Local News

DANVILLE — The Montour County Courthouse, 253 Mill St., will be closed Friday due to a water line issue.

Editor’s note: This story is the latest in an occasional ongoing series looking at interesting and historically important people, places and things in the Danville area. Readers can suggest a subject for this series by emailing news@thedanvillenews.com.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Scranton's Annual Italian Festival, La Festa Italiana, is coming back, filling Courthouse Square with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Italy.

One local business, MAC Signs, has been a key part of the festival for over 20 years.

They're the team behind all the signs you will see throughout the square, helping guide attendees to the best food, entertainment, and activities.

La Festa Italiana brings taste of Italy to Scranton

TANNERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Weis Market is celebrating the re-opening of its store in the Poconos.

Weis Markets on Route 611 in Tannersville got some major upgrades.

They got a new deli, upgraded bakery, expanded floral department, and increased variety throughout the store.

VA uses creative arts as treatment in competition

They also donated to several local organizations.

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The VA held the 16th Annual Veterans Creative Arts Competition Thursday showcasing local talented veterans.

The VA uses creative arts as a therapeutic rehabilitative treatment.

The competition recognizes the progress and recovery veterans have made through creative arts therapy.

It also raises awareness of the creative achievements of our nation's veterans.

Hundreds to gather in Scranton for upcoming tribute race

SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One area city has a new quick way of alerting its residents about what's happening in their neighborhoods.

People in Sunbury now have a new quick response notification system at their fingertips to hear from the city about emergencies, like flooding or crime, street closures, and even events happening in the city.

"We can notify the entire public we can break it down and notify parts of the city. We can notify them in seconds," said Sunbury City Clerk Jeff Wojciechowski.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — On Saturday, Downtown Scranton will come alive with the spirit of community and remembrance as runners and walkers gather for a beloved Labor Day weekend tradition.

Every year, on the Saturday of La Festa Italiana, hundreds of participants gather in Downtown Scranton to pay tribute to Captain James R. Minicozzi, in a race he started in 2011 before passing away the following year.

The Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race, now in its 12th year, honors a local hero, and the man who helped start it all.

EYEWITNESS WEATHER (WBRE/WYOU) — A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for parts of the region Thursday night as scattered showers and thunderstorms will move across central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Weather Forecasts

The main threat is a torrential downpour, which can cause flash flooding on roads with poor drainage. If a thunderstorm can become strong, the secondary threat will be gusty winds.

Friday will turn out mostly cloudy and slightly less humid. Highs will be in the upper 60s and lower 70s. A few showers are possible throughout the day.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Labor Day holiday weekend means police will be conducting DUI checkpoints and roving patrols across Pennsylvania as part of a crackdown on impaired driving.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols aim to deter drinking and driving. Police say they are operating with a “zero-tolerance enforcement policy.”

OLYPHANT, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a man is wanted for selling drugs, hitting a detective's car and patrol cars multiple times with his vehicle during an escape.

Scranton Police Department

According to the Scranton Police Department, on Wednesday investigators were meeting a confidential informant to identify a man accused of selling crack cocaine in Lackawanna County.

The suspect was identified as Demetrius Tuquan Johnson, 35, and police conducted an undercover controlled purchase of drugs, which prompted detectives to attempt to arrest him.