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PSP search for suspect after armed bank robbery

CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) on Sunday say they are on the lookout for a suspect after a reported armed robbery in Monroe County. On Saturday morning, just before 10:30 a.m., troopers were called to a Citizens Bank on the 100 block of Erin Lane in Chestnuthill Township near the [...]

Public Hearing and Meeting on Conditional Use Request for Wireless Communications Tower in Smithfield Township, Monroe County, PA

The Board of Supervisors of Smithfield Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public meeting on March 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Township Municipal Center to discuss a conditional use request by Northeast Pennsylvania SMSA LP dba Verizon Wireless to build a monopole wireless communications tower. The proposed tower will be located on property owned by Penn Leaders, LLC at 2417 Gap View Drive, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Public Hearing by Smithfield Township Zoning Hearing Board Regarding Zoning Violation Appeal by Water Gap Acquisitions Partners, LLC

The Zoning Hearing Board of Smithfield Township will conduct a Public Hearing at the Smithfield Township Municipal Building in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The hearing will address an appeal by Water Gap Acquisitions Partners, LLC regarding a Zoning Officer's Enforcement Notice from August 29, 2025, which found the company in violation of operating a substance abuse treatment facility on the property at 288 & 296 Mountain Road. The property is situated in the R-1 District of Smithfield Township. The public can review the application at the municipal building during business hours. Individuals needing accommodations due to disabilities should contact the Township in advance. This hearing is crucial for residents concerned about zoning compliance and the operation of treatment facilities in their community. Contact: Jeffrey A.

Public Hearing on Modification of Stormwater Management Requirements in Stroud Township, Monroe County, PA

The Board of Supervisors of Stroud Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing on March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Stroud Township Municipal Building. The hearing will address an application for modifying the stormwater management requirements outlined in Chapter 23 of the Stroud Township Code of Ordinances. The application, submitted by Robert Christman and/or Shadowbrook Apartments and Cottages LLC, pertains to the construction of a detached garage, parking area, and driveway on a property at 2457 Chipperfield Drive in the R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning District. The requested modification involves exemption from the riparian buffer requirements for the proposed construction within the outer riparian buffer area. Interested individuals can voice their opinions during the hearing, and the Board of Supervisors may make a decision on the application either during the hearing or in a subsequent public meeting.

Public Hearing: Polk Township Board of Supervisors - Conditional Use Application for Altemose Hauling

The Polk Township Board of Supervisors will conduct a Public Hearing on March 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Polk Township Municipal Building in Kresgeville, Pennsylvania. The purpose is to review Altemose Hauling's Conditional Use Application for a contractor yard on property owned by Onielo and Elvira DeLuzio at 1124 Interchange Road, Gilbert, Pennsylvania. 

Public Notice: Bidding Opportunity for Fall Athletic Supplies & Equipment - Pleasant Valley School District, Brodheadsville PA

The Pleasant Valley School District in Brodheadsville, PA, is inviting sealed proposals for Fall Athletic Supplies & Equipment. Bidders must submit their proposals by Monday, March 30, 2026, with the opening scheduled for 2:00 p.m. The specifications can be obtained from the district's Business Office on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This notice is crucial for potential suppliers interested in providing athletic supplies to the school district, ensuring transparency and fair competition in the bidding process. Tammy A. Smale, the Business Manager/Board Secretary, is overseeing this process on behalf of the Board of Education. — Original public notice (excerpt): NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education at the Pleasant Valley School District, Brodheadsville PA 18322 until Monday, March 30, 2026. FALL ATHLETIC SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT will open at 2:00 p.m.

Request for Sealed Bids - Smithfield Township Spring Clean-Up Trash Removal Services

Smithfield Township is seeking sealed bids for trash removal services during the Spring Clean-Up event from April 29 to May 2, 2026. The bids will be accepted at the Township Municipal Center in East Stroudsburg, PA, until 2:00 PM on April 3, 2026. The contract award is expected to take place at the Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting on April 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Municipal Center. Bidders must be licensed haulers by Monroe County and provide open-top roll-off containers with specific capacities. The Township requires prompt container delivery and exchange, with scrap metal handled separately. Bidders need to submit proposals with a certified check or bid bond, and the selected bidder must provide a performance bond and insurance.

Coroner identifies woman killed in Poconos crash

BARTONSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Monroe County Coroner confirmed the identity of the woman killed in a two-car crash in the Poconos. The Monroe County Coroner says 32-year-old Sharlin Forestier of Coolbaugh Township died from blunt force injuries she received during the crash. manner of death was ruled an accident. The crash happened Thursday [...]

E-news Updates – March 6, 2026

Senate Budget Hearings in Harrisburg Conclude Over the past two weeks, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have been in Harrisburg to review the Governor’s proposed $53.3 billion state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%, over the current fiscal year. These hearings are an important part of the budget process and allow the legislature the opportunity to question agencies directly about their spending requests, priorities, and long-term financial outlook. This week’s hearings included discussions with the Governor’s Budget Office and Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and others.

Part Time Position

Now Hiring: Circulation Clerk at the Library of the Smithfields Eastern Monroe Public Library is accepting applications for a part-time, permanent Circulation Clerk position at our Library of the Smithfields branch (East Stroudsburg) The position is guaranteed 10.5 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours depending on coverage needs. The regular schedule includes one evening shift and one weekend day each week.Applicants must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED. Strong customer service and computer skills are required.

