Archive - Jan 2012 - News Article

Chamber still seeks donations for capital campaign

January 24, 2012

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, in it’s most basic sense, is the glue that holds the community together, responsible for many behind-the-scenes projects that support Punxsy.

“We are really the front desk for the community,” Executive Director Marlene Lellock said. “It’s the place that people from out of town, if they want to know anything about the community — whether they want to move here, locate a business here, or come to visit — we are the place they call.”

READY FOR ‘KATHIE LEE & HODA’

January 24, 2012

Punxsutawney Phil and members of the Inner Circle had a special guest in town last Monday: Sara Haines (second from left), from NBC’s “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda Kotb,” explored Phil’s Souvenir Shop and also asked (from left) Inner Circle President Bill Deeley, Vice-President Mike Johnston (third from left) and John Griffiths about the phenomenon that is Groundhog Day.

Souvenir shop stocking up on Groundhog Day goods

January 23, 2012

PUNXSUTAWNEY — 2012 is the year without the plush. But for those behind the scenes at Phil's Souvenir Shop, it's the people — not necessarily the items — who make a Groundhog Day successful.

"I think the tourists and the people who come into the store are the most interesting," said Mary Ann Jacobson, the shop's head clerk.

"They're all happy to be here. When they're looking at your stuff, you see them smiling and laughing, and it makes for a happy atmosphere."

PAHS 2012 Winter Queen, Princess

January 21, 2012

Samantha Winebark (second from left) was crowned the Winter Queen, and Randa Depp (third from left) was crowned the Winter Princess during halftime of Friday night’s Chucks versus Owls basketball game. Their escorts were Tyler Milliron (far left) and Jesse Reinhart (far right), respectively.

PAHS 2012 Winter Queen's Court

January 21, 2012

Members of the PAHS 2012 Winter Queen’s Court are (from left) Randa Depp, with escort Jesse Reinhart; Kaitlyn Cressley, with Luke Spack; Sydney Jekielek, with Micky DeChurch; Samantha Winebark, with Tyler Milliron; Cassandra Cook, with Tyler Presloid; and Tori Brooks, with Brody Morgan.

REBERT DAY 5: Victim’s DNA found on Rebert’s boots, witness says

January 21, 2012

BROOKVILLE — Testimony on the fifth day of Steven Rebert’s double homicide trial revealed that while performing a DNA profile, Pennsylvania State Police forensic scientists found the DNA of one of the victims, Wayne Shugar, on Rebert’s work boots.

Rebert, 46, formerly of Emporium, faces double homicide charges in the shooting deaths of Wayne and Victoria Shugar, both 61, who were found dead April 12, 2010, in their Coal Tipple Road home, Brockway.

REBERT DAY 4: Testimony reveals Rebert’s continued drug use

January 20, 2012

BROOKVILLE — Two acquaintances of Steven P. Rebert took the witness stand for the prosecution in his double murder trial Thursday, both testifying to Rebert’s abuse of drugs — mainly Oxycontin.

Rebert, formerly of Emporium, faces charges in the shooting deaths of Wayne and Vickie Shugars, both 61, who were found dead April 12, 2010 in their home on Coal Tipple Road, Brockway.

First, District Attorney Jeffrey Burkett called Marc Cirrincione of Clarence, N.Y., a friend of Rebert’s since the late 1980s.

Cellmate: Rebert said Pa. couple had ‘old money’

January 20, 2012

BROOKVILLE — Testimony about a jail-house confession by Steven P. Rebert emerged during his Aug. 11, 2010, preliminary hearing in the shooting deaths of Victoria and Wayne Shugar, and Thursday, the man who allegedly heard the confession testified for the prosecution.

Joel Eagleson, formerly of Phoenix, Ariz., now residing in Batavia, N.Y., told the jury about a 15- to 20-minute conversation he and Rebert had in early June 2010, after Rebert had been arrested by authorities in Genessee County, N.Y., for possession of a weapon.

CRACKING DOWN ON BULLYING

January 20, 2012

Local Punxsy teachers recently received a grant on behalf of the Olweus Committee from McDonald’s to fund a school/community-wide event to call attention to the ever-growing problem of cyber-bullying. The “We Are PAWS-itively Bully-Free” event will feature a speaker from the state Attorney General’s office, as well as a free open swim night at the Punxsutawney Area Middle School natatorium; games; door prizes; snacks; and an opportunity to sign a Family Anti-Bullying Pledge poster.

REBERT DAY 3: Video shows Rebert at three stores the day of murders

January 19, 2012

BROOKVILLE — Jurors during the third day of Steven P. Rebert’s double-homicide trial learned how he left a video trail of surveillance of him stopping at Sheetz as he made his way to the home of Wayne and Vickie Shugar, Coal Tipple Road, Brockway.

Rebert, formerly of Emporium, faces double homicide charges in the shooting deaths of the Shugars, both 61, who were found dead April 12, 2010, in their home.