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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 —

After carving biggest pumpkins on both coasts, Jones carves one last giant at Worth W. Smith’s

November 7, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — After carving the two largest pumpkins in the country in time for Halloween West, Clarksville artist Eric Jones set to work earlier this

Former county probation director pleads guilty to possessing child pornography

November 7, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Former Cattaraugus County Probation director Michael R. Sharbaugh pleaded guilty Friday to one count of a 12-count indictment involving possession and promotion

FILE -- Jeremy Rodriguez puts up a floater during a University of Pittsburgh at Bradford's regular season game last season. Entering his third year with the program, Rodriguez leads a group of 10 returning players as the Panthers gear up for the season. | File photo by Hunter O. Lyle

With big shoes to fill, Pitt-Bradford reloads with mix of new and old faces

November 7, 2025

By HUNTER O. LYLE lyleoleanstar@gmail.com BRADFORD, PA – Eight months ago, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s men’s basketball team was wrapping up their entry into history. Last season’s campaign

Portville girls volleyball claims fifth consecutive Section 6 title with sweep of Eden

November 6, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com JAMESTOWN — It is not often a team completes a sweep over another for a section title and their performance is still considered far from their