Local News

PIKE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigators have charged a woman after they say she communicated sexually with a child on Facebook Messenger.

Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin reports that 35-year-old Ashley Hall-Stoll of Dingmans Ferry has been charged with the following after information was obtained from a child report line:

Unlawful contact with a minor

Criminal use of a communication facility

Criminal attempt to disseminate explicit sexual materials to minors,

Criminal solicitation to disseminate explicit sexual materials to minors

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In the midst of winter and more to come icy conditions and snow have impacted blood resources across the nation.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

While the American Red Cross holds drive across the country all year round. Seasons like the winter, especially this year, have been challenging.

“We have snow, we have ice, we have freezing rain. In other areas you have major catastrophes like the wildfires and things like that, so with that are always cancellations of blood drives.”

HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police report that five people were arrested after being accused of retail thefts at a Walmart in Luzerne County.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, troopers responded to Walmart in Hazle Township for separate retail theft incidents from January into February.

On January 9 around 6:40 p.m., troopers said they were called to Walmart for a theft where two people, a 53-year-old man, and a 56-year-old woman stole $56.16 worth of food items.

Victim identified after deadly house explosion

SUGARLOAF TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The victim of a deadly house explosion in Luzerne County has been identified.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on February 12 around 4:30 a.m., troopers were called to Cabana Lane in Sugarloaf Township for a fully engulfed fire.

Fox captured after attacking many residents

During the search effort, 32-year-old Aaron Moore was found dead inside the home.

The fire completely destroyed and collapsed the house and also damaged the siding of the home next door.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new ramen spot is opening in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Owner Eric Wahyudi spoke with 28/22 News about bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the Diamond City.

"Wilkes-Barre is a very good, diverse city and we want to introduce the Japanese culture and food to the neighborhood."

Wahyudi has been in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years and will bring "Shinjiru Ramen" to 41 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre where Boozy B's was located.

Shinjiru Ramen opened a Tannserville location in December 2023.

(WBRE/WYOU) — Officials report a fox has been captured after attacking, and encountering many residents in Stroudsburg.

On February 19 the Stroud Area Regional Police Department was called to a report of a fox attack on Congdon Avenue.

Following an investigation, officers learned that multiple residents in the surrounding areas, including Hillcrest Drive, Howell Terrace, and Clause Drive, may have encountered the fox over the past 48 hours.

Man accused of impersonating FBI agent to target international students

SUNBURY — Northumberland County Deputy Prothonotary Geraldine Yagle accomplished a unique milestone when she entered the courthouse for work on Wednesday for the last time.

LEWISBURG — The Lewisburg Borough Council adopted a resolution this week affirming the municipality’s commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming community for all residents.

SELINSGROVE — Penn Township will remain a municipal shareholder of the Penn Valley Airport, but is not committing any money to the facility this year.

SUNBURY — Three elected Sunbury officials say they want to be transparent with city finances.