Luzerne County

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Two people were taken into custody after police said they found drugs Saturday.

Around 11:30 a.m., police say they stopped a vehicle with illegal window tint at the Sunoco gas station as they were surveilling the Econo Lodge on Kane Street.

Responding officers said two people, later identified as 31-year-old Isaih Sommerville and 57-year-old Harold Smith, got out of the car to question the stop.

Police: Body found, identified in as missing Luzerne County man

KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Residents got to know how to keep our four-legged friends safe in the event of an emergency.

A workshop was held Tuesday night at Hillside Farms in Kingston Township, Luzerne County where experts shared tips in hopes of preparing animal owners on how to protect their animals in any crisis.

A disaster preparedness expert from the Halter Project was on hand to explain the steps for safeguarding animals during fires, tornadoes, and floods.

Knoebels looks to hire hundreds at upcoming job fairs

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An I-81 expansion project hoping to take its next steps is causing some controversy in the community. The proposed plan will build directly over some local homes and businesses.

28/22 News Reporter Emily Allegrucci was at a public hearing for the project.

Dozens came out Tuesday to see the blueprints of a major design project aimed at improving Interstate 81 from Hanover Township to Wilkes-Barre Township.

EXETER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — On Tuesday night, a body was found and identified by authorities near the Susquehanna River in Exeter Township.

Officials tell 28/22 News the Wyoming Area Regional Police were called to Route 92 for a "reported incident in the area."

One rescued, injured from Black Creek Township blaze

Wyoming Area Regional Police Chief Michael Turner tells 28/22 News the body of 60-year-old Martin Merder has been found.

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Tuesday is the first day of spring and for many people, that means Rita's Italian Ice.

Lots of people celebrating spring at Rita's along Market Street in Kingston on Tuesday afternoon.

It's a tradition for many people as Rita's gives away free Italian ice on the first day of spring each year.

PennDOT hiring summer interns, part-time employees

This year the chain is introducing a new flavor: Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Ice.

BLACK CREEK TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Bystanders of a house fire are being hailed heroes after trying to rescue the victim from the burning home.

Nuremberg Weston Fire Company Chief Joe Lescowitch told 28/22 News Reporter Jason LiVecchi fire crews from Sugarloaf Township, Hazle Township, Beaver Valley, Nuremberg Weston, and others were dispatched at 5:40 p.m. to a fully involved structure fire at the 1800 block of Tomhicken Road in Black Creek Township with a reported entrapment.

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A fundraiser wrap party is scheduled for Wednesday, at Breaker Brewing Company, the former St. Joseph's Monastery, in Wilkes-Barre Township, to help fight hunger and homelessness.

The wrap party is set for Wednesday, March 20, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Breaker Brewing Company, 787 E. Northampton Street in Wilkes-Barre Township. The party will serve as a close to the Lenten collaboration beer "Forty Days" Doppelbock Fundraising Campaign between the Dioceses of Scranton and Breaker Brewing Company.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man has been charged after police say he choked a hospital staff member with a towel.

According to the Hazleton Police Department, on Monday around 11:30 p.m., officers were called to Lehigh Valley Hospital for a man attacking a hospital staff member.

Alleged Luzerne County dealer arrested, 2,000 doses of fentanyl seized

SHAVERTOWN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Members of the Shapiro Administration are visiting fire companies across the commonwealth, highlighting proposed statewide budget investments in public safety.

On Tuesday, they met with first responders in the back mountain.

As costs to run these organizations rise, bolstering funding to these grants will help our first responders recruit more people, update outdated safety equipment, and provide additional training.

A crowd gathered inside the future home of the Shavertown Volunteer Fire Department.

MCADOO, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Tuesday marks the first day of spring and with Easter less than two weeks away, flowers are on the minds of many.

Alex Van Hoekelen, general manager at Van Hoekelen Greenhouses in McAdoo says it's their everyday job, growing and distributing flowers all across the country.

"Just a little busy! Holidays throughout the year are always busy but easter is exceptionally busy because we are such a large grower of easter flowers specifically."

Kids for Cash: “Show me the Money”