January 15, 2026 - Edition No. 26

Hello, Southern Tier!

Thanks for opening up our weekly email edition. Take a look below at what's happening near you in the Enchanted Mountains!  👇

What was the population of Olean according to the 1990 census?

NEWS WE'RE READING

The Allegany-Limestone community has come together to support student athlete Kienen Duggan after a rare leukemia diagnosis.

Kienen’s cross country team and community has supported Kienen by purchasing shirts, making signs, sending money and gift cards.

This display of support showcases the tight-knit nature of the community in Allegany.

Donations in support of the family may be made to the Colt 45 Strong, Inc.

Read more!

The Olean Area Farmers Market began its 2026 Winter Market at Miller’s Farm Market on Olean-Portville Road.

It is open every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dates include Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and 21, March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 18.

Returning to Olean after operating in Allegany last winter, the market features various vendors offering products like greens, fresh vegetables, beef, pork, baked goods, and wine.

Guest vendors will also be featured weekly.

The market provides a local, free shopping experience for the community with a variety of handcrafted goods and fresh produce available.

Read more!

The Family Dollar store at 461 N. Union St. in Olean will be closing next month.

This marks the second chain retailer to shut down within a year in the city's central business district. Big Lots closed its store in Delaware Plaza off North Union Street in February 2025. The site remains vacant. 

Family Dollar operates other stores in the area, including Cuba, Friendship, Salamanca and Bradford, Pa. The chain previously had a store in Franklinville.

Read more!

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!

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS

CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!

Friday, January 16

• Winter Blues Weekend in Ellicottville
• Friday Farm Market at Canticle Farm, 9 a.m.
• Fish Fry at Seneca Fire Allegany Territory, 4 p.m.
• Glass Bottle Painting at Cuba Art Station, 6 p.m.
• Texas Hold'em Tournament at Seneca Gaming, 6 p.m.
• Fat Tire Fun Ride at Allegany State Park, 6:30 p.m.
• Ten Cent Howl at Balloons, 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 17

Beaded Plants at Cuba Library, 10 a.m.

Permanent Jewelry at Divine Nutrition, 10 a.m.

WinterFest '26 at Pine Acres, 10 a.m.

Natural Remedies at Lucky Day Homestead, 10 a.m.

Texas Hold'em Tournament at Seneca Gaming, noon

Collage and Community at Tri-County Arts Council, 1 p.m.

Medicinal Herbs for Apothecary at Lucky Day Homestead, 1 p.m.

Soup Palooza at Little Valley VFW, 2 p.m.

Christmas Tree Bonfire and Live Music at Ellicottville Distillery, 5 p.m.

That’s a 90’s Vibe Event at SBU Rathskeller, 6 p.m.

Acoustic Steve at Randy’s Fireside, 7 p.m.

Winter Blues Festival at Mill St Sports Pub, 8 p.m.

Rave Night at Union Whiskey, 10 p.m.

Sunday, January 18

Pearled Snowflake Workshop at For Crafts Sake, 11 a.m.

Sunday Poker at Seneca Gaming, noon

Snowmobile Drag Race in Conewango, noon

First Pack Walk 2026 at Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1:30 p.m.

EVENT OF THE WEEK

Winter Blues Weekend Comes to Ellicottville

Winter Blues Weekend kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday in downtown Ellicottville. Pull up a barstool for a weekend full of the best blues bands int he region! 

Here's what's happening:

Friday

• 2 Guys Drinkin' Beer at Gin Mill, 8 p.m.

Saturday

• Brian Rick at Gin Mill, 2 p.m.
• 2 Guys Drinkin’ Beer at Holiday Valley, 4 p.m.
• Rev at Madigans, 6 p.m.
• Miller and the Sinners at Villaggio, 7 p.m.
• Maria Aurigema Band at Gin Mill, 8 p.m.

Sunday

• Girls of Grosh at Villaggio, midnight
• Ed & The Hot Rods at The Ratchet Hatchet, 11 a.m.
• The Chillbillys at Gin Mill, 2 p.m.
• 2 Guys Drinkin’ Beer at Gin Mill, 7 p.m.
• Karaoke at Madigans, 9 p.m.

