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Do not allow holiday preparations to steal the joy of the season! Take a break from the pressure and stress and join the holiday fun at the Bradford Area Public Library (BAPL). The library is offering a host of holiday programs that are pocket-book friendly (free) and appeal to a variety of age groups. Recapture the spirit of the holidays during one of these great events.

By Josh Hatcher – Communications Director | Open Arms Community Church | http://oachurch.com
The word inclusion has become a loaded term in our world today. Too often, it gets tangled up in debates and controversies that divide rather than unite. But at its heart, inclusion is a simple, beautiful concept: making room for everyone, ensuring that no one is left out, and creating spaces where all people feel they belong.

On November 29, at 8:26 pm Lafayette Fire Dept. was dispatched to 4361 Rt. 59 for a structure fire. Update Chief on scene reports a fire in the wall

February 16, 1961 – November 26, 2024
Karin R. “Gina” Black, 63, of 104 Erie Ave., St. Marys, and formerly of Ridgway and Johnsonburg, passed away early Tuesday morning, November 26, 2024, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA following a brief illness. She was born February 16, 1961, in Enkirch, Germany, a daughter to the late Erich and Meta Ketterman.

On November 29, at 7:43 pm Little Valley was dispatched to the top of Windfall Rd. for a search and rescue two people are lost in the woods . Great Valley and Salamanca have been dispatched to their stations on standby

January 24, 1942 – November 24, 2024
U.S. Veteran
William L. “Bill” Elmquist, 82, of McKinley Health Care Center at Laurelbrooke Manor, Brookeville, PA and formerly of VFW Rd., Johnsonburg, passed away late Sunday night, November 24, 2024, at McKinley. He was born on January 24, 1942, in Ridgway, a son to the late William H. and Myrtle E. Overbeck Elmquist. On January 13, 1968, in the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church, he married Sonya L. Swanson, and she survives.
A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Bill was a 1960 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. He was a member of the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church. Bill loved to play guitar, travel and was a civil war enthusiast.
Bill was a Vietnam Era Navy Vet, serving as Radarman Petty Officer, Second Class, aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
Bill had retired from Weyerhaeuser, Johnsonburg Mill in 2004 after 12 years of service. He had also worked at Keystone in St. Marys for many years.
In addition to his wife Sonya at home, Bill is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Elmquist (Tammy) of Johnsonburg and William J. Elmquist (Jeanny) of Fernandina Beach, FL, grandchildren Sterling Elmquist, Donna Wonderling, Anthony Wilson and Luke and Victoria Elmquist and great-grandchildren Kyla, Raven and Kyndalyn.
Bill is also survived by brothers Philip Elmquist (Barb Berger) of Johnsonburg, Joel Elmquist (Cindy) of Johnsonburg, Mark Elmquist (Debbie) of St. Marys, Bridget Markert (Forrest) of Wilcox and Dale Elmquist (Linda) of Johnsonburg. And numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill is predeceased by a sister Karen Polaski.
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service for William L. “Bill” Elmquist to be conducted at the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg on Monday December 2, 2024, at 11 AM with Pastor Kevin Schafer from St. John Lutheran Church, Johnsonburg, as celebrant. There will be no visitation.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Detail members are asked to assemble at the funeral home on Monday morning at 10:30 AM.
If desired, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory should be made to McKinley Health Care,133 Laurelbrooke Dr., Brookville, PA 15825.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of WIlliam L. “Bill” Elmquist, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

This is an important message from NY Alert
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Heavy lake effect snow expected. Multiple feet of snow will
be possible through the weekend in the most persistent lake snows.
Snowfall rates will average one to two inches an hour, but higher
rates will be possible.

O November 29, at 7:04 pm Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to N. Main St. for altered mental status

David E. Ross (1940-2024) of Pittsburgh, late of Mechanicsburg, cast off the restraints of his mortal body and triumphantly entered into the heavenly realms on November 25, 2024.
Words cannot adequately express the impact he made on the world. He lived several lifetime’s worth of career and personal experiences. Truck driver, landscaper, Director of Child Welfare, Director of Planning at Williamsport Hospital, founder of Ross Associates, management consultant to large hospital systems, attorney, friend, and father.

