For Immediate Release
September 26, 2005
Contact:
Joe Pittman
(724) 357-0151
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Senate Confirms Owen as Magisterial District Judge

New judge already won both primaries for Armstrong minor court seat

The Senate today expedited the appointment of James H. Owen to fill a vacant Armstrong County Magisterial District Judge seat, according to state Senator Don White, R-41st District.

Owen already won both the Republican and Democratic primaries to fill the seat covering Magisterial District 33-3-02 and therefore was expected to take over the seat after the November General election. The seat has been vacant due to the passing of District Magistrate Jay A. Young.

"The Senate today moved up the process by confirming the Governor's nomination of Mr. Owen to take over the seat," Senator White said. "I am very pleased that this vacancy has been filled. Our district judges serve as the first, and often only, arbiters in the legal process. Mr. Owen will serve well and it is gratifying that he can now take over this important position."

Owen is a graduate of Kittanning High School and holds degrees from Westminster College and the University of Tennessee, where he earned his law degree. He has served at times as an Assistant District Attorney and Chief Public Defender for Armstrong County. Owen currently serves as Family Law Master and Domestic Relations Hearing Officer.

He is active in the community and has served with the Armstrong County YMCA, the Armstrong Amateur Hockey League and ARC Manor. A member of the local Rotary Club, Owen was an active volunteer fireman for 25 years and continues to assist the department in a non-active role.

Magisterial District 33-3-02 includes Brady's Bend, East Franklin, Hovey, Perry, Rayburn, Sugarcreek, Washington, and West Franklin townships, the boroughs of Applewold, Kittanning, West Kittanning, and Worthington, as well the City of Parker.