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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

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

(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

(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

(Revolution Rail photo) Revolution Rail, which operates several rail bike excursions in New York state including this one at North Creek that follows the Hudson River, is coming to the Village of Cattaraugus this fall.

IDA OKs rail bike operation using its tracks in Village of Cattaraugus

August 29, 2024

BY: Rick Miller, OLEAN STAR CATTARAUGUS — A new way to enjoy the Cattaraugus County