Evelyn TURNER, 90, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY, died Friday, November 8, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born April 2, 1934, in Louisa, KY, she was the daughter of Earl and Alma Katherine Lemaster Branham. On October 8, 1952, she married Henry L. Turner, Jr., who predeceased her on August 26, 2008. A graduate of Louisa High School, she and her husband owned and operated Turner & McNerney Pipeline Contractors, Inc. in Wellsville, where she managed finances, human resources, records, and internal controls for the company as assistant vice president and business manager. Evelyn was a strong supporter and friend of the Alfred State Culinary Arts Department.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s cross-country team is seeking continued improvement on the NCAA regional level when it competes on Saturday in the D-III Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship; while in competition over the past week, the historical women’s soccer season came to an end, and basketball season began.
Cross-Country
Fresh off winning its second consecutive United East Championship a week ago, the men’s team has risen in the Mid-Atlantic Regional ranks over each of the past three seasons, as it was 27th in 2021, 25th in 2022 and 20th last season.
Racing at Lock Haven University’s West Branch Course starts at 11 a.m. for the women and noon for the men.
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.
Joyce Youmans Peterson, 93 of Wellsboro, PA died Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at home. Born May 17, 1931 in Covington, she was the daughter of F. Kenneth and Celia Youmans. On February 13, 1948, in Wellsboro she married Neuman J Peterson. She was a 1948 graduate of the Wellsboro High School.
Joyce was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wellsboro where she was the choir director for 35 years. She was a member of St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs FL where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Cursillo group.
Joyce’s passion was the arts. She performed in several musicals at Mansfield University under the direction of Jack Wilcox. She was a member of the Wednesday Morning Musicales, Wellsboro Women’s’ Chorus and several barbershop quartets. She participated in acting up and acting out with Hamilton-Gibson, the towns Red Garter Reviews, the Wellsboro Town Band, Dickens of a Christmas and choreographed or directed several of the high school musicals.
Michelle Lin “Mickey” Swackhamer, 75, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
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. Dorothy was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wellsboro, PA and loved reading, gardening, birdwatching and remodeling houses.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Kane man who possessed child pornography has been sentenced by the Judge at a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on November 7th. Trey HOWE had previously pled guilty to possessing child pornography for possessing hundreds of images including both prepubescent and post pubescent children, some of which depicted indecent contact within the images.
Pennsylvania State Police-Computer Crimes Division handled the investigation. HOWE was sentenced to 2 years to 4 years plus 3 years of consecutive supervision. Additional terms included mental health treatment, including sex offender treatment, sex offender registration for 15 years, no unsupervised contact with juveniles and other terms. He is not eligible for any early parole.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Port Allegany woman was sentenced for a physical assault on a minor child. Mary WILLIAMS pled guilty to Simple Assault and Endangering Welfare of a Child after being charged by Port Allegany Police.
At a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on November 7th, she was sentenced to 85 days to 18 months in the county jail; no unsupervised contact with the victim; mental health treatment and related terms. She had credit of 85 days served.
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.
