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Articles by Kelly Choate
Nostalgia's lure during the holidays
By ohtadmin | on December 29, 2021 Maybe it’s the digital times we live in, or maybe it’s just me, but I find myself wishing the holiday season could be what it used to be. I want to step into the front window of the Cavalcade in Croswell, tie on an apron and live there forever – after all, it is 1962 there right now. (If you haven’t taken a look, the display is fantastic. I want that aluminum tree. And I wish I had every plastic blow mold there.
Is privacy a thing of the past?
By ohtadmin | on October 13, 2021 I’ve been thinking a lot lately about privacy. Or rather, our lack of it. It seems that privacy, which used to be a thing of value and something that people guarded, appears to have fallen off the radar. Was Mark Zuckerberg right when he said, “Privacy is a social norm of the past”?
Remembering Renee: Fulfilling her grandfather’s dying wish to save The Berwick Theater
by: Kelly Choate Posted: Feb 26, 2019 / 10:50 PM EST / Updated: Feb 26, 2019 / 11:24 PM EST BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — When the future was uncertain for a historic movie theater, she fought to keep the family business open. Renee Bower followed in her grandfather’s footsteps by putting the Berwick community before herself. Vince DiAugustine bought the Berwick Theater in 1971, and for the next four decades, you could find him there almost every night, selling tickets in the booth.
Boy with autism becomes junior fire chief
PLYMOUTH, Pa (WBRE) - A fire chief in Luzerne County and a little boy who has autism share a special bond that's sure to melt your heart. Chief Brian Oppelt with Elm Hill Hose Company #3 and 10-year-old Brian Lyons both have a passion for helping people in Plymouth. They became close friends a few years ago, and it's tough to keep track of all the good deeds they've done for each other.
Rain can't ruin the fun at East Berwick Carnival
Rain can't ruin the fun at East Berwick Carnival SALEM TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- The wet weather couldn't dampen the spirits at one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for a fire department in Luzerne County. Eyewitness News found plenty of puddles, rain boots, and umbrellas at the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Company's East Berwick Carnival. The station asked people in the community to put on their ponchos and support their first responders.
Boy with autism becomes junior fire chief
Boy with autism becomes junior fire chief PLYMOUTH, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A fire chief in Luzerne County and a little boy who has autism share a special bond that's sure to melt your heart. Chief Brian Oppelt with Elm Hill Hose Company #3 and 10-year-old Brian Lyons both have a passion for helping people in Plymouth. They became close friends a few years ago, and it's tough to keep track of all the good deeds they've done for each other.
LCTA Bus Drivers Honored
(WBRE/WYOU-TV) Two bus drivers are being hailed as heroes for helping a stabbing victim. Ann Marie Kocher and Doris Shaw were recognized last night by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority and the Pennsylvania State Senate. Police say they kept a woman safe after she was stabbed several times by her boyfriend 34-year-old, Delton Kirkland. The scary situation unfolded earlier this month outside their apartment in Pittston. The drivers brought the victim onto one of their buses.
Storm damages three buildings with same owner in Bradford County
Storm damages three buildings with same owner in Bradford County ULSTER TOWNSHIP, BRADFORD COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- The National Weather Service is sending a team to Bradford County after heavy rain and strong winds left behind a path of destruction. Phil Cole told Eyewitness News it took less than 40 seconds for the powerful storm to tear apart three of his buildings on the same street in Ulster Township -- his old barn, his home, and his new workshop.
Pizza Fest could be coming to Lackawanna County
Pizza Fest could be coming to Lackawanna County SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- There's no shortage of food festivals across our area, but a business owner in Lackawanna County has come up with a new idea, and it involves a "saucy" NEPA staple -- pizza. Giovanni Piccolino is the co-owner of Buona Pizza on Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. "Our area is obviously known for pizza shops, and there's a ton of them, so why not a pizza fest?" he asked.
Movie made by teenagers premieres at Ritz Theater in Scranton
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Two teenage brothers from Lackawanna County are proof that it doesn't take a multi-million dollar budget to make a movie worth watching. Their film made its debut Thursday night at the Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center in Scranton. 17-year-old Thomas Kennedy and his 16-year-old brother Patrick are the masterminds behind Unlawful Justice. It's an 80s-style action flick about a warrior who gets dragged back into the life he gave up to stop a villain.
