Luzerne County

EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An area high school was evacuated early this morning over what is being called an "unverified threat."

State troopers responded to the Wyoming Area Secondary Center after it went into lockdown. This was after a written threat was found on the stall of a girls' bathroom in the school.

The threat was related to a weapon, according to a press release from the school obtained by 28/22 news.

(WBRE/WYOU) — Officials are warning Pennsylvania residents to stay vigilant as scammers in a new phishing scam are now posing as Department of Revenue staff, targeting financial and personal data.

In a release, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne issued a warning of a phishing scam targeting residents of the Keystone State.

Authorities explain that the scam involves fraudulent text messages that impersonate Department of Revenue officials and try to fool recipients into giving sensitive financial and personal information.

Foresters with the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry say it will be a pretty good season for color, but it will come and go fast.

Lithuanian officials toured the Pilot Mind Drone Academy, discussing how they can use drones to improve their defensive systems as part of the NEPA.

A former Luzerne County tax collector admitted in federal court she stole $400,000 in property taxes

FAIRVIEW TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Investigators say a Luzerne County tax collector has pleaded guilty to embezzling $400,000 of public funds for personal use.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, 46-year-old Karen McGinnis of Mountain Top pleaded guilty to embezzling public funds.

From March 2023 to January 2025, McGinnis was the tax collector for Fairview Township and was responsible for collecting property taxes from residents. This included taxes payable to Fairview Township, Luzerne County, and the Crestwood School District.

(WBRE/WYOU) — Two suspects on the Pennsylvania State Police Ten Most Wanted list have been arrested. Troopers are offering a $5,000 reward for information on any of the suspects.

Two suspects have been arrested from the PSP’s Ten Most Wanted list:

Daryl Eugene Beckett Jr., who was wanted for homicide in 2023 in Delaware County

Bradley Andrew Buchanan, who was wanted for the rape of a child in Lancaster County

PSP is now offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of any of the suspects remaining on the list.

State police were searching for Blake Hicks, 16, after he went missing Monday morning in Conyngham Township.

PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As the colder months approach, many stray animals are forced to brave harsh conditions. With the help of her friends, a woman in Pittston is helping those animals find shelter during the wintertime.

"You don't need to be a big organization to make a big impact," Skye Fedkenheuer from Pittston said.

Skye Fedkenheuer has been helping animals survive the winter months for years.

She turns totes and styrofoam containers into shelters that can keep stray cats warm and gives them away for free.

CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A teen who disappeared while hunting with his father in Luzerne County is safe.

State police say 16-year-old Blake Hicks got lost Monday morning near Sawmill Road in Conyngham Township.

Arrest made in Columbia County homicide investigation

Crews searched through the night using helicopters, drones, and a specialized wilderness rescue team.

Officials confirm Hicks was found early Tuesday morning and has been reunited with his family.