Denise Williams for Luzerne County Council

07/19/2026

Last night’s Rockin the River concert was awesome! Gary Williams and I enjoyed dinner, the music, the beautiful weather, and the view of the Susquehanna River in the background.

Many thanks to the Luzerne County Visitor’s Bureau leadership - especially Alan K. Stout - for putting the Rockin the River concerts together.

We ran into a lot of folks - including Chris Miller, President and Founder of the Lehman Sanctuary.

Also pictured is Luzerne County Council’s Vice-Chair Brittany Stephenson giving thanks and welcoming everyone.

It was a perfect evening!



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07/10/2026

Pennsylvania’s state budget is nine days late and local governments say they are the ones paying the price.

07/10/2026

Quote by Visitors Bureau Director, Alan Stout during unveiling of new historic marker for former train station- now- Luzerne County Visitors Bureau:

“The former train station, where we now work and from where we serve the people of Luzerne County, is the last standing train station in Wilkes-Barre,” said Stout. “The entire area, from Wilkes-Barre Boulevard over Pennsylvania Boulevard, and from East Market Street, all the way down to South Street, was all, at one time, a giant rail yard. And there were three train stations on site. Our building is all that remains from that incredibly important part of local history, and today, we could not ask for a better place to house the Visitors Bureau. A big part of our job is to help showcase the great attractions of the county, and this building is an attraction in itself. And we are thrilled to be replacing the proper and official marker, which designates its significance.”

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WILKES-BARRE — “A symbol of our past — a footprint for our future.”

06/25/2026

Denise Williams for Luzerne County Council endorses Fern Leard!

"Fern will always put “People First”. She is someone you can totally trust to do what’s right for the citizens of the 120th District."

Denise Williams is a Luzerne County Councilwoman, former registered nurse, and longtime advocate for transparent, accountable government. Before joining County Council, she served on the Luzerne County Board of Elections, where she worked to protect voting rights and ensure every voter had a voice. Denise has built a reputation for putting people before politics and standing up for fairness, integrity, and public service.

06/24/2026

Thank you SO MUCH to Volunteers of America and the staff at the NEPA office in Wilkes-Barre for giving a few of us Luzerne County Council members an overview of its Give Hope program to assist the homeless in our area.

The work of VOA is essential to our community, as they work to help the folks of Luzerne County who need it most.

I was most impressed with Frank Soder (VOAPA), Program Manager for the Give Hope program. The relationships that you and your staff are building within our community are pivotal to the work that you do. I look forward to volunteering in the near future.

Special thank you to
➡️🇺🇸Crystal Kotlowski, COO, VOAPA
➡️🇺🇸Jodina Hicks, President, VOAPA
➡️🇺🇸Tanya Luton, Outreach Case Manager, Give Hope, VOAPA

06/24/2026

Thank You to Volunteers of America and the staff at its Northeast, PA office in Wilkes-Barre for giving Luzerne County Council members an overview of its Give Hope program to assist the homeless in our area. The program offers critical support to individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Funding from the Opioid Settlement is being put to meaningful use, helping connect vulnerable individuals with housing, treatment, and supportive services while making a positive impact in our community.

From left to right: Frank Soder, Program Manager, Give Hope, VOAPA
Crystal Kotlowski, COO, VOAPA
Jodina Hicks, President, VOAPA
Brittany Stephenson, Vice-Chair, Luzerne County Council
Dawn Simmons, Luzerne County Council
Denise Williams, Luzerne County Council
Jimmy Sabatino, Chair, Luzerne County Council
Tanya Luton, Outreach Case Manager, Give Hope, VOAPA

06/23/2026

Luzerne County Council Chair, Jimmy Sabatino's op-ed on the recently passed anti-discrimination ordinance by Council.

Since Luzerne County Council adopted the countywide Non-Discrimination Ordinance, much of the public conversation has focused on what is new. I believe it is just as important to recognize what is familiar.

06/22/2026

06/20/2026

Today's Juneteenth Block Party on Public Square - put together by Unity Collective - was a celebration of freedom, local culture, and community unity. The energy was incredible! I was proud to stand with this community today to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth with them.

I am deeply grieved by the historical injustices and suffering endured by Black Americans. It brings me profound sadness to think about the systemic cruelty and generational trauma caused by slavery.

I stand in solidarity with those working toward healing. I am here to listen. learn, and contribute to reparative efforts in whatever ways are most helpful.

A big shout out to County Council Vice-Chair, Brittany Stephenson for being part of the team of Unity Collective that put this all together for the community. Her service to the our local communities is a blessing.

Councilwoman Patty Krushnowski was volunteering in Brittany's Mom's food tent. I have noticed that Patty is often found helping others out - That is Patty.

Councilwoman Dawn Simmons was also helping out with the event! And...check out the video below of her doing "Double Dutch" jump roping. She was pretty darn good at it!



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06/19/2026

Wishing everyone a meaningful Juneteenth.

Acknowledging the painful truth of our past treatment of Black communities is essential if we want to build a future rooted in real equality.



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