Leader Times Laurels & Lances

Laurel: To West Kittanning resident and borough secretary Jeanne Englert. In discussing census figures that showed West Kittanning with rare gains in a county where population is declining, she pointed out the advantages of living in small-town neighborhoods with easy access to a metropolitan area. If Armstrong County is to grow, it is a message we need to get out.

On the "Watch List": The Greater Ford City Community Development Corp. The panel has decided to make all 13 of its board seats at large in an effort to enhance the collective expertise of the panel. It is a good move, as long as no one is admitted with a special financial interest.

Laurel: To Armstrong School District administrators. It was not a decision anyone would relish having to make -- to cancel the high school Christmas dances because of Saturday's forecast for dangerous weather. But they did cancel, and it proved a wise move. Officials deserve thanks for caring.