Latest news with #LuzerneCounty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Nanticoke girl raises funds for firehouse dog
NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local girl is helping her community fire department raise money to care for their new firehouse dog. The department lost its old dog last fall. 28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape was there to visit the firehouse's new furry friend. Meet Hahn, a 14-week-old dalmatian, and Nanticoke Fire Department's new firehouse dog. The playful pup has only been with the department for two weeks. The growing pup requires a lot of care. That's why eight-year-old Teagan Bruza of Nanticoke decided to raise money to help even before she met him. 'I was, in my head, I was like, 'Oh my God, he's so cute,'' Teagan said. Teagan teamed up with friends, family, and firefighters for a fundraiser on Sunday. selling Italian ice, baked goods, and more than 400 hot dogs, all donated by the community. The money will help the department pay for Hahn's vet bills and other expenses. 'He has a lot of energy and is, like, real playful,' Teagan added. While this was the first time Teagan got to meet her new friend Hahn, she's no stranger to firehouse dogs. The department's old dog, Ash, passed away last fall. 'And like, when I heard the news, I was, like, heartbroken and, like, I was upset,' Teagan continued. Build-N-Athlete Inaugural Race steps off in Lackawanna County While the loss of their old dog, Ash, wasn't easy, 14-week-old Hahn is quickly becoming part of the family. 'He's learning how to go outside on his own. He goes to the door and lets us know he has to go out, and he's doing very well. He's adapting very well,' Nanticoke Fire Department Chief Mark Boncal told 28/22 News. Chief Boncal says firehouse dogs like Hahn play a crucial role in fire safety and prevention. Sometimes, like their first dog steamer in 1987, they can even save lives, as was the case one time with a kid. 'He was playing with matches and then a lighter and caught his clothes on fire, and he did stop-drop-and-roll. And when he was asked where he learned that from, he said, 'I learned it from Steamer,'' Chief Boncal explained. Teagan says she's excited to see Hahn at Fire Prevention Week at her school, but for now, she's grateful for all the support the community has shown and make this furry addition's role with the fire department possible. 'I would like to thank everybody who, like, helped out and, like, came and bought hot-dogs,' Teagan said. So far, more than $3,300 has been raised. Bruza and her family will be presenting a check to the department at Hahn's swearing-in ceremony on June 18. Anyone interested in donating can contact the Nanticoke Fire Department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Demonstrating STEM skills in Luzerne County at SHINE Science Olympiad
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Some 150 students got to demonstrate their science knowledge thanks to an annual competition in Wilkes-Barre. The always popular Egg Drop was just one of the categories on Saturday at the SHINE Science Olympiad. Wilkes University welcomed students from nine different schools in Luzerne County. 28/22 News Anchor Nick Toma and Reporter Amelia Sack served as celebrity judges. The event emphasizes the importance of STEM learning through the program SHINE, which stands for Schools and Homes in Education. DAs share crime trends in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties The kindergarten through eighth graders were happy to be there. 'It was an amazing time because when I was practicing it so it won't break, it kept breaking, but I added this final touch, and when I came here it stayed and it didn't break,' 10-year-old Participant Brianny Alberto told 28/22 News. 'We want them to feel really stimulated. We want them to engage in their education, and we want them to really know that there's a future, and if we can get them excited about learning and careers as we move forward, we know that they'll be a success and give back to our community later,' SHINE Program Executive Director Carol Nicholas said. Community donations and sponsorships help make the SHINE Science Olympiad possible at Wilkes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ruth's Place postpones Walk for Hope
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Organizers of a popular fundraiser to help the unhoused did not want to take chances with wet weather on Saturday. They postponed Ruth's Place Walk for Hope. Ruth's Place provides 24-hour lodging and services to women experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them get back on their feet. Job Corps closing will impact local nonprofit Don't worry, organizers say they still plan to have the walk. The new date is Friday, June 13, at 12:00 p.m. on Public Square. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day Parade raises money for local fire department
