The student of the week is Autumn Ford. Autumn is a sophomore from Oswayo Valley School District who attends Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center for Health Assisting. She received fourth place at the District 6 SkillsUSA competition for medical assisting this year.
In the classroom, she is an excellent student with valuable insight during lessons and laboratory practice. Her positive, yet humble, attitude and genuine kindness make her a trusted leader in the classroom. Throughout this year, she has already received certifications in OSHA 10, BLS, and Stop the Bleed.
Next fall, she plans to obtain her nurse aide registration. Autumn’s future plans are to attend college to become a registered nurse. Based on her personal qualities and her commitment to the improvement of the human condition, she will be a valued representative of the nursing profession.
Arlene J. Ayers “best mother and grandmother ever”
Arlene Joyce Ayers, 91, of Westfield, formerly of Coudersport and Austin, passed away at the home of her daughter, Susan Plumstead, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side, after a brief illness.
Born on Tuesday, July 24, 1934 in Austin, she was a daughter of Maynard D. and Pauline Frost Robinson. On July 14, 1949 in Odin, she married Francis T. Ayers, who passed away on April 5, 2012.
Arlene was employed for over 31 years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport, where she became a chief inspector. After retiring from Pure Carbon, Arlene was employed by Adelphia in Coudersport for a number of years.
Arlene enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, and reading. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish her memory are four sons, Edward (Debbie) Ayers of Coudersport, Ralph (Nancy Rathbun) Ayers of Eldred, Dennis (Nancy) Ayers of Shinglehouse, and Kenneth (Susana) Ayers of Colorado; three daughters, Cheryl Furman of Austin, Gloria (Greg) Frable of Schaefferstown, and Susan (Terry) Plumstead of Westfield; twenty-four grandchildren; fifty great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; a brother, William Robinson of Roulette; a half sister, Nancy Kudlow of South Carolina; several nieces and nephews; a loving friend, Mary Plumstead; and her loving companions, Socks and Shelby.
In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene was predeceased by two grandsons, Aaron Arthur Ayers and Christian Michael Parrish; one great-grandson, Blake Alan Ayers; a great-great-grandson, Carver Michael Parrish; a sister, Mary Nolan; a brother, Jack Robinson; and a half brother, Robert Robinson.
Family and friends may gather from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Gospel Tabernacle, Rt 6 W, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 11am, with Pastor John Minor, officiating. Burial will be in Ayers Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.
Memorials in Arlene’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arlene entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Arlene, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Proudly Made Named Foreword INDIES Finalist, Adding to Growing List of Awards for PA Wilds Memoir
WARREN, PA — Proudly Made: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the debut memoir by Tataboline “Ta” Enos, founder and CEO of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center, has been named a finalist for the 2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the Regional category — the latest in a string of honors for the book since its release in June 2025 through Sunbury Press’ Catamount Press imprint, which focuses on northern Appalachia.
The Foreword INDIES program is among the most respected recognition programs for independently published books. Finalists are evaluated by teams of librarians and booksellers, with gold, silver, and bronze winners to be announced in June 2026.
The Foreword INDIES website says: “Fans of ‘The Glass Castle’ and ‘Wild’ will love this unforgettable 20-year journey that heralds the difference one person with a little mettle can make, and the greater good that can come when many of us work together.”
(Washington, D.C., March 18, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business-Cooperative Programs Administrator J.R. Claeys today announced that seafood processors in Maryland and Illinois will receive a total of $2 million to create new and better markets for the processing of invasive, wild-caught catfish through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. This directly enhances Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins initiative by strengthen the capacity of existing processors to help reduce the population of invasive wild-caught catfish, especially in Chesapeake Bay, where they are causing significant ecological damage.
“This investment in the processing of invasive wild-caught catfish not only solves a problem but also adds to the list of ways Secretary Rollins and the USDA are supporting President Trump’s America First agenda by investing in economic opportunity and prosperity in rural communities,” said Claeys.
Aggressive driving enforcement is running now through April 26, one-day coordinated enforcement planned for April 14.
Preliminary traffic fatality data for 2025 shows an increase in crash fatalities involving aggressive driving, despite an overall decrease in traffic deaths.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation(PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Highway Safety Network, and the State of New Jersey today launched a multi-state aggressive driving enforcement wave running through April 26. The goal of this targeted enforcement is to reduce the number of aggressive-driving-related crashes, injuries, and deaths in both states.
