Archive - Aug 2011

Lawn Festival winners choose the cash prize

August 10, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — And to think, the bright red 2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS LTZ, purchased at Kuntz Chevrolet-Buick, was staring at the front door of Dave and Rita Klender's residence since about May.

The Klenders live directly across from the Ss. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church rectory, but in the end, as the winners of the grand prize in the SS.C.D. Lawn Festival’s annual drawing, they opted for the $15,000 in cash.

“Well, we have medical expenses, and we really need a car, but Dave and I decided to take the cash,” Mrs. Klender said Tuesday.

Members dissolve anti-drug coalition

August 9, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsy Coalition Against Drugs — formerly the Mayor’s Drug Task Force — announced Monday that it was formally disbanding.

During Monday’s Punxsutawney Borough Council meeting, coalition Secretary Barb Postlewaite said the group was writing the letter to thank council for the use of its chambers for its meetings, and to formally announce that it was dis-banding.

As of July 21, the coalition voted to fold following three-and-a-half years of fighting drugs in the Punxsy area, Postlewaite said.

Council OKs better signage for library

August 9, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Can’t find the Punxsutawney Memorial Libary and borough offices from the back parking lot of the Mahoning East Civic Center? You’re not alone.

Monday, Punxsutawney Borough Council approved a motion to improve the signage for the rear parking lot area of the Civic Center — especially for the library.

Library Director Coral Ellshoff said there are numerous complaints from people who have difficulty in locating the library’s entrance from the rear parking area.

PASD earns PDE praise for 21st Century program

August 8, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Area School District is among five districts receiving accolades again from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for its successful use and integration of technology in its curriculum.

With the help of Learning Resources Director Gerald Gigliotti, Superintendent Dr. Keith Wolfe presented three video vignettes filmed by PDE during the school board’s Monday meeting.

Wolfe said that out of Penn-sylvania’s 200 school districts, Punxsy was one of only five chosen for the documentaries about its 21st Century

BETWEEN THE RAINDROPS

August 8, 2011

Pampering their horses during the first full day of the annual Sykesville Ag & Youth Fair are (from left) Danielle Troutman and her horse Lucky, Genelle Snyder, and Rachel Lines, with her horse Lenny. Rain kept the rides shut down at the fair Monday night, but hopefully the weather will relent enough for the rest of the week. The fair concludes Saturday.

Fallen trooper's family donates devices to help police keep impaired drivers off Pa. roads

August 8, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY – PSP Trooper Kenton Iwaniec's friends referred to him as “The Shepherd,” or “Shep.” When he and his friends would go out, he was the designated driver.

“They called him 'Shepherd,'” his father, Ken Iwaniec, said Friday. “When they'd go out, he would get them home. We'd say, 'Are you going out?' His friends said, 'Yeah, Shep's got us.'”

"Cruze" Control

August 8, 2011

Will Curtis (right) draws the winning ticket for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze RS LTZ or $15,000 in cash during the last night of the annual SS.C.D. Lawn Festival Sunday. Festival Committee Chairman Frank Hetrick (left) announced that the grand prize winner was Dave Klender of Punxsutawney. For the rest of the prize winners, see tomorrow's Spirit.

Way Back When

August 8, 2011

(The Spirit is pleased to share with our readers vignettes of life in the 19th Century as originally reported in past issues of the newspaper. These reprinted stories include their original headlines and spelling.)

Local Intelligence
(March 25, 1896)

A WONDERFUL PRESCRIPTION
An Old German Tailor
in a Moment of Confidence
Gives Up a Secret