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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) New Cattaraugus County Legislator Brenda Hansen of Delevan is congratulated by Cattaraugus County Court Judge Ronald Ploetz after she was sworn in Wednesday.

New Cattaraugus county legislator seated; new vice chairman sworn in

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers welcomed a new legislator Wednesday, Brenda

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A large crane used to drive steel piling along the Allegheny River shoreline near the Olean Wastewater Treatment Plant sits near the levee outside the plant. More than 1,000 feet of the levee are being strengthened in a project paid for by New York State.

State project to stabilize levee near sewage treatment plant in Olean continues

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Work is continuing on the project to strengthen the Allegheny

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The Olean Common Council turned down a plan to implement a QR code parking plan Tuesday that would have required a smart phone for downtown parking.

QR code parking plan defeated by alderman

August 27, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A proposed QR code parking program for many

Mark Kensy, Sister Margaret Carney honored at Coaches vs. Cancer 716 Classic Reception

August 25, 2025

By SPENCER BATES batesoleanstar@gmail.com OLEAN — In 2021, St. Bonaventure men’s basketball coach Mark Schmidt