The Punxsutawney Spirit
Punxsy school board hears from History Club
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The History Club made an appearance at the Punxsutawney Area School Board meeting held at the Punxsutawney Area Administration offices at the former West End School on Wednesday. “I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak with...
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Eagles, local food pantries helping area families with Easter dinner
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 1231, 238 East Mahoning St., Punxsutawney, is supporting area food banks to help area residents with their Easter ham. Bob Black, Eagles board secretary, said they donated $2,500 each to the...
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Walston Valley Chuckers launch partnership with country club
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you haven’t been to the Punxsutawney Country Club since the new year began, you’ve missed a lot of changes that have taken place. “We are very excited to welcome the Walston Valley Chuckers to the Punxsutawney Country Club,” said...
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Last chance to catch the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you haven’t visited the free Freedom 250 Mobile Museum during its visit to Punxsutawney, today is your last chance. This is not you grandfather’s museum; this is a brightly displayed museum intertwining technology to make a for fun...
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Siobhan Barnett, LPN, honored as DAISY Award recipient
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Area Hospital proudly recognizes Siobhan Barnett, LPN, as a recent recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award — an honor celebrating nurses who exemplify extraordinary compassion and clinical excellence in patient...
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Punxsy fire companies assist with drowning response in Indiana County
GRANT TWP. — All three Punxsutawney fire companies dive teams were dispatched to 1722 Nashville Road, Grant Township, Indiana County, at 6:50 p.m. on Saturday evening. According to Jefferson County Fire Wire, a canoe was found overturned in the pond...
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1 injured, no students aboard during bus crash
NORTH MAHONING TWP. — A Punxsutawney Area School District bus owned by Tri-County Transportation was involved in a two-vehicle crash at 12:26 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Routes 119 and 210 in North Mahoning Township. The Perry Township...
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Punxsy council debates solar farm property purchase
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — Punxsutawney Borough Council discussed the solar farm that is going to be constructed at the firing range and the dump located on Beyer Avenue. Two members of Punxsutawney Borough Council talked at Tuesday’s meeting about the...
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Commissioners proclaim National Library Week
BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County commissioners proclaimed the week of April 19-25 as National Library Week in Jefferson County. Mengle Memorial Library Director Darlene Marshall thanked the commissioners for their proclamation. She said literacy...
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Western PA CARES for Kids director speaks to commissioners about Child Abuse Prevention Month
BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County commissioners approved a motion to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Jefferson County. Western PA CARES for Kids Child Advocacy Center executive director and forensic interviewer Cass Burkett spoke to...
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Jeff Tech JOC hears from IT on 3-D printing
WINSLOW TWP. — If you remember it wasn’t that long ago that 3-D printers cost $10,000, that’s no longer the case as was demonstrated at the Jeff Tech Joint Operating Committee on Monday. The meeting was held in the IT department as there was a...
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VFW, Cub Scouts, Rep. Brian Smith to offer proper flag disposal on April 18
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’ve always wanted to dispose of flags, there’s an answer to your dilemma. State Rep. Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/ Indiana) announced he’s teaming up with the Punxsutawney VFW and Cub Scout Pack 245 to properly and respectfully...
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Easter Cantata performances underway at Solid Rock
BIG RUN — As the Easter season is upon us, it is time for the annual Community Easter Cantata, held at the Solid Rock Community Church, 100 Church St., Big Run, today, March 21, at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, March 22, at 10 a.m. This year’s Cantata...
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Punxsutawney Art Association moving into new home in Pine St.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area Art Association is making a push for more visibility as they have collaborations with several organizations and move into a new Punxsutawney Art Gallery at 106 Pine St., next to the bowling alley. Paul Murphy....
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Souvenir Shop manager surprised with retirement party at Walston Club
WALSTON — There are some people who are easy to surprise and some people are considered to be a “secret squirrel” and you can’t get anything past them. Such was the case on Tuesday as a surprise retirement party was held for May Ann Jacobson, who is...