Put your local knowledge to the test with this Southern Tier–themed crossword puzzle book, created especially for fans of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties and the communities that make this region of New York so special.

Buy it here!

NEW LOCAL BUSINESS

Thrift & Gift Shop in Little Valley Holding Grand Opening on Saturday

A new shopping destination is coming to Little Valley this weekend. Audrey and Co Thrifts will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 211 Erie St.

The shop was created with a simple idea: make it easy — and fun — to shop quality, pre-loved clothing while supporting sustainability and local makers.

Audrey and Co Thrifts offers women’s, men’s, and kids’ name-brand clothing at a fraction of retail prices, along with gently used shoes and toys.

In addition to thrifted finds, shoppers will discover a local gift section featuring handmade items from talented artisans in and around the region.

Items include custom crafts, candles, wax melts, soaps, air fresheners, book-themed gifts, metal bookmarks, nightlights, keychains, binky clips, winter shadow boxes, coasters, and more — many of them perfect for gifting or home décor.

🛍️ DEAL OF THE WEEK

Get 36% off this super Keurig single serve coffee maker before the price skyrockets again! Buy it here!

SOUTHERN TIER SPORTS

Allegany Pitcher Signs with Arizona Diamondbacks

Allegany native Shawn Dubin has signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has been assigned to the Reno Aces, the team’s Triple-A affiliate.

A right-handed pitcher with major league experience, Dubin appeared with the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros last season, posting a 2–0 record and a 5.08 ERA. He made his MLB debut in 2023 and owns a career major league record of 3–1 with a 4.81 ERA.

Dubin is a graduate of Allegany-Limestone Central High School, where he pitched for the Gators, and was part of the 2016 New York Collegiate Baseball League champion Olean Oilers.

He was drafted by the Astros in the 13th round of the 2018 MLB Draft after a standout college career at Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he earned NAIA First-Team All-American honors.

Read more!

LOCAL STANDOUTS

Hospitals Honor Outstanding Employees

Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital Kaleida Health facilities announced the winners of the 2026 January Star Award recently,

This month’s BRMC and OGH recipients are Heither Green and Ryan Malanowski, RN.

Green is a phlebotomy tech in the laboratory department who joined the organization in 2004. Malanowski is a nurse in the intensive care unit and has been at OGH since 2021.

Read more!

JOKE OF THE WEEK!

Why should you never play poker at the zoo?

Too many cheetahs, hahahaha! 😂

HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK

Olean Colonial

Located in the desirable Stardust Lane area, this well-maintained colonial sits on over half an acre and offers space, comfort, and privacy.

The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a welcoming first floor with a spacious living room, formal dining room, family room, and an eat-in kitchen perfect for everyday living and entertaining. A first-floor half bath and laundry room add convenience.

Upstairs, the primary suite includes a walk-in closet, while three additional bedrooms provide flexible space for family, guests, or home offices. The finished basement adds even more living area with a large recreation room ideal for entertaining or relaxing.

Additional highlights include a newer heating system, central air conditioning, an attached two-car garage, and a large, peaceful yard.

All of this is set in a quiet residential neighborhood just minutes from Olean’s schools, shopping, and dining.

See more details and pics!

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Balto!

Balto is a young, energetic Husky from Olean, NY, with a big personality to match his big paws.

At 1–3 years old, this playful and friendly boy loves adventure and will keep you smiling with his goofy, fun-loving antics. Balto is athletic, curious, and always ready for long walks, runs, or a game of fetch.

He’s house-trained, neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. While his compatibility with kids and other pets is still unknown, Balto is known for being loyal, loving, and eager to learn.

If you’re looking for an active, affectionate companion who will be your best friend for life, Balto might be the one.

He is currently adoptable through the SPCA in Cattaraugus County.

Learn more about Balto!

16,946

THANK YOU!

Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read the latest edition of Hello Southern Tier. Please forward this email to a friend who might be interested in staying up to date on things happening locally. If you haven't yet subscribed to our newsletter, sign up here!