Leader Times

06/09/2026

Kittanning Firemen's Band send off celebration

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

The community is invited to gather at the Armstrong County Courthouse at 10 a.m. June 13 for a special send-off celebration honoring the historic Kittanning Firemen’s Band.

This high-energy kick-off event marks a major milestone for the ensemble, bringing together local leaders, residents and music lovers to wish the musicians well on their upcoming journey as they represent the state of Pennsylvania at the Independence Day parade in Washington, D.C. Attendees will hear from several prominent elected leaders speakers who will highlight the band’s deep-rooted dedication to the region.

Following these remarks, the Kittanning Firemen’s Band will take center stage to deliver a powerful, 30-45 minute concert filled with stirring patriotic music.

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The community is invited to gather at the Armstrong County Courthouse at 10 a.m. June 13 for a special send-off celebration honoring the historic Kittanning Firemen’s Band.

05/29/2026

A rainy day doesn't deter record donations
AJSHS students raise $5,000 for Orphans of the Storm

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

Despite rainy weather, a group of determined students from Armstrong Junior-Senior High School (AJSHS) recently raised more than $5,000 for Orphans of the Storm during the Riverhawk Rally for Rescues community fundraiser held, far surpassing their original goal of $1,000.

Organized with support from the EASE Club at AJSHS, the event featured a special prayer, craft show, car show, 2K and 5K races, live student entertainment, a car wash, games and a blood drive.

Event proceeds will help Orphans of the Storm move into a new facility sooner as the shelter faces overcrowding at its current location.

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Despite rainy weather, a group of determined students from Armstrong Junior-Senior High School (AJSHS) recently raised more than $5,000 for Orphans of the Storm during the Riverhawk Rally for Rescues

05/28/2026

Hair flies in the annual Shear the Beard
Event proceeds benefit ACMH Richard G. Laube Center

By BILL BLOSE For The Leader Times

Shear the Beard, a fundraiser that has occurred for the past seven years, recently was held at the Kittanning Fraternal Order of Eagles.

In what originally started out as a joke, the event has been growing each year.

Duke Zellefrow Jr. was unable to have facial where he was employed.

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Shear the Beard, a fundraiser that has occurred for the past seven years, recently was held at the Kittanning Fraternal Order of Eagles.

05/27/2026

Western PA doctor pleads guilty, sentenced for overprescribing opioids, abuse of multiple patients

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a podiatrist from Butler County has pleaded guilty to overprescribing opioids to patients and accessing their personal information after his privileges were suspended, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

Dr. Matthew J. Sabo, 52, who has offices in numerous western Pennsylvania counties, pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal conduct at Armstrong County and Butler County locations of his practices.

He pleaded guilty to violations of the Controlled Substance Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, knowingly or intentionally obtaining information from the ABC-MAP system, and simple assault.

Read more: https://www.leadertimes.com/news/western-pa-doctor-pleads-guilty-sentenced-for-overprescribing-opioids-abuse-of-multiple-patients/article_2087482a-dff2-11ee-b0c0-7fde4c4a6a83.html

05/27/2026

Panchik named to City & State PA 40 Under 40

By PATRICK CLOONAN For The Leader Times

An attorney with area ties has been named to City & State Pennsylvania’s 40 Under 40 for 2026 — ironically, less than a month after her father’s passing.

According to the Philadelphia-based statewide publication, “of all her accomplishments so far, perhaps the highlight of attorney Gretchen Panchik’s career came when her own father, Judge James J. Panchik, swore her in to practice law in Pennsylvania.”

The elder Panchik – who retired earlier this year as president judge of the Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas – “was instrumental in supporting me to become a lawyer myself, and served as a key role model,” his daughter affirmed for City & State.

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Gretchen Panchik, former Indiana County law clerk, is named to City & State PA 40 Under 40 -- ironically, shortly before her father's passing.

05/22/2026

Dayton Elementary School plays host to bench dedication
Item donated by Marybeth Dean is dedicated to her late husband, Lowell Dean

By KIERAN WOYNICZ Staff Reporter

Students and staff of Dayton Elementary School recently gathered in the school’s gymnasium to witness the dedication of a bench in honor of the memory of a community member.

