The Punxsutawney Spirit
New restaurant ready for grand opening Wednesday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Wednesday will be the grand opening of the Loose Rein at 703 Mill Road, Punxsutawney. Terri L. Davidson, the Loose Rein owner, said that her family has been so supportive throughout her journey. “Opening a business with zero experience...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Coal Memorial improvements are made as unveiling nears
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney is well known for Punxsutawney Phil, a great festival in the park during the summer and Groundhog Day, but its also known for coal mining. The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society (PAHGS) will be unveiling of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Brookville to commemorate 25th 9/11 anniversary with performance of ‘Come From Away’
BROOKVILLE — For those of us around during the terrorist attacks of 9/11 it was a day that none of us will forget. Many of us remember where we were and what we were doing. As the United States and the world mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New buses run smoothly on first day of school
BELL TWP. — Wednesday was yet another opening day for students in the Punxsutawney Area School District on Wednesday. It was also the unveiling of the 25 new Blue Bird school buses by Tri-County Transportation. Bob Koban, vice president of Tri-County...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy students head back to school
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The alarm goes off and you jump right up to get back to school for opening day. Punxsutawney Area High School and Punxsutawney Area Elementary School officially opened for classes on Wednesday. Dr. Sheena Smelko, PAHS principal, said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Jeff Tech ready to receive students as new school year begins today
WINSLOW TWP. — The Jeff Tech administrators announced that they will begin school today with an enrollment of 547, as well as 23 students on co-op working at business in their field. Barry Fillman, Jeff Tech administrative director, said at this...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy pool season ends with dog swim
PUNXSUTAWNEY — With the opening day of school tomorrow, it’s time to wrap up the year at the George C. Brown Community Pool. Alex Dobson, SPLASH president, said it was a hectic up and down year due mostly to thunderstorms and the electricity being...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PennDOT provides safety tips with school year to begin Wednesday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The first student day in the Punxsutawney Area School District for 2026-27 will be on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The doors will open starting at 7:10 a.m. this year. Late bell rings at 7:40 a.m. Students and families are asked to note that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Prime elk viewing season is nearly here
BENEZETTE — If you’re an amateur elk viewer the rut is drawing closer. Tim Brady, a wildlife photographer, has been photographing the Pennsylvania elk for many years. Brady said the bulls’ antlers have reached their peak and the velvet is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local talent highlighted at latest Music in the Park doubleheader
stDgH SODyLng ‘50s, ‘60s DnG ‘70s FODssics. Next Thursday the Moore Brothers will play a variety of music at Barclay STuDrH Dt 6:30 S.P. The food trucks will be back as well.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Big Run identifies more broken streetlights
BIG RUN — Big Run Borough Council received an update on the number of street lights that aren’t functioning. Josh Wachob, Big Run Council member, said they have 21 streetlights that aren’t functioning, seven more than they did the last...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Homemade candle store opens in Brookville
BROOKVILLE— Who doesn’t love the smell of a candle, whether it be white linen, flowers, spice and everything else nice? Candles are not the only items that a new business is producing and selling. This summer has brought in a lot of business to the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Elementary principal asked about cafeteria noise as school year preparations underway
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The building principals presented updates to Punxsy school board as they prepare for the 20262027 school year. Shaun Donald, elementary school assistant principal, answered questions from Alan Nichol, board member, who said that one of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Young entrepreneur is recognized by
Your never too young to learn not only how to operate a business but most of all how to unselfishly give to those in need. For the past three years, ten-year-old Isabella “Bella” Kalon put her mind on a specific goal and from that moment on was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VFW sponsoring blood drive Tuesday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — With the end of summer and the last big traveling weekend for Labor Day coming our way, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Punxsutawney Community Church. Bob Lott of Mahoning...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PAHS Robotics Club ending for lack of advisor; members seek to hold on to memorabilia
