Local News

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.

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — After receiving complaints from residents, the Luzerne Conservation District (LCD) announced they will be spraying for mosquitoes in several communities on the west side of the Wyoming Valley.

Crews are expected to be out spraying for adult mosquitoes in residential and recreational areas in Forty Fort, West Wyoming, Wyoming and Exeter in the evening hours of June 10. In the case of bad weather, the rain date is set for June 11.

7 Day Forecast

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT is cautioning boaters and canoers about a bridge demolition project in Scranton.

Those using the Lackawanna River are cautioned to stay under the designated areas during the Green Ridge Street Bridge demolition.

Traffic stop leads to drug and weapon charges

There will be designated areas for passing under the bridge while demolition is occurring because the bridge will be taken apart piece by piece.

PennDOT says the demolition will continue throughout the next week.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say two men have been charged after three pounds of meth was found in their car when being pulled over for speeding.

According to police, an officer pulled over the driver, Hakiem Price, and the passenger, Kareem Ray, for going 67 mph in a 50 mph zone on Tuesday night in Wayne Township, Schuylkill County.

In the affidavit, the police officer said, "During the stop, I observed numerous indicators that criminal activity was afoot".

Traffic stop leads to drug and weapon charges

MILTON — Milton High School sent 154 students out into the world from the school system’s gymnasium after a commencement ceremony Thursday night.