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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 —

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) State Sen. George Borrello (at podium) speaks at a press conference by Republican state lawmakers from Western New York over plans for early release of some non-violent inmates due to correctional facilities staffing shortages. On the left are Assemblymen David DiPietro and Paul Bologna. Senate Minority Leader Robert Ort is on the right.

Republican lawmakers blast plan for inmates early release

April 6, 2025

RICK MILLER Olean Star GOWANDA — Republican state lawmakers from Western New York blasted state plans Friday for early release of some nonviolent inmates to address staff shortages in a

Chuck Pollock: Hornell’s Gene Mastin reflects on old-time football in the Big 30 from Bill Shesman to George Whitcher

April 6, 2025

By CHUCK POLLOCK, Wellsville Sun, Hornell Sun Senior Sports Columnist An email arrived the other day from an old friend. You may remember him … Gene Mastin, one of the

photo of Marti Tillinger with one of the posters on pollinators she will share at her presentation this week

Pollinator Steward to Share Spring Gardening Tips on Thursday

April 6, 2025

As the warmer weather beckons, thoughts turn to gardening, whether for food, beauty or both. On Thursday, April 10, Pollinator Steward Marti Tillinger, of Allegany, will offer gardeners suggestions for

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Demonstrators line East State Street in front of Lincoln Park Saturday following a similar anti-Trump protest on West State Street earlier.

Two Olean demonstrations draw almost 300 Trump protestors

April 6, 2025

Rick Miller Olean Star Sign-waving demonstrators protesting a number of President Trump’s potential cuts including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans programs held two events Saturday involving a total of