Local News

BLOOMSBURG -- More than 40 people turned out Friday as Dr. Charles Gillespie Memorial Park on West Main Street opened....

PALMER TOWNSHIP, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Palmer Township Police Department say their search for a missing man in Northampton County has ended.

Police ask for help to ID child found in Scranton

On Friday, police announced they were searching for 89-year-old Gene Brocious, who has since been found.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Scranton Police Department say they need help identifying a child found Friday night.

Police say the non-verbal child was found in the area of Sheetz at the 500 block of Mount Pleasant and is believed to be five years old.

24-hour fundraising marathon NEPA Gives wraps up with over $1M raised

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A number of local organizations came together in Scranton on Friday to give back to the community in a big way. Their efforts will help hundreds of non-profits, not just in the Electric City, but across NEPA.

28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape was there Friday afternoon to experience the day of donations firsthand.

A party with a purpose. Crowds filled the 100 block of Wyoming Avenue in Downtown Scranton Friday evening for a block party, but this wasn't just any block party, it was part of NEPA Gives' Sixth Annual Day of Giving.

ROSS TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — There are new details on the fire that damaged an animal hospital in Monroe County.

State police now say there's no evidence of anything suspicious in the fire that broke out Thursday morning at Best Friends Vet Clinic near Saylorsburg.

‘Nuisance mosquitoes’ prompt spraying in several communities

The fire marshal is still investigating the cause, but no people or animals were inside when the flames tore through the building.

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A heads-up for drivers in Luzerne County: Overnight lane restrictions are coming to Interstate 81 next week.

PennDOT says bridge demolition work will restrict lanes in both directions near mile marker 170 in Plains Township.

PennDOT warns boaters about bridge demolition

It'll happen Monday and Tuesday night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Drivers should expect delays and use both lanes up to the merge point to keep traffic moving.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a brand new place to play in Scranton, and it's much more than just a playground. After two years in the making, students, city leaders, and the Trust for Public Land cut the ribbon on a fully transformed schoolyard at John F. Kennedy Elementary.

The upgraded space features ADA-accessible equipment, a running track, a basketball court, and an outdoor classroom.

When school's out, the space will stay open to the neighborhood.

Students also played a big role in the design process.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's day two of the Lackawanna County Heritage Fair in Scranton. The fun is taking place on Montage Mountain. More than 1,800 people turned out Thursday, marking the fair's biggest opening night in its five-year history.

Guests can check out more than 60 craft and food vendors, find a thrill on more than a dozen rides, and the water park, and take part in a scavenger hunt to win free merch!

Organizers say the fair gets bigger and better as an affordable way to show off the region's history and culture.

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Luzerne County former assistant wrestling coach is now behind bars facing sexual assault charges.

The Wyoming Seminary coach was arraigned Friday afternoon after being accused of inappropriately touching a female wrestler.

25-year-old Nina Pham is accused of inappropriately touching a young female wrestler during a workout. Pham turned herself in to Kingston Police Friday afternoon.

Former Wyoming Seminary assistant wrestling coach Nina Pham was taken to prison Friday afternoon.

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say they have two suspects in the break-in and theft at a cell phone store in Luzerne County. Police say one of the suspects was identified by someone who saw him on a 28/22 news social media post about the break-in.

Video of the break-in at the Boost Mobile store in Edwardsville on Thursday morning shows two men inside the store.

One man was identified by police as 55-year-old Peter Showalter, and law enforcement say break-ins at cell phone stores are increasing nationwide and in our area.