Luzerne County

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A part of the Diamond City is a lot more colorful on Saturday thanks to an end-of-September tradition. Children showed up at Wilkes-Barre River Common on Saturday to take part in the Annual Chalkfest.

Kids received a free container of chalk and decorated the sidewalks at the Millennium Circle portal.

These budding, young artists were able to take part in other free activities, too, like a family fishing program, environmental exhibits, and face painting.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A park in the Diamond City that is already home to a special needs playground. Upgrade work is underway at Kirby Park.

Much of that work is focused on the pond area. The project would not be possible without American Rescue Plan Act federal funding from the Biden Administration.

Fire under investigation in Luzerne County

The mayor thinks visitors are going to like what they see when it is all done.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Families in Wilkes-Barre now have a brand-new playground to enjoy, designed so every child can play. Mayor George Brown invited the community on Saturday morning to The Bog on Dewey Lane.

Together, they officially marked the opening of the city's newest all-inclusive special needs playground.

The more than $1,000,000 project adds many upgrades, including almost 30 pieces of accessible equipment, disability-friendly walkways, and six new pickleball courts.

DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A new feature has been added to a local hiking, biking, and jogging trail. One woman started it as a way for others to connect with their lost loved ones. This project, called Wind Phone, is bittersweet for anyone who interacts with it.

The woman behind this new addition that she helped bring to life in Luzerne County has an emotional connection to it.

"'Grief is love with no place to go.' That was, like, my first major quote that I related to when I first lost my mom," Shavertown resident Tara Yamelski said.

Chalkfest 2025 hosted by the Riverfront Parks Committee filled the River Common in Wilkes-Barre with art and learning about the Susquehanna River.

Organizations in the community came together to host this event in its inaugural year, aiming to break down barriers in the city.

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT has announced lane restrictions on Interstate 81 that begin on Monday.

Lane restrictions will affect Interstate 81 Southbound between the Pittston and Wilkes-Barre exits on Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for bridge inspection.

I-180 reopened after truck collides with bridge

PennDOT reminds drivers to drive carefully in work zones.

You can stay up to date on speed limit restrictions, road conditions, and closures on 511PA.com.

(WBRE/WYOU)— A fire is under investigation in Luzerne County after what appears to be an abandoned warehouse went up in flames.

Crews were called to Gilligan Street in Wilkes-Barre around 5:00 p.m. Friday.

The Wilkes-Barre City assistant chief says they were able to knock out the fire quickly and that no one was inside the building.

Two employees from the Department of Public Works are being hailed as heroes after taking action to save a family while on their regular garbage-collecting route.

Flames broke out along Talcott Hill Road in Ross Township near Sweet Valley around 7 a.m. Friday.