Before I begin my column this week, I was asked to use a little space for a public service message.

Would you please shovel out the fire hydrant in front of or near your house? This may include helping a neighbor who’s a little farther away, who may be elderly or unable to do this. The reasons why this is necessary should be self-explanatory, and thank you to those who have already taken this action.

The best news in regard to this winter weather problem is that pitchers and catchers are reporting to Spring Training today. And March 8th, daylight savings time, is less than a month away. I think that makes this a good spot to mention that Punxsutawney Phil is now in the rearview mirror. As they were hyping up the crowd and promoting Pennsylvania honorably, the groundhog did what any self-respecting prognosticator would do: it predicted six more weeks of seasonal winter weather. Phil, at age 137, is still as accurate as his fellow meteorologists and brings tourism to his hometown.

That gets me to a cover date of February 11th. Happy birthday to my kid sister Jodi. Please forgive me, Jodi, when growing up for not having the patience an older brother should have. I think I’ve gotten a lot better as I’ve gotten older. Thank you for providing me with the uncle role you have. I love you and your family very much. Just a heads up, there’s a card in the mail for you. I sent it Pony Express; I mean, U.S. Mail.

With all that said, that gets me to another February holiday. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. I wish you love, joy, and happiness. Please remember to reach out to those closest to you and let them hear your voice, along with those special words you would like to share. If you’re not able to be with them in person, don’t send or leave a message; give them a call. We all have only so many days to hear each other’s voices; don’t waste a chance.

There are great places and ideas in the pages ahead for you to share Valentine’s Day. A special note to husbands, you’re not going to get off easy with just that conversation I talked about. You need to do a little more to keep the lady in your life happy. For some reason, I’ve always thought Valentine’s Day means a lot more to the ladies than it does to the men. But I could be wrong.

Happy Valentine’s Day to Michelle, Jimmy, Lauren, and my grandson Beau, who is now a month old. Hunter and Maia, my mom, my stepmother, Carol, and my mother-in-law, Theresa. I love you all very much. I’d better mention my fur babies, Finn, Leia, and granddog, Buck. The love our four-legged family members provide shows through every day. Please don’t forget your special buddies on Valentine’s Day. But please also don’t give them too much of something they probably shouldn’t have.

I’ll finish with another February event that’s been delayed a little by the weather, as the final scoring was just completed. Congratulations to the winners of our 18th Annual Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. What a magical season it was in Penns Woods for many local hunters.

Thank you to Stoltzfus Butchering for providing $100 gift cards for our runner-up through fourth-place winners. Coming in 4th was Gavin Gavlock. His trophy measured 155.6 SCI scoring, featuring 10 points and a 23 1/4” spread. Third place went to Roy Puller, who bagged a 13-point with a 16-in spread scoring out at 158.5. Runner Up was Brent Waldron; his absolute tank of a buck sported 14 points, 17 1/2” spread finishing at 163.6 SCI scoring. And our 2025-2026 winner, who receives the great artistry of Poust Taxidermy for a shoulder mount, was Nate Kremser. His monster buck of the year scored a whopping 183.5. Having 12 points, 17” spread, along with very heavy mass. Last but definitely not least is the winner of our Savage Axis Rifle Package from Sauers Trading.

Congratulations to Kurt Westbrook, whose hunting season just got a little bit better. I’m out of space for the week. We will have pictures and much more next week. Thank you to everyone who entered and everyone who made this happen.

Let’s think warm thoughts, look out for each other, and be positive.

God Bless America.