Archive - Feb 3, 2011
PUNXSUTAWNEY â The two newest inductees into the National Meteorologist Hall of Fame both found their love of weather as youngsters, and believe that today, young people have even better and open chances to pursue careers in the field of meteorology.
Wednesday, the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center welcomed Elliot Abrams, AccuWeatherâs chief forecaster and senior vice-president, and Dr. Greg Forbes, The Weather Channel's severe weather expert, into its Hall of Fame, the fifth class to earn the distinction.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â A.J. Dereumeâs new Inner Circle name has a familiar ring to it.
Or is that a familiar rain?
Dereumeâs nickname â The Rainmaker â as the newest member of the Inner Circle was the one once held by his father, Jack Dereume Jr., who was also an Inner Circle member.
During Tuesdayâs Groundhog Banquet, President Bill Deeley gave the younger Dereume his nickname, explaining his rationale.
âIf you knew Jack Dereume, you knew everywhere he went, it rained,â he said.
Any truth in that?
PUNXSUTAWNEY â More than 600 grapplers competed during a pair of Punxsutawney Groundhog Wrestling tournaments this past weekend, including nearly 100 from Punxsutawney.
Saturday, more than 350 competed in the Youth Classic portion of the tournament, which had the more experienced wrestlers. Sunday, more than 300 wrestled in the Novice tournament, which featured grapplers who are new to the sport.
In all, 49 Punxsy wrestlers competed Saturday, with 14 winning at least one match and placing in the top four.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â A dominant second half helped the Punxsy ninth-grade boys' basketball team win for the 10th time this season Monday, 55-24, over Clearfield.
The Chucks (10-3) were ahead 19-12 at halftime before blowing out the Bisons with a 36-12 second half, starting with a 20-point third quarter.
"Overall, it was a good game," Punxsy coach Brandon Krug said. "We really broke it open in the third and never looked back."
Brandon Mancuso matched Clearfield's score with 24 points.
Kevin Hughes added eight points.
Robert Clair Campbell, 94, of Brookville, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at McKinley Heath Center, Brookville.
The son of the late Preston and Olive (Lewis) Campbell, Mr. Campbell was born Aug. 5, 1916, in Punxsutawney.
Mr. Campbell was married to Elizabeth (Shaffer) Campbell, who preceded him in death in 1992.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a manager a United Refinery.
Harold Don Gaston Sr., 84, of Winchester, Va., died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at the home of his daughter.
He was born June 9, 1926, in Canoe Township, Rossiter, a son of the late Aaron and Minta (Seger) Gaston.
He served in the Navy during World War II.
Joyce D. Craig, 78, of Punxsutawney, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Jefferson Manor in Brookville.
She was born July 20, 1932, in Stockton, N.Y., a daughter of the late Doyle Frary and Margaret (Clark) Davis.
Ms. Craig was a member of the Light of Life Mininstry.
John V. Taladay, 75, Rockville, Md., passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011.
He was born in Punxsutawney and graduated from Penn State University. He moved to Baltimore in the 1950s and later moved to Rockville, where he lived for more than 40 years.
Mr. Taladay spent several years working for the railroad, and worked with some of the first computers in existence. He also worked for the Vitro Corporation for 30 years where he met his wife, Joann, and many wonderful friends.Â
