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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 —

THURSDAY ROUNDUP: Port Allegany, Bradford volleyball dominate; Salamanca soccer collapses late

October 9, 2025

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA – Adding another sweep to their record, the Port Allegany volleyball team earned their 16th win of the season with a road victory against Oswayo Valley, besting the

Smethport's Jenna Goodman sets the ball up for her teammates during their four-set loss to Otto-Eldred. | Photo by Hunter O. Lyle

Smethport avoids sweep, tags one on Lady Terrors during O-E Senior Night

October 9, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com DUKE CENTER, PA – In a season focused on steady growth, the young Smethport volleyball team managed to find some manifestation as they hung with

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) This is a mock-up of what the four new Welcome to Olean signs will look like once they are completed. They will replace temporary banners over signs that were vandalized four years ago.

New Welcome to Olean signs expected to be built soon

October 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — New entrance signs to the City of Olean could be coming as early as this fall. Kirk Windus, executive director of the Cattaraugus

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Admnistrator Kelly Reed (right) brieas county lawmakers Wednesday on proposed changes in county retirees' health insurance benefits. Standing next to her is Human Resources director Kristine Phinney

County legislators approve changes to retirees health insurance for ‘as good or better’ coverage

October 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers voted Wednesday to switch 651 county retirees’ health insurance to a customized Medicare advantage plan effective Dec. 31. Retirees