Local. Local. Local.
That was the theme heard by area high school students who participated in the annual Youth Government Day program at the Shawano County Courthouse on Feb. 25.
Staci Rubenzer, director of the Shawano County Library, told more than 100 students of a former professor who instilled in her the importance of local government.
“Local government affects you locally,” she said, recalling his words from a state and local politics course at UW-Eau Claire.
Other than the obvious, the words also drive home the point that local government affects people’s daily lives more than they think.
Youth Government Day, sponsored by the Shawano County Veterans Service Office and area American Legion posts, wrapped up its 52nd annual occurrence with students learning about county and sheriff’s department operations, and then debating the merits of a countywide curfew for teenagers.
Paul Pionke, the county’s veterans service officer, said the curfew debate went well.
“They fully understood the process,” he said. “Unfortunately, they simply ran out of time and did not have a chance to vote on it.”
Students initially considered a curfew of between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., Pionke said. However, they amended the times and raised questions regarding exemptions such as parental permission, jobs, deer hunting, snowmobiling and more.
County Youth Government Day is a field day experience at the county courthouse that provides students firsthand knowledge of how county government plays an important role in their daily lives.
“It’s certainly worth doing every year,” Pionke said. “They get to see the day-to-day operations.”
Elected and appointed officials provided insight into their roles and duties, and gave condensed lessons on how the government operates within the county.
Presentations were offered by officials and staff involved with human resources, UW Extension, the district attorney’s office, clerk, treasurer, library, zoning, and the sheriff’s department administration and jail.
Rubenzer, of course, focused on the role the public library can play in the lives of residents – from storytime for children, young adult novels for teenagers, news and information for voters and a social gathering space for older adults.
She said that even though more local residents would vote for president than their county treasurer, the latter would probably make a greater difference in their daily lives.
Ricky Barbosa, who works with zoning issues in the planning and development office, told students their paths would almost certainly cross when it came time for them to buy or build a home. County Clerk Raymond Rigsby told them his office is the place to get a marriage license. Of course, human resources is there if they seek employment with the county.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Wolf River Lutheran High School principal Paul Steinhaus and student Cadence Anderson talk before Shawano County officials share what their daily job is like. Youth Government Day provides high school students a chance to get an up-close look at county government operations. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Paul Pionke, Shawano County veterans service officer, welcomes students to Youth Government Day at the Shawano County Courthouse on Feb. 25. The CVSO and local American Legion posts sponsor the annual event. County Youth Government Day is a field day experience at the courthouse that provides students firsthand knowledge of how county government plays an important role in their daily lives. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Shawano County Sheriff Lt. Cory Ladwig shared equipment, including pepper spray, shields, taser gloves, vests and helmets. The shield in his hands emits a bright light and a piercing alarm to aid in subduing someone. Looking on are Tigerton High School students, from left, Shaylan Nitzske, Annabell Call and Bella Radford, who joined other students and social studies teacher Matt Herrbold at the Youth Government Day event at the Shawano County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Department. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner, left, and former Sheriff Bob Schmidt (and American Legion member) talk briefly while on tour with students at the Shawano County Jail on Feb. 25. The jail tour was part of Youth Government Day, aimed at giving students a chance to witness the day-to-day operations of the county and its employees. Schmidt has been part of the Youth Government Day since it began more than 50 years ago. He worked with the sheriff’s department for nearly 33 years, including eight years as sheriff from 1999-2007. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Area high school students listened to Shawano County employees talk about their daily duties during Youth Government Day at the county courthouse Feb. 25. County Youth Government Day is a field day experience that provides students firsthand knowledge of how county government plays an important role in their daily lives. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Staci Rubenzer, director of the Shawano County Library, discussed her role and the importance of the library when she addressed students at Youth Government Day on Feb. 25. She stressed the important role local government plays in people’s daily lives. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