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Spaghetti dinner to benefit PAHS Marching Band
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area High School Marching Band is holding a fundraiser this weekend to raise money to go on trips throughout the year. Stacy Houser, former band member, is helping to organize a spaghetti dinner benefit on Saturday from...
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Punxsy Borough code revisions ongoing
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The project to revise Punxsutawney Borough codes is continuing. Dr. William Spencer, borough manager, said he spoke to General Kuntz and they will have a 100-day review and then they can have the public come and look at it. “We need a...
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Just Us For The Animals holds spay and neuter clinic at Central FD
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The group of animal lovers known as Just Us For The Animals, after an absence of several years, held their spay and neuter clinic for cats. Lynn Porada, Just Us For The Animals, said they used to have it more often until the death of...
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Bell Township responds to former supervisors’ claims
BELL TWP. — The current Bell Township supervisors at this week’s meeting responded to recent comments the former supervisors submitted to the press about their decision to resign prior to the reorganization meeting in January. Doug Horne, supervisors...
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Rotary Club Radio Auction set for March 28
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Rotary Club is announcing that this year’s Radio Auction is scheduled for March 28 and can be heard live on WPXZ 104.1 FM starting at 9 a.m. “This year’s auction is set to have incredible items including a fourwheeler...
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Punxsy DAR gives Good Citizen Award to Vallies
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Elizabeth “Beth” Vallies was awarded the 2025-2026 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award on Tuesday, March 10. Elizabeth is the daughter of Marlene Vallies and the late Bill Vallies. Nancy Pearce,...
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PRDC looking at 5 projects in Punxsy over next 5 years
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There continues to be some more upbeat news behind the scenes from the Punxsutawney Regional Development Corporation. Chad Horner, a PRDC board member, said the group has identified five projects throughout Punxsutawney that they hope...
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Punxsy athletes wrap up a winter sports season of big wins and personal milestones
The Punxsutawney Area School District is recognizing athletes who participated in its extremely successful winter sports season. (Top photo) The girls basketball team were D-9 Champions and finished the season 24-2, while Coach Mike Carlson picked up...
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Punxsy school board recognizes district students for success in Minecraft Challenge
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area School Board welcomed some students to Thursday's meeting for recognition of some special accomplishments. Don Gill, Punxsutawney Area Elementary School principal, introduced MaryAnne Fedder, PAES gifted...
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Treasurer: Time to get your dog licensed
Editor’s note: The following is an announcement from the office of Jefferson County Treasurer Tonya Geist. Show us your champion! Pet safety is a team sport. Become a team player and license your dog for 2026. A dog license is the best way to protect...
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Trout stocking begins at Cloe Lake
CLOE — As warmer weather approaches, trout fishing season is right around the corner, and to illustrate that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocked Cloe Lake on Thursday with golden and rainbow trout with minimal assistance since the lake is...
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PAHS ‘Matilda’ performances begin Friday
at in the James Colonna Performance Center Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. Shown at a dress rehearsal are (left photo) Holly Deppen (Matilda) and Stevie Doverspike (Mrs. Phelps, the Librarian), and...
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Tickets on sale for Punxsy Chamber’s Gun Bash
GOBBLER’S KNOB — Another sure sign that spring is on the way is the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce Gun Bash on Saturday, April 25, at Gobbler’s Knob. Katie Laska, Punxsy Chamber president, said this is the fifth annual fundraising event to be...
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Groundhog Club gives final Groundhog Day report, begins looking to 2027
GOBBLER’S KNOB — They knew it would be hard to top last year’s Groundhog Day crowd and its record setting sales. Marcy Galando, Groundhog Club executive director, said that the Inner Circle was not disappointed in this year’s attendance of...
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Jeff Tech Farm to Refrigerator building set to welcome students
WINSLOW TWP. — This week coming up is going to be a very special week as the first students enrolled in the Farm to Refrigerator program at Jeff Tech will begin meeting in the new complex that is located up the hill behind the school. Dr. Barry...
