Archive - News Article
April 5th, 2011
PUNXSUTAWNEY â March 26, teams and individuals took part in the annual âBowl for Kidsâ Sakeâ to enable mentoring for local youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson County (BBBS).
To participate in the bowling event, each member had to raise a minimum of $35. Each individual who raised $50 was rewarded with a T-shirt. Further, the participant who raised the most money was awarded the top prize donated by local businesses. This year, the top prize package consisted of a Sony digital camera.
Attendants enjoyed two games, as well as food, entertainment and prizes.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â As passage of the 2011-12 Pennsylvania budget looms, the Punxsutawney Area School District is seeking to keep funds in check as it eyes a possible loss of almost $2 million, should Gov. Tom Corbettâs proposed budget pass.
A period of discussion focused on a building and grounds vehicle, which has seemingly been replaced with a vehicle that has fewer than 2,000 miles on it after two years, board member Bob Pascuzzo said.
Phil Heitzenrater, maintenance supervisor, said he would like to keep a 1994 GMC, citing it as more of an asset instead of selling it.
April 4th
INDIANA â The Lively Arts at Indiana University of Pennsylvania will bring award-winning actor, dancer, singer and humanitarian Bernadette Peters as next seasonâs Helwig Distinguished Artist.
 Peters will open the new 2011-12 Lively Arts touring artist season with a performance at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 in Fisher Auditorium of IUPâs Performing Arts Center.
 Petersâ appearance will mark the 18th for a Helwig Distinguished Artist since the program endowment was created in 1987 by Punxsutawney native and Indiana resident Florence Lattimer Helwig in honor of her late husband, Wilfred E. Helwig.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Although Easter is the holiday that is approaching, it may seem more like Christmas to the American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq who receive any of the care packages or âgoodie boxesâ being prepared and shipped abroad thanks to the generous response of area residents to a  campaign sponsored by the Jefferson County chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR).Â
April 3rd
PUNXSUTAWNEY â When one of his close friends dropped out of Boy Scouts of America a few years ago, Christopher Mitchell didn't know if he would reach his Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony.
Through perseverance and honor, Mitchell, a Punxsutawney Area High School senior, became one of more than two million young men to achieve the highest rank attainable in the boy scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America Sunday afternoon amongst family, friends, fellow scouts and local dignitaries at the Woodland Avenue United Methodist Church.
(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 12, 1896)
A New Gearing for Bicycles
BROOKVILLE â The Jefferson County Commissioners recently proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
PASSAGES, an organization supporting sexual assault victims in Jefferson, Clarion and Clearfield counties, placed the theme, âItâs Time To Get Involved.â
Diane Kuntz, executive director of PASSAGES, said the monthâs theme is designed to educate the public about sexual assault prevention.
âWeâre going to try to inundate the community during the month to heighten awareness regarding the issues with sexual violence and sexual assault. Itâs all about primary prevention.â
April 1st
HARRISBURG â As the state legislature considers the 2010-11 operating budget, state Sen. Joe Scarnati said a bill targeting Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration is progressing.
The bill could include what Scarnati called an âimpact fee,â which would be used to help counties and municipalities repair damaged roads and allow for increased environmental security.
BROOKVILLE â A group of Brookville residents met with the Laurel Festival Board Monday evening to discuss concerns regarding the festival.
The meeting was at times tense, but both sides agreed on one thing: The Laurel Festival is in a state of decline.
âItâs frustrating,â resident Jen Radel said. âI love the Laurel Festival, and I want my kids to love it. Itâs something that we get excited for. Then weâre disappointed year after year, and it leads to frustration.â
