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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) The Stroehmann Bakery shut down production Wednsday morning, bringing to an end to more than 100 years of baking at the site. The company had announced the closing in July, putting 80 employees out of work.

Stroehmann Bakery in Olean bakes its last loaf Wednesday

October 10, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The last loaf of bread came off the line at

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) 201 E State Street was previously considered as a homeless / code blue shelter in the City.

Homeless Task Force is named by Olean mayor

October 9, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello on Tuesday announced the formation of the

(Photo provided) Members of the Zoar Valley Coalition protest plans to log parts of Zoar Valley outside the state Department of Environmental Conservation headquarters in Buffalo Tuesday.

Zoar Valley group demonstrates outside Buffalo DEC Headquarters

October 9, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star BUFFALO — Nearly 30 members of the Zoar Valley Coalition

(Photo provided) St. Bonaventure Mother Cabrini interns talk with senior citizens at the Senior Wellness & Nutrition Site in Delevan about fall prevention.

St. Bonaventure health interns provide outreach to underserved

October 8, 2024

ST. BONAVENTURE — A cadre of students in the Dennis R. DePerro School of Health