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Numerous area fire companies dispatched to Stump Creek garage fire
HENDERSON TWP. — The Sykesville and Big Run volunteer fire companies were dispatched to a working garage fire at 10:41 p.m. on Thursday at 105 First Street, Henderson Township, Stump Creek area. Sykesville’s Squad-8, Tanker-8 and Engine-8 arrived on...
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Jeff Tech holds career fair
WINSLOW TWP. — Jeff Tech held its annual career fair for students on Thursday in the gymnasium. Matt Miller, service director for Diehl Automotive, said that they found out about the career fair at the auto show in Pittsburgh. “We have a lot of...
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PAHS musical “Matilda” set for March 6-8
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you're looking for some entertainment indoors coming up, why not attend Roald Dahl's “Matilda the Musical” at Punxsutawney Area High School (PAHS) in the James Colonna Performance Center? The musical will take place Friday, March 6...
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Jacobson looks back on final Groundhog Day as souvenir shop manager
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It seems like time just flies by anymore, and such is the case for Mary Ann Jacobson, as she will be winding down her position as the manager of Punxsutawney Phil’s Official Souvenir Shop. Jacobson said that despite the subzero wind...
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Chucks Wrestling ends Singles Tournament with nine medalists overall, plus four champions
CLARION — The Punxsutawney Chucks Varsity Wrestling team had a good day at the District 9/10 3A Singles Tournament held at PennWest Clarion on Saturday. The Chucks placed second as a team with 173.5 points, while Harbor Creek took first (187.5)....
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With spring around the corner, Trout Unlimited holds fly fishing seminar in DuBois
DUBOIS — Now that ice fishing season has pretty much concluded, anglers are preparing for the opening of trout fishing season. While the big white trucks are out stocking area lakes and streams, there are others who are trying to learn more techniques...
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PAHS DECA group sees big wins at state level
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — Members of Punxsy DECA recently traveled to Hershey to compete at the Pennsylvania DECA State Career Development Conference, joining approximately 3,400 students from across the commonwealth for one of the largest student...
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Two Punxsy Prominence fighters gearing up for Golden Gloves bouts
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Two Punxsy Prominence Boxing Club fighters, Nikolai Neale and Jake Adams, are gearing up for their Golden Gloves fights on Saturday, Feb. 28. Neale said he is excited for his fight, and his plan for victory is “punching, while not...
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PFBC announces trout stocking schedule
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There was a sure sign of spring, as the annual trout stocking operations got underway ahead of Pennsylvania’s spring trout season. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Opossum Lake in Cumberland County received the...
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Bell Township considers opening roads to ATVs
BELL TWP. — The Bell Township supervisors discussed the possibility of joining other municipalities that have approved allowing ATVs on their roads at this week’s meeting. State Rep. Brian Smith (R-66), was in attendance to answer questions regarding...
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Lady Chucks hold off DCC in second half for 47-40 win and League Championship
ST. MARYS — The Punxsutawney Lady Chucks Varsity Basketball team is continuing the push toward a possibly historic season after they bested the DuBois Central Catholic Lady Cardinals 47-40 to win the first-ever District 9 Central League Large School...
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Jefferson County tourism director gives an update on Groundhog Day
BROOKVILLE — Jefferson County tourism Director Mary Milford gave an update to the commissioners on how the Groundhog Day festivities went. She said the Groundhog Day events went well. She said attendance at Barclay Square on Saturday was a little...
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Jeff Tech students speak to Punxsy school board for Career and Technical Ed Month
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Students at Jeff Tech attended this week’s Punxsutawney school board meeting on Tuesday to show their home district what they’ve been working on as part of Career and Technical Education Month. Students showed off recent projects, went...
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Local TV crews wrap up first Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob
GOBBLER’S KNOB — The cold weather may have stopped some tourists from coming to Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, but some area media reporters who visited Gobbler’s Knob for the first time did not let the extreme cold bother them. Riley Holsinger and...
