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(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

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

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca and members of the Tribal Council met with State Sen. George Borrello when they visited Albany for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address.

Borrello, Sempolinski pan Hochul for not mentioning Seneca compact

January 22, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star State elected officials representing Cattaraugus County expressed disappointment last week over Gov.

Olean aldermen approved a 20-year Comprehensive Development Plan Tuesday that is designed to guide future development.

Common Council approves new Comprehensive Development Plan

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council on Tuesday approved a new Comprehensive

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The three-story former Cattaraugus Elementary School, 51 Washington St., Cattaraugus, was the target of an arsonist Tuesday. Firefighters from Cattaraugus and six other communities responded to the mutual aid fire.

Arsonists again target former Cattaraugus Elementary School

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star CATTARAUGUS — Six fire companies responded to an arson fire

Ashley Smith, credit: Cattco Republican Women

County Attorney Ashley Smith to seek GOP nomination for DA

January 16, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ALLEGANY — Cattaraugus County Attorney Ashley Smith announced Thursday she