Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, PA
Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2024, embraced in love and surrounded by her family. Born on October 9, 1940, in Bradford, Helen was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Helen’s kindness knew no bounds, she was a living example of empathy, wisdom, and unconditional love. Through her, many experienced a depth of love that few will ever know. In times of uncertainty, she had an extraordinary gift for simplifying life’s complexities. Her advice always brought comfort, and the way she spoke made the path to resolution feel clear and filled with hope. Helen’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her warmth and gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness.
Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, PA
Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport. He was born June 6, 1952 in Port Allegany, the son of James and Janet (Billsborough) Spiegel. On November 21, 1970, in Eldred, he married Suzanne I. Ours, who survives. They were married for fifty-four years.
Charles was a 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School and worked for the PA Department of Transportation, retiring in 1997. While employed with PennDOT he built many local bridges. He loved working with his hands and building anything he could, including his own home. He built many special things and pieces of furniture for various family members.
He was a member of the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church. He loved to sing hymns and his favorite was It Is Well With My Soul.
Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY
Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in her home.
Born February 1, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Stanley and Doris Graham Davenport. On August 24, 1984, in Pekin, she married Roger D. Smith, who survives. She was a 1976 graduate of Franklinville Central School. Later in life, she earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Niagara Community College. Lynn was employed by the University of Buffalo in the engineering department for a few years and then traveled on the road with Roger for his work. She was a member of the Richburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Lynn enjoyed doing crafts, carving wooden walking sticks, making Swedish weaving blankets, baking, and camping. She also loved to collect rocks, crystals, and seashells.
Discover January’s Virtual Author Talks at Barbara Moscato Brown Library!
EMPORIUM — Start the new year with our exciting virtual author talk series, featuring bestselling and award-winning authors from around the world. These live sessions, held 2-3 times per month, cover a variety of fiction and nonfiction genres. Each talk includes a Q&A, so you can connect directly with the authors.
Prefer an in-person experience? We’re happy to host these events at the library using our media cart—just let us know!
January Lineup:
🌟 TJ Klune: The Magic of Found Family
Wednesday, January 15, 7 PM EST
Join TJ Klune, author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, as he discusses the heartwarming themes of his Cerulean Chronicles series. Learn about his newest installment, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, a touching story of resilience and the fight to live authentically.
🌟 Amanda Montell: Notes on Modern Irrationality
Thursday, January 23, 2 PM EST
Delve into the quirks of human thought with Amanda Montell, author of Cultish and The Age of Magical Overthinking. Explore fascinating topics like cognitive biases, magical thinking, and how these shape our lives. Montell’s blend of humor and insight will leave you inspired and reflective.
🌟 Seth Fishman: Inside Look at Literary Agents
Tuesday, January 28, 1 PM EST
Curious about the publishing process? Seth Fishman, VP and literary agent at The Gernert Company, will share insider tips on securing an agent, submitting your work, and navigating the publishing journey. This extended session includes 30 minutes of audience Q&A.
All events are free!
Visit https://libraryc.org/barbaramoscatobrownlibrary for details or call 814-486-8011 to register.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, PA
John G. Peet
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on Friday, July 23, 1937 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Robert H. and Marie L. Metzger Peet. On May 10, 1969 in the Hebron Seventh Day Baptist Church, he married Karlene S. Parker, who survives.
John was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1956. He attended Penn State University for animal husbandry and business administration. He also attended Pitt Bradford studying gerontology.
John, along with his wife, owned and operated Sunset Valley Farm. Early in his working career, he was employed as a technician with N.E.P.A. as an artificial inseminator. For 35 years, John was employed at the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, holding various positions including opening the Physical Therapy department. For the majority of John’s career, he was the director of Recreational Services for the hospital, a position that he truly enjoyed.
For over 54 years, John served as treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Association and for over 62 years, he was the caretaker of the cemetery, a position he was truly dedicated to serve.
With an avid interest in history, John was a member of the Potter County Historical Society in Coudersport. He was also a member and master of Odin Grange #1254 in Odin and a member and master of Potter County Pomona Grange #54. He was also a member of the National Trust for Historical Preservation and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, PA
Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on May 17, 1994, a son of Lesley Carlson and the late Christopher Kinley.
Damon dedicated his life to his greatest joy: his children. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, providing unwavering love and care. He found immense joy in sharing adventures with his best friend, Derek, whether they were casting lines on serene fishing trips, embracing the thrill of hunting, or enjoying the excitement of the races. His love for family was evident in every laugh, every embrace, and every memory they created together.
