Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a city-donated Wilkes-Barre lot became a veteran’s future home

You won't want to miss Ray LaMontagne on the Wilkes-Barre Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 8th Patch AM
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Cheers Wilkes-Barre! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a city-donated Wilkes-Barre lot became a veteran's future home
  • What could replace the long-struggling Sonic on Kidder Street?
  • Why a Luzerne County library card is more valuable this month

Also on today's calendar: Luzerne County Council Voting and Work Sessions and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Fog will lift in the morning, with a high of 80 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Increasing clouds; more humid, temps: high: 84, low: 70.
  • Thursday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid, with a high of 81 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Scranton veteran to acquire home in Wilkes-Barre through new program (citizensvoice.com) — A Scranton veteran will soon call Wilkes-Barre home thanks to a new affordable housing initiative that uses a city-donated lot on Monroe Street. United NEPA Alliance's Welcome Home Program chose Marine Corps veteran Jody Tighe for its pilot project and plans to break ground this fall, while also inviting local residents and businesses to support construction with donations of funds or supplies.
   

2. Developer wants to demolish Sonic in Wilkes-Barre Twp. to build popular drive-through coffee franchise (citizensvoice.com) — A Sonic drive-in on Kidder Street in Wilkes-Barre Township may be demolished to make way for a 7 Brew drive‑thru coffee shop, with plans headed to the township Planning Commission on Sept. 14. The proposal would replace the long-struggling Sonic with a smaller, three‑lane drive‑through focused on coffee and specialty drinks, potentially changing a busy commercial corner near Wyoming Valley Mall.
   

3. Libraries continue to evolve as vital community spaces (timesleader.com) — Luzerne County libraries, including Wilkes-Barre's Osterhout Free Library, are showcasing how much more they offer than books during National Library Card Sign‑Up Month. From a nature trail in Mountain Top to presidential history exhibits in Kingston and fee waivers on overdue items, residents can explore new programs, outdoor spaces, and virtual author talks simply by getting or using a free county library card.
   

4. Shalom Hanover wins during exceptional pass 2YO finale day at Pocono – U.S. Trotting News (ustrottingnews.com) — Top Pennsylvania-sired 2-year-old pacers and trotters headlined a big-money Labor Day card at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, with Shalom Hanover and Birr Castle among the standout winners. Local fans should note the track's brief dark period, with no live racing on September 12 or 14 and action resuming Tuesday, September 15, with free program pages available online.
   

5. ABC Reality TV Personality Found Dead in Pennsylvania: Princess Was 53 (popculture.com) — A former Wife Swap participant known as James "Princess" Cuda was found dead on August 30 in a Wilkes-Barre sober house, according to reports. Authorities say no foul play is suspected and are awaiting toxicology results, while friends remember the 53‑year‑old for his sobriety milestone and faith in his final days.
   

📸 Around Wilkes-Barre

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilkes-Barre

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday September 9
  • Ray LaMontagne →
    F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Wilkes-Barre Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • "Celebrate with us!
    Our new restaurant awaits you with irresistible dishes." "A fresh start, new flavors! Visit us for the grand opening of our new restaurant." "The… (Nextdoor Wilkes Barre Heights)

Ok Wilkes-Barre! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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