Leader Times

01/09/2025

McCormick sets up local shops; Fetterman announces committee roles

Sen. Dave McCormick announces plans to open seven regional offices across the commonwealth

By PATRICK CLOONAN For The Leader Times

Both of Pennsylvania’s United States senators are making announcements.

Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, said he will open seven regional offices across the commonwealth by the end of next week.

The first such office, at 200 North Third Street, Suite 14A/14th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101, opened Monday.

The second, at 310 Grant Street, Suite 2415, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, opened Wednesday.

Also in Western Pennsylvania, an office is scheduled to open Monday at 329 Innovation Boulevard, Suite 226, State College, PA 16803, and on Tuesday at 17 South Park Row, Suite B-150, Erie, PA 16501.

Read more:

Both of Pennsylvania’s United States senators are making announcements.

01/09/2025

Area lawmakers sworn in as General Assembly opens new session

Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Josh Bashline sworn in for the 2025-26 legislative session

By PATRICK CLOONAN For The Leader Times

The General Assembly opened its 2025-26 legislative session Tuesday, including the swearing in of area lawmakers.

Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, was sworn-in for the start of his second full term in the Senate by Indiana County Common Pleas Judge Gina R. Force.

“I am humbled and honored to have been re-elected by my constituents to serve as their senator,” Pittman said. “Making sure their needs are met and that they are served by our offices promptly and efficiently remain my top priorities.”

The 41st Senatorial District includes all of Armstrong and Indiana counties, and portions of Jefferson and Westmoreland counties.

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The General Assembly opened its 2025-26 legislative session Tuesday, including the swearing in of area lawmakers.

01/08/2025

Adrian man charged in double homicide

PSP Troop D, Kittanning, and Armstrong County Coroner Brian K. Myers confirm deaths of two individuals by gunshot during incident that reportedly took place early Wednesday

By DENNIS PHILLIPS
Associate Editor

An Adrian man has been charged with two counts of criminal homicide.

According to court papers, Scott Warren Shaffer, 56, allegedly shot two men at his residence early Wednesday.

Shaffer was arraigned Jan. 8 by Kittanning Magisterial District Judge Kenneth Bussard, who denied bail to Shaffer.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Shaffer at 2 p.m. Jan. 22.

Shaffer is being confined at the Armstrong County Jail.

Armstrong County Coroner Brian K. Myers on Wednesday confirmed the identities of the alleged victims: Kenneth Joshua Moore, 32, and Gregory Alan Samosky, 27.

Read more: leadertimes.com

01/06/2025

Send us your snow photos!

01/05/2025

PennDOT District 10 hosting recruiting event for 2025 summer internships and employment

Event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Jan. 9 at the District 10 office at 2550 Oakland Ave.

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

INDIANA, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation (PennDOT) is hosting an open house recruiting event on Jan. 9 for summer internships and employment. PennDOT District 10 serves Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, and Jefferson Counties and offers multiple summer roles to gain valuable hands-on experience.

The event will be held at the District 10 office at 2550 Oakland Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On-site interviews will be done for internships only.

All other positions will be able to complete applications for summer positions.

Read more: leadertimes.com

01/04/2025

McCormick sworn in as new Pennsylvania U.S. Senator

Elected official joins 53 other Republican senators sworn in at the 119th Congress

By PATRICK CLOONAN
For The Leader Times

David McCormick, whose parents hailed from Plumville and Punxsutawney, was sworn in as one of 53 Republican senators in the 119th Congress. Sen. McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, was joined by his wife Dina and their daughters, and was escorted through the Senate chamber by Vice President-elect and current Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio).

His parents, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Emeritus Dr. James McCormick and his wife Maryan, looked on at the inauguration from the Senate gallery.

The younger McCormick, a Washington, PA, native and longtime Bloomsburg resident, was administered the Oath of Office with his hand on his family’s Bible.

Read more: leadertimes.com

01/04/2025

Thompson among dignitaries kicking off 2024 PA Farm Show

The Farm Show runs through Jan. 11.

By PATRICK CLOONAN
For The Leader Times

U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, will join other dignitaries to cut the ribbon and kick off the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show this morning in the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is bringing a lineup of national and state agriculture leaders and policy makers to an event whose theme is “Powering Pennsylvania,” and whose purpose is to celebrate the people of Pennsylvania agriculture, and its impact in turn on daily lives, communities, and the economy.

Redding said the event “will highlight how Pennsylvania agriculture powers our common heritage and fuels a bright future tomorrow — through regenerative farming, food-waste reduction, bio-based packaging and industrial materials, renewable energy production, and other innovative practices.”

