The Punxsutawney Spirit
Local girl aims to be a superhero
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Every superhero has an origin story, one where they started off as an average person before gaining super powers. But perhaps the biggest superpowers one can have are ambition, courage and an imagination that can take them far. For...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Food drive being held for area domestic violence shelters
PUNXSUTAWNEY — REACT will hold a food drive for Clearfield and Jefferson counties’ domestic violence shelters on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drop-off location is Community Action, Inc. at 105 Grace Way, Punxsutawney. Domestic...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Jeff Tech officially opens Farm to Refrigerator program
WINSLOW TWP. — The Jeff Tech Farm to Refrigerator program had its unveiling on Tuesday with a lot of people had a hand in bringing this program to life. Dr. Barry Fillman, Jeff Tech administrative director, thanked everyone who came out see the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Senior Night held for PAHS band, cheerleaders
It was a big night for the PAHS Cheer Squad and the Senior High Band, as both were celebrated with IDPLOy DQG IrLHQGV DW 6HQLRr NLJKW DW -DFN /DPDrFD 6WDGLuP DW ODVW )rLGDy’V IRRWEDOO JDPH WKH &KuFNV versus Brockway. (Top photo) Cheerleaders were:...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Senior Chucks football players recognized
It was Senior Night for Punxsutawney Chucks football, cheerleaders and the band on Friday at Jack /aMarFa StaGLuP. FootbaOO’s senLors are (toS Shoto, IroP OeIt): No. 70 BOaNe DLnJer, Jason anG AutuPn; No. 77 SaJe BurNett, /LnGsay anG SFott PhLOOLSs;...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
2 inducted into Brookville Area High School Hall of Fame
BROOKVILLE — Thursday afternoon, the Brookville Area High School hosted the Hall of Fame induction Ceremony. During the ceremony, two local men were inducted, one being Dr. Edward Richards and the other Dr. Fred Park. Starting off the ceremony were...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fire Safety Day set for PAES Friday
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — Fire Safety Month is underway and for students at the Punxsutawney Area Elementary School Fire Safety Day is going to happen this week. Don Gill, principal, told the Punxsy school board at this week’s meeting that this Friday,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Foundation in local woman’s memory to help others defray costs of cancer treatment
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A new foundation is being formed in the community in memory of the late Melissa Fedigan, who passed away this year with appendiceal cancer. Fedigan worked at both the Punxsutawney Area High School, where she was an English teacher, and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
B’s Books changes hands in Punxsutawney
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Every little town needs a cozy little bookstore. Even in the day and age of Ebooks there are still many who prefer to feel an actual book in their hands and pages to turn. It was a passion for books that first led Beverly Philippi to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New metal detectors running smoothly in Punxsutawney Area School District
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The metal detectors at athletic events have been a great success so far, according to Dr. Sheena Smelko, Punxsutawney Area High School principal. Don Gill, elementary principal, said the metal detectors are going very well at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Big Run reopens Veteran’s Park
BIG RUN — Big Run’s celebration of the United States of America’s 250th anniversary and reopening of Veteran’s Park had a nice turnout of area people which organizers said made for a great event. Melody Hollopeter, Big Run Recreation, said that...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Request related to old Movie Gallery property tabled after no one attends commission meeting
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Planning and Zoning Commission held a meeting to discuss a request for easements at the property that housed at one time the Movie Gallery and Advance Auto Parts. Eric Story, chairman of the commission, began with...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Old Adrian Hospital to be demolished in November
PUNXSUTAWNEY — When you mention the old Adrian Hospital you will hear tales from people who were born or worked there. Once a mining hospital, it sits across from the old Jenks Hill School. When the Punxsutawney Area Hospital was built the Adrian...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Jeff Tech committee tours latest technology in Health Assisting
WINSLOW TWP. — The Jeff Tech Joint Operating Committee heard about the latest technology at Health Assisting during this week’s meeting. Courtney Snyder, Health Assisting instructor, said the Anatomage Table is the premier virtual dissection table,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Curtis takes art of Pysanky eggs international
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsy resident Jeanne Curtis is wellknown in the area for the art of Pysanky eggs, which she has taken across the country and recently across the border. Her passion began at an early age. Growing up in a large family Curtis has fond...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Blues and Brews Fest a success with fun and music
Photos by Destiny Pifer/The Punxsutawney Spirit The Annual Blues and Brews Fest proved to be quite a success as many who attended had the chance to sample different types of beer, while enjoying some axe throwing and good music. Pictured (top photo)...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy’s Liberty Bell switched to new season
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — America250PA’s Bells Across PA initiative includes the new commemorative bell, “Punxsutawney Seasons,” at Barclay Square Memorial Park in Punxsutawney at the Civic Center. Sponsored by Punxsutawney Borough, Jefferson County...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Annual Senior Expo held in Punxsy
PUNXSUTAWNEY — This year’s Senior Expo was put on by state Rep. Brian Smith and Sen. Joe Pittman on Thursday at the First Church of God in Punxsutawney. The expo brought a full house of seniors that were checking out the booths. Smith said it...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Big Run to hold America 250 celebration, grand reopening of Veteran’s Park
BIG RUN — The public is invited to a 250th anniversary of the U.S. celebration and the reopening of Veteran’s Park in Big Run this Sunday, Sept. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. Melody Hollopeter, Big Run Recreation Board, said that they are going to serve hot...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Commissioners issue proclamation for Jefferson County resident’s 100th birthday