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New Groundhog Day attractions unveiled in Punxsutawney’s Barclay Square
PUNXSUTAWNEY — You may have noticed a giant top hat located in Barclay Square, which was quite the attraction and photo op over Groundhog Day weekend. Punxsutawney Mayor Bill Clement said that the Punxsy Revitalization Group wanted to dedicate the top...
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Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel looks back on Groundhog Day 2026
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel looked back on the success of Groundhog Day 2026 recently. He said Groundhog Day was a complete success, bringing in approximately 22,000 from all over the state, nation and world. He said they had...
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PAHGS welcomes visitors
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The welcome mat is out throughout the year, but the times surrounding Groundhog Day bring an increased variety of groups in to enjoy the Punxsutawney Area Historial and Genealogical Society’s collections and activities. During...
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Brocious Lumber under new ownership; Martin Brothers take the reins
RINGGOLD — Brocious Lumber in Ringgold has come under new ownership, namely the ownership of longtime employees Joe and Zack “Chunk” Martin. Joe Martin said they both had been with the company for about 11 years. He said they hadn’t been working there...
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IUP, Mountains Health sign formal strategic collaboration
INDIANA, Pa. — Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Mountains Health, the unified health system that includes Indiana Regional Medical Center, Punxsutawney Area Hospital and Armstrong County Memorial Hospital, signed a formal strategic collaboration...
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Phantastic Phil at Marion Center Bank gets a new look
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A new Phantastic Phil was unveiled prior to the Groundhog Day weekend at Marion Center Bank in Punxsutawney. The large fiberglass groundhog already had its home at the bank when they decided to upgrade the popular groundhog. Kelly...
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Six more weeks of winter: Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow on Groundhog Day
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Those seeking relief from the subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall that have typified the last month of winter in Pennsylvania got some bad news from Punxsutawney Phil at the crack of dawn Monday, as the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator...
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Rich Alexander, Marty Armstrong named Punxsutawney’s Man and Woman of the Year
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney 2025 Man and Woman of the Year were announced last night at the annual Groundhog Baunquet held at Punxsutawney Area High School Cafeteria. The 2024 Man of the Year Retired Speaker of the House Sam Smith read the...
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Punxsutawney ready to receive Phil’s Phaithful this weekend
PUNXSUTAWNEY — In case you haven’t been paying attention, Groundhog Day is coming like a freight train and Tom Dunkel, Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle president, said he’s excited about this year’s trek to Gobbler’s Knob following last year’s...
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Giant Eagle Pharmacy opens its doors in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — When Rite Aid closed in downtown, it seemed like we were doomed to another empty storefront, but then along came a another business that made a commitment to purchase the building. It’s a name that everyone recognizes immediately —...
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Jefferson County holds official kickoff for local America250PA celebration
BROOKVILLE — America250PA kicked off the America250 celebrations in Jefferson County on Tuesday at the county offices in Brookville. America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman opened the ceremony, welcoming the attendees. She said they have...
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Jefferson County said to be second hardest-hit in PA as commissioners review Fern response
BROOKVILLE – Jefferson County 911 Director Chris Clark gave the county commissioners an update on how Winter Storm Fern affected the county over the weekend. He said given the size of the storm, the whole county was heavily impacted with similar...
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Punxsy residents busy digging themselves out after record winter storm
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The huge snowstorm that traveled across the country, including Punxsutawney, canceled classes and closed numerous businesses because the roads are being worked on throughout the day. Charlie Hoeh, Punxsutawney Borough Emergency...
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Rossiter native pens book on battle with alcoholism
Rossiter native Matthew Kitchen has written a book titled “Just for Today,” chronicling his journey recovering from alcoholism. Kitchen is a cybersecurity engineer with 25 years in information technology across multiple agencies in the intelligence...
