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WB_VOICE/PAGES [A05] | 03/14/18

THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2018

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22:15 | HALPINJIM

THE CITIZENS' VOICE A5 ADVERTISEMENT

City, county at odds Japan's Top Joint Pain over tax deferment Pill for 75 Years is Now

By eric Mark STAFF WRITER

The final resolution of the tax deferment project that helped turn Highland Park Boulevard into a bustling commercial corridor could come next week. Or maybe not, if WilkesBar re city of ficials get their way. Luzerne County, WilkesBarre Twp. and WilkesBarre Area School District have agreed on the disbursement of about $2.9 million leftover from a 20-year-old Tax Increment Financing program, known as a TIF, according to county Manager David Pedri. All three bodies deferred property tax revenue for commercial properties on Highland Park Boulevard, as well as Mundy and Coal streets, as part of the TIF, which dates from 1998. However, Wilkes-Barre officials contend the TIF cannot be ended before the final phase of the project — an extension of Coal Street across Wilkes-Barre Boulevard to connect with Union Street — is completed, city mayor Tony George said Wednesday. The county, the township and the school district will send a letter to the county redevelopment authority by the end of this week, Pedri said Wednesday. The bodies will request that the authority release the remaining TIF funds it has held in a dedicated account as the parties involved negotiated, he said. At Tuesday’s county

council meeting, Pedri said the funds will be distributed in proportion with the amount of tax revenue each taxing body deferred. The county’s share of that, 42 percent, would be about $1.2 million, he said. “This would be a great accomplishment for Luzer ne County,” Pedri said. “It’s been a long drawn-out process.” Council members said the resolution of the TIF and the disbursement of the funds is overdue. Councilman Harry Haas said the experience has made him wary of tax deferment proposals. “We need to get every penny we are owed before I eve r vo t e fo r a ny T I F again,” Haas said. The school district would receive 55 percent and the township would receive 3 percent of the remaining funds, according to Pedri. On Wednesday, WilkesBarre Area School District Solicitor Ray Wendolowski said the school district agrees with the county’s position. “The TIF should be concluded,” Wendolowski said. He said the school district’s share of the leftover funds should amount to slightly more than $1.5 million. Andrew Reilly, executive director of the county redevelopment authority, said the authority sent letters to the three taxing bodies, telling them that if they reached a joint agreement, the authority would be will-

ing to release the funds. If the authority receives formal notice of such an agreement before its next meeting on Tuesday, it could vote to disburse the funds then, Reilly said.

agree to disagree That might depend on a legal challenge from WilkesBarre. Mayor George on Wednesday said the city is prepared to seek a court injunction if necessary to stop the funds from being dispersed. “I don’t think they can do that,” George said. “We are part of that TIF. I’m not going to let them disband it.” The project will not be complete until the Coal Street extension is finished, so the funding should remain in a dedicated account, George said. George said he has met with Pedri several times over the dispute, without resolution. “We agreed to disagree, is what it came down to,” he said. Pedri on Wednesday said the county has “always been supportive of Wilkes-Barre city development.” He said the county would be receptive to discussing a new tax deferment proposal for future development projects in the city. But it is time for the Highland Park TIF to end, Pedri said. “This particular funding source is over,” he said. contact the writer: emark@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2117

Election board member’s eligibility under question By eric Mark STAFF WRITER

WILKES-BARRE — The newest member of the Luzerne County Board of Elections might not be eligible to serve because he holds an elective office, former county Controller Walter Griffith said Wednesday. Luzerne County Council on Tuesday appointed Keith Gould, of Fairview Twp., to an open Republican seat on the five-member election board. Gould did not attend Wednesday’s election board meeting, at which Griffith spoke during public comment. He said Gould is not eligible to serve on the election board because he holds an elected position as a member of the county Republican Party committee, to which he was elected in 2016.

