Local News

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A plan is developing among borough officials and a variety of local groups, both faith-based and secular, to build a food resource center in Stroudsburg.

The idea came from Father Bruce Gowe of Christ Episcopal Church, which is next door to the borough building who says they were outgrowing their basement food pantry.

Borough prepares for annual Cherry Blossom Festival

ARCHBALD, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A heightened sense of safety and accountability at a local high school today after K-9 units conducted a surprise sweep through the halls.

School officials say the goal isn’t just to find prohibited items, but to prevent them from ever entering the building. That’s why Friday's unannounced K-9 sweep sent a strong message about safety, deterrence, and school culture.

It was anything but an ordinary school day. Trained police dogs moved locker to locker, sniffing for drugs, weapons, and even vape pens.

WEST PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The stage is set in West Pittston for the 54th annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

The event is a favorite for many people in the area, and it's taking the spotlight once again.

That's right the cherry blossom festival is back and better than ever, and this year organizers say they've got lots planned for people to enjoy.

College students make cars for kids with disabilities

Located along Susquehanna Avenue, the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival has a little something for everyone.

LEHIGH TOWNSHIP, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A Wayne County man has been charged after allegedly breaking into a home and attacking a person.

55-year-old Thomas Hermann, of Madison Township, is being charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Burglary among other charges.

Troopers say that on April 30, they were dispatched to a residence in Lehigh Township after a home invasion with assault had taken place.

BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man has been convicted after police say a group of four people unknowingly purchased fentanyl from him, resulting in another man's death.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that 28-year-old Tysheem Dunlap, of Williamsport, was convicted of drug delivery resulting in death after a four-day jury trial.

CASTANEA TWP., CLINTON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police report the driver of a wrong-way crash involving two cars that killed a passenger is facing charges.

According to PSP, 29-year-old Dwight Meyer was arrested on the following charges for his alleged involvement in a wrong-way crash;

Murder of the 3rd degree

Murder of the 3rd degree of an unborn child

Aggravated assault

Aggravated assault on an unborn child

Homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence,

Involuntary manslaughter

Driving under the influence

HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man has been sentenced to the maximum of 20 to 40 years in prison after being found guilty of third-degree murder for killing 41-year-old Helena Johnson in 2021.

Joseph Sarmiento, 40, of New York, has been sentenced after being found guilty but mentally ill of third-degree murder.

Mom facing charges after allegedly driving son to fight

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A community is rallying around the two children of the Luzerne County woman who was murdered and her body burned.

Investigators say 39-year-old Jessica Lockwood, a volunteer firefighter, suffered a gunshot wound and blunt force trauma, her body was set on fire, and was left along Club 40 Road in Hazleton early Sunday morning.

The search for her killer is ongoing.

‘Pimp’, ‘madame’ arrested during Pa. prostitution sting

A GoFundMe page has been set up to benefit Lockwood's children, ages 13 and 10.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Northampton County District Attorney stated two people have been arrested after a human trafficking investigation.

In January, detectives, including the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Northampton County Office of the District Attorney, began a joint sex trafficking and prostitution investigation.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police are searching for two people after they say a man was robbed in a restroom.

On May 1, officers were called to the 300 block of South Main Street for a reported robbery. Police said the victim, a 55-year-old man from Willkes-Barre, went to use the restroom inside the business, and a man and woman followed him.

Government making it easier for people to report scams

The victim claimed that the two people demanded money while one of them threatened him with a broomstick, officers reported.