Movie made by teenagers premieres at Ritz Theater in Scranton
Movie made by teenagers premieres at Ritz Theater in Scranton SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Two teenage brothers from Lackawanna County are proof that it doesn't take a multi-million dollar budget to make a movie worth watching. Their film made its debut Thursday night at the Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center in Scranton. 17-year-old Thomas Kennedy and his 16-year-old brother Patrick are the masterminds behind Unlawful Justice.
New Roots restores hope for people in recovery
New Roots restores hope for people in recovery WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- There's a new place for people fighting addiction to get the help they need. New Roots Recovery Support Center held its grand opening Wednesday night. It's located in what used to be a painting warehouse right next to the Luzerne County Prison.
Pennsylvania named third best place to find Bigfoot
Pennsylvania named third best place to find Bigfoot KINGSTON TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Do you believe in Bigfoot? Pennsylvania was recently ranked third in the country for the best chance to catch a glimpse of the creature. According to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, more than 1,300 sightings were reported across the Commonwealth. Jason Talmadge is the co-founder of Pennsylvania Bigfoot Investigations, and the group has performed about 80 searches in our area since 2013.
'Circles of Love': Students 'graduate' from poverty
'Circles of Love': Students 'graduate' from poverty WEST MILTON, UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- It wasn't your typical commencement -- the caps and gowns were replaced with church music. On Thursday, seven women stood at the alter of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in West Milton to receive a different kind of diploma. They graduated from a free program called Circles of Love. It's a 16-week course designed to break the cycle of generational poverty. The class is about more than just money.
Vigil held for Scranton shooting victim
Vigil held for Scranton shooting victim SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Family and friends are saying goodbye to Parker Palermo. The 20-year-old died after a shooting in Scranton over the weekend. More than 100 people came out to this vigil at Nay Aug Park on Wednesday night. Police said Palermo was shot early Sunday morning outside The Castle, which is an after-hours club on North Main Avenue. He died hours later at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Girl Scouts become Junior State Troopers
Girl Scouts become Junior State Troopers TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A new friendship has formed between a Pennsylvania State Trooper and a Girl Scout Troop. Those girls from Wyoming County had a chance to become "Junior Troopers" on Tuesday. Girl Scout Troop 52235 in Factoryville got a special tour of the Tunkhannock barracks.
Mocanaqua legend celebrates his 100th birthday
Mocanaqua legend celebrates his 100th birthday MOCANAQUA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- He's a World War II veteran, a great-grandfather, and ran a grocery store in Luzerne County for about 70 years. Now John Matusek is marking a new milestone -- his 100th birthday. Matusek was born on May 7, 1919. He lives near Shickshinny now, but make no mistake, Matusek is from Mocanaqua. He even "corrected" a newspaper article celebrating his milestone birthday.
New nonprofit gives birthday gifts to kids in group homes
New nonprofit gives birthday gifts to kids in group homes WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A new nonprofit in our area is fulfilling a need that sometimes gets overlooked. Unicornucopia gives birthday gifts to kids in group homes, and the organization is holding a shoe drive to support that mission. Loyalty Barber Shop in Wilkes-Barre is one of the businesses collecting new and gently used shoes. They will be sold to Funds2Orgs, and the money raised will benefit Unicornucopia.
New nonprofit gives birthday gifts to kids in group homes
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A new nonprofit in our area is fulfilling a need that sometimes gets overlooked. Unicornucopia gives birthday gifts to kids in group homes, and the organization is holding a shoe drive to support that mission. Loyalty Barber Shop in Wilkes-Barre is one of the businesses collecting new and gently used shoes. They will be sold to Funds2Orgs, and the money raised will benefit Unicornucopia.
Heroes honored for saving man's life after car crash
Heroes honored for saving man's life after car crash TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Four people are being honored for saving a man's life. Jeff Plotkin told Eyewitness News he wouldn't be here without them, after the Scranton man suffered a heart attack and crashed his car into a telephone pole in Taylor last June. Dr. Scott Rieder, Mary McGrail, Theresa Balkunas, and Terence Wallace came to his rescue.
