Luzerne County

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania primary is just a few days away. 28/22 News is also looking into an important question on the ballot facing voters in Luzerne County.

The election is this Tuesday, April 23, and the Bureau of Elections is suggesting voters with mail-in ballots drop them off in person to ensure they make it on time.

28/22 News also spoke with them about a question on the ballot for a proposed committee, which could change the shape of the county's government.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Local hospital employees are taking a stand when it comes to their staff and wages.

The unionized workers are less than a month away from voting to strike.

28/22 News Reporter Emily Allegrucci was at a meeting they held Thursday evening.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley's Unionized Technical Employees met Thursday evening to discuss what changes need to be made at the hospital.

Overall, they're looking for more help, better pay, and to avoid an impending strike.

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — After two decades of putting criminals behind bars, a well-known, local prosecutor is leaving the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office.

The retirement comes after a career of convictions, one that includes one of Luzerne County's most notorious cases.

After 20 years of more than 100 homicides, sexual assaults, active shootings, and drug cases, premier homicide prosecutor Jarrett Ferentino recently retired as the Assistant District Attorney of Luzerne County.

EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Downstream from Toby Creek, rust-colored water is flowing in a creek in Edwardsville behind Market 32 grocery store.

"Even normal rain it's a different color," said Edwardsville resident Matthew Scott-Amos.

About three miles downstream from Sunday's mine subsidence in Toby Creek in Luzerne, rust-colored water can now be seen in Edwardsville on that same creek.

"I've never seen the orange color before, first time we've seen it and I know this is part of Toby Creek," said Thomas Jenkins of Edwardsville.

LUZERNE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)_ — 28/22 News has been following mine subsidence in Toby Creek, in Luzerne Borough, behind Luzerne Lumber.

The mine void opened up on Sunday, draining water from the creek, and is causing concern for nearby homeowners and businesses.

Since then several other potential mine-related issues have popped up across Luzerne County.

28/22 News has been following mine subsidence in Toby Creek, in Luzerne Borough, behind Luzerne Lumber.

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The new Hazleton Public Transit Bus Storage and Maintenance Facility is officially open.

It's located across from the Hazleton airport in Hazel Township, Luzerne County.

The $27,000,000 million project is the largest project in the city of Hazleton's history.

Bloomsburg PD inputs safety measures for ‘Block Party’

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We are in the midst of National Work Zone Awareness Week and state police are reminding drivers about the rules of the road when entering an active work zone.

On Wednesday in York County, three construction workers were killed in an active work zone crash.

It's a tragic reminder at the start of construction season to follow the rules in active work zones.

That's why PennDOT and state police are encouraging drivers to use extra caution when driving in a work zone to keep everyone safe.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Local pharmacy students organized a yearly opioid awareness walk.

April is Opioid Awareness Month and students at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre hit the pavement Thursday to make others aware of the epidemic.

The students also sell t-shirts and hotdogs and all proceeds are donated to the Wilke Barre Fire Department.

PA Department of Education issues FAFSA application reminder

The fire department typically handles overdose calls and they say the extra money will come in handy.

SUGARLOAF TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Officials from the district attorney's office say 140 birds were seized from a Luzerne County home during an investigation into the possible breeding and fighting of roosters.

First Assistant District Attorney Tony Ross told 28/22 News on Thursday, April 11, a collaborative effort between multiple agencies served a warrant at a home in the 400 block of Sugarloaf Heights Road in Sugarloaf Township to investigate a possible rooster gamecock breeding/fighting facility. 

WEST HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Officials say two juveniles have been charged in a gang-related shooting behind a Luzerne County elementary/middle school.

At 7:50 p.m. Monday, the West Hazleton Borough Police said they were called for the report of shots fired behind the West Hazleton Elementary/Middle School.

PSP: Man recording traffic stop arrested, charged with obstruction

Investigators say they learned that two groups had exchanged gunfire on a sports field behind the school as part of an ongoing feud between local gangs.