Friday, the seniors from Lawrence- Nelson and Superior Public Schools attended County Government Day at the Nuckolls County Courthouse. County Government Day is a joint program cooperating with the local schools, county officials and the American Legion. The purpose of County Government Day is to provide high school students with the opportunity to learn the duties and responsibilities of the various county offices. Students were introduced to elected officials and gained a little insight into what these officials are responsible for within the governing body.

The day began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by introducing the veterans, county officials and students taking the oath of office.

Royce Gonzales gave a presentation that included a brief description of the county's history, a look at the different offices and the responsibilities to the community.

The speaker for the day was Jayden Jorgensen, Lawrence-Nelson alumni. Jayden spoke on integrity, making sound choices and resisting peer pressure. Jayden touched base on three topics, alcohol, pornography and relationships. He encouraged students to make good choices and not fall victim to society's pressures.

Students were able to take part in various workshops and learn more about what the various county offices have to offer. Kylie Kinely, extension agent, brought with her a drone simulator and told students about the many hats worn by the extention office. State Troopers Brase and Ali spoke to students about drinking and driving. Troopers brought "drunk goggles" for students to try on and attempt taking a sobriety test to show just how difficult it is to do even small tasks while under the influence and encourage students to never drink and drive.

Cindy Buescher, of the county road department, spoke to students about the duties of the county's road department and the various equipment used to maintain roads. She spoke about the square miles maintained by the road department, the many bridges the department maintains and the brides that need to be inspected every two years by a licensed bridge inspector. They discussed the cost of replacing signs, purchasing and maintenance of motorgrader's and other heavy equipment.

Part of the Government Day activities at the Nuckolls County Government Day was to take a sobriety test with special glasses that simulate being inebriated. Included in the pictured are Isaac Hathaway, Matt Colgrove, Seth Schnakenberg, Dane Miller and Jordan Brown.

Jenny Caltagirone from the enCourage advocacy center, spoke with students about consent. This program proactively addresses the root causes of abuse and violence in Adams, Nuckolls, Clay and Webster counties. The center promotes healthy relationships and combats human trafficking while assisting abuse and sexual assault victims.

Sacred Heart Altar society provided lunch for the day at the church. After lunch, students took part in a Mock Trial, where they were able to actively participate as counsel, jurors, witnesses and courtroom staff. The trial ended with a hung jury.