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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

(Village of Allegany) Allegany voters will vote for a candidate tor mayor during villegae elections March 18. Five other village will also hold elections from noon to 9 p.m. that day.

Allegany mayoral contest is highlight of village elections March 18

March 3, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star A mayoral contest in Allegany is the highlight of village

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Public Defender Darryl Bloom has announced his candidacy for County Court judge.

Bloom announces his candidacy for Cattaraugus County Court judge

March 2, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Cattaraugus County Public Defender Darryl Bloom announced over the weekend

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) New York State Motor Vehicle Commissioner Mark Schroeder speaks to members of the Cattaraugus County Supervisors Association Thursday night at the Great Valley Town Hall.

State officials meet with Cattaraugus County supervisors

February 27, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star GREAT VALLEY — Members of the Cattaraugus County Supervisors Association

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Members of the Olean Common Council and Mayor Amy B. Sherburne review 2026-27 city budget of $23.2 million with Public Works Director James Sprague Thursday. It was the council's first review of the new mayor's proposed budget.

Common Council begins review of $23.2 million proposed Olean budget for 2026-27

February 27, 2026

By RICK MILER Olean Star The Olean Common Council held its first meeting Thursday on