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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Adam Chudy (right) of Westons Mills, was commended by Cattaraugus County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr (center) Wednesday for saving a New Albion man from a fire Feb. 11. Chudy, a count snowplow driver, was working when he saw the house on fire and called 911 and helped the man from his house. At left is Public Works Commissioner Michael Prinino.

County snowplow driver commended for saving man from house fire in New Albion

February 26, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — A Cattaraugus County snowplow driver credited with

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Accountant Christopher Zera of R.A. Mercer & Co., presented an audit of the City of Olean's finances for 2024-25 Tuesday. While there were defiencies in reconciling financial data, the city's finances are sound, he said.

Olean aldermen hear audit report of city’s 2024-25 finances; set budget review starting Thursday

February 25, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council reviewed the independent audit of the

(Photo provided) Aaron Gies of Olean (right) was endorsed for the 23rd Congressional District seat by the Cattaraugus County Democratic Committee on Sunday. Also endorsed was Victoria Guite (left) of Genesee County for the 57th State Senate seat. Mandy Bushnell, Cattaraugus County Democratic Party chairwoman, is at center.

Gies receives endorsements for Congress from Democratic committees in five counties

February 24, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Democratic congressional candidate Aaron Gies of Olean announced

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne said tranparency is important to her proposed $23.2 million budget with its 18.69% tax levy hike.

Sherburne says budget transparency essential to overcome challenges

February 23, 2026

In a letter to Olean aldermen and city residents Mayor Amy B. Sherburne emphasized transparency

(Photo provided) Former Salamanca Mayor Michael R. "Smitty' Smith said he plans to run for mayor as an independent.

Former Salamanca Mayor Mike ‘Smitty’ Smith plans to seek office as an independent

February 23, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star SALAMANCA — Former mayor Michael R. “Smitty” Smith announced on

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Common Council Finance Committee Chairwoman Sonya McCall is looking forward to reviewin g the proposed $23.2 million budget submitted by Mayor Amy B. Sherburne starting Thursday.

McCall stresses need to balance tax hike with desire to provide services

February 22, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Common Council Finance Committee Chairwoman Sonya McCall, D-Ward 4, said

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) McCarthy family members attended the unveiling of a commemorative display featuring Dan and Pat McCarthy Friday at the former Olean Business Institute Building. From left are Judi McCarthy, Jim McCarthy, Jean McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Marianne McCarthy, John McCarthy, Dan McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy.

Display commemorating OBI directors unveiled Friday

April 28, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The McCarthy family operated Olean Business Institute for 52 years

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Legislature approves mosquito spraying funds

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers raced through a 28-resolution agenda on

(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

City of Olean

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