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(DEC graphic) This DEC map of the Great Lakes Cheese plant in Franklinville and Ischua Creek was shown at the Cattaraugus County Board of Health on Wednesday. Organic waste in treated water from the plant has been bland for a significant fish kill in the creek.

Watkins says local wells tested near Olean Creek not found contaminated

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — While the discharge of organic material into Ischua Creek from the Great Lakes Cheese plant resulted in a significant die-off of fish and other aquatic

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Demonstrators outside the Great Lakes Cheese plant in Franklinville Friday protest the company’s contamination of Ischua Creek, which killed tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Two protests last Friday outside Great Lakes Cheese plant

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — Two groups of people demonstrated Friday outside the Great Lakes Cheese plant on Route 16 north of Franklinville, protesting discharges from the plant into Ischua

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday announced a $475,000 fine against Great Lakes Cheese for its August discharge of contamnants into Ischua Creek, which killed tews of thousnads of fish and othe aquatic life.

DEC will require cheese plant to pay to restore Ischua Creek

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — Great Lakes Cheese will be required to restore Ischua Creek as part of any state enforcement action against the Franklinville cheese plant. State

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Kids and their parents look for candy shot out of the candy cannon at Pumpkinville on Sunday of opening weekend.

Pumpkinville opens for 30th year in its current Great Valley location

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star GREAT VALLEY — Pumpkinville opened this past weekend for its 30th year at the current location. If you count the years when the original Pumpkinville was run

Allie Bray (6, left) celebrates with Grace Gariepy after scoring the first of her three goals against the Gators. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Bray nets three as Panthers keep hot streak rolling

October 8, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com PORTVILLE, NY – A three-shot-three goal day from one of their youngest players on the roster led the Portville girl’s soccer team to an overpowering

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The Cattaraugus County Center in Little Valley.

County administrator insists Medicare Advantage will be ‘as good or better’ than retirees’ existing coverage

October 8, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County’s proposal to change the health insurance benefits for about 650 retirees is designed to be as good or better than

Cattaraugus County lawmakers plan to vote on a resolution Wednesday that would change retirees' health insurance. County CSEA officials are vowing to sue the county over the change, which was not negotiated.

Cattaraugus County union presidents blasts plan to change retirees’ health insurance coverage

October 8, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County government retirees are expected to attend today’s (Wednesday’s) County Legislature meeting to protest a proposed change to their health insurance

Patricia Ann Shinaberger

October 8, 2025

March 10, 1947 – September 30, 2025 Patricia Ann Shinaberger, 78, of Bradford, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. She was born on March