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This is a screenshot from Facebook Thursday of law enforcement in North Olean someone suggested were ICE agents. Olean Police said that was not the case. It was a joint Federal-State Fugitive Task Force which made two arrests in the city of Olean.

Joint task force, not ICE, was seeking fugitives in Olean Thursday morning

February 27, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A joint task force of federal and state

(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

(Provided) The Hinsdale Envirothon team took first place honors at the recent Envirothon competition in Allegany State park. From left are: Tyler Parr, Envirothon coordinator and Soil and Water Conservation District field manager; Amaya Russell, Kaleigh Buckles, Peyton Keller, Brett Bergstrom, Robert Childs, lead advisor Warren Schulze and advisor Darren Norris.

Hinsdale takes back-to-back wins at county Envirothon

May 12, 2025

ALLEGANY STATE PARK — Hinsdale Central School repeated as back-to-back Cattaraugus County Envirothon Competition champions at the

Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski

Sempolinski, Borrello blast record $254 billion budget

May 12, 2025

ALBANY — Both of Cattaraugus County elected state legislators voted against the 2025-2026 state budget

(Cattaraugus County Health Department) This chart shows the dramatic decline in fentanyl deaths in Cattaraugus County over the past five years.

Dramatic drop in fentanyl deaths in Cattaraugus County continues

May 12, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Cattaraugus County opioid overdose deaths were down dramatically in 2024

(Provided) A tick is embedded in a person's skin with a fingernail for size comparison.

Lyme disease awareness month: Take steps to prevent tick bites

May 12, 2025

RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — You, a member of your family or your pet may