Carbon County officials want to make sure help is available for small businesses.

On Thursday, the commissioners voted to close out the small business loan fund in the amount of $71,066.12 and turn that money over to the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation to establish a small business loan program for Carbon County businesses that need assistance."It's been sitting there for a long time," Commissioner William O'Gurek said of the funds. "Now we're trying to help small businesses."He said that the loan would be one of a few loans available through CCEDC's office in Lehighton and urged small businesses who think they qualify to contact Kathy Henderson, director of economic development, for more information.Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein said the new loan program, as well as the services the CCEDC offers, provides small businesses with a "one-stop shop" to find options and help that are available to them.The CCEDC has worked with numerous small businesses over the past few years, providing classes on operating a business, financial options and more.To learn more about what CCEDC can do for a small business call Henderson at 610-379-5000; visit the office at 137 South St., Lehighton; or go to

www.carboncountychamber.org.In other matters, Nothstein said two full-time dispatchers resigned to take other positions. They are Ryan J. Kinsey of Leola and Zachary D. Werner of Lehighton."We're working on trying to find people to fill the positions," he said, noting that in the meantime, residents will not see an interruption with calls as shifts will be covered by current staff.Nothstein said applications are now being accepted for the positions. They can be picked up at the human resources office on the second floor of the courthouse annex and returned to Gary Williams, 911 director, at the 911 Communications Center in Nesquehoning.