News – Olean Star

Always Local. Always Free. Olean Local News

Always Local. Always Free.

CONTACT US: Oleanstar@gmail.com

Latest News

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Naturalist Mark Carra of West Valley leads a nature hike on reptiles and amphibians during the 67th annual Allegany Nature Pilgrimage in Allegany State Park last weekend.

Nature lovers flock to 68th annual Allegany Nature Pilgrimage in Park

June 5, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star RED HOUSE — More than 850 nature lovers attended the 67th annual

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Olean Mayor Bill Aiello has begun a one-year term as president of the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials. Above, Aiello delivers the State of the City Address in January.

Aiello beings term as president of NYS Conference of Mayors

June 5, 2025

ALBANY — Olean Mayor Bill Aiello has become the 99th president of the New York

(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

This is a screenshot from Facebook Thursday of law enforcement in North Olean someone suggested were ICE agents. Olean Police said that was not the case. It was a joint Federal-State Fugitive Task Force which made two arrests in the city of Olean.

Joint task force, not ICE, was seeking fugitives in Olean Thursday morning

February 27, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — A joint task force of federal and state

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Adam Chudy (right) of Westons Mills, was commended by Cattaraugus County Legislature Chairman Andrew Burr (center) Wednesday for saving a New Albion man from a fire Feb. 11. Chudy, a count snowplow driver, was working when he saw the house on fire and called 911 and helped the man from his house. At left is Public Works Commissioner Michael Prinino.

County snowplow driver commended for saving man from house fire in New Albion

February 26, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — A Cattaraugus County snowplow driver credited with

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Accountant Christopher Zera of R.A. Mercer & Co., presented an audit of the City of Olean's finances for 2024-25 Tuesday. While there were defiencies in reconciling financial data, the city's finances are sound, he said.

Olean aldermen hear audit report of city’s 2024-25 finances; set budget review starting Thursday

February 25, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star The Olean Common Council reviewed the independent audit of the

(Photo provided) Aaron Gies of Olean (right) was endorsed for the 23rd Congressional District seat by the Cattaraugus County Democratic Committee on Sunday. Also endorsed was Victoria Guite (left) of Genesee County for the 57th State Senate seat. Mandy Bushnell, Cattaraugus County Democratic Party chairwoman, is at center.

Gies receives endorsements for Congress from Democratic committees in five counties

February 24, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Democratic congressional candidate Aaron Gies of Olean announced