News – Olean Star

Always Local. Always Free. Olean Local News

Always Local. Always Free.

CONTACT US: Oleanstar@gmail.com

Latest News

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

(NYS Department of Health) The incidence of colorectal cancer in Cattaraugus County residents is 39.1 per 100,000. The ioncidence of colorectal cancer among residents under age 50 is on the rise.

Colorectal cancer rates increasing among younger people in county

March 5, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of

(City of Olean YouTube) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne explains Tuesday that budget revisions have cut the proposed tax rate hike from 18.69% to 10.82%. Others from left are Council President Vernon Robinson Jr. and David Anastasia. The budget review continues Thursday.

Mayor, aldermen happy with revised Olean tax hike; continue budget review

March 4, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Tuesday’s review of the proposed $23.2 million City of Olean

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Pendleton (right), and Aaron Gies, an Olean Democrat seeking the 23rd District seat, differ in their reaction to President Trump's air war with Iran.

Langworthy, Gies offer differing opinions on widening war with Iran

March 3, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star President Trump reported to the nation early Saturday that the

Pollock Column: Times Herald goes from seven, to six, to five to three days a week

Pollock Column: Times Herald goes from seven, to six, to five to three days a week

March 3, 2026

By CHUCK POLLOCK, Wellsville Sun & Olean Star Senior Sports Columnist The most significant day