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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

Poor first half hampers Bona men’s hoops in narrow loss to Duquesne

February 14, 2026

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com ST. BONAVENTURE — With just over a minute left to play, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team held a slim lead over its oldest rival in

(City of Olean) The John J. Ash Community Center on North Barry Street will now be open as a warming center Sundays for Code Blue events to give people somewhere to keep warm. It is already open other days in days where the temperature drops below freezing.

John J. Ash Community Center open Sunday for Code Blue event

February 14, 2026

John J. Ash Community Center open Sunday for Code Blue event By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Continuing cold weather forecast for Sunday Code Blue protections offered by the

(Photo provided) Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski delivers Valentine cards from local school children to residents of The Pines in Olean.

Assemblyman delivers student-made valentines to area elder-care facilities

February 14, 2026

Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski delivered hundreds of hand-made Valentine cards from area school children to elder-care facilities Friday. “The Assembly Valentines for Seniors Program is a great way to bring the

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A group of people skate on the synthetic ice surface at the Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond, where a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting were held Friday in Salamanca.

Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond grand re-opening held in Salamanca Friday

February 14, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star SALAMANCA — The City of Salamanca’s Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond held its grand re-opening Friday. A community skate was held from 4-6 p.m. at