Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Luzerne County says its Wilkes-Barre prison can’t wait for reform
Coming up: Ray LaMontagne on the Wilkes-Barre Patch calendar
Hey hey Wilkes-Barre! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Luzerne County says its Wilkes-Barre prison can't wait for reform
- How new opioid funds could reshape recovery services in Wilkes-Barre.
- Miss Kirby Park's Hope Over Stigma event? Here's how to still get help.
Also on today's calendar: The Diamond of Downtown.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Wilkes-Barre. 
- Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 78 and low of 68 degrees.
- Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 86, low: 69. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. 'Corrections officers are trained for security, not hospice care': Pa. jail faces aging inmate crisis (corrections1.com) — Luzerne County's aging inmate population is straining the Wilkes-Barre prison on Water Street, driving up medical costs and overtime while officers juggle security with de facto hospice care. County Manager Romilda Crocamo is pushing for a new, more accessible facility and expanded training, while warning legislators that local taxpayers face mounting costs without state help and coordinated reforms. 
2. Luzerne County commission endorses 4 earmarks for $451K in opioid funds (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County's opioid commission, meeting in Wilkes-Barre, has recommended $451,112 in settlement funds for several recovery and support programs, including a Wilkes-Barre-based housing provider. County council will make the final allocation decision, part of nearly $11.9 million already approved to combat addiction and support people in recovery across the region.
3. 'There is hope': Many gather for Hope Over Stigma event at Kirby Park (timesleader.com) — Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre hosted the Hope Over Stigma event Sunday, bringing more than 30 organizations together to offer Narcan, treatment referrals, housing help, and recovery resources. Organizers stressed that the same year-round support is still available locally, encouraging residents to reach out, visit the Wilkes-Barre Volunteers of America office, or contact partner agencies when they're ready for help.
4. Luzerne County court notes: Marriages 8/30/26 (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County's latest marriage license filings include many couples from Wilkes-Barre, reflecting a busy stretch at the courthouse between August 18 and 24. The list highlights new unions from across the region, but Wilkes-Barre residents appear prominently among those tying the knot and starting new chapters close to home.
5. Months-Long Hunt Ends With 5 Captured In South Hackensack Pistol-Whipping, Robbery: Prosecutor (dailyvoice.com) — Two Wilkes-Barre men were among five people arrested after a months-long investigation into an armed robbery in South Hackensack, New Jersey. Local Wilkes-Barre City police assisted in capturing the suspects in Pennsylvania, who now face armed robbery and related weapons and assault charges while awaiting extradition to Bergen County.
📸 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 ★
- Ray LaMontagne →
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
7:00 pm
Wednesday September 9
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- The Diamond of Downtown →
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre
7:00 pm - BRAD PAISLEY LIVE →
Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes-Barre Township
6:00 pm
Saturday September 19
Thursday September 24
📣 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
- Luzerne County Community Planning and Economic Development Committee →
Luzerne County, PA Calendar, 200 N River Street, Wilkes-Barre
5:00 pm - District In-Service (8:00-3:00 in buildings)
Wyoming Valley West SD Plymouth, PA 18651 - Kindergarten Orientation (1:00-2:30)
Wyoming Valley West SD Plymouth, PA 18651 - First Day of School for Students
Wyoming Valley West SD Plymouth, PA 18651 - k8 @ III Guys - Edwardsville →
III Guys, 51 S Wyoming Ave, Kingston
6:00 pm - September Work Session - 7:00 PM
Wyoming Valley West SD Middle School
7:00 pm - Form Packet is Due!!!!
Lee Park El Sch Wilkes Barre, PA 18706 - -- No School --
Lee Park El Sch Wilkes Barre, PA 18706 - Labor Day Weekend: No School
Pittston Area SD Pittston, PA 18640
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Friday September 4
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.
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: A waist of time (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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