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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) Linda Mecca (right) removes a cover from the memorial for her husband Trooper Joseph J. Mecca Jr., is a memorial dedication ceremony Sunday in front of the Olean State Police Substation on Homer Street in Olean. Retired Sgt. Heidi Riley had just unveiled a memorial to her late husband Trooper Ross M. Riley. Both troopers' deaths were in the line of duty.

Memorial to fallen state troopers dedicated outside Olean substation

October 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Nearly 100 people attended the unveiling and dedication of a

(Facebook photo) An Allegany County man died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound after crashing his pickup truck into the front of the Seneca Gaming and Entertainment casino on the Oil Springs Territory.

Allegany county man crashes truck into casino, dies from shotgun blast

October 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star An Allegany County man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he

(Image provided) This is an artist's rendition of the new addition to the Jandoli School of Communications at St Bonaventure University — the 6,200-square-foot Henretta Communications Center. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

St. Bonaventure’s Jandoli School gift aids Henretta Communication Center

October 15, 2024

ST. BONAVENTURE — The upcoming addition to the home of the renowned Jandoli School of Communication at St.

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Legislator Ginger Schroder (standing at right), spoke in support of amending requirements in the county's 2021 Animal Abusers Registry. Schroder and several other legislators and county officials wore pink to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SPCA in Cattaraugus County asks lawmakers for more funds

October 12, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — The SPCA in Cattaraugus County is looking for a