The county charter prohibits elected officials from being appointed to county boards, Griffith said. Election board members referred the matter to board solicitor Michael Butera. He said he would review the county charter and consult with county chief solicitor Romilda Crocamo. Crocamo, reached by phone after the meeting, said she would consult the county charter and relevant regulations and issue an opinion today. Butera said he planned to review whether it makes a difference that Gould holds an elected position within a political party, rather than a legislative or executive position in a governing body. County Councilman Eugene Kelleher, chairman of council’s authorities,

boards and commissions committee, said he did not think Gould has a conflictbecause his committee post is a purely political position. “I don’t think the charter applies to that,” Kelleher said Wednesday night. “I thought that referred to elected public officials.” However, Kelleher said he would seek a legal opinion on the matter. If an attorney advises county council that Gould has a conflict, council members will ask Gould to resign his committee position if he wants to serve on the election board, Kelleher said. A phone message left at a listed number for Keith Gould in Mountain Top was not returned. contact the writer: emark@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2117

Avoca man accused of molesting boys By BiLL WeLLock STAFF WRITER

AVOCA — An 18-year-old Avoca man sexually assaulted three boys at a victim’s home and in woods in the borough on several occasions, police said. Austin W. Quick of the 100 block of Main Street was jailed in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail after police filed charges against him Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaints: Quick would go to the home of one of the victims to play video games and would also ride bikes with two of the victims who he had known for some time. The alleged assaults began in June 2017 and lasted until January 2018. On several occasions, Quick sexually assaulted two of the victims he knew, according to arrest papers. In January, he met a third victim who knew the

other boys and assaulted him as well, police said. Police charged Quick with numerous sex crimes, including sexual assault and indecent assault onchildren under 13. Quick’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 27 in front of Magisterial District Judge Joseph J. Carmody. contact the writer: bwellock@citizensvoice.com 570-821-2051, @CVBillW

court Notes DOMESTIC RELATIONS Judge Fred A. Pierantoni III, presiding Wednesday over Luzerne County Domestic Relations Contempt Court, ordered the following defendant jailed for failure to pay child support: n Christopher Peterson, 164 Oliver St., Floor 2, Swoyersville, $9,089; 45 days. n Shawn Rubin Sr., 91 Shaver Ave., Shavertown, $1,239; 30 days. n Mahlon Kennedy, 16 Laurel St., Rear, Wilkes-Barre, $1,050; 14 days. Warrants were issued for the following defendants: n Jeremy Stephens, 68 Church St., Larksville, $2,879; in two cases. n Peter Baker, 13 Caitlin Ave., Apt. 5, Wilkes-Barre; $3,411. n Meshick Carovinci, c/o 26

Green Road, Shavertown; $1,238. n Michael Fronczek, 500Schooley Ave., Apt. 71, Exeter, $5,534; in two cases. n Tyrik W. Johnson, 541 Alter St., Hazleton; $2,178. n Brett Cooley, 34 Maple St., Dallas; $4,257. n Rodney J. Samson Jr., 249 Reservior Road, Dallas; $2,342. n Edward Healey, 202 Schooley Ave., Exeter; $6,115. n Eric Czock, 429 E. State St., Larksville; $5,365. n Andrew J. Lech, 589 N. Vine St., Hazleton; $6,674. n William T. Whittaker, 527 N. Vine St., Hazleton; $900. n Maria A. Fegley, 648 W. Grant St., Hazleton; $666. n Jamie Roman, 549 Peace St., Hazleton; $851. n Richard Brizzy, 152

Sorbertown Hill Road, Hunlock Creek; $ 749. n Edgardo Altamirano, 6 Kresge St., Wilkes-Barre; $766. n Stacey Behrmann, 407 Lincoln Ave., Jermyn; $518. n Kevin Sullin, 95 Stant St., Wilkes-Barre; $2,413. n Rassan Hoskins, 35 Start St., Pittston; $2,970. n Mark Luczak, 273 River St., Nanticoke; $446. n Pedro Rivera, 363 E. South St., Wilkes-Barre; $2,287. n Jesus D. Cruz, 29 Garnet Lane, Wilkes-Barre; $2,944. n Glenn Hamilton, 157 Bowman St., Wilkes-Barre; $12,548. Anyone with information on the defendants listed is asked to call the Luzerne County Domestic Relations tipline at 570-606-3000.

Available in the US

Approved by doctors nationwide, the breakthrough ingredient relieves joint stiffness, pain, and increases mobility without the side effects of most pain relievers Chris Peterson, Special Health Investigator

octors and patients are rejoicing after hearing the news that Japan’s top pain reliever is now available in the US.

