Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Luzerne County’s new voting machines change your ballot experience?

And check out Matt Mathews on the Wilkes-Barre Patch calendar

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Good morning Wilkes-Barre! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Luzerne County's new voting machines change your ballot experience?
  • Which Holy Redeemer students made Wilkes-Barre's latest honor rolls?
  • Meet the three young women discerning religious life in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

Also on today's calendar: Wilkes Barre City Residential Electronics Recycling Collection and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy and cooler, with a high of 62 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Monday: Mostly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 67, low: 41.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 61 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Luzerne County begins testing new voting system for Nov. 3 election (fox56.com) — Luzerne County is testing its new Hart InterCivic Vanguard voting machines at a Wilkes-Barre warehouse ahead of the Nov. 3 election, and officials say the scanners are faster and easier for poll workers. Voters here will continue using paper ballots, with one accessible device per precinct, while mail ballots for roughly 25,500 applicants are expected to go out early next week.
   

2. Honor rolls: Oct. 4, 2026 (citizensvoice.com) — Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre has released its third- and fourth-quarter honor rolls, recognizing dozens of local students for high honors and honors across all grades. Families can scan the detailed lists to see which Wilkes-Barre teens earned top GPAs and how academic standards are defined for each level of recognition.
   

3. 'I want to give it all to God': Young women train to become nuns in Wilkes-Barre (timesleader.com) — Three young women have moved into the Sisters of Christian Charity convent at St. Nicholas–St. Mary Parish in downtown Wilkes-Barre, discerning whether to become nuns while joining parish life and music ministry. Their presence revives a historic local connection to the order, as they study, pray, and serve alongside longtime Sisters in the heart of the city.
   

4. WBS PENGUINS: Howe happy to gear up for new season (citizensvoice.com) — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins forward Tanner Howe is entering his second pro season fully healthy after last year's ACL rehab delayed his debut. With a strong playoff run behind him, he's focused on speed, confidence with the puck, and taking on more leadership in Wilkes-Barre as the team chases another deep postseason push.
   

5. Class reunions: Oct. 4, 2026 (citizensvoice.com) — Several upcoming class reunions are headed to Wilkes-Barre, including Wyoming Valley West's 20-year gathering at Benny Brewing Co. and GAR Memorial's 30-year reunion at Rodano's on Public Square. Local grads can still RSVP for October and November events, many of which include food, drinks, and chances to reconnect, but several have early October payment deadlines.
   

📸 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 ★

    Saturday October 10
  • Matt Mathews →
    F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
    4:30 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!

🗓 Events Nearby

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My Bun needs a new home.
    My son is severely allergic, she's been so good. She's litter trained, loves cuddles. Needs a lot of love and is fine being home alone. Just is still… (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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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