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Shelves stocked with new Groundhog Day souvenirs
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Groundhog Day comes around once a year, but the business is an everyday thing in the Weather Capital of the World: Punxsutawney. Mary Ann Jacobson, manager of the Punxsutawney Phil’s Official Souvenir Shop at the Punxsutawney Area...
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Groundhog Club hard at work with Feb. 2 just around the corner
YOUNG TWP. — With the trek to Gobbler’s Knob quickly approaching, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle continues to prep for Phil’s big day. Marcy Galando, Groundhog Club executive director, said the club works very hard to put on the show...
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Gobbler’s Knob ready to welcome visitors on Groundhog Day
YOUNG TWP. — The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle has been busy preparing for Phil’s big day. Marcy Galando, Groundhog Club executive director, said that they’ve never had much trouble getting people to The Knob but getting them back down is...
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Steffey’s cuts the ribbon at its new location
CLOE — The ribbon cutting for the new Steffey’s, located in the former Mary’s Place at 17080 Route 36 in Cloe, took place on Tuesday afternoon. Abby Steffey thanked everyone who came out for the ribbon cutting and the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of...
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Punxsy Phil makes pre-Groundhog Day appearance in State College
STATE COLLEGE — State College got an early taste of Groundhog Day this weekend as Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania’s most famous prognosticator, made a special appearance at The Press: Cider & Craft Beverage Taphouse, the new downtown gathering owned by...
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Smicksburg, DuBois families among those receiving Century Farm honors at PA Farm Show
HARRISBURG — Friday, on the seventh day of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding designated 11 Bicentennial and Centennial farms — honoring seven families whose farms have remained in the same...
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SPLASH announces upcoming fundraisers
PUNXSUTAWNEY — With Groundhog Day approaching, it won’t be long before we can start to look forward to spring and summer. There’s much work to be done at the George C. Brown Community Pool before then. Alex Dobson, Save Punxy’s Local Area Swimming...
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Two crashes reported in half-hour period in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Fire Department was dispatched to two motor vehicle crashes on Monday evening between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The first crash involved four vehicles on West Mahoning Street, all of which were able to be driven from the scene...
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Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding leads tour of 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show exhibits, events
HARRISBURG — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and founding father Benjamin Franklin led a tour of mustsee exhibits, new events, competitions and quality Pennsylvania-produced foods — to be featured during the 2026 PA Farm Show, Pennsylvania’s...
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Punxsy Chamber holds 1st Community Connection meeting
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce held the first of what it hopes will be quarterly Community Connection meetings at the Punxsutawney Eagles on Thursday, giving residents the opportunity to hear updates on projects and...
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Community gets in a little ice fishing ahead of warm-up
BELL TWP. — The cold weather chases many people indoors during the winter months, but there are some who like it better that way, and they’re known as ice fishers. This past weekend was a dream come true for those who like to head out to Cloe Lake in...
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Music in the Park donates proceeds of Christmas concert to PACC
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Santa paid a late visit to the Punxsutawney Area Community Center on Friday as representatives from Punxsutawney’s Music In The Park committee, in conjunction with TDK Entertainment, presented a check to the executive director. Joe and...
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Chucks Football’s Roken and Thomas named to 4A PFN All-State Team
PUNXSUTAWNEY — This past history-making season for the Punxsutawney Chucks Varsity Football team had many facets to it, and among the were senior Beau Thomas and sophomore Owen Roken being named to the 2025 PFN (PAFootballNews. com) Coaches Select 4A...
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The Punxsutawney Spirit 2025 Year in Review: November and December
Another year is coming to a close, which means it’s time to reflect on the people and events that defined it. Here are the big headlines The Punxsutawney Spirit reported in 2025, as compiled by editor Matthew Triponey. Today, we’ll be looking at what...
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The Punxsutawney Spirit 2025 Year in Review: September and October
Another year is coming to a close, which means it’s time to reflect on the people and events that defined it. Here are the big headlines The Punxsutawney Spirit reported in 2025, as compiled by editor Matthew Triponey. Today, we’ll be looking at what...
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