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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 file photo) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello is seeking re-election to a fourth four-year term on the bi9ndependent Lincoln Party line.

Running on single independent line, Aiello faces uphill re-election bid with Lincoln Party

October 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Over the weekend, Mayor Bill Aiello formally announced his re-election

(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello says Village of Allegany owes $7.3 million in sewage and late fees.

Aiello says Allegany sewer bill, late fees exceed $7.3 million

September 29, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello on Friday disclosed the bill

Seneca removal survivor Brenda Pierce Deeghan describes how a dream she had led to 40 years of Remember the Removal so younger Senecas won't forget how people were forced from theirn homes to make way for the Kinzua dam. More than 150 Senecas attended this year's observance at the new Red House bridge.

Senecas Remember the Removal in emotional observance at Red House Bridge

September 28, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star RED HOUSE — Emotions ran high Saturday morning as Seneca

Olean Mayor Bill Aiello (right), thanks members of the City of Olean Charter Commission, which approved a draft charter Thursday.

Olean Charter Commission approves final draft with strong mayor, ability to set salaries

September 25, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean City Charter Commission completed its task Thursday, unanimously