🌱 Olean community remembers the life and service of James Tambash
Olean, New York Patch AM: a 4 min readCheers Olean! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Olean community remembers the life and service of James Tambash
- Olean mourns the passing of longtime resident Robyn R. Cossairt
- Meet the Bonnies grads being celebrated as Alumni of the Year
Today's riddle: What do sweet potatoes wear to bed? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Friday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, with a high of 77 and low of 53 degrees.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 80, low: 58.
- Sunday: Variable clouds, a t-storm, with a high of 76 and low of 49 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. James E. Tambash (oleantimesherald.com) — Olean is mourning longtime resident and former city police lieutenant James E. Tambash, whose 21-year career included rescuing wounded firefighters during the 1974 Olean High School shooting. The obituary reflects on his military service, extensive civic involvement with local organizations, and the family and community ties he leaves behind. 
2. Robyn R. Cossairt (oleantimesherald.com) — Olean residents are saying goodbye to Robyn R. Cossairt of Irving Street, who passed away June 6 at Olean General Hospital. The notice recalls her years working at Sr. Pat’s on South First Street, her love of decorating and family holidays, and the many children and grandchildren who survive her.
3. Doyle, '81, Wells, '76, to be honored as SBU's Alumni of the Year (sbu.edu) — St. Bonaventure University will honor alumni Pat Doyle and Mary Beth “MB” (Shea) Wells as its 2026 Alumni of the Year during Reunion Weekend later this month, drawing hundreds of graduates back to the Olean-area campus. Wells’ Bona story began with her first game trip to Olean in 1967, and both honorees are recognized for decades of volunteer leadership, philanthropy and community service.
4. Olean Star Feature: Former Cattaraugus County District Attorney sues for health insurance coverage (wellsvillesun.com) — A former Cattaraugus County district attorney is suing the county over being denied retiree health insurance, raising questions that matter to many Olean-area public employees and taxpayers. Court filings describe pressure from a top county official to retire early, a break from past legislative practices on honoring long-time workers, and a disputed interpretation of eligibility rules for retiree coverage.
5. Resolution makes it more difficult to fill vacant positions in Cattaraugus County government (oleanstar.com) — Cattaraugus County lawmakers have unanimously tightened the rules for refilling vacant government jobs, a move that could slow hiring in departments serving Olean residents and others countywide. The legislature also passed a strongly worded resolution blaming state climate and energy mandates for higher electric bills, and approved the sale of tax-delinquent properties back to owners and auction bidders.
📸 Around Olean
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Olean
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
-
NYS Regents Examinations
Olean City SD Olean, NY 14760 -
No School - Juneteenth
Olean City SD Olean, NY 14760
Wednesday June 17
Friday June 19
📣 Olean Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
-
Flag Day Ceremony - 3rd Grade
Allegany-Limestone Csd Allegany, NY 14706
9:15 am -
Last Day of School - 7th-12th
Allegany-Limestone Csd Allegany, NY 14706 -
BOE Meeting - MHS Room 42
Allegany-Limestone Csd Allegany, NY 14706
6:30 pm -
NYS Regents Examinations
Olean City SD Olean, NY 14760 -
Regents Exams
Allegany-Limestone Csd Allegany, NY 14706 -
No School - Juneteenth
Olean City SD Olean, NY 14760 -
Juneteenth - School Closed
Allegany-Limestone Csd Allegany, NY 14706 -
Auburn Doubledays vs. Olean Oilers →
Bradner Stadium, 550 E State St, Olean
6:30 pm -
Southern Tier Corporate Challenge, Presented by... →
Jamestown Community College: Cattaraugus County Campus, 260 N Union St, Olean
5:00 pm -
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical →
Olean Community Theatre, Inc, 127 S Barry St, Olean
7:00 pm
Friday June 12
Tuesday June 16
Wednesday June 17
Friday June 19
Thursday June 25
Thursday July 23
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Retail Sales Merchandiser in Olean. Apply here.
- Spencer Gifts, LLC posted a job opening for Assistant Store Manager - Spirit in Olean. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Olean here.
Ok Olean! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Yammies! (Thank you Lynda S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.