High school students attend government day

The hallways, the courtroom, and offices of the Nuckolls County courthouse, Nelson, were busier than usual Monday.

The building was the site of the annual Government Day program where students from Superior and Lawrence-Nelson high schools took a deep dive into the workings of county government.

The day opened with student registration.

A general assembly was opened in the courtroom. Local veterans were introduced after the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Introductions of county officials followed.

Royce Gonzales presented a slide show outlining the functions of county offices.

Carrie Miller, county clerk, gave a presentation on voter education including the differences between partisan and non partisan elections.

The groups met with the elected county commissioners.

A break with cookies and beverages available on the second floor was next on the agenda.

Gonzales was the featured speaker. He addressed the students on the dangers of scams and scammers. He spoke to the issue of sensivity and people taking offense too easily.

The groups next attended work shops and toured the courthouse.

The county road department had a road maintainer on site as Jim Bolte, county road foreman, explained the importance of properly maintained roads being vital to the economy and transportation of people and goods across the county.

Jon Kroeger, a Nebraska state trooper, addressed the dangers of driving while impaired. He used the drunken goggle to demonstrate to students the effects varying stages of impairment have on vision. The results were sobering and entertaining.

Jason Tuller, an extension agent, was available to answer student questions pertaining to the services and functions of that office.

The Sacred Heart Altar society provided the noon meal. The students were treated to pulled pork sandwiches with baked beans and chips. Dessert bars were available.

Decker Brown, Lawrence-Nelson High School social studies teacher, served as the moderator for student debates.

The students, with guidance from John Hodge, county attorney, conducted a mock trial. After the trial concluded, Gonzales delivered the closing remarks.

The students were dismissed and returned to their respective schools, better equipped to see how government functions at the county level and how they may interact with the different offices.