District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a convicted sex offender was sentenced to state prison for failing to register as a sex offender. Colton MILLIRON was sentenced to a period of 18 months to 36 months plus 3 years of consecutive probation – this sentence to run consecutive to another sentence he received on another case for a total sentence of 24 months to 56 ½ months.
MILLIRON was previously convicted at a jury trial of a sex offense for which sex offender registration is required under the law formerly known as Megan’s Law. He was charged by State Police and pled guilty to failing to provide information related to a change of address, change of job, and email accounts as required under registration requirements. He is not eligible for any early parole program.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on November 7th, Edwin MCPEAK, of Olean, New York, was sentenced to state prison for robbing a bank in Eldred. MCPEAK entered the Hamlin Bank in Eldred on June 6th wearing a gorilla-style mask and demanding money from cashiers while having a firearm. He fled in a truck that was found to have been stolen from Olean.
Bank employees conveyed the description of the truck to 911. Law enforcement from all over McKean County began looking for the vehicle. MCPEAK was observed in the vehicle and officers pursued him. He lost control of the vehicle on Rew Hill causing the truck to go over an embankment and was taken into custody. Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run charged MCPEAK. He was sentenced on charges of Robbery- demanding money from financial institution; Robbery – threatening serious bodily injury; Theft (of bank funds); and Receiving Stolen Property (vehicle from Olean).
The District Attorney sought a sentencing enhancement that applies when a weapon is used in a crime. The enhancement allows for a higher permissible sentence. This enhanced sentence was applied by the Court. The Judge sentenced MCPEAK to incarceration in state prison for 5 years to 10 years plus consecutive supervision. Additional terms include no contact with victims or witnesses, pay restitution for the damage to the vehicle and damage to property, etc. and provide a DNA sample. MCPEAK is not eligible for any early parole program. The money was recovered and will be returned to Hamlin Bank.
Robert T. “Bob” HARRIS, 92, of Allegany, NY, died Friday, November 8, 2024 in his home.
He was a devoted believer in Jesus Christ and had a real heart for missions. His hobbies included flying airplanes, riding motorcycles and playing cards with his family. Born July 3, 1932, in Oswayo, PA, he was the son of Carl and Lucille Brizzee Harris. On April 24, 1955, in Millport, PA, he married Doris Metzger, who predeceased him on March 10, 2023. He was drafted and served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1955. In 1965, he founded Keystone Tool & Die in Westons Mills, retiring in 2004. Bob attended South Side Union Chapel in Olean.
BOLIVAR, NY—Paula Ann Ayers, 76, of Bolivar, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at The Pines in Olean, NY, after a long illness.
Born on Tuesday, August 3, 1948 in Coudersport, PA, she was a daughter of Paul F. and Vera P. Glaser Boyd. On June 17, 1967 in the United Brethren Church in Sweden Valley, PA, she married William B. “Bill” Ayers, who survives.
Paula was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1966, and the Olean Business Institute. She later graduated from Liberty College with two degrees in Biblical Studies.
Herbert Dale Pfingstler, 85, of 216 Columbus Street and formerly of the Elk Towers, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born on July 27, 1939, in St. Marys at the St. Joseph’s Convent, son of the late Herbert F. and Bertha Meyer Pfingstler. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Parochial Schools. Dale was a hard worker and a loyal person; he was employed at St. Marys Pressed Metals where he retired after over fifty-five years of employment.
On January 13, 1961, at St. Leo’s Church in Ridgway, he married Mary Elizabeth “Micki” Flannigan, who preceded him in death on October 22, 2016. They were married for over fifty years.
He is survived by his loving children: Shelly Meier (David) of Bridgeville, Herbert Dale Pfingstler II (Donna) of St. Marys, Jude Pfingstler of St. Marys, and Adam Pfingstler (Heidi) of Ridgway; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Dale is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Winnie Engel, Eddie and Jane Flannigan, and Denny (late Patty) McMahon, along with his many nieces and nephews.
Dale was a past President of the Elk County Catholic (Christian) High School Athletic Association, and he spent countless hours on various projects at the school.
Later, he enjoyed volunteering in the cafeteria at the St. Marys Catholic Elementary School and then at ECCHS. Dale was a loyal supporter of ECCHS sports and followed the ECCHS band. Dale was a past member of the Knights of Columbus and for many years, he worked with his good friend Joe Hallinen putting up the beautiful old lantern Christmas lights around town.
He was a model railroad enthusiast since his early childhood and always had a wonderful train display every Christmas. Dale was a kind and warm person, a fantastic storyteller, he had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good laugh. He will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 9:30AM with Rev. Ignatius Camello, celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com
Dorothy J. (Coolidge) Smithgall age 95, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
She was born in 1929 in Kent, OH, a daughter of the late Stuart and Mary (Connor) Coolidge. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing and was married to the late Frederick A. Smithgall.
This is Sawyer, missing on North Hollow, and Burst Road dragging a leash answers to the name of Sawyer, may be tangled in the woods if you hear a dog barking dog.
His collar is red and black plaid and he does have an air tag on him with owners name and phone number.
James W. Gleason, Sr., 77, of 60 Scott Drive Bradford, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, surrounded by his family while at home.
Born February 8, 1947, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Stanley M. and Bettie M. (Becker) Gleason, Jr.
He was a 1965 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School. He attended St. Bonaventure until he was drafted on April 14, 1969, into the United States Army. He served until his honorable discharge on November 21, 1970.
On August 9, 1998, at the Jim Gleason Ball Field, he married Colleen M. (Gray) Gleason, who survives.
JoAnne A. Bigley, 71, of Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
She was born on August 5, 1953 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Robert and Bertha Hassek Starkweather.