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Students came and spoke to the Punxsutawney Area School Board at Thursday’s meeting regarding the dismantling of the Robotics program. Becca Martin, of the Punxsutawney Robotics Club, asked the board to retain some of the memorabilia...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Snyder Hill EMS Tower project completed
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Recently, local and state officials were in attendance at the Snyder Hill EMS Tower event. The Jefferson County commissioners, Jeff Pisarcik, Scott North and Mark Humes, said they were grateful to the emergency services team, our county...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Summer wraps up with final Garden of the Month
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Just to show that summer is fleeting, here’s the final Garden of the Month for 2026. The garden of Maureen and Flip Freas of 304 Mitchell Ave., Punxsutawney, was chosen for the August Garden of the Month by the Punxsutawney Garden...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Solid Waste Authority holding next electronics, hazardous waste collection Aug. 22
FALLS CREEK — Do you have electronics, televisions or household hazardous waste that you need to get rid of but don’t know where to turn? The Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority will be holding a waste collection event. “The Jefferson County Solid...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Myers: Managing powdery mildew on garden and indoor plants
Whether gardening indoors or outdoors, gardeners are likely to encounter powdery mildew on one or more of their plants. First, a white powdery substance will appear on the surface of leaves, stems and flower petals. As the powdery mildew expands and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
JusticeWorks announces electric scooter winner from National Night Out
At the recent National Night Out event held in Punxsy Tuesday evening, JusticeWorks YouthCare held a raffle for a chance to win an electric scooter. JusticeWorks YouthCare presented the scooter to winner Sophia Kaza Thursday evening. During the event,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SS.C.D. Lawn Festival back in action today
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The 86th SS.C.D. Lawn Festival will kick off today, Aug. 7, and run through Aug. 9. This year the festival committee has packed every moment with exciting events, new games, traditional festival foods and a wider variety of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy Memorial Library gets technological upgrade
PUNXSUTAWNEY— As technology continues to advance we are seeing all kinds of new apps, each one providing us with something new. Keeping up with that kind of technology, the Punxsutawney Memorial Library recently changed its ILS (Integrated Library...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Warm Handoff Program has connected nearly 68,000 Pennsylvanians with treatment services
LANCASTER — On Tuesday, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika DavisJones announced the Warm Handoff Program has connected nearly 68,000 Pennsylvanians with treatment and recovery supports immediately following an overdose or...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Borough code discussion continues in Punxsy
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — A lot of important topics in regard to codes and code enforcement were discussed at Monday evening’s Borough of Punxsutawney community code review and visioning session. The session was held at the Punxsutawney Area Community...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy National Night Out to be held Tuesday evening at Barclay Square
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It's that time of year as it is time for everyone to come out into the neighborhood for National Night Out this Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5 p.m. NNO is a day set aside to promote police-community partnerships and engage the community in the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Brockway to hold 3rd Annual Chalk Art Fest for all ages
BROCKWAY—Have you ever wanted to create something colorful and fun? To feel the chalk dust on your finger tips as you draw whatever comes to mind. Have you ever wanted to create something that will be looked at and remembered? As summer draws to an end...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A beautiful evening for the Lounge Lizards at Music in the Park
Photos by Larry McGuire It was a beautiful day as many gathered at Barclay Square as the classic rock band “Lounge Lizards” took to the stage at Music in the Park. Next Tuesday, August 5 during National Night Out the band FUSE will
Read Full Story (Page 1)
2026 Dayton Fair to run from August 15-22
DAYTON—Though the summer may be half over fair season is still going strong. The 145th Great Dayton Fair will run from Saturday, August 15 thru Saturday, August 22, with an Antique Tractor Pull and Factory Field Stock kicking off the fair on August 15...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy Phil makes inaugural visit to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo
BENEZETTE – The event may be called the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo, but for a few hours on Sunday, a certain famous groundhog stole the show. Accompanied by two members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle, Punxsutawney Phil...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsutawney Area Hospital Partners with Clearfield Jefferson Drug &Alcohol Commission to Expand Access to Free Naloxone
PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA — Punxsutawney Area Hospital (PAH), in partnership with the Clearfield Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission, is taking another step to support the health and safety of the community by installing a free public Naloxone (NARCAN®) vending...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
McCalmont Township Volunteer Fire Company celebrates 50th Anniversary
ANITA — The McCalmont Volunteer Fire Company located in Anita, PA recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary at the firehall on July 6 as members and guests got together to celebrate the the high watermark event. Four of the original charter members...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TriPoint Health Care cuts ribbon in Punxsy
NORTH MAHONING TWP. — Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for TriPoint Health Care on Friday. When news spread that the previous medical practice would be closing, there was one question on many people’s minds: What happens to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Brookville woman displaying patriotic collection for America’s 250th
BROOKVILLE — We’ve read stories and seen movies about true patriots like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, and we’ve seen them immortalized on Mount Rushmore. There’s a patriot who is close by and has her patriotic collection on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Big Run Borough sells truck to fire department
BIG RUN — Big Run Borough Council approved a proposal to sell their pickup truck to the Big Run Area Volunteer Fire Department. Scott Bowers, Big Run Area Volunteer Fire Department chief, said that they are going through a grant. He said that the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy Art Association announces upcoming events
PUNXSUTAWNEY — At Friday evening’s Punxsutawney Area Art Association, Inc. meeting, the members welcomed two new members, Kelly and Eddie Smith. Kelly enjoys acrylic pouring, watercolor painting and various other art techniques, while Eddie is a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Jefferson County Fair back in action
PoUH. MonGDy’s main event consisted of rough truck/ SXS, autocross and half-car races. This
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Elk Run Fire Department gives donation to Punxsy Chamber of Commerce
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company announced a large donation of $45,000 that they gave to the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce at their firehall on Thursday. Josh McAfoos, Elk Run Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief, said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
1 day left to check out community yard sale in Punxsutawney
Today is the final day of the Punxsutawney Borough free community-wide yard sale beginning at 9 a.m. Despite the smoky conditions the prior two days had very little effect on attending bargain shoppers throughout thH PunxsutDwnHy DrHD. HHrH’s onH...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Air in Punxsy rated ‘very unhealthy’ as wildfire smoke passes through
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The sky was gray and the horizon was hazy Thursday, but not from clouds or mist, as the smoky smell in the air attested. The commonwealth of Pennsylvania was under a Code Red air quality alert due to wildfire smoke filtering down from...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy council asked to reconsider cutting down pine trees at tennis court
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Borough Council discussed the removal of the pine trees located at the East End Park by an area resident. Tony Bofinger, Punxsutawney resident, asked council members to reconsider cutting down the evergreen trees located...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Chefs Feeding Kids teaches healthy pizza making
PUNXSUTAWNEY— Have you ever wondered how to make a healthy pizza? Did you ever stop to look at what ingredients you may be using? How much sugar is in your sauce? Are the tomatoes ripe or pulled too soon from the vine? Monday morning, Scott Anthony,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
The Roberts receive July Garden of the Month honors
BELL TWP. — Summer just keeps going as the July Garden of the Month has been announced by the Punxsutawney Garden Club. This month’s honorees are Mike and Carole Roberts. Their lush green garden home is a very relaxing atmosphere with stunning views...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Chamber: Festival a success despite severe weather
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Despite some weather problems, the Punxsutawney Festival in the Park was a success, according to the Punxsutawney Chamber. Katie Laska, Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce president, said it was a great week and despite the hot...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Merrow appointed to vacant Bell Twp. supervisors seat
BELL TWP. — The Bell Township supervisors appointed Tim Merrow to their vacant seat at this week’s meeting, while memorializing his predecessor, John Keslar, who passed away suddenly last month. Doug Horne, Bell Township Supervisor’s chair, said that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fox’s Pizza reopens for business in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Fox’s Pizza Den in Punxsutawney, 207 Hampton Ave., Groundhog Plaza, reopened under new ownership with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. The new owners are the Davis family, who also own the Fox’s Pizza in Sykesville. Bri Triponey,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Music in the Park returns to Punxsy today