Teen's Death Rule Homicide; Mom Says "He will always be my best friend"
(WBRE/WYOU-TV) The stabbing death of a Wilkes-Barre teenager has now been ruled a homicide. Officials say 17-year-old Tarese Previlon died Monday -- and the man accused of killing him -- is his mom's uncle. Eyewitness News Reporter Kelly Choate talked to Tarese's mom. "Then I got to deal with this grief (crying) this is sad!" Said Lynn Williams.
Scouts win dinosaur experience, touch Triceratops skull
Scouts win dinosaur experience, touch Triceratops skull UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Some scouts in Northumberland County should've earned a dinosaur badge Tuesday night. They had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch a 68 million-year-old Triceratops skull. Barry and April James own a company near Sunbury called Prehistoric Journeys, and over the past three decades, the couple has put together more than 150 skeletons -- piece by piece.
Luzerne County 'miracle baby' blessed by Pope Francis
Luzerne County 'miracle baby' blessed by Pope Francis VATICAN CITY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A toddler from Luzerne County returned from a family vacation with a priceless souvenir. Two-year-old Taylor Hall was blessed by Pope Francis. The pontiff picked the little girl out of the crowd during her visit to the Vatican last week. Taylor's mom Angee said Pope Francis was looking the other way until the last second, when he spotted the toddler from Shickshinny, caressed her face, and gave her a kiss.
I-Team Exclusive: Cars caught on camera passing stopped school buses
MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A blaring horn wasn't enough to stop a driver from speeding by a stopped school bus and its flashing lights. "Just another step or two, he could've been hit, and who knows what could've happened," said Erika Kondraski. Her 15-year-old son Caleb was getting ready to cross Nuangola Road in Mountain Top on Tuesday when her doorbell caught a close call on camera. "I'm just so proud of my son," said Kondraski. "He did what he was supposed to do.
I-Team: Looking For Workers
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Luanne Stach has earned the respect of her regular customers at Cork Bar and Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre. "They all know me," said Stach. "I know them, we talk about our families, and we talk about what's going on in their lives." General Manager Carolyn Saporito said it's getting harder to find good workers like Stach. "I'll put an ad on Facebook, Craigslist, Indeed, and the applicants just don't come in," said Saporito.
Report finds anti-semitism at near-historic levels
Report finds anti-Semitism at near-historic levels HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Every year, Pennsylvania leaders take the time to honor the victims of the Holocaust. On Wednesday, Governor Tom Wolf called on Pennsylvanians to end bigotry at the 35th annual Commemoration of the Holocaust at the state capitol.
Is Pennsylvania the path to the White House?
Is Pennsylvania the path to the White House? PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Will Pennsylvania be the path to the White House? After all, it is called Pennsylvania Avenue. In his first rally as a 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, Joe Biden, once again, put his Scranton roots in the spotlight. The former Vice President kicked off his campaign in Pittsburgh on Monday, saying he needs the support of the Commonwealth to defeat Donald Trump.
Live interview: Lake-Lehman's Connor McGovern drafted by Dallas Cowboys
Live interview: Lake-Lehman's Connor McGovern drafted by Dallas Cowboys MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A Penn State standout from Luzerne County heard his name called in the 2019 NFL Draft. With the 90th overall pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected former Lake-Lehman High School and Penn State offensive lineman Connor McGovern. McGovern got the news while he was surrounded by hundreds of his supporters at the Broadway Tavern in Mountain Top.
Close friend reflects on Biden's bid for President
Close friend reflects on Biden's bid for President LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- The Democratic pool of 2020 Presidential hopefuls is large and still growing. A native of northeastern Pennsylvania was the latest to throw his hat into the ring. Former Vice President Joe Biden is officially running for President. Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Bob Casey was one of the first to endorse Biden. The "scrappy kid from Scranton" also has the support of his friends in Lackawanna County.
