John P. Vleminckx Sr., 92, of Bradford, PA
John P. Vleminckx Sr., 92, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born on June 17, 1933, in Chicago, Il, he was a son of the late Peter and Julia Vleminckx.
He was a 1951 graduate of Benton High School in Benton, IL. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Korea until his honorable discharge.
On July 15, 1952, in Pocahontas, AR, he married Wanda L. (Overturf) Vleminckx, who survives.
John Confer, 82, of Kane, PA
John Confer, 82, of Kane, ended his hardworking and unforgettable earthly journey on December 5. He was born on June 27, 1943, and spent his life rooted in the community he knew so well – and who certainly knew him.
Most people will remember John as a little bit prickly and entirely unmistakable. He was the guy who managed to get himself tossed out of more than one borough council meeting for speaking his mind – usually because he insisted on pointing out what others preferred to ignore. He was also the landlord who would padlock a tenant’s door, but only after months of unpaid rent and far more patience than most would have offered. Stories like these became part of local legend, retold with disbelief, exasperation, and a certain fondness because they were so perfectly “him.”
A Living Nativity, At the First Baptist Church in Roulette
The Youth Group, God’s Adventure Camp, the Crusader Club, Potter County Christian School students, volunteers from the First Baptist Church and other churches will present a Living Nativity Friday, December 19th and Saturday, December 20th from 6-8 pm. It will be held at the First Baptist Church on Main Street, Roulette. It will be a drive or walk-through theater with four life scenes of the First Christmas – (or, at least our depiction of them.)
Marilyn E. Riggs, 92, of Derrick City
Marilyn E. Riggs, 92, of Derrick City, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Bradford Manor while under the kind and compassionate care of the Bradford Manor staff.
She was born on May 2, 1933 in Bradford; the daughter of the late Joel and Grace Hillyard Price.
She attended Bradford Area Schools.
On February 4, 1950 in the First Free Methodist Manse, Bradford, she married John W. Riggs who preceded her in death on June 16, 2018.
She was a member of the former East End Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed camping at Hidden Valley in Kianton, NY, spending the winters in Florida for eighteen years and travelling in their motor home for seven years.
She was employed at the former Gigi’s for fifteen and a half years until she retired in 1995.
Have a Photo Taken with Krampus Next Saturday, Dec. 13
Have A Photo Taken with Krampus Next Saturday, Dec. 13
Had enough photos with Santa?
Get your photo taken with Krampus at From My Shelf Books & Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro next Saturday, Dec. 13 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Krampus is a creature from Germanic myth. His name comes from the German word “krampen” which means “claw,” according to Kevin Coolidge who is an author and the owner of the bookstore in Wellsboro.
Described as being half-goat and half-man and hairy all over, Krampus wears a chain and carries a bundle of birch sticks for naughty children.
He arrives before Santa Claus on a night all his own called Krampus Night or Krampusnacht. Children leave their shoes out and, if they find a gift, they have been good, but if they find a birch rod, they’ve been naughty.
Some say Krampus is misunderstood and that he works alongside Santa to ensure good prevails. Others say he drags naughty children away, never to be seen again.
Is Krampus real? Come and find out for yourself.
For more information, call the bookstore at 570-724-5793.
Harold F. “Hal” Wiley, 85, of Bradford, PA
Harold F. “Hal” Wiley, 85, of 24 Abbott Rd., Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Bradford Manor after a courageous battle with Parkinsons disease.
He was born on January 5, 1940 in Bradford; a son of the late Kenneth and Helen Kelly Wiley.
He was a 1957 graduate of the former St. Bernard High School and he earned his certificate in drafting from the Williamsport Technical Institute.
On June 13, 1964 in the St. Bernard Catholic Church; he married Karen Steinfeldt who survives.
UPDATE: PSP CHARGES MAN WITH SHOOTING AT CAR IN GIFFORD-$1 MILLION BAIL
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a Foster Township man for shooting at a vehicle in Gifford early this morning. Matthew LUKE is charged with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Propulsion of Missile in Occupied Vehicle and other charges.
