The Punxsutawney Spirit 2022 Year in Review: January & February

It’s that time of year again! Christmas has come and gone, New Year’s is just around the corner, and it’s time to reflect upon the year that was. Here are the big headlines The Punxsutawney Spirit reported in 2023, as compiled by editor Matthew Triponey. Today, we’ll be looking at what happened in January and February. Note that the stories are listed by the date of the edition in which they appeared, not the date that the events occurred.

JANUARY

• Jan. 3: Jeff Tech director Barry Fillman was named Citizen of the Month by Reynoldsville Borough Council.

• Jan. 4: Punxsutawney borough police officer Ryan Miller was promoted to master patrolman.

• Jan. 4: A motion to provide hazard pay to borough employees failed at a meeting of

Reynoldsville Borough Council.

• Jan. 4: Penn Highlands DuBois’ first baby of the new year, Rylee Rebecca Grimm, the daughter of Ryan and Taylor Grimm of St. Marys, was born at 11:10 p.m. Jan. 1.

• Jan. 5: Jefferson County Sheriff Carl J. Gotwald Sr. announced his retirement, bringing an end to his 16 years in the position and 31 in the sheriff’s office.

• Jan. 5: Mahoning Valley VFW Post 2076 donated $1,040 raised by members to Western PA CARES for Kids.

• Jan. 5: A photo taken by Punxsutawney native Matt Freed, currently a photographer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, of the collapsed Fern Hollow Bridge was included in CNN’s “2022: The Year in Pictures.”

• Jan. 6: Elected officials and municipal employees from throughout Jefferson County gathered in

Brookville for the first of a series of meetings to address a local and nationwide crisis in emergency medical services stemming from a lack of personnel and other problems.

• Jan. 6: The Bell Township supervisors held their reorganization meeting, retaining their previous officers.

• Jan. 6: The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle released the full schedule for Groundhog Day 2023, and announced that the guest speaker at this year’s Groundhog Banquet would be the Weather Channel’s Alex Wilson.

• Jan. 6: The Salvation Army reported a successful Red Kettle Campaign, raising over $34,000 for its programs and activities.

• Jan. 7: Police chief Vince Markle announced at a meeting of Brookville Borough Council that while crime was up in the area, the police department ended 2022 with a 100 percent crimes solved rating.

• Jan. 7: Nate Hankinson announced that he would once again run 14 miles in the Punxsutawney area, including the Groundhog Jog, to raise money for a variety of local charities.

• Jan. 7: Punxsutawney Area High School co-principal Paul Hetrick was sentenced to 12 months in the ARD/DUI program on DUI charges, as well as six months probation for each of two Protection from Abuse order violations.

• Jan. 10: Punxsutawney Borough Council commended two Central Fire Department firefighters, assistant chief Bryan Smith and Derek Miller, for life-saving actions during a West Mahoning Street fire on Dec. 28. Council also approved a motion appointing Jennifer Blose to the seat left vacant after the passing of Cindy Rebuck.

• Jan. 10: Karli A.

Young was named the Punxsutawney Career Women’s Club’s girl of the month for January.

• Jan. 11: The Punxsutawney Area School Board began the dismissal process for high school co-principal Paul Hetrick after the conclusion of three court cases regarding a pair of Protection from Abuse order violations and a DUI.

• Jan. 11: Jerry Duffell, owner of the Shadow Hotel at the Pantall Building, presented construction plans to Punxsutawney council, seeking approval to make South Jefferson Street one-way to accommodate a new main entrance to the facility.

• Jan. 11: The Brookville Municipal Authority welcomed a new member, Bruce Pierson, who replaced Sam McKinley on the board.

• Jan. 12: Jefferson County treasurer Jim VanSteenberg reported that finances were in good enough shape that the county would not need to borrow money on a tax anticipation notice to tide it over until tax money was collected.

• Jan. 12: The Punxsutawney Area Hospital Medical Surgical Unit held a fund drive to collect items for Gateway Humane Society.

• Jan. 13: The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce offered free women’s clothing on Dress for Success Day.

• Jan. 14: Penn Highlands Brookville received the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s Patient Safety Award.

• Jan. 16: Punxsutawney Area Elementary School second-grade teacher Tessa Ellis penned a children’s book, “Stella and the Stars,” illustrated by high school art teacher Jessica Green, to help kids cope with the loss of a pet.

• Jan. 17: Jill Beck, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Superior Court, visited the Burrow in Punxsutawney.

• Jan. 18: The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center announced that it would be making one last induction to the Meteorologist Hall of Fame on Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil himself.

• Jan. 18: Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the new governor of Pennsylvania.

• Jan. 19: A suspect was arrested following a threat discovered written on the wall in the boys restroom at PAHS.

