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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

The Olean Common Council approved a $29.1million budget for 2025-26 Tuesday 5-2. From left are Alderman Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, who voted against the budget; Mayor Bill Aiello and Council; President John Crawford, D-Ward 5, who voted to pass the budget.

Olean Common Council passes $29.1 million budget by 5-2 vote

April 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to adopt a

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Administrator Jack Searles sits behind his desk in Olean. Searles is planning to step down in June and retire after almost 22 years in the post. He is in his 46th year of working for the county.

Jack Searles to step down as county administrator in June

April 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Cattaraugus County Administrator John “Jack” Searles plans to tell county

City of Olean

Common Council to vote on $19.8 million city budget Tuesday

April 8, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Finance Committee Chairman Sonya McCall hopes to pass the 2025-26

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) State Sen. George Borrello (at podium) speaks at a press conference by Republican state lawmakers from Western New York over plans for early release of some non-violent inmates due to correctional facilities staffing shortages. On the left are Assemblymen David DiPietro and Paul Bologna. Senate Minority Leader Robert Ort is on the right.

Republican lawmakers blast plan for inmates early release

April 6, 2025

RICK MILLER Olean Star GOWANDA — Republican state lawmakers from Western New York blasted state