Troopers responded to an emergency call at the residence and were subsequently advised that LUKE entered the residence of his ex-girlfriend in Gifford and engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with her including hitting her in the face with a gun. Another woman in the residence, upon hearing yelling and thuds, fled the residence and attempted to drive away and around LUKE’s vehicle that was blocking the driveway. LUKE exited the residence and fired shots in the direction of her vehicle. The driver’s window immediately shattered, causing the driver to crash. The complaint alleges that the victim was able to exit the vehicle and run to safety while LUKE sped away in the vehicle he drove to the residence. LUKE was located and taken into custody.
Corporal Sierra Rooke is the lead investigator. LUKE was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $1million. LUKE was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court on December 11th. Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the case and additional charges are possible.
Robert P. “Bob” STROMBERG, 97, of Cromwell, CT, formerly of Port Allegany, PA
Robert P. “Bob” STROMBERG, 97, of Cromwell, CT, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died on November 29, 2025. He was a resident of Covenant Living of Cromwell. Born August 15, 1928, in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Eric R. and Gerda S. Olson Stromberg.
In 1930, the family moved to a farm in Wrights, PA. A 1946 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1946 – 1948, with service in the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Japan. Returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucielle Esther Nelson, on May 8, 1948 in Port Allegany. They shared 72 wonderful years together and had three children: Sally, Robert, and Ingrid.
Edith I. NELSON, 95, Of Mills, PA
Edith I. NELSON, 95, of Mills, PA, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born October 8, 1930, in Harrison Township, PA, she was the daughter of Lawrence C. and Freda Pride Nelson.
A 1948 graduate of Harrison Valley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mansfield University in 1952 and a master’s degree from Temple University in 1956. She was employed as a teacher by Doylestown Elementary, Department of the U.S. Army in Germany, and Edinboro University Campus School. Miss Nelson was a professor in the Reading and Language Arts Department of Jersey City State College for 29 years, retiring in 1994. She made several trips to Montevideo, Uruguay with the Crandon Institute. Edith was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Montclair, NJ and Mills Union Church.
Coudersport Rotary Club
Coudersport Rotary Club was pleased to have Citizen of Tomorrow Karter Kellogg at our November 24, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Karter is the son of Emily and Kabel Kellogg and his current school activities include golf, track, Spanish Club, Art Club, and FFA. He plans to become an art teacher after graduation.
Thank you, Karter, for joining us!
Robin Hackett, 60, of Bradford
Robin Hackett, 60, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the home she shared with her partner, James Haley.
Born August 26, 1965, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Richard “Dick” Hackett and Betty Jones, who survives.
Robin attended Bradford Area High School. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong spirit, her sense of humor, and her unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her dogs—Dora, Lady, and Twink—who were constant companions and a source of comfort and happiness.
Family meant everything to Robin. She cherished every moment spent with her children and was especially proud to be a grandmother. Her grandchildren brought extraordinary joy to her life, and she adored each of them deeply.
UPMC Expert: Finding Calm in the Chaos: Managing Holiday Stress for a Healthier Season
UPMC Pediatrics
The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can also be the most stressful. Between shopping, family gatherings, financial strain, travel, and end-of-year work deadlines, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.
The good news is that while we can’t always control what’s happening around us, we can learn to manage our responses and protect our well-being. Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the holiday season with more peace and joy.
Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create a “perfect” holiday can leave us feeling exhausted and disappointed. Social media and advertising only add to the illusion that everyone else’s celebrations are flawless. In reality, the most meaningful moments often come from imperfection, the burnt cookies that still taste great, the quick phone call that brightens a loved one’s day, or the simple act of being present.
Potter County Fair Button Contest/Entry Form
Once again the Potter County Fair is conducting a fair button contest. The fair has been doing fair buttons since 1982, and we are always very impressed with the artwork provided for our contest. This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the fair so we are changing the contest up a little. It will be open to everyone (regardless of age) that lives in Potter County or that part of McKean County in the Oswayo Valley School District.
The theme for this year’s button is 90 Years of Traditions. The winning design will be made into a button with either a pin or magnet backing. The winning design will also be included in our fair book and flyer. Please see the entry form for more rules.