• Jan. 19: Wildlife Conservation Officer Andrew Troutman reported that rifle deer season had ended with good turnout and a solid harvest.

• Jan. 20: Phil’s Official Souvenir Shop showed off the new items it had in stock ahead of Groundhog Day.

• Jan. 20: Justin Miller was named the Punxsutawney Rotary Club’s boy of the month for December.

• Jan. 21: The Punxsutawney Area School Board called a special meeting to vote on an amendment to its statement of charges against high school co-principal Paul Hetrick after an internal investigation revealed allegations of sexual harassment against a subordinate employee, as well as accusations that he had violated the conditions of his administrative leave.

• Jan. 21: Solid Rock Church in Big Run launched its Bundles of Blessings free clothing ministry.

• Jan. 21: Penn State DuBois announced that Alicia Bryan of DuBois, Eamon Jamieson of Punxsutawney, Jalen Kosko of DuBois and Gaven Wolfgang of Reynoldsville would represent the campus at THON 2023.

• Jan. 21: Debra Todd was formally installed as the first female Chief Justice of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.

• Jan. 23: The Rebecca

M. Arthurs Memorial Library held a seminar on protecting yourself from digital fraud.

• Jan. 24: Scouts from throughout the region headed to Camp Mountain Run for the annual Polar Bear weekend.

• Jan. 24: Jeff Tech principal Melissa Mowrey reported that the school continues to see its all-time highest enrollment, with as many as 600 students possible next year.

• Jan. 25: The Punxsutawney Area School Board approved an amended statement of dismissal charges against co-principal Paul Hetrick, adding allegations of sexual harassment and violating the terms of his paid leave.

• Jan. 25: Jeff Tech students who earned medals at the annual SkillsUSA competition were recognized at the joint operating committee’s meeting.

• Jan. 26: Student musicians from Punxsy and Brookville prepared for the PMEA District concerts.

• Jan. 26: Rylee Grimes was named student of the month at Jeff Tech.

• Jan. 27: The Whistle Pigs announced that they would be making their stage debut playing groundhog songs in Barclay Square.

• Jan. 27: Area residents John McCormick and Beth Goldie wrote a book, “Visitor’s Guide to Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney,” to help tourists find their way around town.

• Jan. 28: The Spirit highlighted the Griebel sisters — Emily, Katelyn, Danielle and Samantha — and the legacy they’ve been building in Punxsy high school sports, particularly basketball and volleyball.

• Jan. 28: Punxsy Pizza owner Scott Anthony participated in his second Guinness World Record event, the World’s Largest Pizza Party, which benefited Make-A-Wish Oklahoma.

• Jan. 28: The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Groundhog Day in the Park would return for its second year during the annual festivities.

• Jan. 30: Jake Zimmerman and Madelyn Toven were crowned Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog 2023.

• Jan. 31: Mulberry Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center crowned Dorothy Kostok and Bob Leyo Groundhog Queen and King.

FEBRUARY

• Feb. 1: Groundhog royalty was named at the Punxsy high school and elementary school: King Jake Henretta, Queen Sydney Hoffman, Prince Greyson Pearce and Princess Ally Manners.

• Feb. 2: At the annual Groundhog Banquet, Jeff Grube and Gloria Kerr were named Punxsutawney’s Man and Woman of the Year.

• Feb. 2: At the annual Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent competition, two finalists were selected to perform ahead of Phil’s prognostication: opera singer Payton Tanner from Vera Beach, Florida, and Rockton duo Denny and Sue Shaffner with their Phil-themed take on “The Wellerman.”

• Feb 3: Punxsutawney Phil issued his annual prediction: six more weeks of winter.

• Feb. 4: Punxsutawney Phil became the last inductee into the Weather Discovery Center’s Meteorologist Hall of Fame.

• Feb. 4: The Spirit caught up with WTAJ chief meteorologist Joe Murgo on his last trip to Groundhog Day as a representative of the station.

• Feb. 4: The Punxsutawney Lady Chucks basketball team claimed the Route 36 rivalry trophy with a 74-19 victory over Brookville.

• Feb. 6: The Brookville Raiders defeated the Punxsutawney Chucks basketball team to claim the Route 36 rivalry trophy.

• Feb. 7: Paul Hetrick resigned as co-principal of the Punxsutawney Area High School.

• Feb. 7: A Groundhog Day baby was born at the Punxsutawney Area Hospital: Micah Adamo, the son of Kasey Prescott and Thomas Adamo.

• Feb. 8: Sykesville Borough Council approved a bid for the old bank building.

• Feb. 8: Veterans and staff from the Butler VA Medical Center visited Mahoning Valley VFW Post and Auxiliary 2076, where they met Punxsutawney Phil.