The playground itself there was made possible thanks to the time and dedication of the Dayton Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, students, staff and countless organizations that had donated to the cause.

The ceremony, moved inside due to the weather, saw students and staff come together in the school’s gym to witness the dedication.

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Students and staff of Dayton Elementary School recently gathered in the school’s gymnasium to witness the dedication of a bench in honor of the memory of a community member.

05/21/2026

HAVIN hosts the Gabby Petito Foundation
Gabby Petito Foundation provides training to Armstrong County community

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

KITTANNING — On Sept. 11, 2021, Gabrielle Petito was reported missing in Wyoming, after last being seen on Aug. 27, 2021.

On Sept. 19, 2021, her body was found.

Gabby had been strangled and, ultimately, murdered by her boyfriend in one of the most well-known acts of domestic violence in our country.

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KITTANNING — On Sept. 11, 2021, Gabrielle Petito was reported missing in Wyoming, after last being seen on Aug. 27, 2021.

05/20/2026

AAHS hosts birthday celebration for Nellie Bly

By BILL BLOSE For The Leader Times

Apollo Area Historical Society (AAHS) hosted a free Nellie Bly birthday celebration recently at the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) Building in Apollo.

Nancy Johnson from the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame was the speaker.

Cake was served after the speaker and short film was shown.

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Apollo Area Historical Society (AAHS) hosted a free Nellie Bly birthday celebration recently at the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) Building in Apollo.

05/19/2026

Manor Township mourns the passing of township Supervisor Robert Q. Southworth
Official served community with dedication, integrity and compassion for 18 years, including 10 years as township supervisor and road foreman

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

Manor Township is deeply saddened by the passing of Township Supervisor Robert Q. Southworth (Bob) on May 16, 2026, according to a press release issued Monday.

He served the community with dedication, integrity and compassion for 18 years, including 10 years as township supervisor and road foreman.

He also served as vice chairman of the municipality’s board of supervisors.

Throughout his tenure, Supervisor Southworth played an important role in maintaining a strong township budget, caring for township roads, and supporting the Manor Township Volunteer Fire Co.

He was widely respected for his dedication to public service and his steadfast commitment to township residents.

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Manor Township is deeply saddened by the passing of Township Supervisor Robert Q. Southworth (Bob) on May 16, 2026, according to a press release issued Monday.

05/17/2026

Coroner: Remains of local man declared missing are recovered

Andrew Fornell, 24, had recently been reported missing

LEADER TIMES STAFF REPORT
May 17, 2026

The office of Armstrong County Coroner Brian K. Myers and an official of Kittanning Borough Police Dept. this weekend provided information in relation to the death of a local man declared missing days prior.

The remains of Andrew Fornell, 24, were recovered Saturday, according to Coroner Myers.

The cause and manner of death are undetermined at this time.

Mr. Fornell was pronounced dead at the scene by county Chief Deputy Coroner Robert Bellas.

The situation remains under further investigation by Coroner Myers' office and Pennsylvania State Police — Troop D, Kittanning.

No additional details have been released as of 2 p.m. Sunday.

Borough police department Officer Jodi Greiser said when reached by telephone Sunday that the department received a missing person alert for a 24-year-old male on Thursday.

"The last time the family had seen him was the morning of May 12. So we investigated (the case) as a missing person, through our investigation the body was recovered," Officer Greiser reported.

As it was in Manor Township, Pennsylvania State Police — Troop D, Kittanning — handled what was referenced as a "crime scene," by Officer Greiser.

"It's always a crime scene until we rule anything out, but that's for PSP (to assess)," she added.

When reached for comment, an official at PSP — Troop D, Kittanning — referred any inquiries to Myers' office, which tailored the release to state the aforementioned.

Editor's note — The Leader Times will publish any additional related information distributed by the involved authorities as it is made available.

SUBMITTED PHOTO: Andrew Fornell