This pill has been used safely in Japan for over 75 years, and the active ingredient can soothe painful inflammation and stiff joints that so many older Americans are suffering from today. It also works to rebuild your cartilage and joint material that naturally degrades over time. The pills cost significantly less than other, less-effective drugs as well, which is critical in this era of skyrocketing health care costs. Some patients reported their pain management costs have been reduced by 87%. The specially formulated pill is now being offered on a trial basis in the United States under the brand name Proflexoral™.

Eases Pain In Minutes Patients are ecstatic for this incredible joint painreliever because it can ease pain in as little as 15 minutes and steadily improves mobility and relieves stiffness over the first 24 hours. The active ingredient comes from a natural source that has been proven to reduce painful inflammation. There have been no major side effects in the history of this ingredient. “I felt relief almost immediately in my knees and it just got better from there. I can finally use my hands again. I never go a day without it now. I sleep a lot better too since I don’t wake up stiff and sore in the middle of the night. I recommend Proflexoral™ to all my friends now,” says Don Miller of Ohio.

Reverses Joint Destruction Proﬂexoral™ contains an incredible compound with the proven ability to rebuild damaged cartilage and soothe painful inﬂammation in joints and muscles. This compound is not a drug and has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Until now, this amazing ingredient has not been available in the US. Patient studies have reported no adverse side effects. Many NSAIDS and over the counter pain relievers can damage the stomach lining and kidneys. Many patients report that they now enjoy their

Doctors are recommending this healing compound that has been scientiﬁcally proven to heal joints and ease pain.

work and hobbies again thanks to Proflexoral™. “My hands were so painful. I thought I would just have to live with the pain. Nothing else helped, I tried everything. And I was really worried about getting addicted to painkillers. Proflexoral™ is the first thing that has worked in a long long time. And it started working within an hour. Now I work in my garden again and knit clothes for my granddaughter,” Marjorie Taylor of Texas reports. Sales for Proflexoral™ have skyrocketed in the last few weeks and the company can barely keep up with orders.

Studies Show Incredible Improvement in Joint Health Landmark studies have proven the effectiveness of this life-changing ingredient in recent years. In one study, 15 patients suffering from knee pain were given this compound, and 15 were given a placebo for 8 weeks. All patients receiving this powerful compound reported decreased knee pain, better ﬂexibility, and every single one was able to increase their walking distance. In another trial, 66 people suffering from stiffness and pain were either given a popular prescription drug or this natural ingredient. Then detailed measurements were taken for pain, degree of mobility and the ability to do common household chores. This healing compound outperformed the popular prescription drug by 47% and users experienced no adverse side effects. The prescription drug takers often reported upset stomach and discomfort using the bathroom. Plus the study showed that the people that took this compound experienced no decline of cartilage during the trial, which means that this shocking ingredient was actually stopping the aging process in their joints. And patients even had less pain and stiffness

a full month after they stopped taking the active ingredient in Proﬂexoral™. The effects of the compound are so powerful they keep working even when you’re not taking it. It comes as no surprise that the makers of Proﬂexoral™ can barely keep it on shelves.

How This Breakthrough Compound Works Researchers have recently discovered that as we age, our body produces enzymes that naturally increase inflammation and eat away at cartilage and joint material. This causes chronic pain as the joint slowly degrades and becomes inflamed. The compound that can reverse this process is commonly known as BSE. “This special compound acts like a fire hose for burning inflammation in the body, which causes most of the pain you feel. It works by inhibiting the enzymes that cause inflammation, “ says Dr. Ralph La Guardia, a physician in Connecticut who specializes in geriatric care and pain management. “It also works by replacing the joint material that naturally degrades with age with new, healthy material that allows your joints to essentially ‘rewind the age clock’.” Dr. La Guardia has begun recommending Proflexoral™ to his patients and has seen the incredible results time and time again.

How To Get Proflexoral™ At A Discounted Price This is the official release of Proflexoral™ in Pennsylvania. So the company is offering a special discount supply to any person who calls within the next 48 hours. A regional order hotline has been set up for local readers to call. This gives everyone an equal chance to try Proflexoral™. Starting at 7:00am today the order hotline will be open for 48 hours. All you have to do is call TOLL FREE 1-800-735-9126. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to Proflexoral’s recent media exposure on ABC, CBS and FOX NEWS, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 48-hour special discount must pay more for Proflexoral™, and may have to wait for more to be produced.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.