Luzerne County

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Good news: If you're stopping to shop in Downtown Wilkes-Barre this holiday season, you might be able to park for free.

From now until January 6, the city of Wilkes-Barre is suspending parking meter fees in its business district.

It's an effort to support the small businesses downtown has to offer.

With the holiday season stepping into full swing, local businesses say they'd like to see people shop small this year.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The fifth annual Festival of Trees opened Saturday in Schuylkill Haven.

20 trees decorated by Schuylkill County nonprofits are on display in the main gallery at the Walk in Arts Center.

The public can get involved by voting for their favorite festive display. People can vote online or in person.

Luzerne County residents cope with power losses after snow storm

Votes cost $1 each with proceeds shared by the center and the nonprofits.

BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for what is normally the busiest travel days.

Between Tuesday and Sunday, December 1, 3,400,000 people are expected to hit the road during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Part of Nay Aug Ave. in Scranton closing until fall 2026

The Turnpike will have all lanes open starting tomorrow, suspending road work until Sunday to help with traffic.

There will also be increased patrol of the roadway, along with the Pennsylvania State Police.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Wilkes-Barre City police confirmed a man has died after being hit by a car Sunday night while he was walking near Home Depot.

The Wilkes-Barre City Police Department reports on Sunday around 6:50 p.m., officers were called to Route 309 for a pedestrian hit by a car near the Home Depot entrance.

Courtesy of Bob Kadluboski

Courtesy of Bob Kadluboski

Police said the driver was traveling north when he hit a man who was crossing the road towards Norm's Pizza.

DALLAS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police in Luzerne County say they extradited a prisoner in Rikers Island to face charges in a cooking oil theft investigation.

According to the Dallas Township Police Department, on November 14, officers extradited Ronny Almanzar Jimenez from Rikers Island, New York, to face charges for a 2023 theft in Dallas Township.

Man charged after several guns stolen from Dallas Twp. home

Police say Jimenez was involved in a cooking oil theft from a local business.

Jimenez is charged with the following:

DALLAS TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police have extradited a man from Washington D.C. after they say he committed a burglary in Dallas Township.

On November 11, the Dallas Township Police Department said they extradited Anthony D. Carver from Washington, D.C. Prison to Luzerne County to face charges for a 2019 burglary.

Investigators stated Carver allegedly stole several firearms and other items from a home in the Back Mountain.

Rikers Island inmate faces cooking oil theft charges in Pa.

Carver is charged with the following:

Burglary

PLYMOUTH, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — As holiday celebrations begin, one organization is reminding people of the consequences that can happen behind the wheel if poor choices are made.

On Monday morning, an overturned vehicle sits outside the Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth.

Free holiday meter parking in select areas of downtown Wilkes-Barre

The sight is recognized as a symbol and reminder of the horrifying effects of driving impaired.

Motorists traveling on Interstate 80 are advised the interstate is closed in both directions between Exit 242 (Mainville/Mifflinville) in Columbia County and Exit 256 (Conyngham/Nescopeck) in Luzerne County due to a tractor-trailer crash.

Update: All lanes are now open on I-80 eastbound at mile 249 in Luzerne County.

Update 18:25: The right lane is now open on I-80 eastbound at mile 249 in Luzerne County. The left lane remains closed for cleanup.

Motorists are advised that Interstate 80 eastbound is closed at the Mifflinville exit in Columbia County due to a vehicle crash at mile 249 in Luzerne County.

A detour is in place using Exit 242 (Mifflinville) and Route 93.