Luzerne County

PennDOT to close roughly 70 miles of lanes for roadwork on major interstates in three counties

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — There was a sea of color and compassion in Wilkes-Barre as hundreds of people came together to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Out of the Darkness Community Walks are part of a nationwide movement, and this year's event brought record turnout.

The Out of the Darkness Walk has been part of a national effort for more than a decade.

In Wilkes-Barre, organizers expected around 700 people, but more than 1,000 showed up, a sign the movement is growing.

Adam Weiner, singer for Low Cut Connie, finally got to perform in front of a crowd in Wilkes-Barre two months after a cancelled appearance at Rockin' the River.

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Saturday's weather couldn't stop another fun day at the fair. People from near and far travelled to the 63rd Annual Luzerne County Fair for food, rides, and games.

The weather held up for day four of the fair, marking another successful day.

Carnival rides, a tribute band, and a magician: The Luzerne County Fair has something for everyone to enjoy.

Established in 1962, the fair works to bring the community together to build a better future.

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Dozens of families headed to the mall for school supplies earlier on Saturday, and you might be surprised to know their bill was free.

The Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township hosted a Customer Appreciation and Back-To-School event, featuring about 30 vendors.

About 200 backpacks were distributed for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade.

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The bags were packed with free supplies, including crayons, markers, notebooks, and pencils.

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A budget-friendly event this weekend in Luzerne County is keeping families well-fed and entertained, all for a good cause.

The 17th Annual Bell' Italia Festival is underway through Sunday at Hazle Township Community Park.

It's put on by the Hazleton chapter of UNICO National, the country's largest Italian-American service organization.

The festival features food and craft vendors, spaghetti and meatball eating contests, raffle baskets, free rides, and a playground for the kids to enjoy.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect the correct price of the truck.

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every second counts when firefighters are responding to emergencies. This weekend, one Luzerne County department is getting an upgrade that will help them reach those in need faster.

The City of Nanticoke is rolling out a new ladder truck that's bigger, stronger, and built for today's challenges.

It replaces a 26-year-old truck, giving firefighters new capabilities to reach higher, move faster, and keep the community safer.

Wilkes-Barre Township Police say they are investigating after a resident and a male fired shots at each other in the Georgetown Section on early Saturday.

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say a Wilkes-Barre Township shooting is under investigation in Luzerne County.

Wilkes-Barre Township Police say they were called to the 700 block of East Northampton Street around 1:30 a.m. for reports of a shooting.

According to the police department's Facebook page, gunfire was exchanged between a resident and a man.

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Police say there are no reports of any injuries at this time and believe the shooting was an isolated incident.

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Another Italian festival kicked off this weekend, this time in Luzerne County.

From making your own fried dough to chowing down on cannolis, the Hazleton chapter of UNICO has it all at its annual Bell' Italia Festival. The three-day event is held at the Hazleton Township community park, welcoming first timers and repeat attendees.