Local News

LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — State Police released new details Friday about the fatal four-vehicle crash that closed a stretch of I-81 by the Dauphin and Lebanon County line on Thursday morning.

James Stokes, 27, of Cresco, was killed in the crash that happened before 2:30 a.m. on I-81 north in East Hanover Township by Mile Marker 84.8, State Police at Jonestown said in a release.

Related: Support the Stokes Family in Their Time of Loss (GoFundMe)

Our co-worker and Barrett Twp. neighbor, Sherline Eugene (FS school bus driver at Pocono Mtn. East), suddenly lost her 26-year-old son, Akili Eugene, due to an unknown ingestion of nuts, as he had an allergy to them. Akili leaves behind his wife Jahmelia and young son Abijah.

Joe’s Brick Oven Pizza: 109 Oak Lane, Suite 105, Cresco

Inspected Oct. 24. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 7

Inspector determined the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety. Inspector observed chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 ppm, not 50-100 ppm as required; mechanical warewashing equipment not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of old food residue buildup; facility had lost its certified food employee over three months ago and had not replaced the employee as required; facility had an employee who held a certified food manager certificate, but the certificate was expired; soap was not available at the handwash sink in the food prep or employee restroom areas; and working containers in the warewash area, used for storing chemicals and cleaners taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical.

Barrett Township, PA (November 1, 2024) – In the early hours of Thursday morning, emergency responders were alerted to a serious two-vehicle head-on collision along Route 191 in front of the Cresco Post Office. The incident occurred around 12:17 a.m., with initial reports indicating possible entrapment and serious injuries. Medevac was placed on standby as police and EMS units from Station 22 and EMS 1123 mobilized quickly to the scene.

Nov. 5, 2024, is the General Election
Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. - 8 P.M.

This year's election guide is provided by the Monroe County Reporter:

Link:
https://www.monroecountypa.com/election-guide

A local homeowner is currently facing a zoning dispute over their small-scale farming operation, spotlighting a critical issue in our community: the right to use our land for sustainable food production. As more families embrace backyard farming, the demand for local, homegrown food is gaining traction. However, restrictive zoning laws threaten these efforts, raising vital questions about our rights as landowners.

This case marks the first zoning enforcement action of its kind in our township, but similar disputes have emerged across Monroe County. In Mountainhome, numerous households successfully maintain backyard chicken flocks without issue. This inconsistency raises concerns: why are some residents penalized while others enjoy the freedom to farm?

We are official! I want to thank the Barrett Township Supervisors for inviting Lansing, NC to be our Sister-Town for continued hurricane relief assistance. Lansing Mayor, Mack Powers, is literally overjoyed that Barrett wants to help out in this desperate time of need. Bob and I will present Mayor Powers with the certificate on behalf of the supervisors, and all of you, as we explain how this community instantly came together in support of Lansing. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts Please see our Mountain Strong Poconos FB page for MORE BIG NEWS!

Rowland Matthews, of Dreher Township, Wayne County, struck a utility pole on Route 191 about one mile south of Pocono Plateau Road in Cresco, Monroe County, the coroner's office said.

Canadensis, once a bustling village at the intersection of Route 447 and Route 390, has faced years of decline. With many of its buildings now in disrepair, the township has recently begun taking action. Property owners in the area have started receiving fines and violations as part of an effort to address the condition of their properties.

Barrett Township is facing questions regarding a proposed cell phone tower at High Acres Park following a Right-to-Know request appeal. Local resident Jason Delp submitted the request seeking correspondence about the tower plans from Joseph Fitzsimmons, who is spearheading the project. The township denied part of the request, citing a technical distinction between a "letter" and an "email," which has raised concerns about transparency.

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — A fire destroyed a barn in Monroe County on Wednesday.

A call came in shortly after 4 p.m. for Lower Seese Hill Road in Barrett Township near Cresco.

Below is the video from the Barrett Supervisor meeting, 9/11/24