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Just when you were missing the fun of Festival in the Park, there’s the debut of Music in the Park tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. Yes, the new canopy is up and Barclay Square bandstand is looking fantastic for tonight’s debut. As you...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Mulberry becomes Aspen under new ownership
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There’s a lot of excitement at Mulberry Healthcare and Rehabilitation as the business has been sold and has a new name, Aspen Nursing and Rehab Center. Courtney Covatch, social services director/ admissions, said that the new owner and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Refurbished Phantastic Phil unveiled at Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The wizard is back with a different look as he was unveiled in front of the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center. Lisa Wakmunski, Weather Center executive director, said back in September, they bid farewell to their beloved Weather...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Weekend storms wreak havoc in Punxsy area
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It looked a perfect holiday weekend with an extra day off for many with the Fourth of July on a Saturday. The band The Wire was playing in Barclay Square wrapping up Friday night, and just as they were putting the finishing touches on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Diaper Derby and Tot Trot race through Barclay Square
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There’s a saying: “You have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat me.” That’s exactly what happens every summer during the week of Festival in the Park, when the Diaper Derby and Tot Trot, sponsored by Punxsutawney Area...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New dog grooming business opens in Brookville
BROOKVILLE — The sun is scorching and the heat has risen, which makes it the perfect time to make sure that your furry friends are properly groomed. With a love and passion for dogs, Kristin Jacobs recently opened her own grooming business, “Your...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Thunder in the Borough coming to Punxsy July 11
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you enjoy riding your motorcycle with the breeze blowing in your face than you should sign up for a ride to benefit a 9/11 memorial for the park and local charities. Punxsutawney Mayor Bill Clement said they are going to be holding a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Festival in the Park continues with Fireman’s Day
Park in Punxsutawney. (Top photo) Mackensie SFhoenLng (Oeft) DnG GDbby ,reODnG FoPSete Ln BDttOe of the BDrreOs. (MLGGOe Shoto) )estLvDOgoers enMoyeG D bODst froP the SDst wLth CrossfLre HurrLFDne, D RoOOLng Stones trLbute bDnG. (BottoP Shoto) BDyOeLgh...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Old Home Week Parade rolls through Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — One of the highlights of the summer, the Punxsutawney Old Home Week Parade on Mahoning Street in downtown Punxsutawney, was held on Saturday afternoon under partly sunny skies until the end when the rain made an appearance. Josh...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Festival in the Park begins in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The first day of Festival in the Park in Barclay Square in downtown Punxsutawney began with bright sunshine and a lot of fun as TDK Entertainment opened the rides up at half price beginning at 5 p.m. All the food and craft vendors also...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Festival in the Park almost here, with rides opening this evening in Barclay Square
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Festival in the Park gets underway tonight in Barclay Square as TDK Entertainment will be opening their rides from 5 until 9 p.m. Tim Krise, TDK Entertainment, said they’re excited to be opening the festival...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy Civic Center has a new parking lot just in time for Festival in the Park
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Since we last left Festival in the Park in Punxsutawney a large amount of work has taken place in Barclay Square and Civic Center parking lot. Dr. William Spencer, Punxsutawney Borough manager, said the parking lot was a project that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bishes receive 2026’s first Garden of the Month honors
FAIRVIEW — With summer officially arriving this coming weekend, it’s time to celebrate by taking a look at the June Garden of the Month for 2026 as determined by the Punxsutawney Garden Club. The Garden of the Month belongs to Chris and Ashlee Bish of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — So, how does it feel to be 100 years old? Dr. Paul “Rusty” Johnston, who celebrated his 100th birthday this past Saturday at the Punxsutawney VFW Post No. 2076, has some comments on what it’s like. “I knew there was going to be a party,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Theater-goers catch glimpse of Punxsy in the ‘30s
