Mel correct, Phil incorrect, being sued

An Ohio county prosecutor has filed an indictment against Punxsutawney Phil for “misrepresentation of early spring.”

Michael Gmoser said that the groundhog committed an “unclassified felony” on Feb. 2 when he emerged from his burrow on Gobler’s Creek and failed to see his shadow, therefore predicting an early spring.

“Due to the aggravating circumstances – including snow and record low temperatures still being forecast – the death penalty should be implemented to the defendant,” the indictment, filed in Butler County said.

Pete’s cousin, Malverne Mel, on the other hand, came out of his burrow near the Malverne rail road station and correctly predicted that there would be six more weeks of winter.

No lawsuit for Mel, who indicated from his burrow this week that he feels badly for Pete and that perhaps the older groundhog should retire.