Olean Star

Latest News

Great Lakes Cheese identified as source of Ischua Creek fish kill

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Friday identified the Great Lakes Cheese facility north of Franklinville as the source of an organic discharge blamed

(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

St. Bonaventure head coach Mike MacDonald leads Thursday's practice as the Bonnies begin their summer workouts. While not new to the NCAA stage, in his first year at the helm of the Bonnies, MacDonald's first job was navigating the new landscape of Division I roster creation. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Bonnies look to round out learning curve with patchwork of experience

June 24, 2026

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com ST. BONAVENTURE – When Mike MacDonald stepped into the Reilly Center for the first time, he did so with the winds of change at his

Gies trounces Stocker in Democratic primary in 23rd Congressional District

June 24, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Aaron Gies of Olean trounced Kevin Stocker of Erie County in the Democratic primary for Congress in the 23rd District Tuesday. Gies, a St. Bonaventure

Jay Parisella fires a pitch down range during Bradford's comeback win over Coudersport. Taking over in the top of the second, Parisella ended game with 13 strikeouts through 21 batters faced. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Parisella sparks comeback, carries Bradford Legion to win over Coudy

June 23, 2026

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com BRADFORD, PA – After just an inning and a half, Jay Parisella was suddenly in the hot seat. Following a relatively quiet first frame, the

Needing to stress test my newly-converted Ford Transit Connect travel van, I chose Shenandoah National Park as the arena, spending three days trekking through the Blue Ridge Mountains and three nights sleeping in the cabin. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

LYLE: Up on Old Rag Mountain

June 23, 2026

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, Va. – As the golden sunlight began drifting away from the valley below, subtly crawling up and out of the hard ridges