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(Rick Miller/Olean Star) A few larger dead fish could be seen from the Five Mile Road bridge over Ischua Creek in the town of Franklinville on Tuesday. The state Department of Environmental Conservation said tens of thousands of fish and aquatic animals died in the creek recently and blamed it on organic material from the Great Lakes Cheese plant discharge of treated wastewater into the stream.

Great Lakes Cheese Co. plant pauses operations over Ischua Creek fish kill

September 4, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — Great Lakes Cheese issued a statement over the weekend that

(photo provided) A Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic will be held Sept. 13-14 at the Olean YMCA. Volunteers are still needed.

BonaResponds, Warming House to help with medical clinic Sept. 11-14

September 4, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — A Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic is returning to Olean this month

(Rick Miller/OIean Star) More than 100 protested outside Lincoln Park Monday in the local Workers Over Billionaires demonstration.

Workers Over Billionaires focus of Labor Day protest outside Lincoln Park Monday

September 4, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A Texas couple driving to their native New England took

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The Great Lakes Cheese facility north of Franklinville, has suspended discharge of treated water into Ischua Creek under order from the state Department of Environmental Conservation after a significant fish kill in Ischua Creek earlier this week.

Great Lakes Cheese identified as source of Ischua Creek fish kill

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation on Friday identified the

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Student cell phones and other internet-enabled devices will not be permitted during school which starts the 2025-26 school year next week. Local school districts will require students to keep cell phones in their lockers from bell to bell.

Area schools are prepared for state cellphone bank this week

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER OLEAN STAR Local students returning to area schools next week will be facing a

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Deputies (from left) Andrew Schumaker and Rachel Zimmer were presented commendations from County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr (right) for their life-saving efforts involving a West Valley man in shock from numerous bee stings on July 26. Others are Sheriff Eric Butler (third from left) and Undersheriff Nate Root.

Life-saving deputies honored by Legislature

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Two Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies who were instrumental in

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Protesters along Second Street in Little Valley Friday wave signs at a car with people on the way to a fundraiser with Rep. Nick Langworthy at Ellicottville Brewing Company. Most eventually left before the congressman arrived.

Most demonstrators outside Langworthy fundraiser leave before congressman’s arrival

June 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — More than 30 demonstrators stood for about an hour

(Photo provided) Participants in their modeled designs (from left): Gordon Porter and Elsie Porter, both of East Concord; Sammy Kratochvil, Cattaraugus; Amelia Fuller and Savannah Fuller, both of West Valley; Leah Olejniczak, Randolph; Penny Kratochvil, Cattaraugus, and Miranda Ritter and Alicia Ritter, both of Conewango Valley.

‘Sew’ much fun at annual county 4-H Fashion Revue

June 3, 2025

LITTLE VALLEY — Nine Cattaraugus County 4-H members ranging in age from 5-17 showed

(City of Olean YouTube) Aldermen (from left) David Anastasia, Vernon Robinson Jr. and Sonya McCall discussed amending the $19.8 million 2025-26 Olean city budget over a tax rate error on Tuesday.

Alderman amend Olean budget over tax rate error; refunds due

June 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council voted Tuesday to amend the 2025-26

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Kelly Reed was appointed Cattaraugus County administrator on Wednesday, succeeding Jack Searles, who held the office since 2003. Here, she’s congratulated by County Court Judge Ronald Ploetz after being sworn in.

Kelly Reed is appointed new county administrator succeeding Jack Searles

June 3, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Kelly Reed became the third Cattaraugus County administrator and