Editorial Roundup: New York Dunkirk Evening Observer. May 10, 2021. Editorial: CONSOLIDATION More opportunities in the courts Keep an eye on the pending consolidation of four Chautauqua County town courts into one. French Creek and Mina officially merged judgeships earlier this year after home rule legislation was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Sherman officials tried to consolidate two judge positions into one last year because of declining case volumes but had the decision overruled by town residents before both justices left the bench on their own. Clymer officials had a vacancy and are using Denis Cooper, French Creek-Mina judge, as Clymer’s acting judge.