She was a 1971 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
She was employed by the former Bradford Electronics for close to thirty years. After they closed the Bradford location, she went on to work for the Zippo Manufacturing Co., for fifteen years; retiring in 2021.
K9S COME TO SMETHPORT 4TH GRADE (SMETHPORT, Pennsylvania: November 7, 2024): K9s LG and Nico visited children in Smethport earlier this week. The K9s, along with McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and K9 handlers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette, were invited to visit fourth-graders at Smethport Elementary on November 4th. LG is trained to locate drugs and Nico is trained to locate explosives.
The visit was part of an educational program geared toward elementary-aged children. The students and visitors talked about the dangers of drugs and that police officers are their friend. They also talked about what police officers do to keep us safe, how the K9s help the police, and what to do if they are offered drugs. The students were left with pledge cards with LG’s picture that they can sign as a pledge to say “no” to drugs. Thank you for inviting us Mrs. Wertz! If you would like a presentation for your group, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312.
MEGA BRIDAL BLOWOUT SALE!! Over 100 Bridal Gowns, many NWT. Racks of $50, $100 and $150. Other 25% to 50% off. Sizes 0-30.. Sale dates November 1- December 20. Sew Much More 127 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5; Wednesday 9-3. Or by appointment. 814-335-8681 Hurry in for best selection.
Thomas E. Muroski, 83, of 405 Mill Street, Johnsonburg, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.
He was born September 27, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Wade J. and Anne M. Kazmierski Muroski. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1959. Following high school, he studied at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and entered the workforce for Keystone Thermometrics, where he worked for forty-eight years before retiring.
On December 28, 1963, in Holy Rosary Church, Tom married Mary Ellen Griffin, who survives. They were blessed to share sixty years of marriage and were looking forward to celebrating their sixty-first anniversary next month.
46 year old Adele Pierce had her apartment searched Tuesday night at 317 N. 2nd St apartment #2 by the Street Crimes unit who had obtained a search warrant for drugs. Members of the Emergency response team entered the apartment at 9:30 p.m. . Investigators located and seized Fentanyl, Crack cocaine and Meth in the apartment. Pierce was charged with 2 counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felonies ) and Criminal use of drug paraphernalia ( A Misdemeanor ).
Pierce was also arrested on a outstanding indictment warrant for two counts of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd degree ( B Felonies ) and two counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd degree ( B Felonies ). Pierce was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await arraignment. We were assisted by the Southern tier regional drug task force.
Nancy Lee Maze, 88, of Tonawanda and formerly of James City, passed away Thursday (Oct. 31) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville, NY. Born April 11, 1936 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Reed and Isabelle (Shatto) Lemmon. On Sept. 4, 1954 in Kane, she married Delbert Maze who preceded her in death on Jan 31, 2020.
Nancy had worked for many years in Quality Control at Stackpole. She also had worked for Houston Electronics and the Market Basket and was the auditor for Highland Township for many years. She was a member of the Kane Community Methodist Church, where she served on several church groups and was a member of the quilting group, the Red Hats and the 54 Huggers (her graduating class group).
Life is full of opportunities, but do we recognize them? Does an optimist see opportunities the same way a pessimist does? Does one see an obstacle while the other a door? Reality says we don’t see things the same way. I’ve said this before but perhaps we need to hear it again; for some, life happens to them, while others see life as happening for them. Perspective is always the deciding factor and for that we come down to choices.
In the Book of Acts, Peter saw his opportunity to speak to the crowd about the man that was now able to walk. Seeing the opportunity was only part of the response as he also had to go through the door that it provided. Choosing to address the people he explained what had happened and who’s power caused it. Because of Peter’s choice of utilizing the opportunity that was placed before him, the lives of over 3000 people were changed. Peter was used mightily in God’s redemptive plan.
How one addresses opportunities that present themselves has much to do with the heart. Judas saw an opportunity to betray Jesus. Peter saw an opportunity to share Jesus. Both seized upon an opportunity, but each had a different reason. Again, our response will always be led by the condition of our heart.
Many have heard or seen, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.” some may even have it hanging in their homes. It comes from Joshua 24:15 and it describes a heart attitude about life and how it’s going to be lived. Perhaps it could be said that opportunities that come will be viewed through the lens of “service to the Lord.”
Finally, opportunities can be created by the adventurous. This past Saturday I called my youngest daughter and asked when breakfast was. To make the story short, that call resulted in 14 family members showing up for breakfast. It was a fabulous time of laughter and conversation that went on for three hours, just because we created the opportunity. Think about it.
All of November through the week before Christmas, the Potter County Farmers Market will move indoors to the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The next market will be this Saturday, November 9th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
* There will be NO MARKET ON NOVEMBER 30 due to the Small Town Christmas celebration in Coudersport. Many of our vendors will be throughout the town.
* Market times have been established after many trial times over the years. If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly. They are willing to try to accommodate your request.
* If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker@hughes.net]
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the market this week on Saturday in the Riley Gallery next to the Crittenden Hotel. I will have breads including cheese garlic bread by request, sweet treats, snacks and fresh brown eggs from our hen house. This is the beginning of the winter hours. Poster of dates are on our Facebook, Solomons Words and available for you to post at home. Requests help me alot to have what you are tasting. contact me at netrabaker2@gmail.com Cell for text 814-598-0649
JULIE BENNETT will be attending this week. I will have crochet stuffies, washcloths, dish scrubbies and various other crochet items. As well as earrings. I take cash.
ME & MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Saturday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments. If you are interested in any products any for Christmas gifts, please let us know so that can have them available.
QUIET ACRES will be a vendor this week and next week only, for the month of November. We have a huge selection of handmade aprons and zigzag braided items as well as rope creations. Commissioned orders are welcome- your choice of colors, sizes and style. We also have a full line of Haldeman Mills products that make great teachers gifts. We accept cash payments.
