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Tentative city budget calls for 6% tax hike; sewer, water rate increases

February 20, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Mayor Bill Aiello released a tentative $29.1 million budget for

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Funding for milling and paving Walkable Olean 3 (above) on East State Street was guaranteed Tuesday when the Olean Common Council transferred the funds from Walkable Olean 4 on South Union Street.

Paving funds moved from South Union to State Street

February 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Last fall, New York State agreed to mill and pave

(Cattaraugus County Museum) Katya Zinsli, a graduate of the Art Conservation Department at Buffalo State SUNY, led restoration efforts on the 37th Regiment Presentation Flag for the Cattaraugus County Museum.

County lawmakers glimpse past in restored Civil War flag

February 18, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers got a glimpse into the past

(Photo provided) Cattaraugus County Attorney Ashley Smith announced Monday that Sheriff Eric Butler (right) and former sheriff Timothy S. Whitcomb have endorsed her Republican candidacy for district attorney.

Sheriff, retired sheriff endorse Smith for District Attorney: Whitcomb not concerned about Smith’s lack of experience

February 11, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star LITTLE VALLEY — The Cattaraugus County sheriff and former sheriff

(St. Bonaventure photo) Captions: President Jeff Gingerich (left) presented Seneca President J. Conrad Seneca and First Lady Nicole Seneca with a framed print of the statement and a $1,000 donation to the Faithkeepers School. Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M., (right) read the Land Acknowledgment.

St. Bonaventure unveils Seneca Nation Land Acknowledgement at Bonnies game

February 10, 2025

ST. BONAVENTURE — As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen bonds with its neighbors

(Cattaraugus County Health Department photo) More than 140 million chickens in the U.S. have been killed in the past year after the bird flu virus (H5N1) was discovered on farms. No cases have been reported in this county.

No cases of bird flu found in county chickens, cattle

February 10, 2025

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — While no cases of bird flu have been

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) Toni and Randy Sprague stand by the fireplace in the restaurant at Sprague's Maple Farms in Portville. They opened the restaurant that features their 100% pure maple syrup and free-range turkeys 25 years ago.

Sprague’s Maple Farms celebrating 25th anniversary of Portville restaurant

March 6, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star PORTVILLE — Sprague’s Maple Farms marked its 25th anniversary late

(NYS Department of Health) The incidence of colorectal cancer in Cattaraugus County residents is 39.1 per 100,000. The ioncidence of colorectal cancer among residents under age 50 is on the rise.

Colorectal cancer rates increasing among younger people in county

March 5, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star OLEAN — Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of

(City of Olean YouTube) Olean Mayor Amy B. Sherburne explains Tuesday that budget revisions have cut the proposed tax rate hike from 18.69% to 10.82%. Others from left are Council President Vernon Robinson Jr. and David Anastasia. The budget review continues Thursday.

Mayor, aldermen happy with revised Olean tax hike; continue budget review

March 4, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star Tuesday’s review of the proposed $23.2 million City of Olean

(Rick Miller/Olean Star) U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Pendleton (right), and Aaron Gies, an Olean Democrat seeking the 23rd District seat, differ in their reaction to President Trump's air war with Iran.

Langworthy, Gies offer differing opinions on widening war with Iran

March 3, 2026

By RICK MILLER Olean Star President Trump reported to the nation early Saturday that the