By Luayne Weisgerber
High school juniors from Hemingford were participants in The American Legion County Government Day on Monday, Oct. 20. Alliance High was not able to participate this year. The program is established to provide high school students with the opportunity to learn about how their local government works.
The day began in the County Courtroom with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Luayne Weisgerber and a welcome by former County Clerk Judy Messersmith, who administered the oath of office.
A brief history of the program and instructions for the day were presented by Unit 7 American Legion Auxiliary President Luayne Weisgerber.
The American Legion Post 7 Commander Bob Miller, Post 7 members Tom Hoerler, Larry McCracken, Tyler Sherlock and Ray Weisgerber, and Hemingford Unit 9 member President Phyllis Jesse served as “tour guides” for students visiting the Jail, County Assessor, County Commissioners, Veterans Service Office, County Treasurer and County Extension Agent.
Students with Tyler Sherlock were able to visit the original jail facilities on the fourth floor of the courthouse and go out on the roof to view Alliance “from the heights.” County Court was not available due to juvenile cases being heard. An information packet was provided for each student explaining the cases heard in County Court, where traffic fine money is spent, the court system in general and a list of opportunities for students through The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary.
The American Legion Auxiliaries Unit 7 of Alliance and Unit 9 of Hemingford provided lunch at Knight Museum and Sandhills Center.
Following lunch, the students traveled to the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance for a mock funeral and a tour of the facility. The American Legion Post 7 provided the Honor Guard.
County Government Day is incorporated as a joint program of The American Legion and Auxiliary. It began in 1947 at the urging of Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert G. Simmons, who felt that good government and good citizenship had to start at home.