Read more: leadertimes.com

PHOTO CAPTION: LEFT: U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-15) (far left) and PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding (far right) have crossed paths before. Pictured additionally at the awards ceremony during the 2023 Keystone International Livestock Exposition in Harrisburg, (from left) are: Clark Bruner, John Bruner, Connie Bruner, Abigail Bruner, Michael Firestein of the PA Livestock Association.

01/03/2025

SONG OF SUCCESS -- Star choir performer sets sights on career in medical science

Leechburg Area High School's Catharina (Katie) Monroe is selected as the 15th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee

By BILL BLOSE
For The Leader Times

In the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s choir circuit, Catharina (Katie) Monroe is the first student from Leechburg Area School District (LASD) to make it to the regional level of competition in the past six years.

“(It’s) an accomplishment that places her in top half of all choral students in a large portion of western Pennsylvania — and she prepared for this largely on her own,” said Logan Orange, LASD choral director, of Katie.

“I provided her with resources to access and she prepared herself for an audition that placed her in the PEA Region II Choir — a feat she plans to repeat and outperform this year,” he added.

Such stunning standout talent and the manner in which Katie is applying it in the competitive realm helped cement her selection as the 15th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee.

A senior at Leechburg Area High School, Katie is the daughter of Michele and Jody Michael of Leechburg.

The awardee — who holds a 4.497 GPA — was nominated by LAHS guidance counselor Corrin Linkes.

Read more: www.leadertimes.com

01/02/2025

Fogel's family, friends react to State Department calling Marc Fogel 'wrongfully detained'

By PATRICK CLOONAN For The Leader Times

Recent press releases by members of Marc Fogel’s family and their supporters shed additional light on what has been happening on this side of the Atlantic as efforts persist to bring the 63-year-old educator and Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumnus home, after three years of what could be a 14-year sentence in a Russian jail for possession of a small amount of medical ma*****na.

“The Marc Fogel family is heartened to announce this Christmas season that Marc Fogel has been designated as wrongfully detained, a formal classification prioritizing Marc’s case within the American government and bringing the full force of all American agencies to work to secure his release from prison in Russia,” a spokeswoman for Fogel’s mother Malphine Fogel said in a lengthy review issued Saturday.

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Recent press releases by members of Marc Fogel’s family and their supporters shed additional light on what has been happening on this side of the Atlantic as efforts persist to

01/02/2025

FOREVER A HERO

Event to mark 45th anniversary of 'Celebration of Life' in memory of Apollo Police Officer Leonard C. Miller

Law enforcement official was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 3, 1980, and sacrificed his life for the greater community

By A.J. PANIAN
Managing Editor

All first responders and members of the general public are encouraged to save the date of Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, from 2-4 p.m., as attendance will be welcomed at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Apollo, for the 45th anniversary of a “Celebration of Life” in Memory of Apollo Police Officer Leonard C. Miller.

The event is to be held in honor of Miller and all law enforcement personnel.

The general public and all first responders are welcome to attend.

Lenape Tech Law Enforcement Information Technology cadets will participate in the program.

A free will offering to support the Leonard C. Miller Scholarship Fund will be part of the “Celebration of Life.”

Read more:

All first responders and members of the general public are encouraged to save the date of Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, from 2-4 p.m., as attendance will be welcomed at First

12/31/2024

NEW YEAR’S 2024

STORIES THAT DEFINED 2024 IN ARMSTRONG COUNTY

YEAR IN REVIEW — Historic visits by former American president/two-time President-elect Donald J. Trump highlight year of local happenings in the political, legal and cultural realms in 2024

GOP leader takes tour of Sprankle's Neighborhood Market following assassination attempt just months prior in Butler, Pa.

By A.J. PANIAN
Managing Editor

When the life of a former and future American president potentially comes within approximately a single millimeter of ending just one county seat away from Kittanning, it understandably overshadows in importance most — if not all — other local stories that have taken place over the course of a calendar year in Armstrong County.

But when that individual — the nation’s 45th commander in chief and its current President-elect Donald J. Trump — winds up darkening the doorstep of one of Armstrong County’s flagship businesses just a few months later, the matter of estimating the most significant area happenings of 2024 swells with remarkable complexity and significance.

In any case, any and all news concerning President-elect Trump, particularly that of the hometown variety, can safely be said to have rightfully dominated the Leader Times’ headlines on the front pages of editions published throughout the past 12 months — and particularly the final five.

Read more: leadertimes.com

12/28/2024

'Drugs Kill Dreams' program to celebrate 25th anniversary next year

By DENNIS PHILLIPS
Associate Editor

“The slogan after all these years. The kids still remember the slogan — Drugs Kill Dreams.”

That’s how Ford City Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo and Drugs Kill Dreams founder summed up the program he started to discuss with children the harsh effects resulting from the early use of alcohol, to***co and other drugs.

“I think the ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ slogan is the most recognized slogan in Western Pennsylvania,” he said.

“This will be the 25th anniversary of the program, of the slogan. I’ve been doing this (talking to students about the impact of using drugs) for 30 years of my 31 years of service (as a Magisterial District Judge).”

Read more at: leadertimes.com

12/27/2024

TRENDSETTER — Work of cosmetology student serves as example for aspiring peers

Lenape Technical School's Hannah Quinn is selected as the 14th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee

By BILL BLOSE
For The Leader Times

While accentuating beauty is the craft of Hannah Quinn, she puts forth nearly equal effort in helping her peers in the field of cosmetology do the same.

“Hannah has been a member of my cosmetology class in the 2023—2024 school years. She has proven to be an exceptional student regarding her efforts in class, her ability to participate in discussions, her ability to create original and creative work, her knowledge of the technical equipment that we use in class, and her ability to help others reach the class objectives and goals,” said Gara Atherton, Lenape Technical School (LTS) cosmetology instructor.

“These past two years she stood out as a leader in class. She was someone who was always ready and able to present her own work as an example for others,” she added.

Such selfless application of her own ambition to benefit those around her helped seal Hannah’s selection as the 14th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee.

A senior at LTS, Hannah is the daughter of Randy and Denise Quinn of Kittanning.

The awardee — who holds a 4.0 GPA — was nominated by Atherton.

Read more: https://www.leadertimes.com/news/trendsetter-work-of-cosmetology-student-serves-as-example-for-aspiring-peers/article_74cd4404-c16d-11ef-a202-4749c1e69da8.html

12/27/2024

Salvation Army kettles meet goal in Indiana, Kittanning as annual drive ends

Kittanning topped their fundraising goal of $30,000

By PATRICK CLOONAN
For The Leader Times

The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division said Monday that local Red Kettles netted more than $1.635 million in donations across the region as the annual fund-raising drive enters its last day.

Some worship and service centers have topped their fundraising goals, including Indiana ($85,000), Kittanning ($30,000), Greensburg ($80,000) and Altoona ($80,000), though the Salvation Army said additional funds “can still support and expand local programs.”

“It is such a blessing to witness the incredible generosity of our community each Christmas,” Army Divisional Commander Major Gregory Hartshorn said. “Seeing neighbors supporting neighbors fills our hearts with gratitude. Each donation ensures The Salvation Army can continue providing essential shelter, meals and services to those in need throughout the year.”

Read more: https://www.leadertimes.com/news/salvation-army-kettles-meet-goal-in-indiana-kittanning-as-annual-drive-ends/article_a4c7feae-c179-11ef-a031-6b54640eb77c.html

12/25/2024

House fire breaks out Christmas morning in Cadogan; family is in need

By BILL BLOSE
For The Leader Times

A house fire broke out early Christmas Day morning in the village of Cadogan. The incident occurred at 1:40 a.m. at 250 Prospect Ave. in the municipality. The family and two cats were able to escape. Ford Cliff Volunteer Fire Dept. (VFD) was quick to execute an interior attack to keep the blaze under control. Other companies that were on scene included South Buffalo VFD, the agency in command, along with Ford City Hose Co. No. 1, West Kittanning VFD, Freeport VFD, Manor Township Volunteer Fire Co., Kittanning Hose, Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, Kittanning Hose Co. No. 4 air truck, Kittanning Hose Co. No. 6 RIT, and Kittanning Hose Co. No. 6 Ambulance/EMT and South Buffalo Township Police Dept. The family lost most of their contents. Clothes and shoes are immediate needs, including: men's large shirts, men's pants 30x32. men's size 11 tennis shoes or boots; women's size 12 pants, large shirts, and size 6.5 or 7 shoes. Items can be dropped off on the front porch at 250 Prospect Avenue, Cadogan.

https://www.leadertimes.com/news/house-fire-breaks-out-christmas-morning-in-cadogan-family-is-in-need/collection_fdf6de04-c2dd-11ef-be93-43a3d05b5647.html

12/20/2024

DISNEY DESTINY? — Ambitious academic contributor sets high sights for mechanical engineering career

Apollo-Ridge High School's Olivia Massari is selected as the 13th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee

By BILL BLOSE
For The Leader Times

She’s planning for a future career as a Disney Imagineer.

To be specific, that means Olivia Massari aims to earn a position within the Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, Inc., commonly referred to as Imagineering, which is the research and development arm of The Walt Disney Co.

In such a role, Olivia would be responsible for the creation, design, and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions worldwide.

“Growing up I was told to pick a career where there would be room for advancement. I also have always enjoyed math and science, so l knew a STEM career would be the best fit for me. I decided to pursue a career in engineering because that combines room for growth with math and science. I have also always been a little girl at heart, and I love all things Disney,” Olivia said. “I remember watching the Disney Imagineering Documentary and thinking about how cool and creative those people must be to be able to design the immersive experiences and rides at Disney. I think that if I do become a Disney Imagineer someday, it will satisfy the little, Disney Princess loving girl in me!”

Considering her long list of accomplishments and academic contributions at Apollo-Ridge High School (ARHS), it appears Olivia is well on her way to accomplishing her long-term professional objective.

“Through my responsibilities as a mathematics teacher and stakeholder in the Apollo-Ridge School District, I have seen the commitment of Olivia in different facets that prove her to be an outstanding member of the school community,” said Andrew T. Jones, ARHS Mathematics instructor and Student Council advisor.

“I undoubtedly believe her demonstrated attributes will follow her in future endeavors,” he added.

Such belief in Olivia’s myriad qualities and future potential helped cement Olivia’s selection as the 13th 2024-25 Leader Times-Rosebud Mining Co. Teen of the Week awardee. A senior at ARHS, Olivia is the daughter of Amy and Anthony Massari of Apollo. The awardee — who holds a 4.464 GPA — was nominated by ARHS Principal Dan Consuegra.

https://www.leadertimes.com/news/disney-destiny-ambitious-academic-contributor-sets-high-sights-for-mechanical-engineering-career/article_445c1648-bbcc-11ef-a7f8-b39f8f4406ce.html

12/19/2024

Mangione faces federal charges in New York after extradition from Blair County

Alleged killer of a health insurance executive faces both state and federal charges

By PATRICK CLOONAN
For The Leader Times

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Blair County chapter in the Luigi Mangione saga has ended, at least for now, while the alleged killer of a health insurance executive faces both state and federal charges in New York.

Before Altoona Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones Thursday morning, Mangione, 26, of Towson, Md., waived a preliminary hearing on charges of forgery, fi****ms not to be carried without a license, tampering with records, possession of instrument of crime and giving false identification to law enforcement officers.

Jones scheduled a preliminary arraignment for Jan. 25, though there have been reports any Pennsylvania charges will be pursued after Mangione's New York case is resolved.

Blair County Common Pleas Judge David B. Consiglio conducted the hearing of the commonwealth's Fugitive from Justice complaint, which resulted in Mangione's extradition.

“He is now in their custody," Blair County District Attorney Peter J. Weeks said. "He will go forth with New York to await trial or prosecution for his homicide and related charges in New York.”

Read more at: leadertimes.com

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The Blair County chapter in the Luigi Mangione saga has ended, at least for now, while the alleged killer of a health insurance executive faces both state and

12/19/2024

Mangione waives extradition to NY in alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO

Defendant also waives to court Blair County charges filed against him after his arrest last week at a McDonald's restaurant in Altoona

By PATRICK CLOONAN
For The Leader Times

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, of Towson, Md., has waived extradition to New York to face charges in the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and has been remanded into the custody of New York authorities.

He also has waived to court Blair County charges filed against him after his arrest last week at a McDonald's restaurant in Altoona.

Mangione, who also is charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was charged in Altoona with forgery, fi****ms not to be carried without a license, tampering with records, possession of instrument of crime and giving false identification to law enforcement officers.

Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones conducted the preliminary hearing on Blair County charges at the county courthouse in Hollidaysburg. He also scheduled preliminary arraignment on the Pennsylvania charges for Jan. 25.

Altoona attorney Thomas M. Dickey told reporters he will continue to represent Mangione in Pennsylvania.

Blair County Common Pleas Judge David B. Consiglio conducted the hearing of the commonwealth's Fugitive from Justice complaint, which has resulted in Mangione's extradition to New York for trial on one count of first degree murder, two counts of second degree murder, and other counts, in the Dec. 4 shooting of Thompson.

Some protesters appeared outside the courthouse, one with a sign reading "Deny Delay Depose," a reference to words found on three shells used in the fatal shooting of Thompson on a midtown Manhattan street, another calling for authorities to "Free Luigi."

Editor's note — This story will be updated as credible information is released by authorities.