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.

08/12/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney chapter of PEO — Philanthropic Educational Organization — an international organization “where women motivate, educate and celebrate women,” recently honored 2025 Punxsutawney Area High School graduate Mary Grusky on being selected for the PEO STAR Scholarship. Read the full story in Tuesday'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/

08/12/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Borough Council President Justin Cameron resigned from his position, effective immediately, during Monday’s council meeting. Cameron read his letter of resignation at the start of the meeting. Read the full story in Tuesday'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/

08/08/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — Punxsutawney Area Hospital Home Health has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs as a Premier Performer for achieving an overall patient experience score that ranked in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2024 calendar year. The 2024 award recipients were determined by reviewing and ranking the overall experience score for more than 3,200 home health providers. Read the full story in Friday'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/

08/07/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — There was a short rain shower, but for the most part the weather was really great for National Night Out on Tuesday, and the large crowd that turned out was proof of that. Matt Conrad, Punxsutawney Borough Police chief, said it was a great turnout. “It was the largest event we have hosted as of yet,” Conrad said. “There were close to 60 participating agencies from throughout the Punxsutawney area and Jefferson County.” Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Spirit or have news like this delivered to your home by subscribing at https://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/site/forms/subscription_services/
Pictured are Braxen (left) and Kaulen Casteel enjoying their shaved ice along with their mom Kilee. Photo by Larry McGuire of the Spirit.

07/28/2025

PUNXSUTAWNEY — As the month of July begins to wind down, it can only mean school is ready to begin. According to the Punxsutawney Area School District 2025-2026 calendar, the first student day is Aug. 25, 2025. At Thursday’s school board committee meeting, the principals gave their final reports prior to the new school 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/

07/28/2025

BELL TWP. — Its one of those places that many people take for granted, but Cloe Lake in Bell Township, which is a year round fishing area, is home to a large variety of fish species. John Kelsey of Punxsutawney has been fishing for carp in Cloe Lake for 40 years and has caught really large carp in his time and the old fishin’ hole.
Kelsey said that he realizes that he’s well known celebrity in these parts. Read the full story in Monday's edition of the Spirit or get news and stories like this delivered to your home by subscribing at https://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/site/forms/subscription_services/