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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) This land along Old Route 17 west of Salamanca — part of the “Take Area” for the Allegheny Reservoir — may someday again be a place for Senecas to build homes and raise families. The Seneca Nation is seeking the return of lands between 1,340 and 1,365 food elevation.

Seneca president signs order to restore Kinzua ‘Take Area’

April 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star It has been more than 60 years since Seneca families were forcibly

(Photo submitted) Olean Food Pantry volunteers sort canned goods for distribution at the 8 Leo Moss Drive facility in Olean.

Federal cuts to Olean Food Pantry means less food for families

April 25, 2025

OLEAN — Olean Food Pantry (OFP) is sounding the alarm after federal funding cuts to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters lined up along East State Street at Olean’s Lincoln Park Saturday to demonstrate against President Trump’s policies and cuts.

More than 300 protestors attend Olean demonstration Saturday

April 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN – More than 300 people demonstrated at Lincoln Park Saturday, part

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters on West State Street near Independence Drive in Allegany on Wednesday.

Demonstrators brave cold to protest for seventh week

April 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Between 40 and 50 demonstrators braved cold temperatures along West