WEST WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A hearing over an unpleasant smell in Luzerne County has come to a halt. Residents in that area say the odor is affecting their quality of life.
But they now have to wait a little bit longer for a solution to their problem.
At a hearing last week, Judge Joseph Carmody heard arguments surrounding a smell coming from KB Crash Creations in West Wyoming. Today, he ordered the case to be reassigned to another judge.
In a continued hearing today, Judge Joseph Carmody recused himself after the defense brought up concerns over a potential conflict of interest.
Attorney Laura Dennis Bovani, who represents the Wyoming Borough, is running for magistrate against attorney Matthew Carmody, the judge’s son.
Woman shot by police while allegedly attacking civilian
"At the end of the day, we thought we all should bring that before the judge because it does create a conflict. The judge obviously took our motion into consideration," said Attorney Michawl McCarrie, representing KB Crash Creations.
KB Crash Creations specializes in making kratom extracts, an organic material used in a wide variety of products, including tea.
West Wyoming and Wyoming Borough officials have filed quality of life citations against the company in recent months after receiving dozens of complaints about a citrus-orange smell.
"I can't even open my windows, and my children can't spend five minutes outside without their eyes bothering them and their lungs burning. Including myself when I'm outside," said a Wyoming resident.
The company admits that they are the source of the problem, and they have taken steps to mitigate the issue.
One resident, who wants to remain anonymous, says he is disappointed with the judge's decision, but remains hopeful for the future.
"So we're definitely hearts are in our throats, we're sunk feeling, but we feel confident in moving to the next phase of the court," said the Wyoming resident.
The president judge of Luzerne County will determine what comes next for the case.
