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WJTN Headlines for Thursday Oct. 19, 2017

Chautauqua County's efforts to consolidate and share services was discussed during a state-wide forum in Albany late Tuesday and, the reaction was positive. 
 
That from County Executive Vince Horrigan, who took part in a review of the first shared services plan developed under the state's County-Wide Shared Services Initiative law. 
 
The county was one of 34 that submitted a plan by September 15th.  Horrigan says 23 other counties chose to delay adoption until next September.
 
The Rockefeller Institute of Government, the Benjamin Center at the SUNY College at New Paltz, and the Center for Technology in Government at the University of Albany hosted the program and presentation. 
 
The groups indicated that the shared services plans combined included 389 proposals totaling $208-million in projected savings in 2018 and at least $76.1-million in recurring savings.  
 
 
A study just released by a merger committee and a consultant says that the Panama and Clymer Central School Districts should move ahead with a consolidation of both districts. 
 
That from one of the members of Learning Design Associated, Tom Schmidt, who says the panel released it's findings to both school boards during Tuesday night's special meeting in Clymer. 
 
On our Dennis Webster Show Wednesday, Schmidt said there were three major recommendations in the study, the first being that the rest of Panama's $5-million fine by the state be reconciled.
 
Schmidt says there is a bill on Governor Cuomo's desk that would whip out the rest of that fine, which is about $2.5-million.  He says they also called on the two districts to create a community of "trust, respect, and understanding" as they decide on what traditions to keep from each school and, new ones.  He says they also recommended keeping both the Panama and Clymer Elementary Schools open for students Kindergarten throught 5th grades.  He says they recommended the middle school be in Panama and, the high school in Clymer.
 
 
Both the Clymer and Panama School Districts will now review the approximately 300-page report and, will have to vote to accept the report, and then vote on a merger. 
 
That from the superintendent of both districts, Bert Lictus, who says both panels will meet in the next two weeks to discuss the report and then vote on it. 
 
Lictus says the report by Learning Design Associates was very thorough, and adds he was "struck by the detail" in it and, the fact it dealt with the education of "each child."  Lictus says that if both boards accept the report and agree on a non-binding straw vote, it would take place on Monday, November 13th.
 
 
A man from Washington, D-C is being held on $500 cash bail in Cattaraugus County for allegedly being in possession of a firearm and, a quantity of marijuana during a traffic stop in the town of Carrolton last weekend.   
 
State Police say they stopped a vehicle on State Route 219 early last Saturday morning for not dimming their headlights for on-coming traffic.  While talking to the driver, troopers say they noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. 
 
A search revealed the 20 year-old passenger, Dante Hicks, was in possession of a small bag of marijuana and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.  Troopers say Hicks did not have a permit for the weapon and was arrested. 
 
 
One person suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Forest Avenue Extension and Garfield Road in the town of Busti early Tuesday evening. 
 
Lakewood-Busti Police say the accident occured shortly after 5:30 p.m. and, on arrival, officers found the pick-up truck involved had rolled onto it's side. 
 
Police say the unidentified man driving the vehicle was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for treatment.  The woman driving the car involved was apparently not hurt.  Police say charges are pending.
 
 
Elected officials in the city of Dunkirk are voicing their opposition over a proposal by Brooks Memorial Hospital to build its new hospital in the town of Pomfret. 
 
By a unanimous vote, common council members approved a resolution opposing the relocation of the hospital on East Main Road. 
 
Mayor Willie Rosas says his administration did everything possible to keep the hospital in the City. Prior to the passage of the resolution, several area residents spoke out against the move. 
 
 
The seventh-annual Emporium put on by Jamestown's Community Helping Hands is set to take place on the first Saturday of November at the Gateway Center at 31 Water Street near downtown. 
 
Community Helping Hands Executive Director, Pastor Amy Rohler says new to this year is the early opening of the Christmas shop, which normally doesn't get a start until the end of Novmeber.
 
Rohler says she is excited and hoping to make this the largest Community Helping Hands event yet.  The Emporium is an indoor craft show, flea market, and rummage sale event that draws in local vendors and the community alike.
 
Auction baskets include lazer tag, Planet Fitness, a gardening basket from the Audabon and, others.  All the proceeds benefit the ministries of Community Helping Hands, who help local families and indivuals and serves as a resource for workforce development. 
 
For more information on the Emporium or vendor registration, call the CCH office at 481-1488.