January 2, 2026 - Edition No. 24

Happy New Year, Southern Tier!

Thanks for being with us in 2025. We look forward to an exciting 2026 with our weekly newsletter covering Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. Let's get to it! 👇

FEATURED STORY

Olean Mayor-Elect Has Big Dreams for the City

Mayor-elect Amy Sherburne takes office in Olean on Jan. 2, bringing an energetic, goal-driven approach to City Hall. 

Since announcing her candidacy, she has attended council and committee meetings to prepare for her first major task: crafting the mayor’s budget.

Sherburne plans to meet with department heads, improve downtown snow removal, support redevelopment of the Olean Center Mall, and address homelessness through coordinated efforts.

A longtime business owner with deep family roots in Olean, she aims to restore civic pride and build a strong, collaborative city workforce.

Read more at Tap Into Olean.

You can support the Hello Southern Tier newsletter plus add new local merch to your wardrobe. Please browse our growing selection of local clothing at our standalone store or on Etsy. Thank you!

NEWS BITS

🤒 NY State Endures Worst Week Ever of Flu Cases: Amid a nationwide spike in seasonal cases, the Empire State recorded a new high in single-week reports in the week before Christmas. According to state health officials, more than 71,000 cases of the flu were reported during December 14-20.

💸 Minimum Wage Increasing in New York in 2026:  Starting on Jan. 1, the minimum wage statewide increased by 50 cents an hour, to $16 in upstate New York. That translates into 40-hour-a-weel pay of $640 or about $33,000 a year.

🏨 Dudley Hotel Being Transformed into Senior Housing: Salamanca will witness a significant transformation with the redevelopment of the long-vacant Dudley Hotel. This landmark property, a vital part of the local heritage for over a century, will soon house senior citizens in a renovated space called Dudley Manor. 

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS

CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!

Friday, January 2

Fish Fry at Friendship American Legion

Swish Away Cancer Game at Salamanca High School, 5 p.m.

Meet & Greet with Angelina Napoleon at Napoleon Engineering Services, 6 p.m.

Dirt Turtles at Union Whiskey, 7 p.m.

Overnight Investigation at Wildwood Sanitarium, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 3 

Build a Mug at Tri-County Arts Council, 10 a.m.

Western Hat and Cap Burning at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.

Texas Hold ‘em Showdown at Seneca Gaming, noon

Wood Burning 101 at Lucky Day Homestead, 1 p.m.

St. Bonaventure WBB vs. Richmond at Reilly Center, 3 p.m.

Porcelain Bus Drivers at Balloons, 7 p.m.

🛍️ DEAL OF THE WEEK

Thank you for being a loyal Hello Southern Tier subscriber! Because of your dedication and support of the newsletter, we're sharing an exclusive 50% off on select Under Armor apparel. Use code CHEATCODE + stack extra 20% off with code EXTRA20! Shop here!

 The Olean Husky For Life Alumni t-shirt a must-have for any proud Olean High School graduate.

Made with ultra-soft cotton, this t-shirt features the iconic Olean Husky mascot and bold "For Life Alumni" lettering, making it the perfect way to show your school spirit.

Whether you're cheering on your alma mater at a game or simply running errands around town, this comfortable and stylish tee is sure to turn heads.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to represent your school with pride - grab your Olean Husky For Life Alumni t-shirt from today! 

SOUTHERN TIER SPORTS

Swish Away Cancer Returns for Its 6th Annual Game

The 6th Annual Swish Away Cancer Game is set for Friday, Jan. 2, featuring an exciting matchup between the Salamanca Lady Warriors and the Ellicottville Eagles.

This special event brings together athletes, families, and fans to raise awareness and funds for a cause that touches so many. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute and local food pantries, extending the impact well beyond the gym.

Game Day Schedule

• Doors Open: 5 p.m.

• JV Game: 6 p.m.

• Varsity Game: 7:30 p.m.

• Swish Away Cancer Ceremony: Immediately following the JV game

Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take part in the many activities happening throughout the night, including basket raffles, T-shirt sales, and a bake sale, with more surprises planned.

LOCAL HEROES!

Alfred State University Police raised nearly $1,900 during No Shave November and presented a check to Allegany County Cancer Services.

The donation was made outside their headquarters, with dispatcher Jaime Howe, Lieutenant Scott Bingham, Officer Melinda Rounds, and Captain Joseph Histed in attendance.

The funds will support the important work of the Allegany County Cancer Services, with Treasurer Kathy Hamlin and Secretary Missy Nickerson accepting the check on behalf of the organization.

Read more in the Olean Times Herald.

JOKE OF THE WEEK!

What’s the easiest way to keep your New Year’s resolution to read more?

Watch TV with subtitles, hahahaha! 😂

HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK

Quiet Country Living

Set on 1.4 peaceful acres with a wooded backdrop, this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Colonial in Allegany offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and modern comfort.

Inside, enjoy new flooring, updated kitchen countertops and appliances, an eat-in kitchen, a spacious living room, and a large family room ideal for entertaining. A bright sunroom overlooks the private backyard, creating a relaxing space to unwind and enjoy nature.

Additional features include first-floor laundry, a full basement with room for storage or future expansion, and an attached two-car garage.

Move-in ready and thoughtfully updated, this home is an ideal retreat for those seeking quiet country living with everyday convenience.

See more details and pics!

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Squeaky!

Squeaky is a sweet, quiet, and loving male domestic short hair kitten from Olean, NY, looking for his forever home. Less than a year old and fully vaccinated, this small guy is affectionate, gentle, curious, and full of personality — with just the right mix of bravery and playful charm.

He’s house-trained and gets along well with kids, dogs, and other cats, making him a wonderful fit for many households. Squeaky is hoping for his “holiday miracle” and a warm family to call his own.

Squeaky is available for adoption through Purrfect Kitty Mission, a local rescue dedicated to helping cats in need through care, spay/neuter efforts, and loving placements.

THANK YOU!

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