Olean Star

Latest News

Portville's Emma Rhinehart brings the ball up during the Lady Panthers' game against Ellicottville in the annual Joe DeCerbo Memorial Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 28. On Wednesday, Portville will host Cleveland Hill in the first round of the Section VI playoffs. | File photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Underdogs, favorites alike ready for impending Section VI playoffs

February 24, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com As the Section VI girls’ basketball postseason begins, four familiar faces prepare for two weeks of intense, high stakes contests. While some are used to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The salt storage facility at the Cattaraugus County Public Works Highway Barn in Franklinville, like other barns around the county, is running short of road salt.

Olean, Cattaraugus County, towns running short of salt in cold water

February 24, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Last Thursday, Olean Mayor Bill Aiello issued a press release advising motorists that the city was experiencing a road salt shortage that requires “minimizing the use of

Republican Amy Black Sherburne to primary Aiello on Republican line for Mayor, authorized to run on Democratic ticket

February 24, 2025

OLEAN — Republican Amy Black Sherburne announced her candidacy today for Olean mayor and city Democrats have voted to cross-endorse her. Sherburne’s announcement sets the stage for a Republican primary

Aiello formally announces candidacy for fourth term

February 24, 2025

OLEAN — Mayor William J. Aiello formally announced today that he’s running for a fourth term. “It has been my honor to serve our great city for the past 12

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The Great Lakes Cheese facility north of Franklinville, has suspended discharge of treated water into Ischua Creek under order from the state Department of Environmental Conservation after a significant fish kill in Ischua Creek earlier this week.

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