Local News

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new ordinance targeting food trucks has been making waves in one local township. Some truck owners say the change will cut into their profits.

Notis Vavlas, owner of Notis The Gyro King, has been operating in Wilkes-Barre Township for the last 17 years.

He says he's been abiding by the rules for as long as he's been in business and that he feels like he's being singled out by this new ordinance.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A heavy police presence was seen in Wilkes-Barre Wednesday night after a reported incident.

According to the Luzerne County Communications Center, first responders and the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department were called to the unit block of Lawrence Street around 9:00 p.m.

28/22 News was there as the road was taped off, and police were going in and out of a home along that street.

It's unclear at this time why police were called to the house or if there are any injuries.

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a man was arrested after allegedly robbing a Wilkes-Barre Township business with a gun.

Wilkes-Barre Township Police said they were called on Tuesday shortly after 8:00 p.m. to a robbery at the Dollar Tree found at the East End Center.

Police say the suspect, identified as Brandon Warren-Jackson, entered the store brandishing a firearm and demanded money from the cashier.

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In Wednesday's edition of Read Across America, a story by Meteorologist Valerie Smock.

Valerie read to the youngsters at Little People Daycare in Kingston.

28/22 News crew read to children in second day of Read Across America Week

The captive audience is children aged one to five years old.

She read a Dr. Seuss birthday book to the little ones, and the always popular Green Eggs and Ham to the older children.

DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Geisinger Cancer Center in Dickson City held a wall dedication on Wednesday.

They had employees and community partners sign a segment of a wall that will be used in their new facility.

Luzerne County nursing home set to close

A doctor there says the facility will bring more comprehensive cancer services, including radiation oncology, for the first time from Geisinger in Lackawanna County.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A chapter closes in the Lackawanna County government as the commissioners officially accept the resignation of Matt McGloin. With his departure, a new process begins to fill the vacancy he leaves behind.

The seat left empty by McGloin's departure is now officially acknowledged by the Lackawanna County Commissioners, clearing the path for the County Court of Common Pleas to appoint his successor.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Lent means lots of people will be eating seafood! 28/22 News stopped by Southside Seafood in Scranton Wednesday afternoon.

They sell everything from soup to fresh shrimp.

People were stopping by to pick out their Ash Wednesday meals all day long.

Ash Wednesday Mass with a focus on the Pope

The staff says business was steady, but nothing compared to other holidays.

"It's nothing like Christmas or New Years. Lent isn't as overwhelming as Christmas," said Ted Rice, an employee at Southside Seafood.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a time of preparation for Easter for many people of faith.

For practicing Catholics, it's a time to reflect and focus on renewal, but this year, there's more on their minds.

Church-goers and church leaders 28/22 News spoke with said this Lent, they are also focusing on the health of Pope Francis, who remains in very serious condition.

For those of Catholic faith, Lent is a time to give up or add things to their lives.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The rain didn't lessen Ash Wednesday attendance in Luzerne County.

Hundreds of people attended 12:00 p.m. mass on Wednesday at Saint Nicks Saint Mary's in Wilkes-Barre.

Two dead in fire, building destroyed

They received ashes on their foreheads to mark the season of Lent in the catholic faith.

This is a time for Christians to deepen their faith, seek reconciliation, and grow closer to Christ through prayer and fasting in the weeks leading up to Easter.

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A homeowner is recovering after his house went up in flames in another part of Luzerne County.

The home on Main Street in Edwardsville started burning just after 1:00 a.m.

Two dead in fire, building destroyed

The chief says the back was full of flames when crews showed up.

A fire marshal was at the scene investigating, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this hour.

The chief described the homeowner's injuries as minor.