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Over 100 area residents had the chance to travel through time back to 1939, not in a time machine but at the Jackson Theater at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center. Jeanne Curtis, with help from Judy Freed and others, has been...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Align Studios opens its doors in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’re ready to get into shape as summer will officially be here this weekend but you haven’t figured out what to do, you can practice some yoga at Align Studio, owned by Alex and Phil Dobson, located at 113 N. Findley St. in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Relay for Life, Pet Parade highlight Wednesday at the Brookville Laurel Festival
It was a gorgeous day for the 2026 Relay for Life and Pet Parade at the Brookville Laurel Festival on Wednesday. Relay for Life has been held in Jefferson County for 30 years, first starting as multiple separate events and then merging into one main...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ribbon cut at Chiplis Country Market
NORTH MAHONING TWP. — The ribbon was cut recently at Chiplis Country Market. Chiplis Country Market offers shopping from local farmers, bakers and small batch inventory, all with a modern twist for the residents of Punxsutawney. As most businesses...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Laurel Festival underway in Brookville
It was a brisk but sunny evening for the Brookville Laurel Festival on Monday, with festivalgoers checking out various booths as well as soPe delicious food. (Top photo) Pictured are PePbers of the -efferson County Longrifles (froP left) .evin -ohns,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
At least one tornado touches down in area during severe weather Sunday
MCCALMONT TWP. — According to Jefferson County 911 a tornado touched down in the McCalmont Township area on Sunday afternoon in a very rural area. Chris Clark, Jefferson County 911 director, said that they first had a report of a tornado touchdown in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
George C. Brown Community Pool welcoming residents looking to beat the heat
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Summer has arrived and along with it is the heat and humidity that we don’t enjoy. One way to cool off is heading to the pool to take a dip. The George C. Brown Community Pool, located on Cypress Street in Punxsutawney, is celebrating...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Central Fire Department chicken BBQ ‘back by popular demand’ on Saturday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’re enjoying this smells of summer here’s another one, a chicken barbecue. Scott Depp, Punxsutawney Central Fire Department president, said back by popular demand is a chicken barbecue coming up this Saturday. “It’s been a long...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Weiland crowned Brookville Laurel Queen
BROOKVILLE — It may have been rainy and dreary, but inside the Brookville Area High School auditorium four young ladies were preparing for the night of their lives. Saturday evening, the Laurel Festival Committee held the annual Brookville Laurel...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
2025-2026 school year comes to an end
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A busy year in the Punxsutawney Area School District came to an end with dismissal on Friday. Don Gill, Punxsutawney Area Elementary School Principal, said they had a great end of the year from the Sixth Grade Wax Museum and fifth...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Home Again Horses recognizing PTSD Awareness Month
BROCKWAY — For anyone who has experienced trauma, whether it be in childhood, teen years, as an adult or especially a war veteran, the feelings of post traumatic stress disorder are all too familiar. PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by abuse...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Class of 2026 graduates at Punxsutawney Area High School
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It was a perfect night for commencement exercises at Jack LaMarca Stadium at Punxsutawney Area High School on Wednesday. The stands were packed with well wishers and family members. Dr. Charles Kreinbucher, superintendent, said the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Brookville library names annual poetry contest winners
BROOKVILLE — The Rebecca M. Arthurs Memorial Library in Brookville recently celebrated their 31st annual poetry contest. This year brought out some wonderful talent, with guest speaker and local judge John Pozza. Pozza is an author, veteran broadcast...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Annual Child Evangelism Fellowship Golf Scramble set for Beechwoods
FALLS CREEK — The 8th annual Child Evangelism Fellowship Golf Scramble is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Beechwoods Golf Course (1618 Airport Road, Falls Creek, PA 15840). David Dunmire, golf chair, said this golf tournament will not only...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy Community Garden opening up with summer just around the corner
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It’s not officially summer, but summertime weather has arrived in Punxsutawney and along with it is the Punxsutawney Community Garden. Susie Myers, Punxsy Garden Club, said they are proud to offer residents garden space at their new...
Read Full Story (Page 1)