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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

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Only a few dead fish were visible in Ischua Creek from the Coal Chutes Road bridge on Thursday. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating a significant fish-kill and aquatic animal die-off in the creek downstream from the village of Franklinville.

State agencies probe Ischua Creek fish-kill from Franklinville village

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Cattaraugus County Health

(Photo provided) Rep. Nick Langworthy speaks at a press conference at Field of Dreams on Tuesday where he highlighted his sponsorship of the Energy Choice Act that would prevent state and local governments from restricting home energy heating by natural gas.

Langworthy blasts Hochul natural gas ban, promotes his Energy Choice Act bill

September 1, 2025

ALLEGANY — Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference Tuesday at a new home

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) New Cattaraugus County Legislator Brenda Hansen of Delevan is congratulated by Cattaraugus County Court Judge Ronald Ploetz after she was sworn in Wednesday.

New Cattaraugus county legislator seated; new vice chairman sworn in

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers welcomed a new legislator Wednesday, Brenda

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A large crane used to drive steel piling along the Allegheny River shoreline near the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant sits near the levee outside the plant. More than 1,000 feet of the levee are being strengthened in a project paid for by New York State.

State project to stabilize levee near sewage treatment plant in Olean continues

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Work is continuing on the project to strengthen the Allegheny