Local News

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Avoca Ambulance Association announced they are ceasing operations.

The mayor of Duryea says the council named Hughestown Emergency Services Ambulance as the primary basic life support unit.

They cited staffing shortages and a reduction in calls.

Officials getting ready for US Senate race vote recount in PA

The Avoca Fire Department put out a statement assuring the community this does not affect their operations.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Fire crews in Lackawanna County are back on Montage Mountain Monday, as they continue to put out a brush fire near the ski resort.

The fire started late Saturday night and is contained. Roughly 60 acres burned up on the mountain.

28/22 News had the opportunity to go back in the forest with Scranton Fire Chief John Judge to see the damage and the crews working to maintain it.

Deep into the woods on Montage Mountain, dozens of crews work to continue to contain the brush fire that began late Saturday night.

MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In this week's Here's to You Kid, we revisit a teenager who turned a hobby into a way of helping save lives.

The high school student is a Ham Radio Operator. 28/22 News re-introduces us to the teen and his role at the Monroe County Public Safety Center.

Samuel Thrall is not seated at a Pleasant Valley School desk where you would usually find him.

Instead, he is lending a hand at the Monroe County Public Safety Center.

The 14-year-old McMichaels teen can help behind the mic in the event of an emergency.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — It seems the incumbent Pennsylvania US Senator Bob Casey is going to need quite a surge of votes from a recount to hold onto his seat in Washington.

With nearly all of the estimated vote total reported, Casey trails Republican Dave McCormick by a little more than 17,000 votes.

The margin is about a quarter of a percentage point.

Due to the razor-thin margin, all counties in the commonwealth were ordered to hold a recount. It must begin by Wednesday.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigators announced seven people have been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud that involved "foot baths."

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania stated the following people were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud:

Frank Suess (a.k.a., Franz P. Suess), 78, of Wellington, Florida

Luis Salgado, 50, of Naperville, Illinois, and Davenport, Florida

Melissa Driscoll, 43, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

CARBON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A woman is facing charges after being accused of stealing thousands of dollars while acting as the treasurer of a parent-teacher organization (PTO).

Melissa M. McCloskey, 34, of Lansford, is accused of taking money from the Panther Valley PTO and spending it on numerous retail items, dinners, and personal bills.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police are searching for a bank fraud suspect in Scranton.

The Scranton Police Department is asking for help with any information regarding the identity of the man pictured.

Man accused of starting multiple fires throughout Williamsport

Police say the suspect is wanted for questioning about a fraud investigation that happened at First National Bank on West Lackawanna Avenue.

CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A tractor-trailer rolled over on a PA Turnpike entrance ramp Monday afternoon causing delays.

The crash happened around milepost 130.3 near the Clarks Summit area entrance to the southbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The truck was overturned on its side near the shoulder of the highway and into the grass.

Man dies after barn fire in Wayne County

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — What's that awful smell? That's the question many people who live and travel through one part of Wilkes-Barre have been asking in recent months.

The sewage odors have been noticeable, and at times, overwhelming near the Luzerne County Courthouse and several surrounding blocks.

28/22 News tracked it down. Those odors are connected to a major upgrade of a sewer pipeline that runs near the Susquehanna River and steps are being taken by the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA) to reduce those odors.

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police arrested a man who they say started multiple fires throughout Williamsport while riding his bike.

On November 4 and 5, officers and firefighters were called to numerous intentionally set fires in the 1300 block of Park Avenue, the 1000 block of Vine Avenue, the 1300 block of Scott Street, and the 100 Block of Third Street.

Through further investigation, officers obtained surveillance video of the suspect riding his bike at several fire scenes.

Teen allegedly forced to use drugs leads to marijuana plants seized