Knotty Pine GAZETTE - Groundhog Sees His Shadow

Yes, the groundhog did see his shadow. And that means at least six more weeks of winter for 2012. But this prediction concerning winter does not come from Punxsutawney Phil or Buckeye Chuck, or any of a host of other rodent prognosticators. This one and only forecast comes from Knotty Pine's own Big Piny.

Everyone in Knotty Pine knows that groundhogs are not native to the mountainous regions around Knotty Pine. But 3 years ago Phil and Freida Friend moved to Knotty Pine from Ohio. Phil is a ranger in Big Pine National Forest. Chief Ranger Bill Jefferson is his boss. The Friends brought their pet groundhog Piny with them to our fair town. Piny became a big hit around town and can often be found in the square with one or more of the Friend family.

Ranger Bill's ward Henry Scott is in charge of one of the after-school kids clubs. Henry's club has adopted Piny as their mascot. They also got the town fathers to sponsor Knotty Pine Ground Hog Day. So as the sun rose over Knotty Pine Thursday, Knotty Pine's own Big Piny came downtown and saw his shadow.

Townsfolk commented how much Big Piny looks like ranger Stumpy Jenkins!