Gary W. Jeffers, 92, of Austin,
Gary W. Jeffers, 92, of Austin, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at UPMC – Cole, Coudersport. He was born on December 27, 1933, the son of the late Melburn and Vernice (Knapp) Jeffers. He married the former Linda L. Friendel on July 14, 1956, and celebrated 69 years of marriage together.
Gary was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1952. He was a member of Labor Union #836 and worked many years in construction. He also retired from the Austin Boro where he served as the Water & Street Supervisor and served as a Deputy Game Warden for many years. He enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Gary was also an avid outdoors enthusiast and an avid coin collector.
Wind Advisory issued March 12 at 1:59PM EDT until March 14 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Livingston, Ontario, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties.
* WHEN…From noon Friday to 8 AM EDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
CARE for Children’s Rainbow Corner Preschool Opens Registration
CARE for Children’s Rainbow Corner Preschool will begin registration for the 2026–2027 school year for new students on Monday, March 16, 2026. Children who will be at least three years old by September 1 are eligible to enroll.
Tuition information and registration forms will be available to download at
www.careforchildren.info/what-we-do/early-learning/registration.html beginning Friday, March 13, or families may request or pick up a registration packet from the CARE office starting Monday, March 16.
Preschool registration materials will also be available at the Bradford Area Public Library’s Preschool Fair on Saturday, March 14, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Rainbow Corner Preschool staff will be present to answer questions about the program.
Deerfield Centers for Addiction Treatment Now Offers Free Client Transportation
WARREN, Pa– In an effort to make addiction treatment services more accessible, Deerfield Centers for Addiction Treatment (DCAT), an affiliate of Journey Health System, has introduced a complimentary transportation service for its clients in Forest and Warren counties. This initiative will help alleviate the initial barrier that many individuals face when trying to attend appointments. Clients can easily request transportation services when they call to schedule their appointments with DCAT’s office locations in Marienville, Tionesta and Warren, Pennsylvania.
By offering door-to-door service, clients can focus on their recovery without the added stress of arranging travel. Additionally, the service is wheelchair accessible so regardless of mobility challenges, everyone can benefit from the programs offered at DCAT.
The new transportation service is a collaboration with another Journey Health System affiliate, Forest-Warren Mental Wellness Association. This initiative demonstrates both companies’ commitment to serving the community and acknowledges the importance of convenient access to treatment facilities.
In conclusion, DCAT’s introduction of free client transportation is a pivotal move in addressing the hurdles faced by individuals seeking addiction treatment. By providing a reliable, accessible, and compassionate transport solution, DCAT is not only enhancing its services but also fostering a supportive environment for recovery.
For more information about DCAT’s programs and transportation service, please call 814-723-5545.
Creating Beauty From Chaos
In Genesis 1:1-2, we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface.” Sometimes our lives feel formless and empty. It has often been said that life happens while we are making other plans. There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t have dreams and hopes. These dreams and hopes are for good things, not pain and despair. Yet, life brings us both the good and the bad.
Have you ever noticed that we go to the doctors and undergo tests expecting a good report? Yet, we don’t always receive good news. Sometimes the report is bad, sometimes it is devastating, and like the verse above, life suddenly feels empty and dark. Hope is replaced with despair and worry. What we believed to be certain one moment can vanish the next. Our hopes, dreams, and plans for tomorrow can disappear in an instant.
Paul states in Romans 8:28-29 that we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. Having chosen them, he called them to come to him. He gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory. The promise of this passage is that God can take the chaos of life and bring beauty out of it. The real question is about trust. Do we trust Him enough that, despite the darkness, emptiness, and feelings of despair, we can believe that even in this, He has a plan, and that plan is for our good.
We each need to remember that God brings order out of chaos and creates beauty from ashes. The problem is that we fix our eyes on the problem instead of the problem solver. The question is simple: what are your eyes focused on? Think about it.
Kardinal Estate And Tag-Sale One day Estate Sale The 14th In Smethport
Last Day! 1 Day,
Saturday March 14, 2026 9am to 3pm
Items that were marked up to $29 are $1 and items that were marked $30 and over are $5 each.
All items being sold are either $1 or $5, take advantage of an amazing bargain!
343 Christian Hollow Rd. Smethport, PA 16749 (Christian Hollow Road is in Crosby)
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM NY ALERT
High Wind Watch issued March 12 at 1:44AM EDT until March 14 at 2:00AM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…South-southeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph
Friday morning through around midday. Southwest winds 25 to 35 mph
with gusts up to 60 mph Friday afternoon, becoming west Friday
night. The strongest winds will be closer to Lake Erie.
* WHERE…Chautauqua County.
* WHEN…From Friday morning through late Friday night.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down trees and power lines.
Scattered power outages are possible. Travel may be difficult,
especially for high profile vehicles.
