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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Members of the Seneca Nation joined the environmental group Defend Ohi:Yo’ in protesting the City of Olean’s sewage overflows into the Allegheny River on Tuesday. Many later attended the Olean Common Council meeting to press the issue.

Defend Ohi:Yo’ demonstrates for end of sewage overflows

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Defend Ohi:Yo’, the environmental group dedicated to cleaning up the Allegheny River, brought their campaign to Lincoln Park and the Olean Common Council chamber earlier

Common Council approves bond for $2.1 million Marcus Park project

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council voted 6-1 to approve a $2.1 million bond to build a new inclusive playground and other new features including a dog park at

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) This land along Old Route 17 west of Salamanca — part of the “Take Area” for the Allegheny Reservoir — may someday again be a place for Senecas to build homes and raise families. The Seneca Nation is seeking the return of lands between 1,340 and 1,365 food elevation.

Seneca president signs order to restore Kinzua ‘Take Area’

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star It has been more than 60 years since Seneca families were forcibly removed from their homes to make way for the waters backing up behind the Kinzua

(Photo submitted) Olean Food Pantry volunteers sort canned goods for distribution at the 8 Leo Moss Drive facility in Olean.

Federal cuts to Olean Food Pantry means less food for families

April 25, 2025

OLEAN — Olean Food Pantry (OFP) is sounding the alarm after federal funding cuts to food banks threaten to worsen hunger across Western New York. The nonprofit braces for an

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees previously approved the extension. “I’m grateful to our trustees for their show of faith in my leadership. These first three years as president of this remarkable university have been the most fulfilling of my career in higher education,” Gingerich said. “But I want to be clear that their show of faith is just as much about the tremendous work of the administrators, faculty and staff I’ve been blessed to be surrounded with as it is about me.” Gingerich, who’s worked in higher education since 2000, began his presidency at SBU in the summer of 2022. Since then, the university has welcomed the three largest freshman classes in 20 years, with total enrollment in fall 2024 — undergraduate and graduate — reaching the fourth-highest mark in university history. “Our Board’s unanimous approval of Jeff's contract extension is a testament to Jeff's dedicated leadership. We’ve had extraordinary momentum under his tenure, including record student enrollment, new academic programs and greater engagement in the community,” said Michael Hickey, chair of the Board. “We’re very pleased with Jeff’s contributions to our Bolder Bonaventure fundraising campaign and commitment to increasing our endowment. His vision and orchestration of a long-term strategic plan will set the stage for growth and a vibrant future at St. Bonaventure.” Gingerich has traveled extensively across the country during his first three years, meeting with alumni and donors as the university nears the end of its seven-year Bolder Bonaventure campaign. The university is on the brink of reaching its $125 million fundraising goal well before the campaign ends May 31. Work on one of the pillars of the campaign — the major renovation of the Jandoli School of Communication — is scheduled to begin this spring. Gingerich has also worked to increase administrative transparency, communicating with the campus community through regularly scheduled Town Halls, President’s Hours and email updates on topics ranging from sustainability efforts and NCAA challenges to university finances and the complexity of building a budget. In his desire to enhance the university’s relationship with the neighboring Seneca Nation of Indians, the president worked to establish a committee made up of university and Seneca leaders to work on initiatives to rekindle their relationship, including the development of a Land Acknowledgement Statement. The land upon which SBU sits was once Seneca land. Gingerich also established a Sustainability Task Force and charged the University Planning Commission with developing a new strategic plan. Gingerich and his wife, Betsy, have hosted numerous social events across campus and at their home for students and staff to strengthen their bonds with the campus community. The president also established a now beloved campus tradition: the annual Christmas tree lighting at Marchiori Pavilion.

St. Bonaventure President’s contract extended through 2030

January 24, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — Dr. Jeff Gingerich has signed a contract extension that will keep him in place as St. Bonaventure University’s president through May 2030. The university’s Board of Trustees

Salamanca girls hoops stave off late Allegany-Limestone comeback attempt in 46-35 win

January 24, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com SALAMANCA — After nearly falling victim to a full-fledged comeback attempt, the Salamanca girls basketball team responded when it needed to most and secured a 46-35

Thursday Roundup: Resilient Lady Panthers buck losing streak; Olean girls roll past Dunkirk to secure consecutive wins

January 24, 2025

PORTVILLE, NY – After trailing for the entirety of the game, a big fourth quarter lifted the Portville girls’ basketball team to a 30-20 win over Falconer, ending a four-game

Otto-Eldred's Shene Thomas pulls up for a very contested jump shot during the Terrors' 45-33 win over Cameron County on Thursday. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Terrors stay undefeated with season sweep of Red Raiders

January 23, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com EMPORIUM, PA – Despite being held to their lowest score all season, the Otto-Eldred boys’ basketball team retained their spot atop the North Tier League