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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) For a second time in six weeks, a water leak has forced the temporary closing of the Cattaraugus County Center in Little Valley on Monday. County legislators agreed Wednesday to pay up to $25,000 to remedy the damage and dry out the affected section of the building.

Another water leak closes Cattaraugus County Center

September 3, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — A water leak that closed the Cattaraugus County Center here for a second time in six weeks will cost the county up to $25,000

Police identify body of man found in Front Street dumpster

September 3, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Police have identified the body of the man found Friday in a recycling dumpster behind Jim’s Park and Shop on First Street. The

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Ward 6 Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr., served as acting Olean Common Council president Tuesday in the absence of Alderman John Crawford, D-Ward 5. The council voted for a 40-year PILOT for a 60-unit People Inc., apartment complex.

Olean alderman OK 40-year PILOT for new 60-unit apartment complex

August 29, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council agreed Tuesday to a 40-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement for a new 60-unit apartment complex to be

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Harmful algae blooms of blue-green algae have closed Red House Lake and Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park going into the last week of summer. This sign is at the water line on Red House Lake beach.

Harmful algae blooms close lakes in Allegany State Park

August 29, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star RED HOUSE — Both Red House Lake and Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park remain closed this weekend due to harmful algae blooms. Heading into the