(Editor's note: Each year it happens at this time. Someone gets the annual chore of writing the Groundhog day feature, a "must" story in virtually every newspaper in the country every February 2.

For 20 years or more newspapers have been reporting dutifully the quarrels among Punxsatawney, Pennsylvania, and other cities about which has the original, All‑American groundhog.

Reporters have told and retold the legend that if a groundhog sees his shadow this day, there'll be six more weeks of winter.

Reporters have written each year whether the groundhog did in fact see his shadow.

This time we picked our star reporter to write of the phenomenon. Although Elmer Dolittle is a veteran hater of groundhogs, Groundhog day, and legends, he fulfilled his assignment. This, in full, is his story:)

By Elmer Dolittle

Saturday will be recalled among scholars of weather superstition as the anniversary of the medieval observance known as Groundhog day.