News

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Hearts are warm on the ice tonight after a beloved holiday hockey tradition.

Saturday was the annual "Teddy Bear Toss" hosted by Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins at their game against the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Volunteers lay over 450 wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day in Luzerne County

You could "bearly" see the ice Saturday as a sea of stuffed bears fill the Mohegan Arena.

Fans brought new unwrapped plush toys to the game and to toss on the ice after the Pens scored their first goal.

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— You can take a stroll back in time this weekend in Luzerne County.

Mountain Top Family Church is hosting "A Walk Through Bethlehem" offering a guided tour to experience the time and place where Jesus was born.

The scene is complete with characters of the time and live animals.

Volunteers lay over 450 wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day in Luzerne County

There is even a marketplace to buy food or a gift to complete your Christmas shopping and a hayride to enjoy.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local business will get some much-needed equipment upgrades and even employees thanks to a fund-raising run.

Roughly 70 runners braved the cold this morning for the inaugural Santa dash 5k in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

The first-time run supports Coffee Inclusive in Pittston, which employs people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Luzerne County auto business holds annual Toys for Tots event

DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A 19th-century inn in the Poconos is in ruins this weekend after a devastating fire.

Flames broke out late this morning at the old Glenwood inn located in Delaware Water Gap.

The owners are devastated to see half of their hotel gone and tonight they do not know where to turn for help.

A large section of Glenwood Inn and Conference Center on Main Street in Delaware Water Gap is now in shambles.

"My heart is broken and my wife was crying all day," said owner of the Glenwood Inn and Conference Center, Chang Gong.

DANVILLE — Marine veteran Jonathan Kashatus wiped a tear from his cheek after laying a wreath at a veteran’s gravesite in Odd Fellows Cemetery on Saturday afternoon.

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Crews in Luzerne County were called to a house fire in Wilkes-Barre Saturday night.

According to Luzerne County Communications Center, crews were called to the unit block of Barney Street for a reported second-alarm structure fire.

Wilkes Barre City Fire Department Deputy Chief Alan Klapat says the fire started on the second floor near the back of the house.

Klapat states that five people were in the house at the time of the fire , but all made it out on their own.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The holiday spirit of giving is on full display in Scranton this weekend.

Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen hosted its annual shoe box project today.

More than two dozen teen volunteers took part.

They filled more than 200 shoeboxes with donated items including shampoo and conditioner, body wash and deodorant, and razors and socks.

The shoe boxes were gift wrapped and will be distributed to those who visit the kitchen for a meal on Christmas Day.

Growing up in Northern Ireland — and then England — before eventually landing in the United States, Adrian Mulligan has experienced a variety of Christmas traditions throughout his lifetime.

SWEET VALLEY, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Crews were called Friday night around 11:30 p.m. to Holy Smoke Market on Route 118 in Sweet Valley.

Firefighters say the fire destroyed a shed next to the cheese shop before it spread to the main building.

Holy Smoke wrote to their customers on Facebook this morning, saying their smokers sustained devastating damage.

The market was closed while utilities were restored.

No injuries were reported, according to officials.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

SYBERTSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local business is helping keep the spirit of the season alive and well.

SJM Auto Sales and Repair hosted its annual community Christmas festival, Saturday.

It featured reindeer, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and food and beverages.

The community event doubles as a way to collect donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" drive which SJM has been doing for a decade.