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(Rick Miller/OIean Star) Democratic candidate Aaron Gies of Olean spoke at Friday’s Cattaraugus County Democrat Committee dinner at HoliMont in Ellicottville. He’s seeking the nomination in the 23rd Congressional District.

Congressional primary candidates are scrutinized by county Democrats

September 22, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — Cattaraugus County Democrats got a close look at

Rick Miller/Olean Star) Ploetz Pond off Route 219 north of Ellicottville is showing off its colorful leaves earlier thna usual this year.

Drought has trees changing colors earlier than usual here

September 19, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star If it seems that trees are changing color sooner than

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

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Demonstrators hold handmade signs — many directed at ICE over the recent killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. More than 100 protesters demonstrated Saturday.

More than 100 demonstrators in Lincoln Park protest ICE killing of Renee Good

January 10, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — More than 100 demonstrators attended an “Ice Out”

(Rick Miller/Olean Star file photo) No Kings 2.0 demonstrators outside Lincoln Park on Oct. 18. A local protest will be held Saturday over the ICE killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Local demonstration planned Saturday in response to Renee Good’s killing by ICE agent

January 9, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — The local Voices of the People Movement plans

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Court Judge Ronald D. Ploetz swears in County Legislature leaders Wednesday. From left are Majority Whip Donald Benson of Allegany, Assistant Majority Leader Norman Marsh of Little Valley, Majority Leader Kelly Andreano of Olean, Vice Chairman Ginger Schroder of Farmersville and Chairman Andrew Burr of Gowanda.

No surprises at Cattaraugus County Legislature’s reorganization meeting

January 8, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — There were no surprises Wednesday as Cattaraugus

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Public Works Director James Sprague (standing right), updated the Common Council on a number of capital projects Tuesday including replacing street lights on North Union Street.

Olean DPW director updates aldermen on replacing North Union Street lights

January 7, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Olean City Public Works Director James Sprague updated the Olean