Wilkes-Barre

WILKES-BARRE – Due to the uncertainty of forecasted rain throughout the remainder of today, the evacuation of the Solomon Creek area of South Wilkes-Barre remains in effect until further notice. Residents in this zone are advised to seek shelter with family or friends in unaffected areas or the emergency shelter that has been established at G.A.R. High School off of Sherman Street. The four channel bridges that comprise the Solomon Creek flood protection system were activated just after midnight. The Waller, Regent, Barney, and South Franklin Street bridges will remain closed until further notice. Mayor Thomas M. Leighton and other city officials continue to monitor the situation including the creeks and streams outside of South Wilkes-Barre which do not appear to be a concern at the moment. There will be an updated briefing on the storm event later this morning. Residents and workers in the City of Wilkes-Barre are asked to stay tuned to local media reports, the city website, and Facebook page for up to date information about the latest storm event and the evacuation.

http://wilkes-barre.pa.us/pr/index.php?pid=405

WILKES-BARRE – Mayor Thomas M. Leighton marked the start of Phase II of the Coal Street Recreational Improvement Project by announcing that Panzitta Enterprises had been awarded the construction contract which totals nearly $250,000. Phase II encompasses the resurfacing of the multi-purpose field which will host field hockey, lacrosse, football, and soccer games and significant upgrades to Coal Street's softball fields. New lighting and electrical infrastructure will be installed as well as new fencing and netting encircling the field. The playing surface itself will be resurfaced and leveled out. Phase I of the project is nearly complete and included the construction of new basketball courts, a new playground, pavilion, and the splash pad. Both phases of the project total nearly $1 million in recreational improvements and were funded by a federal appropriation secured with strong support by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).

`Today, we announced the final phase of the rebirth of Coal Street Park,` said Mayor Thomas M. Leighton, `A once abandoned, blighted park has been revitalized into one of the premier athletic complexes in the state and will remain an attraction for visitors, residents, and employers for years to come. This is a proud day for the City of Wilkes-Barre.`

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WILKES-BARRE – The City of Wilkes-Barre announced today that residents will see four new police cruisers patrolling their streets effective immediately. The four new cruisers are 2011 Ford Crown Victorias purchased through the state COSTARS program which was authorized in August by Wilkes-Barre City Council. The total cost to purchase and fit-out the cruisers was approximately $120,000. Since 2004, the city has purchased 22 police cruisers for the department. 

`The additional four cruisers will significantly improve the effectiveness of our police fleet,` said Mayor Thomas M. Leighton, `We remain committed to ensuring that the men and women of the Wilkes-Barre Police Department have the best equipment available to effectively keep our streets and citizens safe.`

http://wilkes-barre.pa.us/pr/index.php?pid=404

WILKES-BARRE – To accommodate the Wendy's Wonderful Kids Half Marathon and 10k Run, South River and South Franklin Streets will be closed between the hours of 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the intersection of South River and West Northampton Streets. River will be closed to traffic from North Street to Ross Street and Franklin Street will be closed from Jackson Street to South Street. West River Street, Riverside Drive, Old River Road, Dagobert Street, Firwood Avenue, Crescent Avenue, and Gordon Avenue will also be race routes but will remain open. Wilkes-Barre police officers will be at Market and River and Market and Franklin Streets to assist East-West traffic cross River and Franklin during the race.  River and Franklin Streets will be reopened when the race concludes.

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