Archive
March 25th, 2011
By
Terry A. Fye and Tom Chapin
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Richard Peirce won’t take credit for the idea to use his 1991 Cadillac DeVille to bring a message from God to people everywhere.
“God put this idea in my mind,” he said.
And if you haven’t seen the vehicle, you’re not looking hard enough.
With yellow lettering emblazoned against the car’s maroon body color, the message is clear and startling: Judgment Day is Saturday, May 21, 2011 — eight weeks from today.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The fences are up, funding has been approved, and the demolition of the existing buildings is set to make way for the construction of Grace Place, a 24-unit housing complex for moderate-income seniors.
Tim Spence, a member of the Jefferson Area Lutheran Social Ministry (JALSM), said the $6.5 million project will be constructed at the corner of Pine and Gilpin streets on the site of the former Parente’s Pool Hall, directly across from First English Lutheran Church.
JALSM is constructing the apartment complex in partnership with TREK Development of Pittsburgh.
March 24th
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsy cross country and track and field coach George Wehrle doesn't envision seniors Milea Schall or Shannon Byerly using treadmills to stay in shape.
Both girls enjoy running outside way too much.
After successful Punxsutawney Area High School cross country and track careers, both Schall and Byerly will be taking their enjoyment of competitive running to the next level next fall.
BROOKVILLE — A former Punxsutawney man was sentenced to a maximum of nine years in a state correctional facility after pleading guilty to a variety of charges, including identity theft, with a total of $99,000 owed in restitution.
Michael J. Lainey, c/o the Jefferson County jail, pleaded guilty to numerous counts of identity theft, access device fraud and various other charges mostly involving Gilman Lainey of Punxsy, the defendant’s father, from whom he stole $90,771.
BROOKVILLE — Historic Brookville Inc. (HBI) will present the designs for the planned town square at 7 p.m. April 7 at the Brookville Volunteer Fire Hall.
HBI made that announcement this week after more than six months of design work and several years of dealing with environmental issues.
The final site plan includes:
• Pedestrian amenities, including a decorative walkway between the courthouse and town square.
• Lighting and adequate electricity for public performances, such as concerts and plays.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — “All the world’s a stage,” according to Shakespeare. Now, the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild Inc. (PTAG) is proving the truth of that famous comment through its new Web site, punxsytheatre.org.
Developed through the efforts of Guild member Jef Dinsmore and Web site designer John McManigle of Brookville, the site is a “one-stop location for all news and information about PTAG,” according to Dinsmore.
Maurice E. George, 87, Johnstown (formerly of North Freedom), died early Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at the Maple Winds Care Center in Portage.
He was born Nov. 2, 1923, in Redbank Township, Armstrong County, a son of the late William M. and Carrie (Dinger) George.
Jan. 31, 1945, he married Betty M. Brocious, and they recently celebrated their 66th anniversary.
Mr. George was a member of the North Freedom United Methodist Church. He was the secretary and treasurer of the Redbank Township (Armstrong County) supervisors for 35 years and was a scoutmaster.
John E. "Jack" Kovalyak, 81, Punxsutawney, died Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Jefferson Manor, Brookville.
He was born Nov. 24, 1929, in Punxsutawney, a son of the late John and Anna (Kallas) Kovalyak.
Aug. 30, 1952, he married Shirley (Dorworth) Kovalyak, who preceded him in death.
Mr. Kovalyak was a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Byznatine Church.
He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. He was hard-working and independent all of his life, and was very fond of his four-legged friends, especially his dog Roxy.
Surviving relatives include four nephews and four nieces.
Merle F. “Frank” Milliron, 89, Rochester Mills, died Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at Jefferson Manor in Brookville.
Mr. Milliron was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army.
He was married to Alverda (Plyler) Milliron, who survives, of Rochester Mills.
Mr. Milliron was a man of many talents: A Christmas tree trimming artist, stone mason, Truck Patch Farmery (grew giant pumpkins) and loved having dogs near.
March 23rd
CLARION — Led by a two-time state runner-up, a trio of Punxsy wrestlers will compete in the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling State Championship Tournament this weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.
Kaleb Young, a runner-up at the PJW state tournament the past two years, will once again compete at states, which take place Friday and Saturday.
For the second-straight year, Young will be joined by Josh Schuckers and Troy Peace after all three finished within the top two places of their weight classes and age divisions at the Area V Tournament last Saturday at Clarion University.
