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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) Democrat Aaron Gies of Olean (left) and Republican Jim King of Owego participated in a bipartisan town hall Monday night in Ellicottville. Gies is seeking the Democratic nod for the 23rd Congressional seat held by Rep. Nick Langworthy and King is trying to get on the primary ballot with the Republican congressman.

Democrat, Republican congressional candidates meet in bipartisan town hall in Ellicottville

March 10, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — Two congressional candidates in the 23rd District met

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Clifford Karm (left) and his grandfather, Tim Resch, look on as Mike Peterson and Kendal Karn (left) keep an eye on the maple syrup evaporator at the CTK Farms facility on New Mexico Road, Cuba, on Sunday. Clifford started the business with 150 sap buckets and a dream six years ago.

Cuba maple producers CTK Farms began with 150 sap buckets and a 15-year-old’s dream

March 9, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star CUBA — It’s hard to believe, but CTK Farms maple

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A ribbon cutting was held Friday at the new offices of CORE Learning Center in Blue Bird Square. From left are student Jacques Bourguignon, Mayor Amy B. Sherburne, Deputy Executive Director Sarah Mills, Mary Layman, data manager who oversees the Olean site and Deb Parrow, regional associate for adult education programs for the State Education Department.

CORE Learning Center for adult education moves to new offices

March 6, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The CORE Learning Center is moving up. The

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Toni and Randy Sprague stand by the fireplace in the restaurant at Sprague's Maple Farms in Portville. They opened the restaurant that features their 100% pure maple syrup and free-range turkeys 25 years ago.

Sprague’s Maple Farms celebrating 25th anniversary of Portville restaurant

March 6, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star PORTVILLE — Sprague’s Maple Farms marked its 25th anniversary late