• Feb. 9: Zachary Schiel was named the Punxsutawney Rotary Club’s boy of the month for January.

• Feb. 10: Brookville Borough Council approved a motion to allow the Brookville Hub organization to use the borough as a conduit for a feasibility study grant application.

• Feb. 10: Punxsy’s Evan Groce signed a declaration of intent to join the cross country and track and field teams at Geneva College.

• Feb. 11: Karli Ann Young and Kaylin Anne Smith were crowned Winter Queen and Princess at Punxsutawney Area High School.

• Feb. 11: Jordann Hicks was named the Punxsutawney Career Women’s Club’s girl of the month for February.

• Feb. 13: Brookville resident Dave Taylor released a book titled “A Gift to the Community: The Pinecrest Country Club, 1920-1970.”

• Feb. 13: An art showcase was held for Jeff Tech students at the Fusion Cafe in Brookville. Students in the Art Club also announced the release of a coloring book to be sold as a fundraiser.

• Feb. 14: Team 814 at WPAL DuBois announced that it would be hosting a group of boxers from Cork, Ireland, for the St. Paddy’s Day Showdown.

• Feb. 15: Punxsutawney Borough Council approved Memorial Day plans, back under the direction of American Legion Post 62.

• Feb. 15: Mahoning Valley VFWP Post 2076 began fundraising to pave its parking lot.

• Feb. 16: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency held a hearing to solicit residents’ opinions on a proposed brine disposal well to be built in

Young Township, Residents and local officials in attendance at the meeting were all opposed.

• Feb. 16: Baka’s Barber Shop and the Broken Comb provided students with free haircuts at the Punxsutawney Area High School for Hygiene Week.

• Feb. 16: A resident of the Columbus Planned Community Development, speaking at a Punxsutawney Borough Council meeting, threatened legal action against over a dispute regarding stormwater issues.

• Feb. 17: State Rep. Brian Smith announced that he would introduce a bill to move the opening day of rifle antlered deer season back to the Monday after Thanksgiving.

• Feb. 18: The Lady Chucks’ Chloe Presloid set an all-time school record, shooting nine threepointers in a single game.

• Feb. 18: A student at Brookville Area Jr./Sr. High School was charged after allegedly issuing a bomb threat and making death threats against specific individuals. No immediate danger was found.

• Feb. 18: Brookville’s Watershed Journal began offering MasterClass subscriptions for those wanting to learn more about their art from professionals in the industry.

• Feb. 20: The Ghost Chics’ Angel Deyarmin, a Glen Campbell resident, began investigating alleged paranormal phenomena in the Punxsutawney area.

• Feb. 20: Nine Punxsy Chucks wrestlers advanced to the AAA Northwest Regionals Tournament in Altoona: Jordan Rutan, Zeke Bennett, Dysen Gould, Nick Mottern, Hunter Dobson, Lando Martz, Brice Rowan, David Kunselman and Grant Miller.

• Feb. 21: Unity Rises continued to serve the community out of its new location, 212 W. Mahoning St., with plans to start a new soup kitchen.

• Feb. 22: Chucks lineman Nick Wisnesky took the championship in the 220-pound class at a deadlift competition, lifting 510 pounds.

• Feb. 22: Brookville high school students in the robotics class participated in the VEX Robotics Competition: Spin Up.

• Feb. 22: Three fighters from Punxsutawney trained up for the Golden Gloves Tournament in Reynoldsville.

• Feb. 23: The National Junior Honor Society chapter at Punxsy high school inducted 22 new students into its membership.

• Feb. 23: Michael Ford of the Brockway Area School District was named student of the month at Jeff Tech.

• Feb. 23: Students at Penn State DuBois helped raise over $34,000 for THON.

• Feb. 24: Punxsy resident Jeanne Curtis announced plans for her annual Pysanky Eggstravaganza.

• Feb. 25: The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce held a mixer at Punxsy Dental to celebrate its 25th anniversary under its current ownership.

• Feb. 25: Zachery Dinger was named the Punxsutawney Rotary Club’s boy of the month for February.

• Feb. 27: Students at Jeff Tech had an opportunity to think about their future at the annual career fair.

• Feb. 27: Punxsy wrestlers Jordan Rutan and Dysen Gould medaled at Regionals, Rutan taking fourth in the 121-pound division and Gould taking third at 114 to secure a trip to States.

• Feb. 27: Punxsy indoor track and field’s Rebekah Miller took 14th in the shot put at the PTFCA State Championship meet.

• Feb. 28: Zachery Allen Dodson, an off-duty officer from the Curwensville police department and Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office, was criminally charged after allegedly shooting a man in the face during a struggle at a bar in DuBois.

• Feb. 28: Local radio stations under the purview of Renda Broadcasting unveiled new livestreaming options.