Luzerne County

TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It's a crime that is often hidden in plain sight, and it can happen anywhere, even in northeastern Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, law enforcement, educators, healthcare professionals, and more gathered for the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking Regional Training Program.

"If I can save just one life with my story, everything that I have been through is worth it," Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Training Specialist and Survivor Leader Kelley Alsobrook said.

NEWPORT TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A fire engine dedication was held at the Newport Township Fire Department Tuesday afternoon.

Congressman Dan Meuser joined the fire department for the dedication of the New Pierce Saber Pumper.

Congressman Meuser advocated for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant which helped buy the truck.

The new fire engine was put into service on October 5.

Police speading Christmas cheer with toy drive in Tunkhannock

TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local police department is helping to spread Christmas cheer.

Tunkhannock Township and Tunkhannock Borough Police Departments partnered with Tunkhannock Area School District, Triton Hose Company, and local businesses to carry out the Cops for Christmas Toy Drive.

Fundraiser held for Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center

Donation bins are placed in various Dollar General stores in Wyoming County and school district buildings in order to accept unwrapped toys for local children who are in need.

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The non-profit WoodBridge Healthcare Inc. announced on Tuesday the agreement to acquire Commonwealth Health has been terminated.

28/22 News previously reported that WoodBridge Healthcare Inc. announced they signed a contract to acquire Commonwealth Health back in July from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems Inc.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigating and preventing child sexual abuse is the mission of an online fundraiser taking place in Luzerne County.

That fundraiser will help a non-profit agency that provides services to some 600 children each year.

The numbers really tell a concerning story: the depth of the problem and the challenge.

6,000 children and their families have come to the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) over the past decade and that number is expected to increase.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Good news: If you're stopping to shop in Downtown Wilkes-Barre this holiday season, you might be able to park for free.

From now until January 6, the city of Wilkes-Barre is suspending parking meter fees in its business district.

It's an effort to support the small businesses downtown has to offer.

With the holiday season stepping into full swing, local businesses say they'd like to see people shop small this year.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The fifth annual Festival of Trees opened Saturday in Schuylkill Haven.

20 trees decorated by Schuylkill County nonprofits are on display in the main gallery at the Walk in Arts Center.

The public can get involved by voting for their favorite festive display. People can vote online or in person.

Luzerne County residents cope with power losses after snow storm

Votes cost $1 each with proceeds shared by the center and the nonprofits.

BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for what is normally the busiest travel days.

Between Tuesday and Sunday, December 1, 3,400,000 people are expected to hit the road during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Part of Nay Aug Ave. in Scranton closing until fall 2026

The Turnpike will have all lanes open starting tomorrow, suspending road work until Sunday to help with traffic.

There will also be increased patrol of the roadway, along with the Pennsylvania State Police.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Wilkes-Barre City police confirmed a man has died after being hit by a car Sunday night while he was walking near Home Depot.

The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department reports on Sunday around 6:50 p.m., officers were called to Route 309 for a pedestrian hit by a car near the Home Depot entrance.

Courtesy of Bob Kadluboski

Courtesy of Bob Kadluboski

Police said the driver was traveling north when he hit a man who was crossing the road towards Norm's Pizza.

DALLAS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police in Luzerne County say they extradited a prisoner in Rikers Island to face charges in a cooking oil theft investigation.

According to the Dallas Township Police Department, on November 14, officers extradited Ronny Almanzar Jimenez from Rikers Island, New York, to face charges for a 2023 theft in Dallas Township.

Man charged after several guns stolen from Dallas Twp. home

Police say Jimenez was involved in a cooking oil theft from a local business.

Jimenez is charged with the following: