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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) Cattaraugus County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr (right), presented recognition certificates for five Olean Pines staff members who recently saved the life of a nursing home visitor by performing CPR. Staff (from left) are: April Crisfulli, in-service coordinator; Stacy Allen, assistant director of nursing; Brandi Ferris, license practical nursing supervisor; Atiya Milliner, head nurse, and Autumn Benson, licensed practical nurse.

Five Pines staff members cited as heroes for life-saving actions

March 29, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers gave five county employees who are

Arcade Fishing Tournament 2025

Arcade Area Chamber of Commerce to host 2025 Tri-County Trout Derby

March 27, 2025

ARCADE, NY — Carrying-on a popular and successful event, the Arcade Area Chamberof Commerce will

(YouTube) During a public comment session of the Olean Common Council Wednesday a speaker who offered Olean coins to help stop sewage overflows into the Allegheny River was arrested for disturbing a public meeting.

Man arrested after offering coins to city to stem sewage overflows

March 26, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A man who approached the speaker’s podium with silver coins

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Members of the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency met in its Ellicottville offices on Tuesday.

Cattaraugus County IDA OKs $9.6 million in tax inducements, does not approve Alle-Catt PILOT

March 26, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — Tax breaks for business expansion projects in Olean, Allegany and