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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) Protesters wave signs along East State Street in Olean Saturday in a national ICE Out demonstration.

Demonstrators hold “ICE Out’ protest in frigid temperatures in Olean Saturday

January 31, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Despite frigid temperatures Saturday, more than 100 protestors

(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) A local protest 'ICE Out Everywhere,' will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park. Photo was taken Jan. 17 at a demonstration protesting the death of Renee Good and the invasion of Venezuela.

Local demonstration Saturday to protest killings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti in Minneapolis

January 30, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — “ICE Out Everywhere,” part of a nationwide response

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County lawmakers adjourned Wednesday in memory of Gerry E. Zimmerman, the former county director of Probation. He retired in 2019 and became a Lutheran minster.

Cattaraugus County lawmakers urge Gov. Hochul to resume gaming compact negotiations with Senecas

January 29, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers urged Gov. Kathy Hochul

(Olean Music Boosters) Members of the Olean High School Band and performers in this weekend's performance of 'Big Fish' in the Olean High School auditorium practice earlier this week.

Olean Music Boosters promoting ‘Big Fish’ musical performance Friday, Saturday

January 29, 2026

OLEAN — Tickets are now on sale for Big Fish, the imaginative and heartfelt musical