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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 —

Otto-Eldred's Shene Thomas rises up for a contested jumper close to the rim. Thomas carried the Terrors through offensive struggles, ending with a team-high 20 points. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Clash of the Titans: Terrors spoil Randolph’s season opener with second-half surge

December 13, 2024

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com RANDOLPH, NY – Meeting for the first time Friday night, the Twin Tier powerhouses of Otto-Eldred and Randolph battled for four quarters. While the Cardinals

‘It’s not rocket science:’ Bona prepared to face high-profile Providence in HOF Showcase

December 13, 2024

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com ST. BONAVENTURE — Two teams similar in style, game plan and execution, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team hits the road to face Providence for perhaps the

(City of Olean/YouTube) Jessica Crouse of Salamanca asked Olean aldermen Tuesday to step up efforts to prevent sewage overflows entering the Allegheny River.

Speakers take city to task over efforts to stem sewage overflows

December 13, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Three downriver residents — including two members of the Seneca Nation — pressed the Olean Common Council Tuesday for signs of progress on ending raw

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Retired Department of the Aging Director Cathy Mackay (center) was honored Wednesday by Cattaraugus County lawmakers with a proclamation and an engraved gift. At left is Human Services Committee Chairman Kelly Andreano and Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr is at right.

Cathy Mackay, retired Aging director is recognized by county lawmakers

December 13, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cathay Mackay, who retired after 27 years as director of the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging, was recognized Wednesday at the county