The Punxsutawney Spirit
Voters choose nominees for governor, state and U.S. rep in 2026 primary election
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Pennsylvania residents had a chance to choose nominees for November’s general election as primary day arrived on Tuesday. For members of the Punxsutawney community, it was a smaller ballot than last year, with no local races other than...
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Spring concert presented at PAHS
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area High School and Junior High School bands held their spring concert at the James A. Colonna Performance Hall. Performing were the 7th and 8th Grade Concert Band directed by Zachary Caine, and the 9th to 12th Grade...
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Burkett receives Melvin Jones Award, named Lion of the Year at district convention
DUBOIS — The Lions Club District 14-J held its 77th annual convention at Christ the King Cottages Community Center, DuBois, marking a gathering to celebrate community service, leadership and dedication. District Governor Herman Rush was the main...
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Reed’s inside the park home run wins District 9 Central League Championship for Punxsy
DUBOIS — After six innings of scoreless softball, Lindee Reed hit an opposite field inside the park home run to be the difference in what was otherwise a struggle hitting off of DuBois Central Catholic pitcher Rylee Kulbatsky on Friday to win the...
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New youth football league forming in Punxsy
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — A new youth football league is coming into the area. Joe Pascuzzo, coordinator of the new youth football team, said it’s still called Punxsy AJP Youth Football League. “We don’t want people to think we’re a travel team; we are...
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No injuries, minimal damage in Famco fire, on busy afternoon for emergency personnel
YOUNG TWP. — The Punxsutawney Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire at 754 S. Main St., Young Township, the home of Famco Machine, on Tuesday. Chris Smith, Punxsutawney Fire Department chief, said when they arrived on the scene at...
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‘Gold Rush Gala’ to be held at Punxsutawney First Church of God
YOUNG TWP. — It’s that time of year, as proms and spring dances are on the agenda, one of which will be taking place in the gymnasium in the First Church of God. Dawn McKenrick, Punxsutawney First Church of God, said God’s “Green Light” Program will...
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Punxsy students show off recent projects
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Area High School students in Construction Tech displayed recent projects at Thursday’s school board meeting. Colton Bugay and Brady Snyder explained their electric project they were working on in Chad Stiteler’s...
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Special Olympics held in DuBois
DUBOIS — Punxsutawney Area School District sent athletes to participate in the annual Special Olympics in DuBois this week. Kate Shaffer, director of special education for the Punxsutawney Area School District, said the DuBois Area School District...
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Spring concert held at Punxsy High School
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area High School Choirs hosted the spring concert at the James A. Colonna Performance Hall on Wednesday evening. Leading off was the Select Ensemble, with their first song, “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli; then followed...
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Ribbon cut at Stitchy Time in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The ribbon was cut on a new business in downtown Punxsutawney as the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce recently. Shawnda Felton, is the owner of Stitchy Time Inc., which is a distinguished counted cross stitch shop offering an...
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Levy of Lights keeping riverwalk aglow at night
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Did you always dream of being able to take romantic walks along the Mahoning Creek on the Punxsutawney Riverwalk in the evening? It may have been too dark to do that, but that’s not the case anymore as the Levy of Lights has...
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Mesoracos sell AM-PM Personal Care Home
ADRIAN — AM-PM Personal Care Home, Inc. is changing hands after years of the Mesoraco family running the home. The home was founded by Doug and Laura Mesoraco in March 1997. Their inspiration came from frequent visits to Doug’s grandmother at another...
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Punxsy 2nd-graders head to county fairgrounds for Safety Day
PINE CREEK TWP. — It was kind of chilly but there weren’t any complaints from the Punxsutawney Area Elementary School second-graders spent the day away at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Amanda Kanouff, Penn State Extension 4H educator, said this is...
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Spring turkey season begins today in Pennsylvania
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you woke up this morning and heard turkeys gobbling, welcome to spring turkey hunting season in Pennsylvania. History provides context on just how good Pennsylvania spring turkey hunters have had it lately. During the state’s first...
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Punxsy Arts Association holds workshop on ‘quilling’
PUNXSUTAWNEY— Exciting things are starting up at the Punxsutawney Arts Association Inc., which now has a location on 106 N. Pine Street. Though the organization is working on transforming the outside of their new location, something new and exciting...
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New pastor installed at Paradise Church
REYNOLDSVILLE — A new pastor has been welcomed to the Paradise Community Church in Henderson Township (Reynoldsville). Pastor Vince Davis was raised in New Jersey up until he was 18 years old and enlisted in the Marines. He said that experience opened...
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Punxsy Borough looking to use Punxy Plaza field as recreation space
PUNXSUTAWNEY — You may have ridden the Ferris wheel or the flying swings and watched fireworks there, and you might have your chance once again in the field located behind the plaza where the coal building is located. Punxsutawney Borough has plans to...
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Jeff Tech students have success at SkillsUSA
WINSLOW TWP. — Jeff Tech continues to improve academically as they had a good showing in SkillsUSA. JeffTech SkillsUSA advisors Steve Sensebaugh and Josh Bridge said they were very proud of the way that Jeff Tech students performed. They said the...
