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(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 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

(Mark Heberling photo) Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman Mark Heberling stans with Rep. Elise Stefanik at an earlier campaign event for her race for governor. She bowed out of the race on Friday, to Heberling's surprise.

Heberling surprised by Stefanik’s exit from governor’s race

December 23, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Cattaraugus County Republican Party Chairman Mark Heberling said Tuesday he

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Santa Claus and a specisl guests, including The Grinch, appeared on the rooftop at 660 Main St. Saturday night in Olean.

More than 300 children, adults watch Santa on the rooftop on Main Street Saturday night

December 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — More than 300 children and adults lined the

(Genesis House photo) Genesis House holds its annual Light the Night fundraiser in Lincoln Park Sunday night. For a donation of $10, sponsors can help the homeless shelter.

Genesis House ‘Light the Night’ fundraiser to light up Lincoln Park Sunday night

December 19, 2025

OLEAN — The annual Genesis House “Light the Night” fundraiser culminates Sunday night with luminaria

Flu vaccine less protective against predominant strain, but staves off serious disease

December 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — As the number of cases of influenza increase