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(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

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) David Smith (right), who was re-elected preident of the Cattaraugus County Board of Health Wednesday, is congratulated by Public Health Director Dr. Kevin D. Watkins.

Board of Health sees sticker shock in rising vaccine prices

February 5, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Members of the Cattaraugus County Board of Health

All Charges Dismissed with Prejudice.

OLEAN PRINCIPAL JEFF ANDREANO CLEARED OF ALL CHARGES: Prosecutor and Judge agree there was no proof to support charges against Andreano.

February 4, 2026

By: Eric Firkel Olean Star – firkeloleanstar@gmail.com City Court Judge George Panebainco dismissed all charges

(Olean YouTube Channel) Olean Common Council Finance Committee Chairman Sonya McCall, D-Ward 4 (right) and Alderman David Anastasia, D-Ward 7 atTuesday's meeting. The Council learned bed tax revenues since June 1, 2025 total $214,000.

Eye-popping bed tax revenue has aldermen raising eyebrows

February 4, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Members of the Olean Common Council heard brief updates on

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric Butler is critical of Gov. Hochul's proposed Local Cops, Local Crime Act that would prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE.

Sheriff calls Hochul ‘a fool’ over bill to ban NY law enforcement from ICE pacts

February 3, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced a bill last week that would