BROOKVILLE — At Tuesday morning’s Jefferson County commissioners meeting, the commissioners proclaimed Sept. 17 as Phyllis F. Roush Deible Day throughout Jefferson County. They celebrated Deible turning 100 years old. She was born in Reynoldsville on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Silent movie festival with live music held at Jackson
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Sunday at the Jackson Theater at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center held a silent movie festival, but it was anything but silent as the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra filled the theater with music to go along with what was on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Birdie’s Haven Free Medical Clinic continues providing healthcare assistance to community
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There is nothing worse than being sick and unable to afford proper healthcare. It is an issue that many across our nation are facing. It’s for that reason that Birdie’s Haven Free Medical Clinic was formed. The clinic opened in June...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Homecoming King, Queen crowned at PAHS
Top photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit; bottom photo submitted Homecoming royalty were crowned at Punxsutawney Area High School. Jayden Rutan and Jaden Greenblatt were crowned king and prince at an assembly during the day, and Jacelyn...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Elementary school holds America 250 celebration
PUNXSUTAWNEY — They were having a party at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Jeff Kuntz, PAES teacher/party coordinator, said they had a good time for the kids, parents and staff. “We had the Indiana County...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Apex Geotech Solutions dedicates 9/11 memorial monument made from World Trade Center steel
BROOKVILLE — Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, a piece of that history now has a permanent place in Brookville. Apex Geotech Solutions held a private dedication ceremony Friday morning at its Brookville facility, unveiling a memorial monument...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Artist known for 3D Punxsy Phil does portraits at Flight 93 Memorial
SHANKSVILLE — If you had the chance to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial, in Shanksville, you may have noticed a unique way of memorializing the passengers and crew members of the plane that went down there on 9/11. Erik Greenawalt, known as “The...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ballfields get new sign courtesy of McCabe Funeral Home
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you’ve ever driven down to Maple Avenue where all of the softball and baseball fields are located, those of us who live here know which direction they’re located and sometimes there’s been a sign there to help everyone along. Andrew...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsutawney Phil receives Elixir of Life
GOBBLER'S KNOB — A.J. Dereume, Punxsutawney Phil's handler introduced Phil who was preparing for the Elixir of Life Ceremony. He said first question they are asked is how old is Phil? “He is at least 139 years old, because he came into our care 139...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
As It Appeared in The Spirit: September 11, 2001
PUNXSUTAWNEY — As the United States of America celebrates its semiquincentennial, The Spirit once again looks back to its own coverage of major historical events. Thus far, this series has proceeded more or less in chronological order, but with Friday...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Welcome Wagon held for new IUP-Punxsy students
PUNXSUTAWNEY — School has been underway now for a couple of weeks, and that includes IUP-Punxsutawney. The IUP Welcome Wagon had a night of programs set up near the cafeteria for students to come and check out. Mysti L. Dinger, assistant director,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy library children’s area renamed in memory of late volunteer Barb Burkett
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Memorial Library held the official dedication of the children’s library to Barbara Burkett, a former volunteer and board member, on Wednesday. “Barb was very involved in her community — she volunteered at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New tiles and refurbished Phantastic Phil unveiled at annual Coal Memorial event
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society hosted a gathering at the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial, 404 W. Mahoning St. on Sunday, Sept. 6, where the Community Band of Punxsutawney entertained and 20 new tiles were...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
White Cane Day to be held Saturday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — One of the gifts that we take for granted is the gift of sight, one of the worst thing that can happen to someone is is to lose their sight and they don’t have the money to have their eyes checked by a professional. That’s why White...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Water wars back in Punxsy for Labor Day
ELK RUN — Have you ever been told that you’re all wet? Well, that could be true on Monday, Labor Day, as the Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company is holding their fourth annual water war once again this year on Labor Day. Josh McAfoos, Elk Run assistant...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Shadow Hotel expected to be open for Groundhog Day
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The owner of the Shadow Hotel at the Pantall has announced that they will be open for Groundhog Day 2027 as construction continues. Jerry Duffell, owner of the historic hotel has been bombarded with questions from members of the public...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Tickets on sale for 2026 Groundhog Picnic
GOBBLER’S KNOB — If you’ve been to Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day, you can predict that the weather will be freezing cold. That’s why you should come out the annual Groundhog Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Gobbler’s Knob, when it’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Punxsy to see busy construction year in 2027
P U N X S U TAW N E Y — The downtown streetscape project is in its early stages, and residents should begin to see changes in the near future. Dr. William Spencer, Punxsutawney borough manager, said the streetscape grant is about $800,000 and 2027 is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
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)