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(Photo provided) Ward 6 Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr., was elected Olean Common Council president Tuesday, succeeding Alderman John Crawford, D-Ward 5, who resigned as president.

A poor kid from Washington D.C., Robinson is new council president

August 15, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Ward 6 Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr. has come a long

(City of Olean YouTube) Outgoing Olean Common Council President John Crawford (left) hands gavel to Ward 6 Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr., who was elected the first Black common council president. Crawford has taken a new job and stepped down as council president, but will continue as Ward 5 alderman.

Vernon Robinson Jr. elected first Black council president

August 13, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Ward 6 Alderman Vernon Robinson Jr., was elected

(Photo provided) Stan Cizdziel of West Valley, who was in anaphylactic shock after getting stung repeatedly by bees on July 26 while cutting trees hugs Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Zimmer last week, thanking her for rushing to the scene with an Epi-pen that brought him out of shock. At left is Sheriff Eric Butler.

Cattaraugus Sheriff’s deputies save lives with EpiPen program

August 12, 2025

On July 26th, Stanley Cizdziel was cutting trees with a friend when they encountered a

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Steve Langert of Pleasant Valley holds a Triumph Master Grip trap, a collector’s item he values at $550 at the 45th annual Cattaraugus County Trappers Association Sportsmen’s Rendezvous last weekend at the county fairgrounds in Little Valley.

Sportsmen’s Rendezvous boosts trapping, hunting and camaraderie

August 12, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — For those who think fur trapping is

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello and Mari Howard, InTandem CEO, were joined by other officials and individuals Thursday in a groundbreaking ceremony at Olean’s Marcus Park. The park is about to get a $2 million make-over.

Groundbreaking held for $2 million make-over of Olean’s Marcus Park

August 12, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Groundbreaking was held at Marcus Park Thursday for

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Graph shows the number of Legionnaire’s disease cases in Cattaraugus County over the past decade. A county resident with Legionnaire’s disease is hospitalized in Buffalo.

Cattaraugus County man stricken with Legionaire’s disease is hospitalized

August 12, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A Cattaraugus County man stricken with Legionnaire’s Disease

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) John Burrell, the last of the Case Family making knives in his Ellicottville shop, displays a collectible knife is a glass topped rosewood case.Burrell, the mayor of Ellicottville, and dozens of others will be selling their knives this weekend at Village of Knives at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds. Burrell will also be selling knives of his late wife, Sheila.

‘Village of Knives’ celebration in Little Valley this weekend

July 10, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star ELLICOTTVILLE — The Village of Knives Celebration this weekend at

Dr. Kevin D. Watkins, Cattaraugus County Public Health director.

Spraying mosquito larvicide in June paid off with big drop in adult mosquitos

July 8, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Complaints about mosquitoes in late May and early

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) The new Memorial Trail in the Valentine Flats area of Zoar Valley opened Wednesday. Above is an example of the trail going around a tree, although scores were cut to construct the trail.

New handicapped accessible trail opens at Zoar Valley

July 7, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star GOWANDA — A new handicapped accessible trail opened Wednesday at

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Hinsdale Central School seniors on stage at commencement ceremonies Friday night.

Thirty-seven Hinsdale seniors graduate Friday night

June 30, 2024

By RICK MILLER Olean Star HINSDALE — Thirty-seven Hinsdale Central School seniors graduated Friday night