Archive - News Article
January 12th, 2011
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is expanding its programs in Jefferson County, and could provide community service projects for PAHS students.
The same night that guidance counselor Emily Cassidy and PAHS Principal David London announced proposed changes to the senior project and standardized testing, respectively, Heidi Stahlnecker, program director for BBBS of Jefferson, Elk and McKean counties, discussed with the Punxsutawney Area School Board ways that both students and potential âbigsâ can get involved.
Mayor James Wehrle (left) presented Mary Ann Bosak (middle) with a proclamation for being the first female firefighter to retire and become a life member in the Punxsutawney and Central Fire Departments. Wehrle proclaimed Monday, Jan. 10, 2011, âMary Ann Bosak Dayâ in honor of her 20 years of service to the department. Bosak (middle) thanked Wehrle, council and her fellow firefighters for their support over the years. Also pictured is Punxsutawney Borough Council President Susan Glessner (right). (Photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
January 11th
PUNXSUTAWNEY â They may not know it, but todayâs freshmen at PAHS are already working toward completion of their senior projects.
Punxsutawney Area High School students will still be required to complete senior projects in order to graduate, but starting with the Class of 2014 â this yearâs freshmen â the projects will become more career and community service oriented.
Monday, guidance counselor Emily Cassidy told the Punxsutawney Area School Board that committees met once a month over the past year to revamp the graduation project program.
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP â Family members who lost their home in a fire Dec. 26, 2010, on Rock Run Road in Montgomery Township lost everything they owned except their lives, but continue to receive assistance.
Sean Connor, who is the assistant manager at the Punxsutawney Wal-Mart, and his wife Mary, who is a cafeteria worker for the Purchase Line School District, and their youngest daughter Katarina, had just returned home the evening of Dec. 26 when their dog, Ringo, became restless after Sean had gone to bed.
HARRISBURG â Punxsutawney Phil and the state Pennsylvania Tourism Office chose an unusual location to announce the latest technological promotion for Groundhog Day 2011: The state Farm Show & Expo.
Maybe itâs not too unusual, however, because last year, Punxsy Phil and tourism officials announced that his prognostication would be sent to his loyal followers via text message.
There wonât be text messages this year, but followers of the Foursquare mobile platform have an opportunity to earn a special PA Groundhog Day badge if they âshoutâ their current location Feb. 2.
January 10th
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Gobblerâs Knob is best known as Punxsutawney Philâs home worldwide Feb. 2, but as everyone knows, his true home is in what has been known as the Groundhog Zoo in the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.
But recently, Groundhog Club Inner Circle president Bill Deeley said that Philâs home in the library has undergone some much-needed renovations â as well as a new name.
âWe replaced the burgundy canopy on Philâs home that said âGroundhog Zooâ with a green canopy that says âPhil Burrowâ on it,â Deeley said.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â Former Punxsutawney Borough Police officer Sean Weaver extended an olive branch in the form of a settlement to the members of Punxs-utawney Borough Council during Mondayâs monthly meeting.
In August 2010, council did not offer Weaver and Pat Renwick full-time police employment at the end of their probationary periods. But during its Sept. 13 meeting, council hired Renwick but not Weaver.
Monday, Weaver spoke to council regarding a lawsuit he filed against the borough for not hiring him full-time.
PUNXSUTAWNEY â New statewide graduation exams are on the horizon, which in turn will change the Punxs-utawney Area School Districtâs entire curriculum and graduation requirements.
Basically, âItâs more testing,â PAHS Principal David London said.
Monday, London, guidance counselor Emily Cassidy and director of federal programs and curriculum Richard Galluzzi reviewed the proposed Keystone Exams, which London said are designed to help all students, beginning with the Class of 2015, demonstrate proficiency in state academic standards.
January 9th
PUNXSUTAWNEY â The new SchoolReach notifications system in the Punxsutawney Area School District has worked well in its first attempts to communicate important messages to the public.
District superintendent Dr. Keith Wolfe pointed out that thankfully, the district has only had to use the system once so far this year.
By
Compiled by Terry A. Fye
(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
(January 29, 1896)
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