Local News

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A former driver for ride-share service Lyft was in Luzerne County District Court on Tuesday to face charges that he sexually assaulted a male he picked up in August.

39-year-old Edwin Valentin Perez from the Hazleton area insists he did nothing wrong. The alleged victim says he wants justice.

This is the first time that the accused, Valentin Perez, and the alleged victim came face-to-face since the alleged assault, and at one point, they were only feet away from each other.

FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A shooting in a quiet community leaves a man injured.

Officers said they were called to Freeland Village Apartments on Evancho Circle in Freeland around 12:30 p.m. for a shooting investigation.

Investigators say a man was shot and taken to the hospital.

28/22 News spoke with neighbors on scene who say they're shocked at what happened.

"I've been living here since '07 and we never had any shootings in here at all," a neighbor said.

COLUMBIA COUNTY — (WBRE/WYOU) — A plane that was suspected of crashing was found safe in Maryland after going off the radar Monday in central Pennsylvania.

According to the Main Township Volunteer Fire Company, multiple crews from Columbia and Montour counties were called to a possible plane crash around 5:20 p.m. near Mainville Drive in Mainville.

Could Pennsylvania see snowfall this week?

WILKES-BARRE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Officials have announced that Wawa is set to open in Wilkes-Barre Township early next month.

According to Wawa Inc., they are hosting its grand opening on Friday, December 6 in Wilkes-Barre Township.

The release states the countdown for the grand opening will begin at 7:45 a.m. followed by the doors officially opening at 8:00 a.m. with a T-shirt giveaway to the first 100 customers (as supplies last.)

Man accused of setting furniture on fire during burn ban

The Daily Item

WEATHERLY, CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man is facing charges after police say he set various furniture on fire during a county-wide red flag burn ban.

On November 16, Weatherly Police and Weatherly Fire Department were called to the 700 block of East Main Street for an unattended fire.

On the scene, crews saw household furniture items burning and the fire department was able to extinguish and contain them. Investigators stated the fire was left unattended during dry, windy, conditions and gasoline was close to where the fire was burning, putting nearby houses in danger.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Sheetz announced its kicking off the holiday season for its customers by reducing the price of Unleaded 88.

Sheetz will lower the unleaded 88 gas at its participating stores by 40 cents per gallon.

Could Pennsylvania see snowfall this week?

This limited-time promotion begins November 19 and lasts through the end of the month, November 30.

Unleaded 88 is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all 2001 and newer cars, trucks, and SUVs.

EYEWITNESS WEATHER (WBRE/WYOU) — Our winter storm is in full swing across northeast and central Pennsylvania. Periods of steady and heavy snow continue Friday morning.

Valleys may even have rain mixed in at times. Prepare for snow-covered roadways, especially in the higher elevations.

This will likely cause many travel disruptions for the Friday morning commute.

As the day progresses, rain and snow will gradually lighten up and become more scattered. By the evening, most of the precipitation is wrapping up.

SELINSGROVE — Some area homes will be looking a little brighter this holiday season thanks to the DIG Furniture Bank.

EFFORT, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local HVAC company in the Poconos is offering to install a heating system for one family in need at no cost.

Jeff's HVAC will be providing one family in need of a heating system this winter. The applications are now open are can be found at Jeff's HVAC Heating Up Hope.

This time of year Mother Nature is drawing in customers to heating companies like Jeff’s HVAC in Effort.