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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 —

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County legislators during Wednesday’s session in the James J. Snyder Legislative Chamber at the County Center i9n Little Valley.

Legislature passes nonbinding resolutions supporting NRA, increased taxes/fees on electric vehicles

June 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers applauded a recent Supreme Court ruling that the National Rifle Association can pursue a claim against a New York

This year’s Allegany Old Home Days is set for June 27-29.

Allegany Old Home Days returns June 27-29

June 14, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Allegany Old Home Days will return again this year Thursday, June 27 to Saturday, June 29. The carnival returns this year with 12

(Ricki Miller/Olean Star). The Cattaraugus County Planning Board has elected Andrea Mellon of Ashford as its new chairman, succeeding the late Charles Couture. Also elected were Paul Mager (center) as vice chairman and Don Newbury assistant secretary. Michael Zaprowski, elected secretary, was absent.

Cattaraugus County Planning Board elects Andrea Mellon as new chairman

June 14, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Andrea Mellon of Ashford has been elected chairman of the Cattaraugus County Planning Board. Mellon was vice chairman when longtime chairman Charles

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The Duflo Family, Brittany, Renee and Jeff, are pictured giving a thumbs up gesture in front of the Piper Aztec airplane he uses for aerial spraying for mosquitoes and other insects at the Great Valley Airport Wednesday.

Allegheny River Valley towns, cities await mosquito relief from spraying

June 13, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star GREAT VALLEY — Mosquito relief is on the way. Jeff Duflo of Duflo Spray Chemical Inc., Lowville, has been flying to Cattaraugus County to spray