Chester County Briefs: Chesco Boy and Sheriff Reunited, WCU Nursing Program Forced to Relocate, and No New Taxes in West Chester Budget

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Chester County, South Carolina Sheriff Alex Underwood with Chester County's very own Alex Collins.

Boy and Sherriff who Charmed America Last Christmas Reunite for Thanksgiving Trip

Alex “Little A” Collins from Chester County and SC Chester County Sheriff Alex “Big A” Underwood are together again in Chester. The duo charmed America over Christmas last year when a letter mix-up left the boy nearly heartbroken. This time they have reunited for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The two will spend a week hunting and fishing together as part of Underwood’s annual youth hunt for Chester County kids. It is the same trip Little A missed out on last year, causing all the tears that were later turned into a national story of joy, caring and friendship.

Nursing Program Move at WCU Creates Transportation Issues

In February this year, students enrolled in the nursing program at West Chester University were informed that due to the increasing size of the department, it would be relocating to a new location one mile east of Exton Square Mall on Route 30 in the fall.

While the original plan included a University shuttle that would take students to the new Exton location, in a mail sent out by the Department Chair Dr. Charlotte Mackey on September 18th, that decision was reversed. Under the new policy students are required to obtain their own transportation one semester earlier, in the spring of sophomore year.

Many students are objecting to the sudden change, and attempts have been made to petition the alteration, without success.

“I know me and other people are freaking out about getting a ride there,” said Sophomore Jane Dersimonian. “If the carpooling works out, then that’ll be fine, but it’s hard to pull together.”

“I am thankful on Thanksgiving for my family and everybody I know,” Little A said on Friday after stepping off the plane. “I’m thankful for the people here, especially my friend.”

No Tax Rises in West Chester’s Preliminary Budget

Should the 2016 preliminary budget pass as it is, there will be no tax or fee increases in West Chester Borough. The Borough Council approved the preliminary budget, totaling $47.2 million, with a 5-0 vote Wednesday night.

Besides the final funding distribution numbers, the council also implemented a new priority-based budgeting process for this year. As part of the new process, the council identifies goals and outcomes and following that, the administration then determines how they will be achieved and prioritized.

The preliminary budget for this year highlights the five key goals for the borough which are a responsible government, economic development, natural resources and environment, safety and growth, and infrastructure.

“We set up some goals and outcomes to assist us this year,” said Michael Cotter, Borough Manager. “We structured the budget based on achieving these goals.”

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