Local News

NEW PHILADELPHIA, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Schuylkill County Coroner's Office has a new home, and officials say the move brings major improvements.

From savings on operating costs to upgraded equipment, the new space is designed to better serve the community.

The coroner's office recently moved from the upper floor to a new space on the ground level of their building on Alliance Street in New Philadelphia.

The new location gives more privacy for staff to work.

The facility also boasts new machines to improve autopsy procedures.

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police in Luzerne County are keeping a close eye on a rash of car and van break-ins the last few weeks, the thieves taking valuable equipment from inside.

The man who lives in a home on Meyers Street was robbed of more than 50 tools.

He lost thousands of dollars in equipment out of his work van that was parked right here the night it happened. He says it's a big loss while working on a big project.

"This is like a screwdriver kit with different heads for it," said victim Bryan Denny.

EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities say an investigation is underway Wednesday after a death in Exeter.

Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief Michael Turner told 28/22 News authorities were on the scene in the Mount Lookout Trailer Park Wednesday night.

Celebrating initiatives committed to fight against opioid epidemic

Chief Turner explained police are investigating the death of a 48-year-old man at a home in the trailer park.

Police say they don't believe there was any foul play and the investigation is ongoing.

LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A California man is facing almost 59 sexual assault-related charges after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old in Lycoming County.

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Montoursville said in a release they were contacted by the mother of a 14-year-old girl on Monday, March 17.

Troopers say the mother requested PSP to try to find her daughter who she found to be communicating with a 28-year-old man through social media.

State Police had responded to the girl's residence and saw messages on a phone.

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Students at a local college are rolling up their sleeves to create a community garden on campus.

It's all part of an agricultural enrichment project outside of the Dawson Building at Penn State Scranton.

The Garden Club and Student Government Association teamed up for the initiative hoping to provide a green space for the community.

Celebrating initiatives committed to fight against opioid epidemic

With help from local donations, students hope to grow a variety of plants while promoting sustainability on campus.

OLD FORGE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An Old Forge icon is up for sale. Salerno's Cafe, a community staple for more than 90 years, has hit the market.

The sale on Moosic Road includes everything from the restaurant's menu to the multi-unit property next door, offering extra parking and rental income.

Bringing old media back to life at the ‘Dead Media Room’

Known for its cozy atmosphere and famous Old Forge-style pizza, this is a chance to own a large piece of local history.

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Celebrating the initiatives that commit to continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic.

On Wednesday morning, the Monroe County commissioners commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) Program and the "We Fight Fentanyl" campaign.

LETI and the we fight fentanyl campaign have seen great success in the past year.

Now, the county hopes to continue that momentum.

FISHING CREEK TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Authorities say a Columbia County blaze had burned through acres of land and multiple vehicles Wednesday afternoon.

Benton Assistant Fire Chief James Albertson tells 28/22 News crews were called to the 500 of Winding Road in Fishing Creek Township, Columbia County shortly after 3:30 p.m. for a reported fire.

Assistant Chief Alberston says the fire broke out under dry conditions as a burn ban was in place in the township.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in Montrose will close its doors at the end of March, according to Susquehanna County Commissioner Chair Allan M. Hall.

Commissioners said in a media release that the facility will close its doors on March 28. Personnel were notified earlier this week of the decision.

Commissioners say the county will save approximately $3 million per year by decommissioning the facility.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — A warning from law enforcement regarding a text scam that 28/22 News has been tracking. It involves text messages that are supposedly sent by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Those who receive them are told they owe overdue tolls and face serious legal penalties if they don't immediately pay up.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials tell the I-Team the texts are becoming more threatening and the number of those texts being sent to Pennsylvanians is also increasing in a bigtime way. They are urging people not to fall for the scam.