Why Was Lance Wheeler Fired?

That's the question everyone was asking at the Courthouse today, following an Express Times exclusive reporting that lead court officer Lance Wheeler has been sacked. Wheeler's daughter, Makaeya Lynn, has MLD, a rare and incurable disorder that attacks the nervous system. muscles and organs. It worsens over time.

I have no idea why Wheeler was let go. The person who does, Court Administrator James Onembo, would be violating Wheeler's rights to confidentiality if he were to discuss it. I do know that there has been friction between Onembo and Wheeler for months. I also know there are two or three sides to every story.

Wheeler serves at the pleasure of the Court. The Executive has no say in this matter, and those trying to blame this on John Stoffa are being irresponsible.

More About Makaeya

The Express Times and Valley 610 have both featured touching stories about Makaeya Lynn Wheeler, the pretty little two-year old described on my left sidebar. She suffers from MLD, an incurable disorder that progressively attacks her nervous system, muscles and organs. Because this is genetic, there were concerns that her nine-month old sister might have the disorder as well. Thankfully, she's been spared.

Normally, I post blogs highly critical of government officials and public employees. But they have been very unselfish in their contributions for this brave little girl, who still tries to smile. I wish I could list some by name. A donation button is on my left sidebar. It will funnel any sum you can spare, however small, into an account set up for Makaeya.

Can You Help Makaeya?

Last week, I told you about a pretty little girl named Makaeya Lynn, who is nearly three years old. Her father, Lance Wheeler, works at the courthouse and her mom used to work in Domestic Relations.

Makaeya has MLD, a rare disorder that attacks the nervous system. muscles and organs. It worsens over time. Because it is genetic, there are concerns about her 8 month-old sister as well.

There is no cure, but there is hope. A bone marrow transplant can extend her life, giving doctors precious time to find an answer. This is where we come in. We can help in two ways.

First, on April 21, there will be a bone marrow donor drive at Moravian College's Johnston Hall, between 3:30 and 7:00 PM. It's usually just a swab of some cheek cells.

Second, on my left sidebar, you will see a Paypal donation button that will funnel donations directly into a Lafayette Bank checking account set up for Makaeya. Northampton County Controller Steve Barron helped Lance set up this account and forwarded the donation code to me. I know, better than most, that times are tough. But no amount is too small, and if you can help her in some small way, I'm sure it will be appreciated.