Local News

TURBOTVILLE — The fenced-in Turbotville Children’s Playground adjacent to the Community Hall has been closed until further notice due to vandalism.

LEWISBURG — Judges of election and pollworkers in Union County received raises during Tuesday’s public meeting.

BRIAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A family is now without a home after a fire ripped through it in Columbia County.

The fire started on Evansville Road, in Briar Creek Township, around 12:00 p.m.

Brush fire burns acres of forest near buildings

They believe it started on the back porch and was fueled by the wind, which caused a brush fire on the property behind the house.

The Assistant Fire Chief of Summer Hill Fire Company says the cause of the fire is not yet known.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Plans are in motion for a new splash pad in the City of Scranton. Officials announced they are now accepting bids for its installation. This comes as part of a broader effort to revitalize an area long overdue for renewal.

What was once an abandoned pool site is soon to be a cornerstone of community life in Scranton, thanks to a multi-million-dollar investment.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local World War II veteran has something big to celebrate this week. He turns 103 years old on Thursday.

A birthday wish and a celebration for Scranton resident Al Liberatore.

"All this attention because I'm 103 years old, that's what makes me happy," Al said.

Al was born in Scranton on April 3, 1922. He enlisted in high school and left in 1940 to fight in World War II. In fact, he never received his diploma until a few years ago. In 2017, Al was presented with his official high school diploma.

ORWIGSBURG, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A piece of history has been returned to its rightful owners in Schuylkill County. A medal belonging to the family of a World War I veteran came home.

Joseph William Morrison from Auburn, Schuylkill County, was a Private First Class in the Army during World War I.

During his time in the service, Morrison was held in high regard by his fellow soldiers and his commander.

MAHANOY TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are looking for three suspects after a Schuylkill County business had been burglarized three separate times.

Authorities say a gas station/convenience store on the 900 block of West Centre Street in Mahanoy Township was looted three separate times by three men.

State Police say two of the three burglaries happened on March 24, while only one happened on March 30.

The suspects came to the business on foot from West Market Street, Mahanoy City Borough, and also fled on foot.

BLACK CREEK TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A brush fire burned acres of forest but was prevented from spreading to any buildings.

Joe Lescowitch, chief of the Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company, said crews were called out around 1:20 p.m. to a brush fire.

Lescowitch says there were approximately 25 acres of forest on fire, and due to their quick response, there were no structures involved despite there being multiple close to the fire.

Husband accused of shooting wife inside home

COVINGTON TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One area high school in Lackawanna County is focused on creating a more accepting school environment.

Inside North Pocono High School in Covington Township, you can shop till you drop at its school store.

In addition to the merchandise that satisfies your school spirit needs, this store is even more special as it's run by the North Pocono Buddies Club.

JIM THORPE, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Three people escaped injury Wednesday morning during a fire in Jim Thorpe.

Crews were called in around 9:30 a.m. for an active fire in the unit block of Central Avenue in Jim Thorpe.

Brush fire burns acres of forest near buildings

Multiple fire companies were called in to battle the blaze that heavily damaged the rear of the home and the second floor.

According to a fire official on scene, three people in the home who evacuated safely. A woman working at home smelled smoke and opened her door to see flames.