On November 29, at 6:09 pm Bradford City Ambulance and Derrick City fire were dispatched to a one vehicle accident at 256 Derrick Rd. It’s a vehicle vs a pole unknown injuries and entrapment

Truck restrictions and Weather related on I-86 both directions from NY State Line: PA State Line, Start Route I-86, within the state of Pennsylvania (Mina) to End Route (Entire Length) (Greenfield Twp) All lanes open due to forecasted weather conditions, PennDOT has implemented a ban on all commercial vehicles, until further notice
Visit 511NY.org for more information
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov

Truck restrictions and Weather related on I-90 both directions from NY State Line: PA State Line, Start Route I-90, within the state of Pennsylvania (Ripley) to End Route (Entire Length) (Springfield Twp) All lanes open due to forecasted weather conditions, PennDOT has implemented a ban on all commercial vehicles, until further notice
Visit 511NY.org for more information
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
On November 29, at 5:18 pm Fox Twp Fire Dept. was dispatched to Chestnut Lodge Rd. and Dietz Rd. for smoke investigation
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting area residents to an open house at his new Coudersport office on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-6 p.m.
The office is now located at 279 Route 6 West, Office 2. The phone number remains the same at 814-274-9769.
“This is a great opportunity for people to stop by, check out the new location and learn more about the services we offer,” Causer said. “I hope to see everyone there!”
Services available at the office in Coudersport, as well as the locations in Bradford and Kane, include:
For more information about Causer’s other office locations or to contact him online, visit www.RepCauser.com.

More than a dozen students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford presented papers and posters on history, political science, environmental studies, environmental science, business, psychology, education, biology and chemistry during the annual Penn-York Undergraduate Research conference held earlier this month at Houghton (N.Y.) University.
Students making oral presentations were Gabe Jakovlic, a senior history-political science major from Allison Park; Kaylee Rain McCracken, an environmental science and environmental studies major from DuBois; and Anouk Khloe Bernard, a biology major from Lisbon, Portugal; and Dylan Mitchell, a social studies education 7-12 major from Camas, Wash.

North Country Voices will present a Christmas Choral Concert, The Magic of Christmas! on Sunday December 8 at 3:00 pm at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on Route 49 in Coudersport and on Saturday December 14 at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Galeton.
Singing a varied program of sacred and secular music, the program will begin with a rousing arrangement of the traditional German Carol by Craig Courtney “How Great Our Joy!”. The theme of Bethlehem is woven into three separate compositions. “Lully, Lulla, Lullay” known as the “Coventry Carol” which refers to the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, a Nigerian Carol entitled Betelehemu, Bethlehem, the city of wonder which will be sung in the original West African language of Yoruba and lastly, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” the traditional carol which Dan Forrest has beautifully arranged with a haunting piano and soprano saxophone accompaniment. Adding to the festive nature of the program, the chorus will sing the ever-popular pairing of “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” and the closing composition will be an inspiring performance of a wonderful Carol Suite that highlights Christmas music of the British Isles, including such familiar carols as What Child Is This, Deck the Hall and Joy to the World.
The performers include sopranos: Megan Ambrose, Barbara Busch, Carol Empson, Miriam Howe, Carol Smith, Gretchen Songster, Betty Wallace and Bonnie Wright. Alto: Donell Ayers, Alice Buchanan, Mary Lou Embury, Julie Grossman, Hannah Howe, Marilyn Jestes, and Kathleen Wilson. Tenors: Greg Brink, Warren Cederholm, David Hauber, and Steve Sevinsky Basses: Jerry Bailey, Don Caskey, Stephen Daly, Joseph Kellert, John Sherer, and Tim Wright. The featured percussionist is Coudersport High School student Owen Wagner, and the featured instrumentalist is Tim Walck, music director in the Austin School District. The piano accompanist is Cindy Smith, and the choral director is Gloria Richardson.
There will be a free will offering and at the Coudersport performance light refreshments will be provided and both churches are handicapped accessible. We hope that you will be able to join us to celebrate the Magic of Christmas!

Mary Lou Seelye, 91, of S. Michael Road, St. Marys, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk following a brief illness.
She was born on August 5, 1933 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Urban and Leah Henry Wehler.
Mary Lou was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School. class of 1951. She was a faithful member of the Queen of the World Church, where she was also a member of the Rosary Altar Society. Mary Lou worked for many years at the Trout Run and Pure Lodges, and enjoyed the many friendships she formed over the years.

Gloria Jean McDowell, age 75, of Freedom, PA, (formerly of Port Allegany, PA) passed away on November 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of the late William H. & Irene V.(Kotula) Clark, Gloria was born on February 27, 1949, in St. Mary’s, PA. She graduated from Cameron County High School in 1967. On May 11, 1968, she married the love of her life, Philip G.“Squeak” McDowell at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Emporium, PA.
Gloria is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, son Scott (Jennifer) McDowell of Pittsburgh,PA and daughter Marcie (Troy) Shall of Clarion, PA; a brother, William (Debbie) Clark of Coudersport, PA along with several nieces and nephews. Though Gloria loved her yard sales, thrift store shopping, and being a social butterfly, her favorite role was being Grammie to her four grandchildren Riley, Cooper, Zachary and Andrew. She treasured her time with them and was their biggest supporter and cheerleader. Her grandkids always knew she was in the stands with her famous “whoop-whoop!”
Gloria was a waitress for Ron’s Place in Port Allegany, PA for 16 years. She always welcomed the customers with a smile and made many lifelong friends. In 1994, she joined Adelphia Cable in Coudersport, PA, as a telemarketer, where she could put her gift of gab to the test. She finished out her “working years” at the Hong Kong Dollar in Port Allegany.

