The Punxsutawney Spirit
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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The Punxsutawney Spirit 2025 Year in Review: July and August
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: March and April
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: January & February
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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Brookville names winners of Christmas tree contest
Historic Brookville Inc., awarded the prizes for its third annual Christmas Tree Contest on Monday. This year’s theme was “Classic Storybook Christmas.” This year’s winners were: (top photo) first place, Brookville Civic Club with 284 votes for the...
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Newly elected Jefferson County officials, row officers sworn in by Judge John Foradora on Monday
BROOKVILLE — Jefferson County’s newly elected officials and row officers were sworn into office by Judge John Foradora on Monday. Scott North, chairman of the Jefferson County Commission, certified that after tabulating the votes cast in the general...
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Punxsy firefighters inspect new vehicles
PUNXSUTAWNEY — In the past year, the Punxsutawney Fire Department has upgraded numerous trucks replacing an aging fleet. Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company has a new Engine-Rescue, Squad, tanker and ladder truck. Lindsey has a new engine, which is also a...
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Wheelers and Dealers held at BAHS
BROOKVILLE — The Brookville Area Junior and Senior High School Senior Economics students endeavored to hawk their wares at the annual Wheelers and Dealers event on Wednesday. BAHS partners with the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce for the event....
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Salvation Army seeking donations, volunteers in Red Kettle’s last week
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Salvation Army Punxsutawney Red Kettle campaign is coming into the home stretch with a goal of $30,000, with the drive ending on Christmas Eve. Lt. Lisa Scalzitti, Punxsy commander, said they are $11,336 short of their goal as of...
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Make-A-Wish raises over $90,000
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Light Up A Child’s Life campaign in Punxsutawney last week raised $90,700. “What an incredible and heartfelt week it has been,” Make-AWish regional manager Lacy Bair said. “The Make-A-Wish Light Up a Child’s Life campaign once again...
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IUP Culinary project progress reviewed at meeting
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Progress is moving along with the new Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts facilities that are to be constructed on West Mahoning Street adjacent to the Fairman Centre. Mitch Peffer, IUP director of facilities,...
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Make-A-Wish fundraiser comes to a close
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Light Up A Child’s Life campaign came to a conclusion on Friday at the Make-A-Wish office. Scott Anthony, Punxsy Pizza owner, brought a large check from the money they made this past week. “Our manager, Cheri Yount,...
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Make-A-Wish visits schools as Light Up a Child’s Life prepares for final day today
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It seems it was just the other day that Make-AWish’s Light Up a Child’s Life campaign began, and now it’s set to wrap up this afternoon at its office in Punxsutawney. Lacy Bair, Make-AWish regional manager, said they had a busy day on...
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Day 2 brings Make-A-Wish to Punxsy Pizza
PUNXSUTAWNEY — It was pizza day Tuesday at the Make-AWish Light Up a Child’s Life campaign. Day 2 wrapped up with the community raising just under $10,000, continuing the momentum toward granting life-changing wishes for local children with critical...
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Make-A-Wish nets over $7,000 on first day of Light Up a Child’s Life campaign
PUNXSUTAWNEY — You’ve been waiting for this week since last year, and finally it’s here: The annual Make-A-Wish Light Up a Child’s Life campaign is officially underway. Day one concluded Monday with a total of $7,050, demonstrating once again the...
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Make-A-Wish’s Light up a Child’s Life campaign begins today
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Light Up a Child’s Life campaign returns Dec. 8-12 on WPXZ 104.1 and their Facebook page. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 219 W. Mahoning St., Punxsutawney. Lacy Bair, Make-AWish regional manager, said this year’s weeklong campaign...
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Jeff Tech committee reorganizes ahead of new year
WINSLOW TWP. — The Jeff Tech Joint Operating Committee held their reorganization meeting Thursday. Sam Armagost, committee member, was elected the temporary board chairperson. Current Chairperson Robert Wachob was nominated and was re-elected...
