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🌱 Patch AM: What new rules could change future tax breaks in Luzerne County?

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Coffee in hand, Wilkes-Barre? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What new rules could change future tax breaks in Luzerne County?
  • How Wilkes-Barre's Salvation Army is expanding help for local families
  • How Wilkes-Barre's Help Line keeps answering nearly 100,000 calls a year

Also on today's calendar: Bank + Vine – Girl Dinner and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 77, low: 51.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon shower, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Luzerne County ordinance on tax-break process advances (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County Council, meeting in Wilkes-Barre, has advanced an ordinance to tighten how developers receive property tax breaks under LERTA, with a final vote expected Sept. 22. Proposed rules would require local municipal and school approval, detailed job and wage projections, annual reporting, and possible payback or loss of tax breaks if developers sell early or fail to report.
   

2. New Salvation Army Officers bring service and inclusion (2822news.com) — New leadership at the Salvation Army in Wilkes-Barre is aiming to expand bilingual worship, meal services, and transitional housing support for local residents. Majors Wanda and Raul Rivera, both bilingual, say they want to deepen outreach across Luzerne County, explore English classes for adults, and embrace the diverse cultures that make up the Wilkes-Barre community.
   

3. Grant strengthens FSA NEPA Help Line (timesleader.com) — In Wilkes-Barre, FSA NEPA's Help Line just received a $3,000 grant to keep its 24/7 referral service strong for residents facing food, housing, mental health, and utility challenges. The program handled nearly 99,000 calls last year across 18 counties, connecting people to critical resources before crises worsen. Local leaders say the funding helps ensure someone is always available when you need guidance or support.
   

4. Kings College remembers 9/11, honors first responders (2822news.com) — King's College in Wilkes-Barre is marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with campus memorials, a community donation drive for "blessing bags," and a First Responders Night football game at McCarthy Stadium. Organizers are inviting students and neighbors to donate essentials like clothing, toiletries, snacks, gift cards, and bus passes while honoring local emergency workers.
   

5. Gas prices surge overnight, climb more than 10 cents nationally in a week (fox56.com) — Drivers in Wilkes-Barre are seeing gas prices jump, with the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton average now over $4.31 per gallon and some Route 315 stations ranging from $4.15 to $4.39. The article explains why prices can spike overnight, even on fuel already in station tanks, and how shopping around locally can save several dollars per fill-up. It also notes rising diesel costs that may push up prices on everyday goods.
   

📸 Around Wilkes-Barre

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilkes-Barre

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday September 11
  • Patriot Day- Wear Red, White, and Blue
    Hanover Green El Sch Wilkes Barre, PA 18706
  • Patriot Day - Wear Red, White & Blue
    Lee Park El Sch Wilkes Barre, PA 18706

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE!!
    Within the first hour or two he has been claimed Yes. I got suckered in again. I'll be scraping my money together to try and get some more kitten… (Nextdoor N Main St)

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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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