Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a South Wilkes-Barre bar faces new scrutiny and hearings Wednesday.

Coming up on the Wilkes-Barre Patch calendar: Ray LaMontagne

Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Wilkes-Barre! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a South Wilkes-Barre bar faces new scrutiny and hearings Wednesday.
  • What big zoning changes could reshape Wilkes-Barre neighborhoods this week?
  • How much safety and mental-health funding is headed to Wilkes-Barre schools?

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)


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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 84 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Sun followed by some clouds, temps: high: 85, low: 63.
  • Thursday: A t-shower in spots; humid, with a high of 80 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. South Wilkes-Barre bar has more citations pending, ongoing investigations (citizensvoice.com) — Neighbors' complaints about South Wilkes-Barre's MofonLounge have prompted state liquor citations and ongoing investigations, while its license is under review. Residents are being urged to attend Wednesday's zoning hearing at City Hall, where the bar seeks approval for a large front canopy and expanded nonconforming use.
   

2. Wilkes-Barre zoners to mull cases for 3 group homes, Haitian restaurant (citizensvoice.com) — Wilkes-Barre's Zoning Hearing Board will decide Wednesday on three proposed recovery group homes, a new Haitian takeout restaurant, a multi-services education center, and an outdoor canopy at South Wilkes-Barre's MofonLounge. Hearings start at 4:30 p.m. on City Hall's fourth floor, and outcomes could reshape housing, services, and nightlife in several city neighborhoods.
   

3. Luzerne County schools eligible for millions in safety, wellness grants (citizensvoice.com) — Luzerne County schools, including Wilkes-Barre Area, are in line for millions from Pennsylvania's School Safety & Mental Health grants, with Wilkes-Barre Area alone eligible for about $490,000 plus CTC funding. Districts can use the money for security upgrades, counseling, and wellness programs if they meet new baseline safety standards before applying by October 16.
   

4. Captain Corey offspring again sailing to victory at Pocono – U.S. Trotting News (ustrottingnews.com) — Harness racing fans in Wilkes-Barre saw sire Captain Corey's offspring dominate Pennsylvania Sire Stakes and Stallion Series action at Pocono Downs, with multiple juvenile trotters winning in both fast and sloppy conditions. The card also featured a sharp prep win by millionaire trotter Sir Pinocchio and set the stage for this week's Sun Stakes Saturday and Tuesday's freshman-focused program.
   

5. Look Back: 1902 riot at Duryea colliery (timesleader.com) — A 1902 coal strike riot in Duryea ended up in Wilkes-Barre when a habeas hearing for mine owners and guards was held at the Luzerne County Courthouse on Public Square. The piece recounts how tensions over non-union labor led to gunfire, injuries, and ultimately dismissed charges, marking one of Luzerne County's earliest coal strike riots.
   


📸 Around Wilkes-Barre

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilkes-Barre

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Featured events

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    FOUND on August 16, 2026 in Plains, PA 18705 near Wyoming Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view this… (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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


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