On March 17, 2026 at 1:30 pm, after an investigation performed by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau, an arrest has been made for 1 count of Failure to Mail in Annual Verification (sex offender violation). Lionel R. Luper Sr. was mailed his annual verification to his registered address of 9 Borden St. in the Town of Randolph and failed to fill it out and mail it back. He was arraigned at Cattaraugus County Court and sent to jail in lieu of $1 bail. He is scheduled back in County Court at a later date and time.
On March 17, 2026 at 2:30 pm, after an investigation performed by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau, an arrest has been made for 2 counts of Failure to Register Internet Accounts/E-Mail Address (sex offender violation). Tina L. Wagner was arrested for having two unregistered e-mail addresses. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Little Valley Town Court at a later date and time.
On March 18, 2026 at 6:19 am, Kelvin George, 21, of Coldspring was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense, Driving While Intoxicated with BAC greater than .08%, Driving on the Shoulder of the Roadway, Failure to Give Half the Roadway following an investigation into a one car MVA in the Town of Salamanca. George was processed and released with an appearance ticket for a later court date.In addition during the DWI investigation, the passenger was taken into custody for Obstruction of Governmental Administration. Moagi Buffalo, 18, was processed and released with an appearance ticket for a later court date.
Fillmore, NY – When the Allegany County Democrats met for “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, March 14th in Fillmore, they collected bags and bags of non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Fillmore Community Food Pantry, located at the United Methodist Church.
According to Pantry coordinator Sharon Smith, “We’re very appreciative of this donation. We serve between 80 and 100 families a month, including senior citizens and mothers of small children. We are the area’s only emergency pantry, and every donation matters.”
The Fillmore Community Food Pantry is located at 25 Minard St. in Fillmore and is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are specifically seeking donations of canned goods – soups, fruit, vegetables, meats, and prepared meals – to keep their shelves stocked. For more information, please call 585-468-0187 or email sharonsmith04@yahoo.com.
WARREN, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has been officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as of March 12, 2026, affirming NPRC’s commitment to educational excellence, integrity, and transformative student outcomes.
The announcement follows a comprehensive multi-year process that included self-study and an in-depth review by a team of peer evaluators. Accreditation ensures that NPRC meets full compliance with MSCHE’s quality standards, which evaluates institutions across all areas of operation. As an institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, NPRC will continue to ensure that it meets the high expectations of accreditation by conducting its next comprehensive Self-Study Evaluation and On-Site Evaluation visit at least every eight years.
Investigation Into 2023 Blast That Killed Seven Workers Seeks $2.57 Million Civil Penalty and Major Pipeline Safety Reforms
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) has filed a formal complaint against UGI Utilities, Inc. – Gas Division (UGI) following a detailed investigation into the March 2023 natural gas explosion at the R.M. Palmer Company chocolate factory in West Reading, Berks County that killed seven workers and injured ten others.
The complaint filed today alleges multiple violations of the Public Utility Code, Commission regulations, and federal pipeline safety standards related to the design, operation, and oversight of UGI’s gas distribution facilities serving the factory.
I&E is seeking $2,576,627 in civil penalties — the maximum amount permitted by law — along with a series of corrective actions aimed at strengthening pipeline safety oversight, addressing risks associated with aging plastic pipeline materials, and expanding advanced methane leak detection technologies.
Among the key corrective actions proposed in the complaint, I&E calls for UGI to:
Open Arms Sends to Launch New Church Friday in Custer City
BRADFORD – Some churches are built to gather. Others are built to grow. And a few – like Open Arms Community Church – are built to go.
Free Spirit Redeemer’s Chapel, Open Arms’ latest church plant in Custer City, will soon open its doors to new congregants. Located at 68 Minard Run Road, the new house of worship is rooted in a humble yet strong blue-collar community. It will feature powerful Christian rock music, redeeming testimony and Scripture-centered teaching each Friday evening.
Free Spirit will begin with a soft launch at 7 p.m. this Friday. Its first official weekly gathering will take place on Good Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m.
The public is encouraged to participate in democracy at its roots by attending a live town hall forum. In the spirit of improving dialog across party lines Good Neighbors Getting it Done in Western New York has been conducting a series of Bipartisan Town Halls across Congressional District 23. Teaming up with Worth Fighting For. Cuba! to bring the discussion to the heart of the Southern Tier.
After completing their fall seasons and taking a winter break, spring play with United East Conference action gets underway for the Penn College tennis and golf teams.
Golfers will hit the links on Saturday and Sunday in Williamsburg, Virginia, for the first of four multi-team outings before seeking their fourth straight United East crown in late April. The women’s tennis squad steps into conference action on Saturday at Notre Dame (Md.) University, while the men open UE play next Wednesday at Penn State Harrisburg.
