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

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello announced New York State has provided a grant up to $500,000 for engineering for a project aimed at preventing future sewage overflows into the Allegheny River.

State commits $500,000 to Olean engineering costs to prevent sewage overflows

June 17, 2025

OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello shared what he called “very good news” at last Tuesday’s

(Facebook photo) Homes and property in the Sugartown Road area of Great Valley were damaged by a tornado Monday that also leveled trees and utility poles, leaving more than 100 homes without power. This is at the intersection of Sugartown and Farm to Market roads.

Tornado damages homes in Great Valley last week

June 17, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star GREAT VALLEY — No serious injuries or deaths were reported after an

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Liz Boyer (left) and Mary Brooks, both of Randolph, carried the No Kings in America banner during a march on North Union Street to Lincoln Park on Saturday. Organizers said more than 400 people participated.

More than 400 protest at “No Kings” demonstration in Olean

June 17, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star More than 300 people participated in the No Kings in America march

Mayor William Aiello

Revised Olean tax bills, refunds are mailed out

June 17, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Revised 2025-26 Olean city tax bills are in the mail,