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(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 Amy B. Sherburne said Friday new state aid will help reduce the 18.6% tax rate in the proposed $23.2 million city budget.

Mayor not surprised at reaction to proposed 18.6% tax rate hike; new state aid to reduce it

February 21, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne wasn’t surprised at the negative

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne on Thursday presented a $23.2 million budget for 2026-2027 that carries a $3.31 tax increase or 18.6%.

Sherburne’s first proposed budget contains 18.6% property tax hike

February 19, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star In her first proposed budget, Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean school officials cut the ribbon to the new playground outside the Olean Intermediate Middle School on Wayne Street Friday. It was part of the turf field project.

Olean City School District officials cut ribbon on 30 million dollar turf field, playground

June 17, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — It was a long time in coming, but

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) CA BOCES Olean Career Technical Education Center graduates listen to Olean CTE Building Principal Noel Shelly at commencement exercises Friday night in the Olean High School auditorium.

Over 170 from CA BOCES Olean Center receive their diplomas at OHS auditorium

June 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — More than 170 graduates from the CA BOCES

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County legislators during Wednesday’s session in the James J. Snyder Legislative Chamber at the County Center i9n Little Valley.

Legislature passes nonbinding resolutions supporting NRA, increased taxes/fees on electric vehicles

June 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers applauded a recent Supreme

(Ricki Miller/Olean Star). The Cattaraugus County Planning Board has elected Andrea Mellon of Ashford as its new chairman, succeeding the late Charles Couture. Also elected were Paul Mager (center) as vice chairman and Don Newbury assistant secretary. Michael Zaprowski, elected secretary, was absent.

Cattaraugus County Planning Board elects Andrea Mellon as new chairman

June 14, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Andrea Mellon of Ashford has been elected