Berwick softball player lands on SportsCenter
Berwick softball player lands on SportsCenter BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A softball player from Columbia County is getting national attention. The catch heard across the country was snagged by Katie Starr. Clearly, the Berwick Area High School sophomore lives up to her last name. The center fielder's spectacular grab in Tuesday's game against Crestwood landed her a spot on SportsCenter. The video has hundreds of thousands of hits on Twitter.
Ashley Borough to keep K9 after handler resigns
Ashley Borough to keep K9 after handler resigns Ashley Borough Police K9 Mick ASHLEY, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A borough in Luzerne County wants to put some rumors to rest. It's all about the future of Ashley's K9 program after the dog handler handed in his resignation. The community donated a total of $20,000, and the borough pitched in another $7,000 to get "Mick" on duty.
Volunteers fold pocket flags for deployed troops
Volunteers fold pocket flags for deployed troops FOREST CITY, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Some local scouts, veterans, and other volunteers took part in a patriotic project Monday night. They folded 300 pocket flags for deployed troops. More than 75 people formed an assembly line inside the Forest City Area Emergency Services building. Each tiny triangle is neatly packaged with a thank you card.
Nanticoke detective honored for cracking Gertrude Price cold case
Nanticoke detective honored for cracking Gertrude Price cold case Arrest made in murder case NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A Nanticoke police officer is being recognized for helping to crack a cold case. Detective Captain Robert Lehman was part of the team that arrested a man in connection with the brutal murder of a 97-year-old woman in 2013. After four years without answers, the family of Gertrude Price finally got some closure.
Death Investigation in Edwardsville
Death Investigation in Edwardsville (WBRE/WYOU-TV) Right now a heavy police presence in Edwardsville, Luzerne County. State and local police are on the scene on Arch Street for a death investigation. District Attorney and detectives from the D.A.’s office are also at the scene. Crews were called to a home on Arch Street at midafternoon. Investigators are not releasing many details at this time.
Berwick Area YMCA helps people affected by storm
Berwick Area YMCA helps people affected by storm Tornado touches down in Columbia County BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A non-profit organization is helping people who are still reeling from Monday's powerful storm. The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday that an EF2 tornado, with wind speeds up to 115 miles per hour, ripped through the borough of Benton, damaging about 50 homes and businesses.
National Weather Service to survey damage in Scranton, Waymart
National Weather Service to survey damage in Scranton, Waymart SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- The National Weather Service is scheduled to visit Lackawanna County on Tuesday to determine if a tornado touched down there. Tornados were already confirmed in Columbia County, Susquehanna County, and Union County. Trees, ripped from their roots, came crashing down on homes, cars, and roads, causing serious damage and knocking out power.
Blind man donates handcrafted clock to church
Blind man donates handcrafted clock to church POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- A man from Schuylkill County has a passion for helping people. Lenny McHugh is blind, but you would never know it by looking at his art. The Pottsville man has been working with wood since the eighth grade, so he knows his way around a table saw. The 72-year-old decided to donate a handcrafted clock to Trinity United Church of Christ in Pottsville. "Everybody loves it," said McHugh.
Saturday start to deer rifle season sparks mixed reactions
Saturday start to deer rifle season sparks mixed reactions STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- For the first time in 55 years, hunters in Pennsylvania will have a chance to head into the woods early for deer rifle season. The Game Commission voted 5 to 3 Tuesday to move up the start of the season by two days, from the Monday after Thanksgiving to Saturday. Moving the opening day creates a 13 day season that includes three Saturdays.
Borough's recycling program in jeopardy
AVOCA, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Lack of due diligence could be the downfall of a recycling program in Luzerne County. Officials in Avoca said they'll have to stop collecting recyclables if people can't follow the rules. Avoca has a partnership with Moosic to park a truck at the borough garage on Plane Street, so people who live in Avoca have a place to drop off their recyclables every week for little to no cost.
People demand answers about police department's future
People demand answers about police department's future Monday: Concern over police coverage in Sugar Notch SUGAR NOTCH, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Leaders of a community in Luzerne County are trying to stop the rumors that their police department is being disbanded. Eyewitness News first told you Monday about those concerns in Sugar Notch. Dozens of people packed into Wednesday night's borough council meeting to demand answers about the future of the department.