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Local horse-riding instructor holds Christmas Pony Extravaganza
PUNXSUTAWNEY — If you were looking to get your family involved with horse riding lessons and you were wondering if there was someone who offers that type of service in the area, including boarding of horses, Kayla Franks recently hosted the Christmas...
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Commemorative bell installed in Punxsy as part of the America250 celebration
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A commemorative bell was installed at the Punxsutawney Borough Complex on Wednesday as part of Bells Across PA, an initiative by America250PA. The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States semiquincentennial (America250PA) was...
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Brookville teen writes debut fantasy novel, ‘The Legends’
BROOKVILLE — There is a new author in Brookville as 13-year-old Owen Weible, alias Elias Vale, has written his debut novel, “The Legends.” “The Legends” follows main character Jake Caspian as he realizes that the stories of gods and guardians he has...
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Circle of Treets now aglow in Punxsy
The Punxsutawney Rotary Club’s Circle of Trees is now bringing Christmas spirit to Barclay Square, with this year’s collection being unveiled after the Home for the Holidays parade on Saturday. As usual, community organizations for both children and...
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Lawmakers voice support for congressional reviews of Trump's military strikes on boats
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers from both parties said Sunday they support congressional reviews of U.S. military strikes against vessels suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, citing a published report that Defense...
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Jefferson County’s Christmas kickoff begins with Brookville
The good people of Brookville rang in the holiday season on Friday with the Brookville Holiday Association’s Christmas kickoff, culminating in the grand parade, where the jolly old elf himself came to town and opened his Christmas cottage with Mrs....
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Circle of Trees to light up Barclay Square
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A Punxsutawney holiday season tradition that immediately follows the annual Home for the Holidays Parade on Saturday, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Eagles, is the 2025 lighting of the community Christmas Tree and unveiling...
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Punxsy prepping for Home for the Holidays
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The sounds of jingle bells and ho, ho, ho will be filling the air on Saturday as the Christmas and holiday season will be starting with the annual Home for the Holidays Parade and Mistletoe Madness in downtown Punxsutawney. Katie Laska,...
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Annual Punxsy Fire Department boot drive a success
It was a perfect day for the Punxsutawney Fire Department’s annual Boot Drive on Saturday with a lot of pre-Black Friday shopping occurring throughout the Punxsutawney area. (Top left) Tami McFarland, Lindsey Fire Company president, is receiving a...
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Jefferson County Historical Society presents annual awards
BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County Historical Society held its annual meeting and awards dinner on Oct. 25 at the Heritage House,with board President Larry Anthony as the master of ceremonies. Anthony welcomed all those attending the banquet and...
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Punxsy area honors veterans
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Tuesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of their country. Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the oneyear anniversary of the end of World War...
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PASD honors veterans on Friday
PUNXSUTAWNEY— The Punxsutawney Area School District honored veterans on Friday. At Punxsutawney Area High School, senior Elizabeth Vallies welcomed the veterans to the James A. Colonna Performance Center. Vallies said that this year in their music...
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Ramsey is the Steelers’ best cornerback. He might be their best safety at the moment, too.
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55.
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Punxsy’s Alex Shumaker prepares for next musical journey after high school
PUNXSUTAWNEY — In the Neil Young song ‘My My, Hey Hey,’ he sings, “Rock and roll is here to stay,” and later, “Rock and roll can never die,” and in today’s musical world of autotune and more, old souls still find a way to keep rock and roll...
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PAHS students prepare fall play, ‘Alibis’
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Something different is going on this weekend at Punxsutawney Area High School, as the new tradition of having a fall play in the James A. Colonna Performance Center in Punxsutawney continues this week. Ronnie Norton, play director, said...
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Several local offices at stake as voters report to the polls
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Americans reported to the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots in a variety of state and local elections. Jefferson County residents were able to make their voices heard in several closely watched local races after incumbents vacated...
