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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

Aiello, Sherburne

Aiello, Sherburne file petitions For Olean GOP mayor primary

April 12, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Mayor Bill Aiello will face a Republican primary in June

(Seneca Media & Communications) Seneca Nation officials, including President J. Conrad Seneca, participated in groundbreaking ceremonies Friday at the Lionel R. John Health Center Improvement Project In Salamanca on the Allegany Territory.

Lionel R. John Health Center Improvement Project begins construction on Allegany Territory

April 12, 2025

ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA — Seneca Nation executives held an official groundbreaking ceremony Friday for the Lionel

NPRC and CNB Wagner

NPRC and CNB Wagner Partner to Support CDL Classes in Forest County

April 10, 2025

TIONESTA – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and CNB Wagner Enterprise, LLC arepartnering to help

The Olean Common Council approved a $29.1million budget for 2025-26 Tuesday 5-2. From left are Alderman Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, who voted against the budget; Mayor Bill Aiello and Council; President John Crawford, D-Ward 5, who voted to pass the budget.

Olean Common Council passes $29.1 million budget by 5-2 vote

April 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to adopt a