Three Armstrong County magistrates will step into District Judge Kenneth Bussard’s courtroom to preside over cases as Bussard recovers from a medical issue.
Bussard’s magisterial court sits in Manor Township directly next to its municipal border with Kittanning. His district covers Kittanning and much of central and northern Armstrong County.
Brandi Benton, Armstrong County district court administrator, said the county’s three other magistrates would divide Bussard’s case load among themselves this week.
“There should not be any delay in any of his cases,” Benton said.
In the case of an extended absence, Benton said, the county may contact the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts in Harrisburg to appoint a temporary magistrate from outside Armstrong County.
Staff at Bussard’s courthouse said Ford City-based District Judge J. Gary Decomo — whose district covers chunks of the Alle-Kiski Valley — and Rural Valley-based District Judge Kevin McCausland were hearing cases Monday morning.
They declined to comment about when Bussard might return. DeComo and Leechburg-based District Judge James Andring also declined a TribLive request for comment.
McCausland did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Though Benton did not specify Bussard’s ailment or a timeline for his return, she said she expected him to “make a full recovery.”
A lifelong Armstrong County resident, Bussard was elected magistrate in 2023 after previously serving as police chief in Kittanning.