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

Cattaraugus County 4-H photo) The NYS 4-H Dairy Judging Team stands with their awards at the World Dairy Expo. From left are: Hayden Ayers, Dayne Jantzi, Olivia Shawley, Larsen Swan and Coach Doug Waterman.

Cattaraugus County 4-H member excels at World Dairy Expo

October 12, 2025

Madison, Wis. — Cattaraugus County 4-H Member, Olivia Shawley traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to compete

(SBU photo) Dick Keans (left), a 1972 St. Bonaventure University graduate, brings his 12th annual Kearns Global Business Forum to the university on Oct. 23.

SBU’s Kearns Global Business Forum to focus on the challenging job market

October 10, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — St. Bonaventure University alumnus and global businessman Dick Kearns, ’72, returns to

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) This is a mock-up of what the four new Welcome to Olean signs will look like once they are completed. They will replace temporary banners over signs that were vandalized four years ago.

New Welcome to Olean signs expected to be built soon

October 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — New entrance signs to the City of Olean

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Admnistrator Kelly Reed (right) brieas county lawmakers Wednesday on proposed changes in county retirees' health insurance benefits. Standing next to her is Human Resources director Kristine Phinney

County legislators approve changes to retirees health insurance for ‘as good or better’ coverage

October 9, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers voted Wednesday to switch