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SS.C.D. uses proceeds from last summer’s Vacation Bible School at Camp Friendship
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Ss. Cosmas and Damian Catholic School saw great numbers from the return of their Vacation Bible School for 2025. As part of their Northern Lights-themed program, students were raising money to help all youth overcoming obstacles. In...
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Punxsutawney Area College Trust honored during IUP Celebration Weekend
INDIANA, Pa. – Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumni and friends were recognized during the university’s annual Celebration Weekend with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast and the Distinguished Alumni Awards gala on April 11. During the...
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Punxsy Chucks Track and Field team honors senior members
The 2026 senior members of the Punxsutawney Chucks Track and Field team were honored before their last home meet on Tuesday, April 21: (from left) Adin Bish with Mindy Smith and Dave Bish, Devin Cook with James Cook Sr., Nolan Lewis with Larry and...
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Girls track/field sets school record on senior night
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Lady Chucks track and field team put on a great show for senior night this week, not only defeating St. Marys 108-38 but setting a new school record in the 4x400 relay. The team has five seniors this year, Beth Vallies, Maggie...
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PAHS Marching Band has a big show at the NATO Parade of Nations in Virginia
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsy band had a exciting time at a music festival held in Virginia this past week. Kurt Cessna, PAHS Marching Band director, said on April 18, the Punxsutawney High School Marching Band traveled to Virginia for three days to...
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Flag retirement ceremony held at N. Findley
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It was a beautiful Saturday morning as Cub Scout Pack No. 245, along with the Punxsutawney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2075 and the North Findley Street Cemetery Guild, held a U.S. flag retirement ceremony. Local scouts helped with...
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Plow Day marks beginning of spring
company and the spring planting season. There was even a small field set aside for lawn and garden tractors to make a
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Resources, jobs for veterans on display at Punxsy event
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Pennsylvania CareerLink hosted a Vet Rally Series at the Punxsutawney Community Center gymnasium on Thursday. Brandt Hunter, DVOP specialist, welcomed everyone and the veterans for the rally series. State Sen. Cris Dush thanked all of...
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Commissioners issue numerous proclamations
BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County commissioners proclaimed the week of April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Jefferson County during Tuesday’s meeting. They also proclaimed the month of April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month...
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Punxsy pool will most likely be open this summer
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’re wondering if the George C. Brown Pool is going to be open this summer, the answer is probably. Here’s why it’s probably. Lisa Switlick, from SPLASH (Save Punxsy’s Local Area Swimming Hole) addressed Punxsutawney Borough...
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Punxsy brewers unveil new beer with Punxsy Pizza
YOUNG TWP. — There are many beer lovers who would consider it an honor to have their own beer named after them, and such was the case this past weekend when Sandfly Brewing and Punxsy Brewing Company came together to create a very special craft...
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Local filmmaker shoots debut in Brockway
BROCKWAY — Brockway resident Jesse Hutchins was bitten by the filmmaking bug at a young age. A few months ago, Hutchins filmed his debut film, “A Quiet Town,” in Brockway. Featured in his film are many of the local residents. The film tells the story...
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Run or Walk for Someone Special held in Sykesville
By Destiny Pifer SYKESVILLE — It was a beautiful day to raise money for a good cause. This year marked the 47th annual Run or Walk for Someone Special. The event is held to raise money for the Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties’ Camp...
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SS.C.D. students raise $2,430 for Run/Walk
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Ss. Cosmas & Damian Elementary School held a run/walk event for Run or Walk for Someone Special on Friday. Jeanine DiPietro, SS.C.D., said they were thankful for everyone who contributed to their Run or Walk for Someone Special...
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Young Township supervisors discuss local solar farm projects
YOUNG TWP. — The Young Township supervisors had a lot on their plate at this week’s meeting, as they discussed the solar farm projects and the search for a new township secretary. James Bickerstaff, supervisors chair, spoke first about the solar farm...
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Jefferson County receives $460,000 for new 911, emergency services center
BROOKVILLE — U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson made a special appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Jefferson County commissioners office, where he announced that the county will receive $462,416 in federal funding to establish a new 911 and emergency services...
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Punxsy Memorial Library pre-K group gets tour of Central fire station
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Pre-K Rocks group from the Punxsutawney Memorial Library took a short trip over to the Punxsutawney Central Fire Department recently and had a great time. Nate Pyles, youth services coordinator at the library, said that Pre-K Rocks...
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Play It Forward offering free gear at Groundhog Little League Field
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The sounds of “play ball” can be heard throughout the area as baseball and softball are starting to heat up for the Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League. Courtney Neal, a Punxsutawney Career Woman, said that she wants to offer free...
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Easter egg hunt held at Weather Center
The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center had large turnout for their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday. Lisa Waksmunski, executive director, said that she and education director Amanda Behrendt spent Friday night hiding 1,000 Easter eggs through the...
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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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