New London students spend day at courthouse
Since 1960, local American Legion posts and county employees have sponsored Waupaca County Youth Government Day.
While there are other Youth Government Days, Waupaca County has organized and hosted its event longer than any other Wisconsin county.
Seventy local high school students from New London, Waupaca, Clintonville and Iola-Scandinavia) attended this year’s program on April 25.
Twenty-six New London High School ninth graders particiated, learning about the roles of state and local government. During their visit to the Waupaca County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, students met and learned from a number of individuals.
County Board Chair Dave Morack described some of his experiences in local government, as well as how 27 elected supervisors represent the interests of 52,000 county residents.
State Rep. Kevin Petersen discussed the complex and multifaceted issues of state drunken driving legislation.
County Veterans Service Officer Jesse Cuff explained the county’s role in connecting local veterans to state and federal veterans services.
Emergency Management Deputy Director Eric Halverson described how the county prepares for and manages local emergencies and disasters.
Judge Troy Nielsen welcomed students to his Branch I courtroom and together with Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Bolz directed students through a mock trial,
The county clerk, treasurer, register of deeds, medical examiner, clerk of court, assistant district attorney, judge, sheriff’s deputies hosted small group sessions with students.
Law enforcement officers directed tours of the county jail’s intake area, the department’s evidence garage and an MRAP vehicle, answering questions about their work in Waupaca and throughout the county;
Deputy James Santiago introduced the group to K9 Cuda.
Communications Center officers demonstrated some of the technology in their recently updated facility, where they respond to ten of thousands of 911 calls each year.
New London students who participated in this year’s Waupaca County Youth Government Day were:
Hank Auer, Adeline Bauer, Levi De Bruin, Madelyn Esser, Kasey Furman, Maren Golla, Liam Hurst, Alexa Kable, Claire Kedinger, Analiese Kicherer, Preston Krueger, Tina Lee, Macy Lemke, Sawyer Magolski, Morgan Marish, Ruby McCartney, Hailie Peters, Halle Peterson, Scarlett Rathje, Taelyr Reger, Aubree Schmude, Nica Schneider, Trevor Schultz, Sophia Volkman, Haedyn Wickersheim and Grace Yerkey.
“I’m glad that I went,” said NLHS student Sophia Volkman. Youth Government Day opened up more opportunities for my future. I don’t know what to pick for an occupation, but I am one step closer to figuring that out.”
“The mock trial was a good learning experience, and meeting Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Bolz was also very informative. He had great insights on potential law schools. Overall, it was a great experience,” student Liam Hurst said.