Local News

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Families throughout NEPA strive to give their children the best possible future, which starts at a young age.

A Luzerne County woman has spent the last two decades dedicating her life to early childhood education and, in return, creating a stronger community.

During story time in Mrs. Anstett's pre-kindergarten classroom, children are encouraged to use their imagination.

Down the hall, you'll find infants engaged in play time.

The woman who created the inviting space for growth and learning is one of a kind.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An area prom dress drive has a new name in memory of a local woman who dedicated her life to helping students.

Stacy Marino-Walton from Hazleton tragically lost her life in 2012 to a domestic event with her husband, whose life was also lost that day.

"Beautiful person, kind, caring, fun," Melissa Marino, Stacy's sister, said.

"She was fun; she was kind; she was good-hearted, and it's a loss that we'll never get over," shared Alvita Kulsa, Stacy's best friend.

(WBRE/WYOU) — It's that time of year when the 28/22 News team heads to area classrooms as part of Read Across America Week.

Anchor Tom Williams stopped by Mrs. Greeley's second-grade class at Dodsen Elementary at Mackin in Wilkes-Barre Tuesday morning.

He read one of his favorites, Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. The kids in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District were good listeners and had lots of questions about TV news.

Meteorologist Logan Westrope also participated in Read Across America Week.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Bridging gaps between cultures with words: That's the focus of the Second Annual World Languages Day at the University of Scranton on Tuesday.

Over one hundred students from six local high schools immersed themselves in a linguistic journey, proving that human interaction is the key to mastering a new language.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Area bakeries are busy preparing Fat Tuesday treats today as many look to indulge before the Lenten season begins.

It's a sea of paczik inside Minooka Pastry Shop, with dozens of trays filling the back wall all because it's Fat Tuesday. And one rich donut is the star of the show.

The pastry shop estimates they’ll sell 600 dozen paczkis.

Tons of ingredients and elbow grease go into the dough, cutting and weighing it perfectly and then filling it with different flavors.

(WBRE/WYOU) — The Shapiro Administration has taken steps to help motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.

Motorcycle inspections were formerly only available between March and October. The new law allows motorcycles to be inspected year-round.

Former president allegedly stole $26K from football club

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man is facing charges after police say he sent Snapchats threatening a shooting against the Marywood University lacrosse team.

According to the Dunmore Police Department, on February 18, officers responded to Marywood University for a report of threats being made towards members of the lacrosse team and other individuals.

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police have charged the former president of the Nanticoke 12th Man Booster Club with stealing over $26,000 from the organization.

According to the Nanticoke City Police Department, in October 2023 the new booster club treasurer, Wendy Graves, noticed missing funds from the organization's bank account.

Graves then contacted 47-year-old Sterling Kepp, of Nanticoke, the president of the Nanticoke 12th Man Football Club, who police say handled all the financial responsibilities of the club.

(WBRE/WYOU) — The Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) announced charges are being filed against a suspect who stole SNAP funds from 17 Pennsylvanians and spent over $8,000.

State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry states felony charges have been filed against an individual for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds from the EBT card accounts of 17 Pennsylvanians and spending a total of $8,237.09 of those benefits in multiple states.

LEWISBURG — The Public Library for Union County is showing artwork by Rita Gugliemini Bower in Gallery 255 this March. Known for her innovative use of paint, mixed media, and found objects, Rita’s collection invites viewers into a world of creative exploration.