Day including Paul Brown Motors

Late-game execution hinders Bona men’s hoops as it drops A10 opener to VCU

Aiello issues last statement as mayor, thanking people of Olean

Bona women’s hoops aim to do away with bad habits, continue growth at Fordham

Langworthy backs Trump’s pardon of 1,500 Jan. 6 Capitol insurrectionists, supports Trump overturning the 14th Amendment

St. Bonaventure President’s contract extended through 2030

Salamanca girls hoops stave off late Allegany-Limestone comeback attempt in 46-35 win

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