The Punxsutawney Spirit

12/01/2025

Images of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' bloodied face pretty much sum up the scene at Acrisure Stadium this afternoon. The Steelers bumbled their way to a 26-7 loss against the Buffalo Bills before a frustrated crowd.

At the beginning of the second half, the Bills stripped the ball from Rodgers and scored a touchdown. Rodgers suffered facial injuries during that play and he spent some time with the medical staff on the sidelines before returning to the game a drive later.

At times fans chanted "Fire Mike Tomlin," and they even booed the popular "Renegade" anthem as it played late in the game. The Steelers fall to 6-6 for the year, and will head to Baltimore next weekend to face their division rivals.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

11/27/2025

The Spirit would love to see your Thanksgiving moments! 🦃❤️
Are you gathering with multiple generations today—grandparents, parents, kids, cousins, friends who feel like family? Capture those special memories and share them with us!

📸 Post your photos in the comments or send them to us directly.
(Your photo may be printed in an upcoming edition of the paper!)

We can’t wait to see the joy, traditions, and togetherness in our community today. Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡🍁

11/16/2025

Just a few weeks ago the Steelers suffered a loss to the Bengals before a national audience in Cincinnati. This afternoon, Pittsburgh came back with a vengeance to defeat their division rival at Acrisure Stadium, 34-12.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the game with a wrist injury after the first half, putting backup Mason Rudolph in charge for the remainder of the game.

The Steelers improve to 6-4 on the season, and will head to Chicago to take on the Bears next weekend.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

11/05/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Americans reported to the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots in a variety of state and local elections. Jefferson County residents were able to make their voices heard in several closely watched local races after incumbents vacated multiple county offices, leading newcomers to compete to succeed them. Those offices were coroner, prothonotary/clerk of courts and treasurer. At Spirit press time many of those and more elected offices across the county like mayor, school board, borough council and township supervisor we're beginning to show likely outcomes. Read the full story with those early results in Wednesday's edition of The Spirit. Photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit.

11/02/2025

After two consecutive losses, the Steelers defense finally showed up big this afternoon as they played the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers fell behind early, but a series of turnovers helped them topple the Colts 27-20.

At halftime, the Steelers honored the 20th anniversary of Super Bowl XL, when they defeated the Seattle Seahawks. A slew of players from that era joined the celebration, including Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Alan Faneca and Joey Porter.

The Steelers improve to 5-3 for the year, and they'll head to Los Angeles next weekend to face the Chargers.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

10/27/2025

Quaterback Aaron Rodgers had high hopes of beating his old team last night, which would have given him bragging rights of beating every franchise in the NFL during his storied career. That accomplishment will remain on his bucket list, though, as the Steelers were unable to overcome the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday night in front of a national audience.

The Packers beat the Steelers 35-25, dropping Pittsburgh to 4-3 for the season. The Steelers will be back at home next Sunday afternoon to face the Indianapolis Colts.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

10/12/2025

The Steelers were back in action at home this afternoon after their bye week and recent trip to Ireland.

Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdowns in the team's solid performance against the Cleveland Browns, coming out on top 23-9. The Steelers are now 4-1, and are the only team in the division with a winning record.

Next Thursday, the Steelers will head to Cincinnati for a night game against the Bengals.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

10/02/2025

08/21/2025

🐾 National Dog Day 🐾
🗓️ Tuesday, August 26, 2025
🐶 Send us your dog photos to be featured in the Spirit!!!

08/18/2025

YOUNG TWP. — America250PA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Freemasons, celebrated a Liberty Tree dedication Ceremony at Gobbler’s K**b in Jefferson County on Saturday morning. These ceremonies are part of a multi-year initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Through this partnership, a certified Liberty Tree will be planted in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties in advance of the milestone year. Read the full story in Monday's edition of the Spirit or get news like this delivered to your home by subscribing at https://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

08/17/2025

And just like that, it's football season again!

The Steelers played their only home preseason game on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium. Most of the team's starters did not play, giving the younger players a chance to earn a spot on the roster.

Tampa scored a last-second field goal, giving them a 17-14 victory.

Photos by Alan Freed / The Punxsutawney Spirit

08/14/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Police Department is issuing a public service announcement to remind residents and visitors of the laws governing the use of various personal mobility devices within the borough. “With the increasing popularity of electric scooters, e-bikes, and similar devices, it is crucial for all community members to understand and follow the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code to ensure the safety of everyone on our roadways and sidewalks,” police said in a news release.A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the same rights and is subject to all the same duties as the driver of a vehicle. Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals. A person under 12 years of age must wear a helmet. Bicycles are generally allowed on sidewalks unless prohibited by an official traffic-control device. When on a sidewalk, a bicyclist must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. However, bicycles and electric bikes are not permitted on sidewalks located within a business district. To be considered an e-bike, the device must meet specific criteria. The electric motor cannot exceed 750 watts; the motor can only provide assistance up to a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface; the device must weigh no more than 100 pounds and have operable pedals; and the operator must be at least 16 years of age; E-bikes are not subject to titling, registration or insurance requirements. They are allowed wherever traditional bicycles are permitted. When in use between sunset and sunrise, every bicycle and e-bike must have a front lamp that emits a white light visible from at least 500 feet away, as well as a red reflector on the rear, also visible from at least 500 feet away. Riders may also supplement the required lights with a white flashing lamp on the front and a red flashing lamp on the rear for enhanced visibility. In Pennsylvania, most electric scooters are not street legal. The state considers them motor vehicles, which would require them to meet specific titling, registration and inspection requirements. Since most electric scooters lack the necessary equipment (such as turn signals, mirrors, etc.), they cannot be legally registered or operated on public roads or sidewalks. The only legal place to ride an electric scooter is on private property with the owner’s permission. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code specifically defines an Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device as a self-balancing, two-wheeled device. Segways are considered vehicles, but not motor vehicles, and are permitted on sidewalks and roadways unless prohibited by local ordinance. They do not require titling, registration or insurance.