Leader Times

09/18/2026

AJSHS 2026 Homecoming Court is announced

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09/16/2026

Aid from Kittanning Borough sought for riverfront revitalization initiative

Cathy Strate, director of tourism at Experience Armstrong, Inc., specifies need for council to pursue approximately $139,000 related grant funding to finance possible project

By A.J. PANIAN Managing Editor

Kittanning Borough’s riverfront is one of the greatest assets of the community, as well as Armstrong County.

That statement represented a portion of an overview about a new revitalization initiative undertaken by Experience Armstrong, Inc., for which details were presented this week by Cathy Strate, the entity’s director of tourism, to Kittanning Borough council.

“This project was brought up to me (in line with) my job and also (related to) the Middle Allegheny Water Trail. There are 27 water trails in Pennsylvania and our water trail is from Freeport to Emlenton. It’s the middle of the Allegheny Water Trail,” Strate said. “There are funds for projects for water trails. Water trails are high on the list for the (PA) Fish and Boat (Commission) and several other organizations statewide.”

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Kittanning Borough’s riverfront is one of the greatest assets of the community, as well as Armstrong County.

09/10/2026

A quarter century ago, Armstrong County's Kathy Crawford still had no idea what the next day would hold. Less than a year later, Kathy and her fellow Steel Quilters at United States Steel gathered with me for the dedication of their creation -- the National Tribute Quilt: A September 11 Memorial -- at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. Since meeting Kathy in 2002, we've collaborated on several stories recognizing that unique achievement born of such pain and tragedy. Look for the latest in her tale in tomorrow's edition of the Leader Times. And never forget.

09/04/2026

ACAC helps present mural event held in Ford City
The event introduced attendees to the process of developing community mural projects while providing information about resources available to artists and communities interested in bringing public art to local spaces

FOR THE LEADER TIMES

FORD CITY — Artists, community leaders, nonprofit representatives and art enthusiasts recently gathered at 10th Street Station in Ford City for an evening focused on creativity, collaboration and the possibilities of public art in Armstrong County, according to a press release.

Armstrong County Arts Council (ACAC) presented the mural arts community workshop and information session in partnership with Shiftworks Community + Public Arts and Downtown Kittanning, Inc. (DKI).

The event introduced attendees to the process of developing community mural projects while providing information about resources available to artists and communities interested in bringing public art to local spaces.

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FORD CITY — Artists, community leaders, nonprofit representatives and art enthusiasts recently gathered at 10th Street Station in Ford City for an evening focused on creativity, collaboration and the possibilities

09/02/2026

08/20/2026

We have confirmed that an EF-0 tornado occurred on Sunday in Orchard Hills in Armstrong County. This is the 30th tornado in our county warning area this year, and with that, we have now surpassed the total of 29 in 2024 for the most on record in a single year.

08/20/2026

NWS: Evidence of damage from tornado discovered in Armstrong County

LEADER TIMES STAFF REPORT

Officials have discovered damage in Armstrong County consistent with that of a tornado, according to a report issued Wednesday by U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).

"We had a team surveying storm damage in the Orchard Hills area in Armstrong County, Pa. (Wednesday) and they confirmed it as tornado damage from the severe storms that moved through the area this past Sunday, Aug. 16," the report stated.

NWS confirmed that more details are to come in the form of a public information statement at a later point after the team has reviewed and finalized their findings.

leadertimes.com

08/17/2026

2026 Dayton Fair Queen Stevie Doverspike, 17, of Dayton, (left) was crowned Sunday evening at the Dayton Fairgrounds. Stevie is the daughter of Kate and Steve Doverspike and a junior at Punxsutawney Area Senior High School and a member of Tri-County 4-H. Joining her is 2026 Dayton Fair Queen Runner-Up Madison Rupert, 17, of Shelocta, who is the daughter of Jodi and Gary Rupert and a senior at Lenape Technical School and a member of Triple S 4-H. The Leader Times will offer daily photo coverage of the fair, which runs through Aug. 22.

Photo: JESSICA UPTEGRAPH | LEADER TIMES