by Pastor B.J. Knefley

Through out our lives there are times that our hearts get wounded. These wounds often come from the words uttered by people. David said the following in Psalm 64:3, “Sharp tongues are the swords they wield; bitter words are the arrows they aim”. I have learned through personal experience and through the counseling of others that it is not unusual for the one firing the arrows to believe that they are doing what is right. Their motives, from their standpoint, are pure. Yet we all need to be aware that any one of us can become the unwilling and unknowing tool of Satan.

There is a saying that I have often used which states the following: “You are most dangerous to the Kingdom of God when you are right”. The reason for this is that we often will major on what we believe is right and use it as a reason to attack others who we believe to be wrong. In our zeal for our own correctness we inadvertently put down and condemn those of differing views. Through out the Gospels we find many instances where the religious leaders of the day were in conflict with Jesus. Their conflict centered on their understanding of the Law and this ultimate conflict led to the crucifixion of Christ. Sadly, they believed that they were right and justified in what they did.

It is my personal belief that most of the arrows that are directed at us through the words of others are not coming out of an evil heart. They honestly believe that they are doing what is right. To change this one needs to focus on Christ and His spirit. In other words, we need to check our motives and thoughts through prayer, much prayer. We also need to seek out others who are spiritual so that we might receive their insight. This means not seeking out those who will agree with us, but to those who we know will speak frankly. If we are on the receiving end of the arrows we need not to retaliate. We need to allow Him to fight our battles. This will mean resisting the temptation to fight back. It will mean practicing the meekness of Christ and extending forgiveness in our hearts so that we don’t build up bitterness and resentments towards others.

Think about it. 

Elkhorn Valley Packing Recalls Boneless Beef Chuck Product Due to Possible E. coli O103 Contamination

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2023 – Elkhorn Valley Packing, a Harper, Kan. establishment, is recalling approximately 3,436 pounds of boneless beef chuck product that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The boneless beef chuck items were packed on Feb. 16, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view label]:     

• Various weights corrugated boxes containing “Elkhorn Valley Pride Angus Beef 61226 BEEF CHUCK 2PC BNLS; Packed on 2/16/23.” The complete list of serial numbers and box count numbers for the boneless beef chuck product that are subject to recall can be found here.

The product subject to recall bears establishment number “EST. M-19549” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors, federal establishments, retail locations, and wholesale locations, which includes hotels, restaurants, and institutions, in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Mt.Jewett Volunteer Fire Department

On Tuesday 3/21 Station 10 and Ambulance 10 with Ambulance 5 were dispatched to W Main St. for unresponsive patients, possibly Carbon Monoxide. Chief 10 responded with command. Rescue 10 responded with a crew. Upon arrival there were 3 patients. Chief 10 called for Station 20 to set up landing zone at the Legion Ball Field. Ambulance 16 from Smethport and Medic 1 from Bradford also responded to scene to assist. We do not and can not disclose any further information.

However,

We would like to take this time to remind everyone of the importance of CO detectors in your homes and garages. These can save lives and should be checked every few months along with your smoke alarms.

Station 10 is teaming up with Ambulance 10 to see how we can assist those in our community with getting a detector in their homes. Details will follow.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a start date of Monday, March 27, for a bridge replacement project along Route 153 in Horton Township, Elk County. Replacing the bridge will improve the structure’s rating from “poor” to “good.”

The contractor will place long-term signage for the project and start clearing trees near the existing structure on Monday. Traffic control will consist of lane closures with flaggers in the roadway providing traffic control during daylight hours. Drivers should expect some delays during daylight hours. Once the contractor clears the trees, they will start work on a temporary roadway, which traffic will use to pass through the work zone for the project duration.

Overall work includes the removal of the existing bridge, building its replacement, concrete repairs, approach paving, drainage improvements, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items. Francis J. Palo, Inc. of Clarion, PA, is the contractor on this $2.5 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion in late October, but all work is weather dependent. PennDOT will issue project updates as work progresses.

Built in 1961, the bridge spans Toby Creek in Horton Township about 500 feet south of the intersection with Route 219. It is 105 feet long and carries an average of 2,467 vehicles daily.