Archive - 2012 - News Article
May 24th
REYNOLDSVILLE — The Jefferson County-DuBois AVTS Class of 2012 is looking at a different take on an ancient Mayan philosophy that suggests 2012 will mark the end of the world.
“The world is not ending; we’re just taking over,” said class President Karissa Dinger, of Punxsy, as 93 students from the Brockway, Brookville, DuBois and Punxsutawney school districts received their diplomas Thursday night at Jeff Tech.
BROOKVILLE — While human services, higher education and basic education may endure significant cuts once the state’s final budget is approved, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is seeing a little relief from the cuts this year.
“All in all, we did OK; we fared OK,” said Eric Bridges, executive director of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. “There are still some areas of concern, but at the end of the day, we’ll right-size the organization and do what we have to do, to maintain a high level of service.”
Thursday evening, members of the Punxsutawney Garden Club planted flowers in the first half of the hayracks around town. They will plant the second half whenever new hayracks are placed at the new light posts. Pictured are (from left) Kerri Stebbins, Kim Neigh, Grace Neigh, Tanga Hopkins, Rose Osikowicz and Dottie Jekielek.
May 23rd
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Even though her experience took place 70 years ago, Holocaust survivor Shulamit Bastacky’s message to youngsters and others isn’t unlike that of anti-bullying campaigns today.
Don’t be a victim. Don’t be a victimizer. Stand up for what’s right. And be respectful of other people and their differences.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — PAMS AmeriCorps teacher Christine Curtis’ interest in the Holocaust as a history major turned into not only a valuable lesson for her students, but a massive project for others from which to learn.
And at the end of it all, students showed that despite their young ages, they could research and present information on such a difficult topic.
BROOKVILLE — At the age of 104, Edith Altman is Jefferson County’s oldest resident.
She earned the recognition over a Reynoldsville man by only a few months, and celebrated her long life with family and friends Wednesday afternoon at Jefferson Manor in Brookville.
“It’s wonderful,” her daughter, Amy Slocum said. “It’s super. It’s great to be able to get together. We don’t do it often enough. This is a celebration of life.”
May 22nd
PUNXSUTAWNEY — One year of teaching at the Punxsutawney Area High School was apparently enough time for Rodney Thompson to make an impact on students and the community, as he was named the high school “Teacher of the Year” in The Punxsutawney Spirit’s annual contest Tuesday.
After 11 years of teaching at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center (CCCTC), Thompson was hired at PAHS to teach computer applications, introduction to business and accounting in grades eight through 12.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Thus far, Kerin Mesanko’s teaching career has consisted of two very what she calls “shocking” 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 “Teacher of the Year” in The Punxsutawney Spirit’s annual contest.
“I am so blessed to be here,” Mesanko said in front of her class of “14 amazing students” in kindergarten at the Punxsutawney Christian School. “This is such an awesome class, and it’s easy to teach when the kids are eager to learn.”
PUNXSUTAWNEY — One would think that after 35 years in the same job, a person wouldn’t be surprised by anything. But ask Alan Major, who was chosen as The Spirit’s middle school “Teacher of the Year” Tuesday, and he’ll say that’s not the case.
Major, who has taught in the district for 35 years, has previously won The Spirit award, as well as Wal-Mart’s “Teacher of the Year” contest several years ago.
Major teaches fourth-grade standard math, mixed science and social studies.
May 21st
PUNXSUTAWNEY — 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.
