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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

(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) Mike Spors, a knife collector from Janesville, WI, buys and sells pocket knives, hunting knives and straight razors. He said attendance was good on opening day of Village of Knives at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds in Little Valley.

Village of Knives opening day showcases county’s cutleries

July 15, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — The “Village of Knives” exhibit at the

(Cattaraugus County Health Department) Aerial spraying of mosquito larvicide over wetlands in Cattaraugus County reduced the numbers of adults mosquitoes, but they are headed back up, which could lead to additional spraying.

Another mosquito larvicide spraying may be needed

July 12, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — After finding as many as 1,800 mosquitoes a

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The new Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial in the park in front of the Hinsdale Fire Department remains covered until Saturday’s dedication.

Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial dedication Saturday morning

July 11, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star HINSDALE — The new Hinsdale Vietnam Memorial will be unveiled

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean alderman voted 4-3 to add $205,000 for paving the section of South Union Street in Walkable Olean IV, by taking the cost from the $2.9 million project’s contingency. The project includes a roundabout at South Union and Greene streets.

Olean alderman vote 4-3 for Walkable Olean IV paving

July 10, 2024

By RICK MILLER OLEAN Star OLEAN — The Olean Common Council reluctantly agreed Tuesday to