Valley companies and nonprofit organizations retained more than 23,000 employees during the COVID pandemic, aided by more than $130 million of dollars in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and nearly all impacted are still in business five years later.
WATSONTOWN — Watsontown’s annual Independence Day tradition of passing the American Flag from one person to another up and down Main Street, followed by a parade, highlighted the beginning of a full-day celebration in the borough.
KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— This Fourth of July, families flocked to Frances Slocum State Park to soak up the sun and celebrate freedom together.
From cookouts, to casting lines, and playing in the water, all sites around the park were filled with somebody having fun for the holiday.
4th of July celebration benefitting local charities
"I think it's fun to celebrate and celebrate how our freedom and the people who fought for our freedom," said 14-year-old Noah Fry.
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Stars, stripes, and spreading support.
An annual charity event in Luzerne County kicked off its weekend long Fourth of July celebrations.
The Independence Day festival in Hazleton is sparking fun and raising funds for those in the community.
28/22's Gianna Galli takes us to City View Park.
Vietnam Veterans, September 11 victims honored on wall
Below a waving American flag at City View Park in Hazleton was the Hazleton Area school cheerleaders.
UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Crews are battling a fire that started Friday afternoon in Northumberland County.
According to the Northumberland County Communications Center, crews were called to the 200 block of Pontius Avenue around 3:00 p.m. for a garage fire that was spreading to the house.
Vietnam Veterans, September 11 victims honored on wall
Officials say that no one has been reported injured.
Crews are still on-scene battling the fire that tore through the home.
KULPMONT, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— An emotional ceremony in NEPA today remembering the lives lost during the Vietnam War and the September 11 attacks.
28/22's Joe Mason has more from the two memorials.
58,311, that's how many names are listed on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. and how many names are listed on the Vietnam traveling wall.
Each name represents a life cut short, including 22 from Northumberland County.
On July 4, hundreds of people remembered those lives in Kulpmont.
WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A Revolutionary War battle fought in the Wyoming Valley is remembered again this Independence Day.
An annual ceremony this morning recalled the nearly 300 victims killed in the 1778 battle and Massacre of Wyoming.
British soldiers and Iroquois Confederation of Native Americans overran the 24th Connecticut Militia and settlers 247 years ago this week.
41st annual run benefits local YMCA
Speakers, war re-enactors, and descendants of those who lost their lives were among those who gathered at the Wyoming Monument.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Yogis took to the roof on this Fourth of July under the bright sun and the American flag in downtown Scranton.
190 people took part in Yoga on the Roof atop the Electric City garage near the Art Haus Movie Theater.
This morning's turnout is the second highest for the annual event, sponsored by Jaya Yoga.
41st annual run benefits local YMCA
Members of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performed live while yogis meditated, took deep breaths, and performed several yoga poses.
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A Fourth of July tradition hit the ground running in Wilkes-Barre.
Hundreds of runners and walkers laced up their sneakers for the 41st Bernie's Run.
Patriotism ringing true in Luzerne County
The three-mile course started on South Franklin Street and made its downtown Friday morning.
The run is inspired by the late Bernie Hargadon, the former director of the Wilkes-Barre YMCA.
Money raised by this morning's run/walk supports the many programs offered by the Y.
MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Waves of red, white, and blue will be seen all across our nation as Americans celebrate the Fourth of July.
28/22's Sydney Kostus attended one of the patriotic events in Luzerne County where organizers know it's grown by the thousands.
Stepping off independence day in Luzerne County.
Scrantastic Spectacular kicks off the holiday weekend
South Mountain Boulevard in Mountain Top is covered in our nation's colors Friday morning.