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Progress continues at Shadow Hotel
PUNXSUTAWNEY — As we head toward a new year — and a new Groundhog Day — numerous people have been wondering when the Shadow Hotel at Pantall Square is going to open for business. The former Pantall Hotel has undergone a complete transformation inside...
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Resident a finalist in Maxim Cover Girl Competition
PUNXSUTAWNEY — A local resident is a Grand Finalist in the Maxim Cover Girl Competition. Kira Haught a smalltown girl and a 2025 graduate of Jeff Tech, has won a huge opportunity after having entered a Maxim Cover Girl Competition where 56,000 women...
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Lady Chucks’ Olivia Toven takes part in PIAA Singles Tennis Tournament
HERSHEY — The Lady Chucks Tennis team’s Olivia Toven took part in the first round of the 2025 PIAA 2A Tennis Singles Tournament on Friday in Hershey after winning the District 9 2A Singles Championship at the end of September. Toven won the District 9...
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Punxsy cross country headed to States on Saturday
The Punxsutawney Chucks and Lady Chucks Cross Country teams will be represented Saturday, Nov. 1, at Hershey’s Parkview Cross Country Course for the PIAA State Championships. The Lady Chucks’ Riley Miller, Emalyn Conrad and Marin Martino will race in...
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Mahoning Valley Milling reopens under new ownership
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There’s a grand opening this Saturday at Mahoning Valley Milling at 324 Indiana St., Punxsutawney, and the ribbon was cut on Wednesday, sponsored by the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce. John Poling, purchased the popular feed and...
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Jeff Tech board tours HVAC shop class
WINSLOW TWP. — The Jeff Tech Joint Operating Committee traveled to the HVAC shop for their committee meeting on Monday. HVAC students explained what they’ve learned under instructor Brandon Nichol. Students Brayden Mottern, Brock Dixon, Devin Kelly...
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PAHS celebrates Red Ribbon Week with creativity and community
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Area High School recently celebrated Red Ribbon Week with a variety of educational activities promoting a drugfree lifestyle. As part of the celebration, students participated in a Door Decorating Contest, where homerooms...
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Brockway student among winners of Pennsylvania School Bus Safety Poster Contest and Driving Competition
HARRISBURG — PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police and school bus safety advocates honored nine students for their school bus safety posters and three school bus drivers for their superior driving skills during a ceremony at the State Museum of...
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Knights of Columbus breakfast to raise money for SS.C.D. School
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Are you ready for breakfast? If you are you’ll have to wait until next Sunday, Nov. 2, at SS.C.D., where the Knights of Columbus will be holding a breakfast in Wienker Hall. Greg Aikens, past president of the K of C, said the breakfast...
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Tickets on sale for Southern Gospel concert at One Life
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Tickets are now on sale for a Southern Gospel concert to take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Punxsy One Life Church is inviting the community special concert featuring the Southern Gospel group The Guardians Quartet. “Known for...
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Punxsy High School recognizes band seniors
Punxsutawney Area High School recognized senior members of the marching band during Friday night’s Chucks football game against Karns City, alongside senior athletes and cheerleaders. Band members were: (top photo, from left) River Kunkle, daughter of...
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PAHS honors senior cheerleaders
Punxsutawney Area High School recognized senior members of the cheerleading squad during Friday night’s Chucks football game against Karns City, alongside senior athletes and band members. The 2025 senior cheerleaders are (from left): Riley Schaffer,...
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Young Township burn ban still in effect
YOUNG TWP. — The burn ban continues, according to the Young Township supervisors at a recent meeting. Nathan Zanaglio, supervisors vice chair, who chaired the meeting in place of Ron Heitzenrater, chair, who was absent, said the Young Township burn...
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Community donations made at Punxsy council meeting
PUNXSUTAWNEY — There were two separate check presentations at Monday’s Punxsutawney Borough Council meeting. Lisa Switlick of Save Punxsy’s Local Swimming Hole (SPLASH) presented Punxsutawney Borough with fundraising for the George C. Brown Community...
