Groundhog Bites Wisconsin Mayor
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Margaret_Sherman/iStock/Thinkstock(SUN PRAIRIE, Wis.) — Maybe the groundhog thing is getting out of control?
The mayor of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was bitten on Monday by his town’s rodent prognosticator named Jimmy during the city’s annual Groundhog Day celebration.
After arriving in a limo, the groundhog’s handler had just lifted the animal in the air when it bit Mayor Jon Freund on his ear in front of the crowd.
The mayor winced during the inopportune moment, but didn’t mess a beat, calling for an early spring even though a clear sky typically means that Jimmy sees his shadow.
The city later issued a statement, saying only the mayor can translate Jimmy’s prediction.
“After a back and forth conversation with Jimmy this morning, the Mayor clearly confirmed Jimmy’s call for winter ending early,” said Neil Stechschulte, director of Economic Development, in a statement. “ Jimmy the Groundhog was very adamant in his prognostication this year, as he leaned into the Mayor’s ear to make sure the Mayor heard him correctly. Mayor Freund stands by his translation, and we continue to put our faith in Jimmy the Groundhog.”
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