Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Borough Reeling After 2 Top Officials Die

A tiny borough in western Pennsylvania is reeling after its mayor and council president died within two weeks of one another.

The Valley News Dispatch reports North Apollo Mayor Edward Artman died Dec. 18. His position was filled by 51-year-old Council President Ed Barclay, until he, too, died on New Year's Eve.

Both men had health issues and died of natural causes.

State law requires council to replace Artman by Jan. 17 and Barclay by Jan. 30. Failing that, an Armstrong County judge would have to fill any seat that remains vacant 15 days beyond those deadlines.

Council Vice President Debbie Stankus says, "We're all just at a loss. It doesn't even seem real."

The borough of roughly 1,300 residents is about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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