Tribute to tow truck driver who died after tragic accident
Tribute to tow truck driver who died after tragic accident OVERFIELD TOWNSHIP, WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Tow truck drivers across our area are coming together to pay tribute to one of their own. 24-year-old Colin Schaefer died Friday after a tragic accident in Wyoming County. State police said it happened along Whites Ferry Road in Overfield Township. According to troopers, Schaefer's wrecker was stuck in a field, so he attached a cable to a telephone pole across the street.
Second woman accuses Joe Biden of unwanted touching
Second woman accuses Joe Biden of unwanted touching (WBRE/WYOU) -- A second woman has accused Joe Biden of touching her inappropriately. Amy Lappos, a former Democratic campaign volunteer, said the former Vice President "rubbed noses" with her at a Connecticut fundraiser in 2009. Lappos said she came forward after former Nevada candidate Lucy Flores said Biden made her feel uncomfortable by kissing the back of her head at a campaign rally in 2014.
"Captain America" gets lost, mistaken for prowler
JERMYN, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- We often see police departments using social media as a tool to catch criminals. This time, a Facebook post about a potential prowler went hilariously wrong. "If you know Captain America, have him give us a call, we need to talk to him about wandering around people's houses." The Jermyn Police Department put this now-deleted photo on Facebook Wednesday night.
FTC cracks down on robocalls
FTC cracks down on robocalls (WBRE/WYOU) -- How often does your phone ring, and on the other end of the line, it's a robot? Americans are bombarded by about five-billion of those annoying calls every month. But the Federal Trade Commission is trying to fight back, cracking down on four separate illegal operations. The FTC said the groups responsible pitched a wide array of services, from auto warranties, to debt-relief programs, and home security systems, even a fake fundraiser for veterans.
I-Team: Second dead dog dumped in Luzerne County
I-Team: Second dead dog dumped in Luzerne County I-Team: Dog discovered inside suitcase PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- It's the second time in a week that a dog was dumped in Luzerne County. We want to warn you that some of these photos could be disturbing. The I-Team was first to tell you Thursday about a brown, short-haired adult male dog, possibly a shar pei pitbull mix, that was shoved into a suitcase.
High school wrestlers help fellow athlete fight cancer
High school wrestlers help fellow athlete fight cancer HUGHESVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Three wrestlers, all from different high schools, are coming together to help another athlete when he needs it the most. 17-year-old Timmy Ward, a standout football player and wrestler at Canton Area High School, just beat his toughest opponent yet -- cancer. Ward's hard-fought battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma caught the attention of Hughesville High School Junior Luke Gorg.
Dunmore welcomes home Lady Bucks after tough loss
Dunmore welcomes home Lady Bucks after tough loss Dunmore Lady Bucks DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- It wasn't the outcome they wanted, but the Lady Bucks still have a lot to be proud of. Dunmore came into the Class 3A State Championship Game undefeated and full of momentum from an impressive postseason rally. But the Lady Bucks fell behind early and never quite recovered. Dunmore is the state runner-up after a 49-43 loss to Delone Catholic.
Crowder Arrested
Another arrest made in connection with Wilkes-Barre shootings WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Another arrest was made in connection with the recent shootings in Wilkes-Barre. Police swarmed Bradford Street on Monday afternoon looking for Onje Crowder. The 19-year-old man was hiding in the basement of a home when officers took him into custody. He's facing charges in connection with a shooting on Lockhart Street last month.
Pizza fundraiser sells out, helps firefighters who lost their homes
GIRARDVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Some firefighters in Schuylkill County are helping out two of their own after they lost their homes in a devastating fire last month. Friday night people in the Girardville community came together to support those first responders who keep them safe. Girard Hose Company #1 held an unbaked pizza sale and handed out 200 pies in less than two hours. This was no ordinary fundraiser on a Friday during Lent.
I-Team: Municipalities deadlocked over police funding
I-Team: Municipalities deadlocked over police funding EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Two municipalities in Union County are deadlocked over how their police force is being funded. According to an agreement, Lewisburg is responsible for 48% of the funding for the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department, and the remaining 52% is supposed to be covered by East Buffalo Township. But an attorney representing the borough said the township has only been paying 50% of the expenses.
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