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(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) Only a few dead fish were visible in Ischua Creek from the Coal Chutes Road bridge on Thursday. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating a significant fish-kill and aquatic animal die-off in the creek downstream from the village of Franklinville.

State agencies probe Ischua Creek fish-kill from Franklinville village

September 1, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star FRANKLINVILLE — The state Department of Environmental Conservation and Cattaraugus County Health

(Photo provided) Rep. Nick Langworthy speaks at a press conference at Field of Dreams on Tuesday where he highlighted his sponsorship of the Energy Choice Act that would prevent state and local governments from restricting home energy heating by natural gas.

Langworthy blasts Hochul natural gas ban, promotes his Energy Choice Act bill

September 1, 2025

ALLEGANY — Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference Tuesday at a new home

(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) 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