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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

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and members of the Tribal Council met with State Sen. George Borrello when they visited Albany for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address.

Borrello, Sempolinski pan Hochul for not mentioning Seneca compact

January 22, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star State elected officials representing Cattaraugus County expressed disappointment last week over Gov.

Olean aldermen approved a 20-year Comprehensive Development Plan Tuesday that is designed to guide future development.

Common Council approves new Comprehensive Development Plan

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council on Tuesday approved a new Comprehensive

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The three-story former Cattaraugus Elementary School, 51 Washington St., Cattaraugus, was the target of an arsonist Tuesday. Firefighters from Cattaraugus and six other communities responded to the mutual aid fire.

Arsonists again target former Cattaraugus Elementary School

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star CATTARAUGUS — Six fire companies responded to an arson fire

Ashley Smith, credit: Cattco Republican Women

County Attorney Ashley Smith to seek GOP nomination for DA

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Cattaraugus County Attorney Ashley Smith announced Thursday she