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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Peter Daich of Daich Coatings Corp. in Ontario, Canada, talks with Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency members Tuesday about his plans to buy the former SetterStix plant in Cattaraugus to manufacture natural, water-based coatings for sale in stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. The IDA agreed to provide tax breaks for the $1.2 million project that will employ 15-20 people in two years.

IDA OKs tax breaks for new owner of SetterStix plant in Cattaraugus

September 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency members on Tuesday

(Rick Miller/OIean Star) Democratic candidate Aaron Gies of Olean spoke at Friday’s Cattaraugus County Democrat Committee dinner at HoliMont in Ellicottville. He’s seeking the nomination in the 23rd Congressional District.

Congressional primary candidates are scrutinized by county Democrats

September 22, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — Cattaraugus County Democrats got a close look at

Rick Miller/Olean Star) Ploetz Pond off Route 219 north of Ellicottville is showing off its colorful leaves earlier thna usual this year.

Drought has trees changing colors earlier than usual here

September 19, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star If it seems that trees are changing color sooner than

Former probation director pleads not guilty to indictment charging he possessed child pornography

September 19, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Former Cattaraugus County Probation director Michael R.

(DEC graphic) This DEC map of the Great Lakes Cheese plant in Franklinville and Ischua Creek was shown at the Cattaraugus County Board of Health on Wednesday. Organic waste in treated water from the plant has been bland for a significant fish kill in the creek.

Watkins says local wells tested near Olean Creek not found contaminated

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — While the discharge of organic material into Ischua Creek from

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday announced a $475,000 fine against Great Lakes Cheese for its August discharge of contamnants into Ischua Creek, which killed tews of thousnads of fish and othe aquatic life.

DEC will require cheese plant to pay to restore Ischua Creek

September 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — Great Lakes Cheese will be required to restore

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello has begun a one-year term as president of the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials. Above, Aiello delivers the State of the City Address in January.

Aiello beings term as president of NYS Conference of Mayors

June 5, 2025

ALBANY — Olean Mayor Bill Aiello has become the 99th president of the New York

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters along Second Street in Little Valley Friday wave signs at a car with people on the way to a fundraiser with Rep. Nick Langworthy at Ellicottville Brewing Company. Most eventually left before the congressman arrived.

Most demonstrators outside Langworthy fundraiser leave before congressman’s arrival

June 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — More than 30 demonstrators stood for about an hour

(Photo provided) Participants in their modeled designs (from left): Gordon Porter and Elsie Porter, both of East Concord; Sammy Kratochvil, Cattaraugus; Amelia Fuller and Savannah Fuller, both of West Valley; Leah Olejniczak, Randolph; Penny Kratochvil, Cattaraugus, and Miranda Ritter and Alicia Ritter, both of Conewango Valley.

‘Sew’ much fun at annual county 4-H Fashion Revue

June 3, 2025

LITTLE VALLEY — Nine Cattaraugus County 4-H members ranging in age from 5-17 showed

(City of Olean YouTube) Aldermen (from left) David Anastasia, Vernon Robinson Jr. and Sonya McCall discussed amending the $19.8 million 2025-26 Olean city budget over a tax rate error on Tuesday.

Alderman amend Olean budget over tax rate error; refunds due

June 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council voted Tuesday to amend the 2025-26