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Cattaraugus County Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins (shown here at a recent Board of Health meeting in Olean) was surprised, along with other public health professionals, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut the number of childhood vaccines on the recommended immunization schedule.

Public health director surprised CDC cut number of childhood vacines

January 23, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Like most other health professionals, Cattaraugus County Public

(Olean City Schools) Olean High School .

Andreano pleads not guilty to charges stemming from incident with student at school

January 22, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Olean High School Principal Jefrrey Andreano was arraigned in Olean

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean aldermen expressed concern Tuesday over the timeline of the city's levee reaccreditation. Unless FEMA certifies the levee system, more than 2,900 homes and businesses would be required to purchase flood insurance. From left are Aldermen Soyna McCall, Jennifer Forney, Joseph Keary and Lawrence Bennion Jr.

Aldermen express concern over timeline of Olean levee reaccreditation

January 22, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Olean aldermen expressed concern Tuesday over the timeline for reaccrediting

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters carrying signs demonstrate outside LIncoln Park in Olean on Saturday to mark the first year of President Trump's second term.

Olean demonstrators protest a year of Trump, ICE tactics

January 18, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Protesters demonstrated outside Lincoln Park Saturday afternoon to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) Rep. Nick Langworthy (right) listens as Olean Water Department Director Brad Camp points out damage to an exterior wall at the water treatment plant on River Street in October 2024. The congressman has secured a $1 million federal grant after the initial grant failed to make it through Congress.

Rep. Langworthy secures $1 million grant to replace wall at Olean water treatment plant

January 14, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy announced Tuesday that he has secured

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Allison Fiut, an attorney for Harris Beach working for the City of Olean on the redevelopment of the Oleran Center Mall speaks to the Common Council Tuesday. The council later voted to use eminent domain to lift lease restrictions on mall stores to facilitate redevelopment.

Aldermen approve eminent domain resolution for mall to drop anchor stores’ lease restrictions

January 14, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to

(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