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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

Former Cattaraugus County Probation Director arrested on child pornography charges

September 11, 2025

OLEAN STAR UPDATED 11:42AM Michael R. Sharbaugh, 53, formerly of Limestone, New York was arrested

(NYS Comptroller's Office) This graph shows the ratio of family and general practice physicians in Cattaraugus County compared to New York State and other counties facing a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Cattaraugus County is facing a healthcare professionals shortage

September 4, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Cattaraugus County is facing a shortage of public health professionals

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) St.Bonaventure University announced Tuesday it had its first enrollment in excess of 3,000 students in its 167-year history. This photo is from the May 2025 university commencement.

Bonaventure exceeds 3,000 enrollment for the first time in its 167-year university history

September 4, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — For the first time in its 167-year history, St. Bonaventure University has

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Potter Lumber Company on Five Mile Road in Allegany will wind down operations, its parent company, Baillie Lumber Co., headquartered in Hamburg, announced. No timetable was disclosed.

Potter Lumber Company to wind down operations

May 6, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Potter Lumber Company, a 115-year-old Allegany company located on the

City of Olean

OLD Exterior Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program applications now available

May 1, 2025

OLEAN — The Olean Local Development Corporation (OLDC) has announced a third round of the

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Skiers and snowboarders que up for the Yodeler chairlift at Holiday Valley during the 2024-25 season. Holiday Valley is seeking tax breaks for a $5.1 million package of purchases and projects for this year - including more snowmaking capability.

Holiday Valley seeks tax breaks for projects worth $5.1 million

May 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — The Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency has accepted

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) McCarthy family members attended the unveiling of a commemorative display featuring Dan and Pat McCarthy Friday at the former Olean Business Institute Building. From left are Judi McCarthy, Jim McCarthy, Jean McCarthy, Mike McCarthy, Marianne McCarthy, John McCarthy, Dan McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy.

Display commemorating OBI directors unveiled Friday

April 28, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The McCarthy family operated Olean Business Institute for 52 years