Welding Instructor Postion Available
Available Position: Welding Instructor
Location: Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, Port Allegany PA
Status: Full-Time, 10-Month Position
Start Date: 2025–2026 School Year
Please click here to apply: Welding Instructor
Glen L. MOTT, 66, of Wellsville, NY
Glen L. MOTT, 66, of Wellsville, NY, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Wellsville Manor Care Center. Born June 28, 1959, in Wellsville, he was the son of Neil B. and Dorothy J. Hardy Mott.
A 1978 graduate of Wellsville High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Air Force from 1979 – 1980. He was first employed with a geophysical crew and worked at various jobs until he found his calling as a butcher with Save-A-Lot and Pump Station Processing. Glen enjoyed Little League baseball, high school wrestling, hunting, fishing, pets, four wheeling, helping others, and telling stories. He especially loved to read, with Ann McCaffrey as one of his favorite authors. After retiring due to ill health, he kept the family up on all the important news.
Surviving are: four brothers, Kevin Mott of Hamlin, Mark (Shelly) Mott of of Elmira, Mike (Laurie)Mott of Springwater, and Neil (Margaret) Mott of Wellsville; a sister, Cheryl (Patrick) Carlin of Wellsville; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and a nephew, Izic Mott.
A gathering to celebrate Glen’s life will be held on a later date and will be announced by Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville, NY. Memorials may be made to the Activities Department of Wellsville Manor Care Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
December Meeting Minutes / Ceres Township
CERES TOWNSHIP: The December 2, 2025 meeting of the Ceres Township Supervisors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with 3 Supervisors, 4 residents, and secretary in attendance. The minutes of the November 11, 2025 meeting were read and approved. The
Blight Program was discussed with information from Laura Lord at McKean County Planning Commission. The Blight program must be applied for by the property owner. It will give up to $10,000 to take down a vacant home or building. The county submits applications twice yearly. If the Township would like to do anything different, a blight ordinance would need to be put in place stating regulations to the property owner with vacant buildings. It was decided that this information would be put in the minutes and anyone who would like to apply can contact the Township or the County Planning Commission for information or to apply for the grant.
Building Permit was approved for 40 x 40 storage building, Sewage Permit was received from SEO for same parcel.
“Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction” Workshop
Penn State Extension will offer practical, science-based strategies to prevent and address soil compaction during an upcoming “Understanding and Managing Soil Compaction” workshop.
Aimed at field and forage crop producers, crop consultants, and custom operators, this workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, December 12th at the Home Comfort Restaurant, 1131 State Route 49, Westfield PA.
The event will provide practical insights into the causes of compaction and offer solutions for improving soil structure and health. Whether participants are managing longstanding compaction issues or proactively looking to protect their soil, this session will equip them with the knowledge to make informed decisions for a more resilient and productive land, organizers noted.
The session will cover topics such as strategies for minimizing and remediating compaction risks; benefits of growing cover crops; tillage impacts on compaction; and advances in new tire and track technology. The event also will feature a farmer panel discussion.
The registration fee is $15, which includes lunch and handouts. Space is limited, so preregistration is required by calling 877-345-0691 or online at https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-and-managing-soil-compaction. Registration deadline is Monday, December 8th.
Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA
Faye A. Eades “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”
DEL CITY, Oklahoma—Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025.
Born on Saturday, August 7, 1943, she was a daughter of Clifford and Marian Swift Hackett.
Faye was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, in Shinglehouse, PA. Graduating at the age of 16, Faye went to the former Airline School in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from airline school, Faye was employed at the Pentagon for several years. A military wife, she lived in numerous places, finally settling in Oklahoma.
She had a fulfilling career at Tinker Air Force Base working for the Air Force in Oklahoma and later was employed at the Air Force Base by the Department of Defense, from where she retired.
Faye was an active member of her church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outside on her plants and flowers. At one time, Faye considered herself a “gym rat”, having gone to the gym everyday to workout.
Left to cherish her memory are a son, Alan (Melissa) Poe of Choctaw, OK; two sisters, Peggy Askins of Mesa, AZ and Julie Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ceres, PA.
In lieu flowers, memorials in Faye’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Faye entrusted her local arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Faye, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.