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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

(Photo submitted) Olean Food Pantry volunteers sort canned goods for distribution at the 8 Leo Moss Drive facility in Olean.

Federal cuts to Olean Food Pantry means less food for families

April 25, 2025

OLEAN — Olean Food Pantry (OFP) is sounding the alarm after federal funding cuts to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters lined up along East State Street at Olean’s Lincoln Park Saturday to demonstrate against President Trump’s policies and cuts.

More than 300 protestors attend Olean demonstration Saturday

April 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN – More than 300 people demonstrated at Lincoln Park Saturday, part

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters on West State Street near Independence Drive in Allegany on Wednesday.

Demonstrators brave cold to protest for seventh week

April 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Between 40 and 50 demonstrators braved cold temperatures along West

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and Olean Mayor Bill Aiello (front row, center) and other Seneca Nation officials and Alderman Sonya McCall (right), pose for a photo after a press conference Wednesday announcing a task force to help Olean resolve untreated sewage overflows into the Allegheny River.

Aiello, Seneca president announce a task force on sewage overflows

April 21, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca