Leader Times

GOP of PA conferees select Abby Major to run in special election to succeed retired Jeff Pyle Candidate has served for more than 10 years as chief of staff for longtime incumbent representing Pennsylvania’s 60th Legislative District FOR THE LEADER TIMES...Continue reading

Vandergrift man charged with attempted criminal homicide in Apollo Borough Preliminary hearing for Javon Michael Lambert is March 31 before MDJ James Andring | MARCH 19, 2021...Continue reading

PA House Speaker announces special election for the 60th District Lancaster Republican Bryan Cutler: Vacancy created by retirement of State Rep. Jeff Pyle | MARCH 17, 2021... FOR THE LEADER TIMES HARRISBURG Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) on Wednesday ordered a special election to coincide with the state’s primary election on May 18, to fill the vacant seat in the 60th Legislative District in Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties. The vacancy was created by the retirement of State Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana). I was fortunate enough to get a firsthand look at how Rep. Pyle approached his work early in my career because Jeff and I shared an office space here in the Capitol, Cutler said. Even in recent years, when Rep. Pyle faced his own challenges, he never wavered in his relentless efforts to improve the lives of those he represents, and he set an example for each of us to try and follow. He has been a great member and best friend. In the interest of saving costs and ensuring the voices of the district are consistently represented in Harrisburg, the special election will coincide with Pennsylvania’s primary date, Cutler added. Candidates for the office will be selected by a process designated by their respective political parties, and the winner of the special election will take office after the results are confirmed. The district office will remain open, under supervision of the House, to assist constituents with issues or problems and to continue constituent inquiries already in progress. The 60th Legislative District office, at 312 Ford St. in Ford City, can be reached by phone at 724-763-3222, and the district office at 612 South Pike Road in Sarver can be reached at 724-295-2200.

State Rep. Pyle to retire today citing health issues FOR THE LEADER TIMES Pennsylvania Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Butler) on Tuesday announced his retirement as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, effective immediately, due to health issues....Continue reading

PSP: Missing Shelocta man found safe Jose Garza, Sr., 68, was reported missing Wednesday | MARCH 11, 2021... FOR THE LEADER TIMES SHELOCTA, Pa. Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have found a missing Shelocta man safe and sound, according to a release issued Thursday. Jose Garza, Sr., 68, who was reported missing Wednesday, was located at approximately 9 p.m. yesterday night and was found to be safe. PSP offers thanks to members of the media and public and regional police departments for their immediate assistance with the related investigation.

Crews in Manor Township battle commercial structure fire Bill Wyant | Leader Times Crews from Manor Township Volunteer Fire Co. on Tuesday fought a reported commercial structure fire at the Chief Bar & Grill, located along State Route 422 in the municipality. Volunteer firefighters utilized the company's ladder truck to eventually cut through the roof of the two-story structure to beat back the flames of the blaze, which was reported just after 12:30 p.m. today.

One person killed in Kittanning Borough fire The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal By NICK VERCILLA Staff Reporter... Photo credit: Bill Blose One person was killed early Friday morning as a result of a structure fire in Kittanning Borough, according to Kittanning Hose Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 Chief Gene Stephens and a release issued by Armstrong County Coroner Brian K. Myers. John W. Bodurka, Jr., 69, died as a result of the blaze that took place at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the apartment complex located at 418 N. Jefferson St., Myers’ release stated. Stephens said the apartment building has five total apartments, with the fire starting in the second floor bedroom of the second apartment where Bodurka, who lived by himself, was located, and unable to escape the blaze. The fire never spread from the second floor of the apartment building. In Myers’ release, he said he was called to the scene at 3:16 a.m., and pronounced Bodurka dead at the scene. Myers said Bodurka was found in his bedroom after the fire was extinguished. He said there are no signs of foul pay, and there will be no autopsy. Myers added the cause of death was ruled carbon monoxide asphyxiation, and the manner of death was ruled accidental. Stephens said the 12-15 people who lived in the other four apartments were able to escape uninjured, with their apartments only getting minor heat and smoke damage. He added the individuals were placed in hotel rooms through their landlord, and should be able to return to their apartments this weekend. Stephens and Myers said the cause of the fire is still under investigation by a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fire marshal, the coroner’s office, and the Kittanning Borough Police Dept.. Additional agencies that responded to the fire included: * Armstrong County Sheriff’s Dept., Kittanning Ambulance, Armstrong County Hazmat Team, Kittanning Hose Co. No. 6, Kittanning Hose Co. No. 4, Kittanning Hose Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, Rayburn Township Volunteer Fire Dept., West Kittanning Volunteer Fire Dept., Ford City Hose Co. No. 1, West Hills Emergency Services, and various utility companies. The Leader Times will continue to provide updates on the fire when more information becomes available. Nick Vercilla is a staff reporter for the Leader Times. He can be reached at 724-543-1303, ext. 1315, or at [email protected].

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PSP fire marshal probing blaze battled at Dayton Borough restaurant Multiple fire companies respond to incident at Mitzi's Place early Friday | JANUARY 15, 2021... By PATRICK CLOONAN For The Leader Times DAYTON A state police fire marshal out of Kittanning is investigating a Friday morning fire that destroyed a two-story building containing a downtown Dayton restaurant, despite efforts by firefighters from three counties. It was devastating, Dayton District Volunteer Fire Company Chief James Marshall said of the blaze centered in the rear and the kitchen area of Mitzi’s Place at 112 E. Main St. It burned through the kitchen area into the roof. There were no injuries reported in the blaze discovered by a passerby who called Armstrong County dispatchers at 8:15 a.m. Dayton firefighters were dispatched along with Rural Valley and Plumville District volunteers. There was heavy fire to the rear of the building, Marshall said. Heavy smoke damage and water damage elsewhere. Mitzi’s Place had been in business for more than 10 years. It had been touting a wing night for Friday on Facebook. It used to be a grocery store, then it was turned into a restaurant, Marshall said. They were not open at that time. Usually they open at 10 a.m. The Dayton fire chief said a multiple apartment complex is next door to the fire scene, but firefighters contained the blaze to the building housing the restaurant. With damage too extensive to determine a cause, the Dayton volunteers called in the fire marshal. We would like to thank each and every person who has supported us, the owners of Mitzi’s Place posted on Facebook. At this point we don’t know what will unfold with the restaurant. Please keep us in your prayers. Templeton, Distant Area and Hawthorn volunteers also were dispatched by Armstrong County, along with a rapid intervention unit from Kittanning, which later was employed to provide its ladder truck. Ringgold was dispatched from Jefferson County. Editor's note This article was shared by the Indiana Gazette, a partner paper to the Leader Times under the ownership of Sample News Group, and Indiana Gazette reporter Patrick Cloonan. Any updates will appear in Saturday's print/online editions of the Leader Times.

Armstrong County commissioners announce COVID-19 emergency business grant program FOR THE LEADER TIMES In a press release issued Tuesday, the Armstrong County board of commissioners announced they are deploying $250,000 in emergency grant funding for qualified businesses which were forced to close their operations as a result of Gov. Tom Wolf's Dec. 10 COVID-19 mitigation order.... Qualifying businesses are eligible for a one-time emergency grant up to $2,500 to assist them in recouping from the previous few weeks. Qualifying businesses include: * Locally owned dine-in restaurants * Bars * Social clubs * Fitness centers/gyms * Churches * Bowling alleys * Salons/hairdressers Business owners are required to complete and submit an application online, accessible through The County of Armstrong website co.armstrong.pa.us and provide a W-9 form via email to: [email protected]. Businesses must have been in operation as of Dec. 11, 2020 in order to qualify for this emergency grant. The application period period for emergency funding began at 8 a.m. Jan. 5, and will run through 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11. Emergency grants will be processed on a first-apply, first-processed basis. Grant funding will only be provided while funds are available. The application period for emergency funding began at 8 a.m. Jan. 5, and will run through 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11.

Veterans thankful for community generosity Veterans from the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, in Cowansville, wanted to wish the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, as well as thank everyone who donated to them this holiday season. Center Executive Director Sean Taladay said the veterans loved the community's generosity and thoughtfulness, and wanted to show their appreciation.

Leechburg double shooting suspect turns himself in to authorities Following massive PSP search aided by other agencies, Chad Robert Goldstrom, 37, arrives at PSP Kittanning office Two men had been hospitalized after double shooting Sunday in Leechburg... | NOVEMBER 30, 2020 BY ANNE CLOONAN STAFF REPORTER Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton said Chad Robert Goldstrom the 37-year-old suspect in a double shooting Sunday in Leechburg turned himself in without incident at about 4 p.m. today at the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Kittanning office. Mrs. Charlton said Goldstrom, a New Kensington resident, arrived at the station with his lawyer. Early this evening, she said Mr. Goldstrom had been taken to the office of Kittanning Magisterial District Judge Jamie Owen, was arraigned, and that the judge set his bail at $200,000. Goldstrom was lodged in the Armstrong County Jail, Mrs. Charlton added. Earlier on Monday, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and multiple other law enforcement agencies searched for Goldstrom. At 3:05 p.m. Sunday, Goldstrom allegedly fired multiple shots at Justin Shook, 38, and at Brian Oss, 38, in the 100 block of Market Street in the borough, according to a release issued by PSP Trooper Travis Trimbur. Both victims were transported to a Pittsburgh hospital and treated for gunshot wounds, the release states. As of 12:34 a.m. Monday, PSP wrote in the release that Shook was in stable condition, and that Oss was in critical condition. Also earlier on Monday, Mrs. Charlton was consulted, and a warrant was issued for Mr. Goldstrom's arrest through the office of Leechburg Magisterial District Judge James Andring. The charges against Goldstrom include: criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, the release states. Anne Cloonan is a staff reporter for the Leader Times. She can be reached at 724-543-1303, ext. 1337, or [email protected].

Citing COVID-19 concerns, ASD to temporarily close its schools Nov. 23-25 Release: Single case of student-to-student coronavirus transmission prompts move Asst. Supt. Josh Williams: Action to take effect in the form of an extended Thanksgiving break...Continue reading

Apollo-Ridge opts for all-virtual instruction for students District's board of education on Monday votes to exercise option, citing spike in coronavirus cases | NOVEMBER 17, 2020...Continue reading

West Shamokin bows out in state girls’ volleyball quarterfinals Playing without Maddie McConnell and with Lexie Young noticeably not at 100 percent, Wolves fall to Clarion Area | NOVEMBER 14, 2020...Continue reading

Apollo-Ridge High School moves to all virtual learning for a week Move is due to positive COVID-19 cases determined through testing of high school students, staff | NOVEMBER 12, 2020...Continue reading