News – Olean Star

Always Local. Always Free. Olean Local News

Always Local. Always Free.

CONTACT US: Oleanstar@gmail.com

Latest News

(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

Olean mayoral candidates Amy Sherburne (top) is on the Republican and Democratic lines, while Mayor Bill Aiello is on the independent Lincoln Party line in the Nov. 4 election.

Olean’s mayoral race is marquee match-up in county; early voting starts Oct. 25 in Olean, Little Valley

October 14, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Nine days of early voting for Cattaraugus County voters will

Cattaraugus County 4-H photo) The NYS 4-H Dairy Judging Team stands with their awards at the World Dairy Expo. From left are: Hayden Ayers, Dayne Jantzi, Olivia Shawley, Larsen Swan and Coach Doug Waterman.

Cattaraugus County 4-H member excels at World Dairy Expo

October 12, 2025

Madison, Wis. — Cattaraugus County 4-H Member, Olivia Shawley traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to compete

(SBU photo) Dick Keans (left), a 1972 St. Bonaventure University graduate, brings his 12th annual Kearns Global Business Forum to the university on Oct. 23.

SBU’s Kearns Global Business Forum to focus on the challenging job market

October 10, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — St. Bonaventure University alumnus and global businessman Dick Kearns, ’72, returns to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) This is a mock-up of what the four new Welcome to Olean signs will look like once they are completed. They will replace temporary banners over signs that were vandalized four years ago.

New Welcome to Olean signs expected to be built soon

October 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — New entrance signs to the City of Olean