ROSS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In one rural community in the Back Mountain, Memorial Day is about more than just remembrance, it's also a major fundraiser that keeps first responders running. Sweet Valley may be a small community, but the support here runs deep. From fire trucks to flags, this Memorial Day parade in Sweet Valley is more than a tradition: It's a chance for people to remember the fallen while raising funds for their fire department. 'It's a nice country back road drive, and so we came down here looking to celebrate Memorial Day today and all the sacrifices that the military made for me to live in the land of the free,' Joe Fabricatore from Dunmore said. From homemade pierogies to flashing lights on emergency vehicles, the day offered something for people of all ages. 'We love the family atmosphere. The food is amazing, and the kids just have a fun experience running and seeing the fire trucks, the cop cars,' Hunlock Creek resident Sheila Morris said. 'But the day didn't stop with the sirens and marching bands. Right after the parade, the competition heated up. Firefighters traded their dress uniforms for gear and got to work in the Fireman's Olympics. Forty Fort Lions host 3-mile walk, 5-mile run for Memorial Day Going several decades strong, the fire crews try a mix of old-school challenges and serious physical tests. Firefighters call it a chance to show the strength and endurance of their job, especially in small communities like this, where every responder is a volunteer. 'You know it's just really great. They get to see what we do. We're all volunteers, so we do this just on our own time,' Shavertown Fire Department Volunteer Patrick Shelton stated. The event also helps keep the station running. Organizers say it brings in nearly 30% of the Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Company's yearly budget. 'It's paramount that we have the community support. Because with everything in today's economy, everything is more expensive now. That goes for everything from the cost of equipment to utility bills,' Sweet Valley Fire and Ambulance Company Assistant Chief David Pall told 28/22 News. Whether they came to cheer, compete, or just enjoy the day, folks here made one thing clear: Supporting your local firefighters is something worth showing up for. A tradition that's lasted around 75 years, and it's still going strong. Organizers say they're already looking ahead to next year's Memorial Day celebration in Sweet Valley. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Historian gives closer look into soldiers buried in NEPA
DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The service and sacrifice, honor and memory of our military veterans are spread all throughout north eastern Pennsylvania. This Memorial Day, a local historian provides a closer look at the notable soldiers buried in many of our area's cemeteries. Many local military veterans being remembered this Memorial Day have served in some of the earliest wars and for some of the highest people. A Luzerne County presidential historian is providing insight into their significance here in NEPA. A flag placed near a grave is a notorious site to see in many cemeteries across the country and right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. 'It's pretty touching. And I feel some people don't realize until they go there and see it for themselves,' Presidential Historian Larry Cook said. The memory of a veteran's military service is specially honored on Memorial Day. But Cook says the service has been remembered for centuries, dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, like veterans buried here in Eaton Cemetery in Dallas. Meteorologist Valerie Smock emceed Annual Memorial Day Parade in Dallas 'We are fortunate in this area because, like you mentioned, not many areas have the history we have, but we are rooted right to the beginnings,' Cook explained. In the Hanover Green Cemetery lies Rufus Bennett, who served as a personal life guard to General George Washington. Also buried there is Andrew Lee, an intelligence gatherer for George Washington, or better known as a spy. GAR, the Grand Army of the Republic, was engraved on plaques. The veterans organization established Memorial Day in 1868, initially called Decoration Day. 'We call these fallen people in these early wars men, but they are really boys,' Cook told 28/22 News. Dozens came out for Memorial Day Parade in Taylor At the Wyoming monument along Wyoming Avenue are 227 American flags. They symbolize each person killed in the Battle of Wyoming when loyalists and native americans attacked patriot militia men in 1778. 'Many patriots buried under that monument in Wyoming, so here in Luzerne County, our roots go back to the founding of this country,' Cook added. As holidays pass by, Cook hopes there is an infinite honor for these brave men and women in the valley. 'That they recognize and appreciate them, and that they continue to appreciate them, and continue to do things to thank our veterans that have served,' Cook continued. Cook says there are thousands of veterans buried throughout our region, all with their own significance and importance to our country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
