Archive - Feb 2011 - News Article

Flood Watch

February 28, 2011

PITTSBURGH — Although the rain had stopped, Jefferson County remained under a flood warning until 9:30 p.m. Monday night, a warning extended from 6:15 p.m. earlier in the day.

Sun is expected today, with temperatures dropping into the 20s tonight.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said the flood warning included Punxsy, Summerville, Reynoldsville, Dora, Clear Creek State Park, Brookville and Brockway.

With new governor, county may house state inmates

February 28, 2011

BROOKVILLE — Jefferson County Jail Warden Tom Elbel was optimistic Monday that state inmate transfers could be possible in the future.

The county jail has long been interested in housing state inmates, because the jail receives $55 per day for each out-of-county inmate it houses. Currently, the jail has increased revenues by housing inmates from Elk, Cameron and McKean counties.

It's that time of year for cookie lovers

February 28, 2011

By Jennifer Barr
Of The Spirit

PUNXSUTAWNEY — For many, a magical time has arrived once again this year, as boxes upon boxes filled with the famous Girl Scout cookies have been delivered.

Girl Scout cookies are much enjoyed by the community. However, selling them also teaches the girls who are involved in Girl Scouts basic but essential life lessons.

By going door-to-door selling cookies, girls learn communication and people skills in greeting potential costumers.

Headed to Regionals

February 27, 2011

Way Back When

February 27, 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 newspapers. These reproduced stories include their original headlines and spelling.)

Local Intelligence
(February 5, 1896)

Death of Little Clara Wells

The papers last week told the sad fact but our hearts crave a few words of fond remembrance. 

IUP-Punxsy marks Black History Month with dance exhibit

February 25, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — In commemoration of February as Black History Month, the Punxsutawney Community Center joined with IUP-Punxsutawney campus to host a presentation by Angela Watson.

Through the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC), Michelle Covert and Theo Turner, both IUP-Punxsutawney administrators, were able to partner with Watson, who was accompanied by dancers and musicians.
Watson, a choreographer, storyteller and former Fulbright Scholar, taught the audience about African-American history through lecture, video and demonstration.

Have a drink on me

February 25, 2011

Solid Waste Authority looks toward Clearfield County for a lifeline

February 24, 2011

BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority has looked toward the state legislature for solutions to funding issues for the past several years. Now, it appears a different answer may be playing out in Clearfield County.

The authority has been losing funds since an administration fee was removed following a court case. This year, the authority needed more than $20,000 from reserve accounts to balance the operating budget. Each year, the authority asks the state to renew the administration fee, but no action has been taken.

Commission addresses concerns about tax notices

February 24, 2011

BROOKVILLE — The Jefferson County Commissioners Tuesday addressed changes to tax notices this year.

Commission Chairman Paul Corbin said changes to the tax notice have caused some confusion among residents.

He said the new tax notices are only a single page rather than two, and they are mailed directly to taxpayers’ homes.

“The envelopes say, very noticeably, ‘Important tax information enclosed,’” Corbin said, adding that two tax notices will be sent out, one for property tax and one for occupational tax.

Judge denies council’s appeal on fired police officer

February 23, 2011

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The appeal filed by Punxsutawney Borough Council to Jefferson County Common Pleas Court regarding the reinstatement of terminated Punxsutawney Borough Police officer Brian Andrekovich was denied by President Judge John H. Foradora in an opinion released Wednesday.

In its July 2010 report, the Punxsutawney Civil Service Commission ordered that Andrekovich be reinstated with the department after council fired him stemming from the Aug. 15, 2009, death of Stephen Obbish, 48, in the back of a borough police cruiser.