Hunger in Our Community is the Worst I’ve Ever Seen
(Editor’s note: The following is the third in a four-part series of op-eds by Olean Food Pantry board members in preparation for the Season of Giving.)
By Jamie Kohn
Olean Food Pantry board member
I’ve seen a lot in my life. I served my country in the military and traveled to parts of the world where people faced hardships I couldn’t have imagined growing up in Western New York. But what really breaks my heart is that, here in our own community, I’m now seeing hunger on a scale I never thought possible.
Job Fair and Open Interviews to be Held at OGH on November 14th
OLEAN, NY – Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, will be hosting open interviews on Thursday, November 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will take place in the Education Center, located on the first floor of the hospital.
Open interviews will be coordinated for all departments, clinical and non-clinical. OGH is hiring for various positions at all levels within the organization from entry level to management. Entry level positions include food and nutrition, housekeeping, nurse assistants, and patient access. Nursing recruitment continues to be a main priority for the organization from LPNs to RNs in multiple departments throughout the hospital. Job offers to qualifying applicants will be made on the spot!
PennDOT – District 3 News
Bridge and Roadway Expansion Joint Repair Project Starts Next Week on I-180 in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge and roadway expansion joint repair project will begin next week on Interstate 180 eastbound and westbound between Maynard Street and Faxon Street in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County.
PennDOT – District 3 News
Lighting Project Next Week on Route 15 and I-180 in Williamsport, Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a lighting project is scheduled next week on Route 15 and Interstate 180, near the spur in the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County.
PITT-BRADFORD RECOGNIZED BY MILITARY TIMES AS BEST FOR VETS COLLEGE
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford was named one of the Best for Vets: Colleges by Military Times, the premier dedicated independent news source for active-duty military, their families and retirees.
Pitt-Bradford was the smallest public university in Pennsylvania that was recognized and the only campus in the University of Pittsburgh system. Military Times named 12 Pennsylvania colleges to its guide and 29 across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Sandra L. “Sandie” Ehrensberger, 73, of St. Marys
Sandra L. “Sandie” Ehrensberger, 73, of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born on June 21, 1951 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Earl and Clara Ferris VanAlstine.
On August 9, 1969, she married the love of her life, George Ehrensberger, who survives. Together they were blessed with more than 55 years of love, laughter, and marriage.
Daniel J. Frederick, 68 of Hookstown (Hanover twp.) Formerly of Carnegie and Port Allegany
Daniel J. Frederick, 68 of Hookstown (Hanover twp.) formerly of Carnegie and Port Allegany passed Saturday evening, November 9, 2024 at UPMC Passavant, North Hills surrounded by his beloved family. Born December 11, 1955, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late John P. and Esther (Bowman) Frederick.
Mary L. (Butler) Chilson, 80, of Coudersport, PA
Mary L. (Butler) Chilson, 80, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday November 7, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. She was born September 5, 1944, in Coudersport, to Glen and Verna Louise (McGibney) Butler. She worked, at different times, for Adelphia, as a teacher’s aide for the Coudersport Area School District, and as an assistant manager for Rite Aid. She married Gary Chilson, and enjoyed crocheting.
Mary is survived by three sons: Keith Chilson (Stacey) of Coudersport, Kevin Chilson of Emporium, and Kelly Chilson (Yasmin) of Universal City, TX; a daughter: Kathy VanDell (Glen) of Richmond, KY; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and four brothers. In accordance with her wishes, the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA is entrusted with her arrangements and there will be a private memorial service at the convenience of her family.
To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Evelyn TURNER, 90, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY
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.
Penn College runners set for NCAA regionals
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!! At Sew Much More In Coudersport
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
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, PA
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.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Dorothy J. (Coolidge) Smithgall age 95, of Wellsboro, PA
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.
KANE MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING CHILD PORN
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.
PORT ALLEGANY WOMAN SENTENCED FOR PHYSICAL ABUSE TO CHILD
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.
MAN SENTENCED FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
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.
BANK ROBBER SENTENCED
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
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.
