Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star plans to merge the Columbia County Youth Bureau and the Department of Social Services are underway. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the state Office of Family Services. Under the plan, the Youth Bureau would remain independent, but work within the Department of Social Services to share resources. DSS Commissioner Paul Mossman said the Youth Bureau would have access to more resources and support in a more "cost effective" way. The Bureau currently employs a director full time, along with a part-time clerk/typist. Last year, the Bureau distributed more than $40,000 to organizations that offer youth-related programming countywide. Read the full story in the Register Star.