Archive - May 2012
May 22nd
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Thus far, Kerin Mesankoâs teaching career has consisted of two very what she calls âshockingâ moments.
The first was being named the valedictorian of her class at Penn State University in 2005. The second was Tuesday, when she was named the elementary âTeacher of the Yearâ in The Punxsutawney Spiritâs annual contest.
âI am so blessed to be here,â Mesanko said in front of her class of â14 amazing studentsâ in kindergarten at the Punxsutawney Christian School. âThis is such an awesome class, and itâs easy to teach when the kids are eager to learn.â
PUNXSUTAWNEY â One would think that after 35 years in the same job, a person wouldnât be surprised by anything. But ask Alan Major, who was chosen as The Spiritâs middle school âTeacher of the Yearâ Tuesday, and heâll say thatâs not the case.
Major, who has taught in the district for 35 years, has previously won The Spirit award, as well as Wal-Martâs âTeacher of the Yearâ contest several years ago.
Major teaches fourth-grade standard math, mixed science and social studies.
Elizabeth Bonfanti, 87, Punxsutawney, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the McCabe Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.
May 21st
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Fezell Enterprise scored multiple runs in four of its five trips to the plate en route to its first win of the young season Monday evening in Punxsutawney â a 14-4, five-inning affair against Union in Indiana County Youth Legion action.
"It was great to get our first win," Punxsy coach Joe DiPietro said after the game. "These guys have been getting better with every practice and every game."
While Fezell scored early and often, it was actually Union that drew first blood, putting up a two-spot in the visitor's half of the first.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â While the Punxsy varsity baseball squad advanced to Wednesday's District IX championship game at Brookville, the JV squad ended its season last Friday on a disappointing note with an 11-1 loss to Hollidaysburg in six innings in Punxsutawney.
Punxsy head coach Rodney Thompson said it was a "rough last game for us," as the Chucks produced just one hit on the day.
That hit came off the bat of Dylan Orcutt, driving in Punxsy's only run.
On the mound, Matt Burkett started the game, pitching five innings. Burkett allowed eight hits, three walks and fanned three.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Thanks to quick action by members of the Central Fire Department, damage was held to a minimum when a laundry basket caught fire in the back seat of a vehicle at 11:30 a.m. Monday on South Findley Street.
Scott Depp, Central Fire Department chief, said a neighbor reported seeing smoke inside of a vehicle owned by Heather Fox, Ray Lane, Punxsutawney, while it was parked on South Findley Street.
Fox said she had been at the laundromat and most of the clothes were dry, and some were still damp.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Punxsutawney Borough Council recognized Joe Steiner, Punxsutawney Borough Police warden/dispatcher for his 25 years of service at last Monday's meeting.
"I want to thank you for your 25 years of service to Punxsutawney Borough Police and proclaim May 14 as Joe Steiner Day in Punxsutawney," said Jim Wehrle, Punxsutawney Mayor.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Thanks to the repeated generosity of area residents, American troops serving in Afghanistan will soon be enjoying a taste of home, as well as appreciating the generous supplies of toiletry and grooming products that they are receiving through the recent drive sponsored by the Jefferson County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.
Project coordinator Charlotte S. Fye reported that more than 50 boxes, cartons, and bags of "goodies" and health and hygiene supplies were collected throughout the month of April.
William C. "Bill" Kerr, 87, Brookville, died Saturday, May 19, 2012, at his residence.
He was born March 14, 1925, in Corsica, a son of the late George Patrick and Stella G. (Clinger) Kerr.
He was married to his wife, Alice K. Clark Kerr, who survives, for 60 years.
Mr. Kerr was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II in central Europe with the 402nd Field Artillery Battalion.
He was self-employed as a barber for 56 years.
Shirley J. Ewing, 83, Hamilton, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Jefferson Manor in Brookville.
Mrs. Ewing was born September 11, 1928, in Warren, Ohio, a daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred (Crawford) Hicks.
March 8, 1946, she married Ronald E. Ewing, who preceded her in death April 20, 2006.
Mrs. Ewing was a member of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Trade City and also a member of the Grange.