MEN’S GOLF
The Wildcats are coming off a fall season that included winning their fourth consecutive United East Fall Preview under coach Rob Lytle. During seven fall multi-team outings, six of them two-day tournaments, they also claimed one other first and one third-place finish.
Bats and Regulations in Forest Management, and Overview of PNHP Kane, Pa. – The Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum reminds attendees that the last day to register for the April 9, 2026 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum is Thursday, April 2. Registrations must be received by that date at the AHUG office at PO Box 133, Kane, PA 16735.
The presentation will focus on two topics: bats and regulations in forest management, and an overview of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP).The April 9, 2026 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum will host two speakers from the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). Richard Novak from the USFWS will speak about bats and current regulations in forest management in Pennsylvania.
BRADFORD, Pa. — The Mark Kellogg Jazz Quintet returns to Pitt-Bradford Saturday with a 7 p.m. concert in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel.
Sponsored by the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center, the event is the first in the museum’s revived Candlelight Concert Series.
The concert series highlights regional performers and cultural opportunities through recital-style events held at the museum downtown or on the Pitt-Bradford campus, all free of charge to the public.
“The concert series has always felt like an integral part of what the Marilyn Horne Museum can contribute to the Bradford arts scene,” said Taylor Tarahteeff, director of the museum. “I was first introduced to these events while serving as a student ambassador for the museum. I was always amazed at how elegant and intimate these performances could be.”
Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Coudersport Area School District’s Scholarship Fundraiser to be held on Saturday, March 21! The Fundraiser will be held again this year at the Coudersport American Legion Post 192 with the doors opening at 4:00 PM.
This event has become a very popular mid-winter blues buster with a terrific fun night full of good music, food, friends, drink, raffles and auction items all of which goes to benefit students from Coudersport Area School District. The public is invited to come early just to take a chance on the many raffle items available or come and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by A. Hughes Catering while hearing the music of local teacher and guitarist Dana Daisley. This well attended gathering has gained a reputation for a great night to break up the winter doldrums
This event is sponsored through a partnership between district personnel and our local PTSA and provides community members with several opportunities to participate in providing scholarship funds to our students. Community members are invited to donate their time and/or items for basket raffles or auctions as well as items for the dessert bar bake sale.
Tickets for the full event including the delicious buffet food offerings from A. Hughes Catering are being sold at $30 per person and $50 for a couple. Tickets can be purchased at the school district front offices, the business office and at the Coudersport Legion.
Donations of raffle, auction and baked items are very much appreciated and currently are being accepted by contacting the school’s business office at 274-0509. Come join the fun on March 21st and help our students!
March 14, 2026- Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements, LLC of Tampa, FL is voluntarily recalling Boner Bear Honey, Red Bull Extreme and Blue Bull Extreme. FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Boner Bear Honey, contains sildenafil and tadalafil and Red Bull Extreme and Blue Bull Extreme contains sildenafil not listed on the product label.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are the active ingredients in the FDA-approved prescription drugs Viagra and Cialis, respectively, used to treat erectile dysfunction. FDA approval of Viagra and Cialis is restricted to use under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. These undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease often take nitrates.
These products are marketed as sexual enhancement honey products and are packaged in plastic tubes of single servings.
The recalled product lot numbers and expiration dates are:
Red Bull Extreme B/N ORB524 MGG Date: MAY 2024 EXP DATE: MAY 2029, UPC Code 9554100205595
Blue Bull Extreme EXP Date 02/2029, UPC Code 707443349917
The product can be identified by the names Boner Bears Honey, Red Bull Extreme, Blue Bull Extreme listed on the outer box and individual serving tubes.
Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements, LLC is not the manufacturer of these products but is voluntarily recalling the products. Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements, LLC is notifying its customers of the recall via email notification and advising consumers to stop using and discard the products. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product. Pure Vitamins and Natural Supplements has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall to date.
On behalf of the families of Jeanne M Cole, we would like to express our appreciation for the cards, phone calls, food, and your presence as we celebrated our Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. At 101, there were several stories to re-tell and accomplishments to applaud.
Her community service and love of friends and family will be missed. We can all learn by her example.
Thank you!
The families of:
Bonnie Barker, Sherry & Dick Cornell, Mahlon & Karen Cole, Delo & Phil Weiss, Curt & Sue Cole, Brent & Cathy Cole, and KC & Tina Bennett
