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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) Mike Spors, a knife collector from Janesville, WI, buys and sells pocket knives, hunting knives and straight razors. He said attendance was good on opening day of Village of Knives at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley.

Village of Knives opening day showcases county’s cutleries

July 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — The “Village of Knives” exhibit at the

(Cattaraugus County Health Department) Aerial spraying of mosquito larvicide over wetlands in Cattaraugus County reduced the numbers of adults mosquitoes, but they are headed back up, which could lead to additional spraying.

Another mosquito larvicide spraying may be needed

July 12, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — After finding as many as 1,800 mosquitoes a

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The new Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial in the park in front of the Hinsdale Fire Department remains covered until Saturday’s dedication.

Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial dedication Saturday morning

July 11, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star HINSDALE — The new Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial will be unveiled

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean alderman voted 4-3 to add $205,000 for paving the section of South Union Street in Walkable Olean IV, by taking the cost from the $2.9 million project’s contingency. The project includes a roundabout at South Union and Greene streets.

Olean alderman vote 4-3 for Walkable Olean IV paving

July 10, 2024

By RICK MILLER OLEAN Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council reluctantly agreed Tuesday to