Allegany County Democrats Partner with ACASA to Support Unhoused Community Members
Belmont, NY – As its 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service project, the Allegany County Democratic Committee (ACDC) is proud to announce its partnership with the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (ACASA) to help provide vital support for unhoused individuals in the county. Together, these organizations are collecting winter essentials to address the needs of those facing harsh conditions.
Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities.
“Our members recently attended a forum on poverty in Allegany County, which reinforced that low wealth and homelessness often go hand-in-hand,” said Karen Ash, ACDC Chair. “The local statistics are eye-opening. We hope our collaboration with ACASA will help shine a light on this issue and cause government leaders to devote attention and resources toward finding actionable solutions.”
A donation drive is underway to gather high-priority items, which include:
Shinglehouse Borough Water Department will be shutting off the Borough water approximately between 12:00 PM and 6:00PM on Sunday January 5,2025\
Shinglehouse Borough Water Department will be shutting off the Borough water approximately between 12:00 PM and 6:00PM on Sunday January 5,2025 for repairs to a main line. Please plan accordingly for water usage beforehand.
Loss of water system Pressure:
If the distribution system experiences a loss of positive pressure a PN (Public Notice) must be issued. The
PWS cannot lift the PN/Boil Advisory until 2 sufficient clean bacteriological samples have been collected
And analyzed. Verification after water main repairs where the main was depressurized or partially
dewatered, one set of samples is collected that is representative to the affected area to ensure that the
water is safe to consume. Once the samples are found to be satisfactory, the PWS may lift the PN/Boil
Advisory. The Shinglehouse Borough will publish notification when you no longer need to boil your water for consumption after the repairs. You DO NOT need to boil your water before the repairs.
As stated above we need to have 2 sufficient clean bacteriological samples that have been collected
And analyzed. Before we can announce and lift the boil advisory. Please plan to boil your water until Wednesday January 8th 2025. A notice will be sent out to the public when boil advisory is lifted.
What should I do? After the water line repair
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
Guardians of infants and young children and people at increased risk, such as pregnant women, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, should seek advice from their health care advisors about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.
Potter County Farmers Market Will Be Saturday, January 4th
The Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May, held in the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (NEW HOURS). The next market will be this Saturday, January 4th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
* STARTING JANUARY 4TH, NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE 11AM TO 2PM.
* Beginning in January the winter Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The Saturday dates are January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 5. In May, the market will again be on the square
* 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 netrabaker2@gmail.com]
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market January 4th. The winter hours are the first Saturday of each month with new hours 11 to 2 pm at the Riley Center next to the Crittrnden Hotel. I will be brining sweet and some healthy breakfast treats, snacks, jams, jellies, and desserts. I will have brown eggs in the cooler. Cookies are always on the menu. Fresh healthy breads are my signature items. I love making bread. If you have any requests for market day or during the month, please call or text me. I enjoy having requests. netrabaker2@gmail.com Cell 814-598-0649 text or call
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Saturday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments.
Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, PA
Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, gained his angel wings on December 30, 2024 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie.
Ric was born on February 10, 1955 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Theresa Fink.
Ric was an avid Jeep lover his whole life. Envisioning and customizing many, the last of which he took to car shows and won multiple trophies for. Ric retired from selling cars, where he was known as an honest salesman. Ric spent his retired years detailing cars and working at the car wash in Foster Brook. Each morning after work, Ric could be found at Tim Hortons enjoying his coffee and conversation with friends.
Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA
Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in UPMC Cole.
Born December 22, 1934, in Elco, he was the son of Ralph and Tornada Roberts Harrison. On November 17, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Kaye A. Hayner, who survives. A 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed by Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, retiring as superintendent. Ralph was a member of Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette, Port Allegany Lodge #505, F & AM, Smethport Country Club, and a life member of the Roulette Fire Department.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, PA.
John G. Peet
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Knoxville Chief Louis (Dutch) Bloom Retires
We are saddened to announce the retirement of Chief Louis (Dutch) Bloom. Dutch joined the department in 1978 and quickly rose through the ranks. He became an assistant chief in 1986 and then became the chief in 2001 and with the exception of a few years he was the chief up until the end of 2024. Dutch selflessly served the department and the community year after year. He mentored, guided, and trained many members through out the years.
He fearlessly commanded countless incidents ranging from motor vehicles accidents, rescues, structure fires, and main street fires. The stories are interesting and endless. Thank you Dutch for your many years of service, your leadership, and your unwavering and selfless commitment to the organization and community. Dutch will continue to be a part of the department but in different capacities. You might not hold the position anymore but you will always be “Chief” to us. Thanks Chief!!