Winter Olympics Recap

The Winter Olympics wrapped up last Sunday, February 22, 2026. With it came numerous gold medals being awarded, and the United States (USA) winning 12 gold medals and 33 overall, which places the country just behind Norway for the most wins. Additionally, Team USA’s women played a huge role in these games, with women winning eight of the total 12 gold medals and winning 61 percent of the country’s overall medals. Take a look at the results of each sport for more information on winners and star countries, and athletes. Alpine Skiing Switzerland dominated the men’s events for alpine skiing by winning four of five gold medals. Franjo von Allmen was responsible for three of those. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen of Brazil was responsible for winning the gold in the giant slalom and ruining Switzerland’s perfect run. The women’s events had more variation, with the USA winning two golds, Italy winning two, and Austria winning one. Biathlon

PA creates phone ban in schools

On Feb. 3, 2026, the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation (Senate Bill 1014) requiring all K-12 schools to prohibit students from using their cellphones at all during the school day. They call it the “bell-to-bell” ban, which was passed with a 46-1 vote by the Senate Education Committee on Dec. 9. The Senate said they hope this reduces classroom distractions, cyberbullying, improves focus, increases student engagement, increases socialization, and helps students learn responsibility. If passed, this policy would go into effect during the 2027-28 school year. Implementation of the ban would be up to the individual districts to decide, including how schools would store the phone and how they would go about punishment if caught with one.

Black Achievements in the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics became one of the most notable accomplishments for the black community. A variety of Black Athletes not only won medals but left a significant mark on the sports they participated in.  Laila Edwards The women’s hockey team recently won the Olympic gold medal on February 19, 2026.  With this triumph win, defense player Laila Edwards made history by becoming the first black woman to compete in hockey during the Winter Olympics, and also won. Earlier that week, she had also made history by becoming the first black woman to score for the USA. Erin Jackson

What’s happening in the Middle East?

On Feb. 28 and March 1 of 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran, targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. During this operation, Iran’s Supreme Leader (Rahbar) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who held religious and political authority, was killed. He ruled for over three decades, controlling all branches of government and the military. Iran later responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. military naval bases in Bahrain, which is a country in the Middle East. These strikes targeted the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama as retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. These attacks triggered air defenses and forced more security at many U.S. sites abroad, including cities like New York. Many reports indicate damage in Iran and to military personnel, as well as U.S. soldiers killed or injured.

Teacher Feature on Mr. Wood

First things first, we have to address the photo. So, you’re married to your prom date? Yes! My wife and I met our senior year of high school and we’ve been together ever since. She’s actually a teacher as well; teaches Kindergarten over in Pleasant Valley. She eventually inspired me to become a teacher myself. We have two boys, Nathan and Nicholas, and a dog named Lucky. Where did you go to college?  Shippensburg University for Undergrad (Journalism) & Western Governor’s University for my Master’s (English Education) What subject do you teach and why?  English, Journalism and Graphic Novels What is your goal as a teacher?  To, in any way possible, stress the importance of reading. I believe it should be the foundation of any person looking to become the best version of themselves. Read. Please.

Boys Wrestling sets sights on States

On Saturday, February 21, Stroudsburg Wrestling travelled to Bethlehem Liberty Highschool gym for the District XI Wrestling Championship. Stroudsburg saw three medalists and and a ninth place finish in the tournament. Jack Jasionowicz, ’26, placed third in the 107lb bracket, punching his ticket to Regionals, falling only to the eventual champion in the semi-finals. Jasionowicz currently is 28 and 6, tieing his record from his junior year with multiple matches ahead of him still. Leonard DeMaria, ’27, wrestled into fifth place at 172lb, dropping his quarter-finals match, and leaving his record 21 and 11 before Regionals. Zion Essington, 26, came in third at 215lb, falling to the later champion of the bracket. On the 27-28 of February, the three wrestlers took their talents back to the same high school to compete in the Regional competition. Only two wrestlers came out, in Jasionowicz and Essington, and both placed fourth.

Student Spotlight on Kourtney Hughes

1. What’s your name Kourtney Hughes  2. What is one goal you have for your future after high school?                            My goal in life after high school is to become an ultrasound sonographer, I dream of becoming a sonographer.  3. Who inspires you most, and why? The person who inspires me the most is my mom. She is the true representation that no matter how hard it gets and no matter how much you want to give up, there’s always a light at the end of the very tunnel. 4. What is something people might not know about you? Something people might not know about me is I am OVERLY sensitive, literally anything hurts my feelings or makes me cry. 5. What activities do you enjoy outside of school? Some activities I enjoy doing outside of school are practicing for Majorette and Step and I love to bake.

Mount Pocono Borough Youth Mentorship Program

Mount Pocono Borough is offering a youth Mentoring Program to students in all surrounding areas! Scan the QR code or click the link below to sign up! https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx… The post Mount Pocono Borough Youth Mentorship Program appeared first on Mount Pocono, PA.

2 sent to hospital, road closed after crash

BARTONSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Route 611 is closed and two people were sent to the hospital after a crash Thursday afternoon. The two people sent to the hospital were from each of the vehicles involved in the crash. There is no word on the extent of the injuries. Traffic is being redirected through Wigwam [...]

ESU Junior Works Super Bowl LIX Through Alumna-Led Company

Maddie Lamb Super BowlMaddie Lamb, a junior sport management and communications major with a concentration in public relations at East Stroudsburg University, had always heard the same message in her classes: to succeed in the sports media industry, networking is key. A native of Long Valley, N.J., and midfielder on the ESU women’s soccer team, Lamb knew that devoting the necessary time to academics and athletics made it harder to follow that advice and seize opportunities to grow her professional experiences. That’s why, when the chance arose to attend Super Bowl LIX in San Francisco in February through LivingSport, she decided to step out of her comfort zone.