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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Student cell phones and other internet-enabled devices will not be permitted during school which starts the 2025-26 school year next week. Local school districts will require students to keep cell phones in their lockers from bell to bell.

Area schools are prepared for state cellphone bank this week

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER OLEAN STAR Local students returning to area schools next week will be facing a major change in lifestyle — a school day without cell phones or other internet access.

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputies (from left) Andrew Schumaker and Rachel Zimmer were presented commendations from County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr (right) for their life-saving efforts involving a West Valley man in shock from numerous bee stings on July 26. Others are Sheriff Eric Butler (third from left) and Undersheriff Nate Root.

Life-saving deputies honored by Legislature

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Two Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies who were instrumental in saving the life of a West Valley man who was in shock after being stung

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Only a few dead fish were visible in Ischua Creek from the Coal Chutes Road bridge on Thursday. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating a significant fish-kill and aquatic animal die-off in the creek downstream from the village of Franklinville.

State agencies probe Ischua Creek fish-kill from Franklinville village

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Cattaraugus County Health Department are investigating a significant fish kill in Ischua Creek in and downstream from the

(Photo provided) Rep. Nick Langworthy speaks at a press conference at Field of Dreams on Tuesday where he highlighted his sponsorship of the Energy Choice Act that would prevent state and local governments from restricting home energy heating by natural gas.

Langworthy blasts Hochul natural gas ban, promotes his Energy Choice Act bill

September 1, 2025

ALLEGANY — Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference Tuesday at a new home construction site in Allegany to spotlight the urgent need for his Energy Choice Act —

In his second game back in action, Nick Wilfong helped the Port Allegany boy's basketball team to their third win of the season, dominating Smethport to a 31-point victory. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Four Gators reach double-digits as Port Allegany beats Hubbers by 31

January 6, 2026

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com SMETHPORT, PA – Keeping their New Year success rolling, the Port Allegany boy’s basketball team picked up their second win in a row, beating Smethport

(Genesis House photo) Genesis House Executive Director Melissa Yaworski (center) thanked members of the Olean High School Student Activities Council for the group's recent Homeless Huskies donation to Genesis House.

Genesis House thanks OHS students for Homeless Huskies donation

January 5, 2026

OLEAN — Last month, Genesis House welcomed members of the Olean City School District Student Activities Council, who delivered a generous donation collected through their annual Homeless Huskies event. The

Bona women’s hoops downed by high-powered Richmond offense

January 3, 2026

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com ST. BONAVENTURE — The Richmond women’s basketball team entered the 2025-26 season ranked No. 24 in the nation. They were named the Atlantic 10 preseason favorites.

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Amy Sherburne takes the oath of office Friday from Cattaraugus County Court Judge Ronald D. Ploetz. Her husband, Bob, holds the Bible.

In ‘State of the City,’ Sherburne paints picture of what she sees for Olean’s future

January 3, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — In her first State of the City Address Friday night, Olean Mayor Amy Sherburne thanked her family, supporters and city employees. Speaking to