INSTRUCTIONS: Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates. Secure or
shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of the strong
winds.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
–
Maxine “Max” Updyke, 83, of Genesee, PA
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing Maxine “Max” Updyke, 83, of Genesee, PA, on Monday, March 9, 2026 with family and friends at her side. Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was a woman whose life was defined by love, devotion and an unwavering commitment to her family.
Born June 14, 1942, in Ulysses, she was the daughter of Kenneth “Pete” and Sarah F. Hilfiger Empson. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved the outdoors, embraced every opportunity to travel and explore new places with her beloved husband of 65 years, William “Bill” Updyke.
Maxine was a graduate of Northern Potter High School and went on to work outside the home as a baker and cake decorator for many years, often getting up in the wee hours of the morning to start her day.
Above all, her greatest joy was time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many good friends. She was the heart of the family—offering warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created and the love she shared will remain with her family forever.
Community Education Center Receives Support from Community Foundation STEM Education Fund
The STEM Education Fund administered by the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) recently awarded a $50,000 grant to the Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties (CEC). The funds will be used to support the CEC’s on-going STEM programming for middle school students. Since the program launched in 2022, approximately 10,000 engagements with students has been made possible through summer camps, afterschool programs, and in-school activities. In 2025, the CEC began building out Makerspaces at their Erie Avenue location. Current learning studios include a podcasting/media lab, 3D printing, laser engraving, coding, robotics/electronics, and sewing and textile fabrication. A cooking studio was recently completed where summer cooking camps will be conducted for middle school students with special needs. There are currently 20 students participating in an afterschool program at the Makerspaces. Students are creating their own board games while learning critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork through design, proto-typing, and fabrication of all game pieces. In addition to offering programs at the Makerspace, the CEC also delivers afterschool programs at locations throughout Elk and Cameron Counties including libraries, community centers, recreation centers, and the Boys & Girls Club.
For 35 years, the CEC has been providing access to continuing education for the residents, students, and employers in Elk and Cameron Counties. For more information about the CEC’s STEM programs and other services, visit www.communityedcenter.com.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information on how you can help support important community programs please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or visit www.elkcountyfoundation.org.
Warm Weather Lures Volunteers to Help with Preseason Trout Stocking Statewide
With the start of trout season less than a month away, anxious anglers were drawn out by today’s warm weather to help with preseason stocking. Along Powells Creek near Halifax, Dauphin County, volunteers helped stock buckets filled with Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Golden Rainbow Trout. Some who helped today, including kids, say stocking gives them a chance to scout good fishing spots and see some of the trophy-sized trout they hope to catch. This season, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock 3.2 million trout into more than 800 waterways statewide. Most stocked trout waters are now closed until Opening Day of Trout Season on April 4th, with the exception of Mentored Youth Trout Day on March 28th. To fish for trout, anglers 16 and older need a fishing license and trout permit. All trout stockings are open to the public and volunteers are welcome. You can view the stocking schedule and purchase a fishing license at Fishandboat.com.
2026 — TROUT STOCKING POWELLS CREEK.mp4 – Google Drive
Preseason Trout Stocking Continues, Powells Creek, Dauphin County (B-Roll) 2026
New York Sewage Pollution Right to Know
Issued: 03-11-2026, 17:04:58
Affects: New York – Chautauqua – DUNKIRK
The Dunkirk (C) WWTP NY0027961, NY0027961 is issuing this notification.
Discharge location: WRIGHT PARK WRIGHT PARK, DUNKIRK, NY
Location details: OUTFALL 001A
Waterbody affected: LAKE ERIE
Discharge description: PERMITTED CSO
Potentially impacted public areas: Bathing Beach, Fishing Area, Other, Park, Unknown – LAKE ERIE
Discharge date and time: 03-11-2026 14:44:00
Discharge duration: 27 Minutes
Discharge reason: System Capacity – MODERATE ONGOING RAIN BRINGING SYSTEM TO CAPACITY
Steps taken to contain discharge: USED INTERCEPTOR LINE AND WETWELL TO CAPACITY
Volume/rate of discharge: 2430000 Gallons Estimated
Treated state of discharge: Partially Treated with Disinfection
Additional information:
For more information on the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act visit SPRTK.
[Disclaimer: Daily and/or termination reports will be provided for ongoing discharges. Wet weather CSO do not need to report daily nor provide a termination report. The information provided in this message is accurate at the time of report using existing systems and models.]
NY-Alert Support – NYAlertSupport@its.ny.gov
Smethport Hubbers Student of the Week: Victor Earle III
It is our pleasure to recognize Victor Earle III (grade 12, SASD) as our Student of the Week for the Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications program. Victor has consistently demonstrated the technical aptitude and professional “soft skills” essential for success in the IT industry.
He stands out for his exceptional task completion, meticulously navigating our CompTIA A+ curriculum from foundational safety procedures to complex networking protocols. Beyond his own technical success, Victor embodies the spirit of collaboration by frequently helping his classmates during intensive lab challenges, such as motherboard component installation and cable fabrication.