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Monster trucks invading Dayton Fairgrounds on Saturday
DAYTON — On Saturday, they will have landed at the Dayton Fairgrounds. No, not aliens from Mars, but monster trucks for the second annual Monster Truck Invasion. Organizer Michael Vaters said gates open at 12:30 p.m. A pit party will be held, with...
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Burke & Sons, Little League winners at Punxsy Chamber’s annual awards mixer
GOBBLER’S KNOB — The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce annual mixer and awards was held at Gobbler’s Knob on Wednesday. The winners of this year’s awards were Burke & Sons and Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League. Katie Laska, chamber president,...
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Crossroads says it’s struggling under the budget stalemate as county proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month
BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Jefferson County at Tuesday’s meeting. Community Action Crossroads Director Suella Himes spoke to the commissioners and said she has served...
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Punxsutawney celebrates 175 years
PUNXSUTAWNEY — They lit up the night over the Wojak weekend as the North Findley Street Cemetery Guild held a luminary display and Punxsutawney heritage program as part of Punxsy’s 175th Anniversary Celebration. A very nice crowd of spectators...
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PAES students learn about fire safety
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Area volunteer fire companies once again came together for Fire Safety Day at Punxsutawney Area Elementary School on Friday. Katie James, director of Fire Safety Day at PAES, said the they were blessed with perfect weather. “I can’t...
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Health and Wellness Fair being held Saturday
PUNXSUTAWNEY — This Saturday during the Wojak Weekend there will be a Health and Wellness Fair at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center. The fair is sponsored by NovaCare Rehabilitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lisa Catarouche, NovaCare, said they...
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Punxsutawney to celebrate 175th anniversary
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Are you ready for a big birthday party this coming weekend? If not, you should be, as we’re going to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Punxsutawney Borough and Wojak Weekend at the same time. Katie Laska, Punxsutawney Area Chamber of...
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Geist receives Historic Preservation Award at PAHGS fall dinner
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. presented its 2025 Historic Preservation Award at its fall dinner recently. Dr. Michael A. Vancheri, PAHGS president, presented the award to Tonya Geist for her work with...
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Big Run unveils official flag featuring longtime mayor, wife
BIG RUN — The Big Run community held a surprise ceremony for Joe Buterbaugh, honoring him for his 44-plus years as their mayor. The Big Run flag was revealed showing six historical locations, including the Standard Pennant factory, the school, bank,...
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2025 Blues and Brews a success
You couldn’t ask forbetter weather as a big crowd came out for the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce’s Blues and Brews Festival that was held on Saturday in Barclay Square. Among those enjoying the festivities were (top photo) Jason Neal, Katrina...
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Victims treated for injuries in Cloe-Rossiter/Route 36 crash
CLOE — All three Punxsutawney fire companies were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident that occurred at 6 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Route 36 and Cloe-Rossiter Road. All fire companies were placed available except for Elk Run’s...
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Brookville High School inducts 4 into hall of fame
BROOKVILLE — The Brookville Area High School Hall of Fame held its induction ceremony on Thursday, inducting Becky Aikman; Col. Nicholas Ondrasik, DO; Sean Taylor, DMA; and the late Bob Tonkin. The ceremony opened with the BAHS marching band playing...
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No injuries as local firefighters save garage
PUNXSUTAWNEY — All three Punxsutawney fire companies were dispatched, along with mutual aid companies from Big Run and McCalmont Township, to a working garage fire at 2:40 p.m. Wednesday at 402 Greenwood Ave., Punxsutawney. According to reports from...
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Berryhill sets another fundraising record for Walk to End Alzheimer’s
DUBOIS — Tom Berryhill, well known for being a retired Pennsylvania state trooper, set another record in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in DuBois earlier this month. Berryhill by himself raised $8,830 while his team, the Christ The King Memory Support...
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