Robert A. Curcio, 71, of 21 Kloss Lane, Bradford, passed away surrounded by his wife, and loving family, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Bradford Manor.
Born on November 12, 1953, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John “Buster” and Ruth (Williams) Curcio. He was a 1972 graduate of Bradford High School.
On June 11, 1988, he married Constance L. (Smith) Curcio, who survives.

Janice K. Hamilton, of 28 Bedford Street, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, peacefully at her residence.
Born in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Max M. and Virginia (Haynes) Cross. Jan was a graduate of Bradford High School.
On June 14, 1997 at their residence she married Roy Hamilton who survives.
.
Jan was formerly employed at PennDOT, and Internal Revenue Service. In 1975, she became the Executive Director of the Bradford Housing Authority. She retired after 25 years. The park at the corner of Barbour Street and Campus Drive was dedicated and named Janice Hamilton Park upon her retirement in her honor.
She was a former member of the East End Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, painting, traveling, gardening and her grandchildren. She was affectionately called “Grammy B.” and “Gramcracker” by her grandchildren.

On November 29, at 12:06 pm Ellicottville was dispatched to Rt. 219 for a two vehicle head on crash with possible injuries

On November 29, at 11:26 am Bradford Twp. Fire Dept. was dispatched to 12 Jack St. for a carbon monoxide alarm
WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
908 AM EST Fri Nov 29 2024
McKean-
Including the cities of Bradford
908 AM EST Fri Nov 29 2024
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between
1 and 4 inches with higher amounts in northwestern McKean County.
* WHERE...McKean County.
* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Friday evening commute and holiday
travel.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gusty west winds will also cause snow to
drift and repeatedly cover untreated roads even when snow is not
falling.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally
heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can
also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather,
visibility, and road conditions.
WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
935 AM EST Fri Nov 29 2024
Wyoming-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park,
and Springville
935 AM EST Fri Nov 29 2024
...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST
MONDAY...
* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3
to 4 feet in the most persistent lake snows.
* WHERE...Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie
Counties. The greatest accumulations are expected across western
Chautauqua County and Southern Erie County.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult to impossible with deep
snow cover on roads and extremely poor visibility. The hazardous
conditions will impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy snow will fall in relatively narrow bands. If traveling, be
prepared for rapidly changing road conditions and visibilities.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally
heavy snow with greatly reduced visibilities to dry conditions just
a few miles away. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather,
visibility, and road conditions.
Consider delaying travel. If you must travel, drive with extreme
caution. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of
you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden
braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when
making turns.
Truck restrictions and Weather related on I-90 both directions from NY State Line: PA State Line, Start Route I-90, within the state of Pennsylvania (Ripley) to End Route (Entire Length) (Springfield Twp) All lanes open due to forecasted weather conditions, PennDOT has implemented a ban on all commercial vehicles, until further notice
Truck restrictions and Weather related on I-86 both directions from NY State Line: PA State Line, Start Route I-86, within the state of Pennsylvania (Mina) to End Route (Entire Length) (Greenfield Twp) All lanes open due to forecasted weather conditions, PennDOT has implemented a ban on all commercial vehicles, until further notice

On November 29, at 10:27 am Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to E. Maple St. for a woman fallen with injury
Memories
By
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Thanksgiving, is it a memorable time in your life? For some it is not. In fact, for many holidays in general are not a good memorable time. Why? Simply because they are not memories that one wants to relive. Abuse, tragedies, heart retching events dot our lives, and some happen during the holidays. So, what do we do if this describes us? I’m glad you asked.
One of the things I’ve learned in life is that just because I suffered during holiday time doesn’t mean that I must make everyone miserable to. It starts with dealing with our own stuff. Sure, it was tragic, miserable, sad and it probably shouldn’t have happened, but it did. I hate to say it but sometimes we just need to get over it. In other words, it may not be your fault for what happen, but it is your fault for what you do with it. That may seem harsh, but we don’t have to drag everyone else down to our level just because we’re having a bad day.
I’m one of those who has had a hard time with holidays particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. When my children were small, I was a real grinch. If I could find something else to do around the holidays, I did. I would even volunteer to work on holidays just so I didn’t have to be around. Then one day I realized that I was making everyone else miserable. It wasn’t their fault I was in a slump. I was choosing this. Although I wasn’t responsible for what had happened to me, I was responsible for what I did with it. I could choose to allow it to dictate my life as a victim or I could choose to grow and thrive despite it. We all have that choice, but not everyone makes it.
I will admit that terrible things happen to very innocent people. It should never happen, but it does. But when we allow those events to cripple us today, we give our power away to make new memories for tomorrow. The choice to do that isn’t always easy but it can be done, you just must choose it. Think about it.