News

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.

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Families in need are getting some help less than two weeks before Christmas.

Hazleton City Police and the grocery store chain Giant teamed up today for a food drive called "Pack The Cruiser".

The first-time event aimed to fill a police SUV with non-perishable food, snacks, juices, and other items.

In only two hours, the police cruiser was nearly filled.

The food will go to what police call "Blue Santa Families", families with children from infants to teens who are victims of fire, crime, or just need a helping hand.

DRUMS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A local cemetery is among those participating in an annual event to remember veterans no longer with us.

Volunteers laid wreaths at veterans' gravesites at Calvary Cemetery in Drums for "Wreaths Across America Day".

The wreaths were dedicated to fallen vets as well as friends and loved ones who serves and whose final resting place is at Calvary Cemetery.

American Legion Post 795 coordinated the event and got help from others.

The Daily Item

DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY (WYOU/WBRE) — The Glenwood Inn has been ruled a total loss after a fire Saturday morning in Monroe County.

According to the Monroe County Communication Center, a call came in around 11:00 a.m. for a structure fire at the Glenwood Inn & Conference Center, on the 100 block of Main Street in Delaware Water Gap.

Mystery drone sightings in Monroe County

Credit: Dan ClericoCredit: Dan ClericoCredit: Dan ClericoCredit: Dan ClericoCredit: Dan Clerico

HARRISBURG — The union that represents the faculty at Bloomsburg and the other campuses of Commonwealth University...