Government Day held at Kimball County Courthouse

Tuesday, February 25, was Government Day. Students from the local high school spent the morning at the Kimball County Courthouse learning about the different jobs performed and why they are important.

With county officials present, the students filled the district courtroom. They witnessed a K-9 demonstration, and Cathy Sibal, Kimball County Clerk, led the questions concerning the dog.

The students were split into four groups of roughly seven each and given a leader. The county commissioners and Shaun Evertson, Veterans Service Officer, were the leaders that took the groups of children around to learn about the different departments and their functions.

One of the departments that the students got to see up close was the sheriff's department. Sheriff Gillway led students into the jail. While in the jail, the students learned about protocol when inmates are present, and what type of cautions must be taken when dealing with dangerous people. Since the jail was undergoing repairs, no inmates were present at the time.

"It is jail, but we have to make sure that none of the inmates can hurt themselves, that's a responsibility of the county," Gillway said.

The jail was not the only aspect of the sheriff's office to be explored. The students also got to see where and how 911 calls are handled and dispatched. The students were engaged and were curious about what happens when someone accidentally dials 911 as well as if, in the future, 911 texting capabilities might be possible.

The students also explored the County Clerk's office. They learned about how to obtain a marriage license and what it requires. Some were surprised to learn about blood test requirements concerning marriage. Students even participated in a mock marriage and mock divorce in order to demonstrate what the process is like through the county clerk.

The students saw the assessor's office and got to see what types of responsibilities take place concerning taxes. In the treasurer's office they learned about property taxes and Diana Quicke, Kimball County Treasurer, had prepared a presentation complete with visual aids in order to help the students understand better.

Each of the groups getting around to the different offices took about two hours. The students all met in the commissioner's office for refreshments before Lupe Rodriguez was rewarded with the Korea Defense Medal.

The students and county officials and other county employees stood in the courthouse and respectfully witnessed as Rodriguez was honored. Shaun Evertson read the citation.

"The Secretary of the Army takes great pleasure in awarding the Korea Service Defense Medal To PFC Lupe Rodriguez, AUS for service set forth in the following citation: After completing basic training in the Summer of 1953, then-PVT Rodriguez embarked on a troop ship and sailed for Duty in Korea. Upon arrival in South Korea in August, 1953, PVT Rodriguez was assigned as a Browning Automatic Rifleman With the 45th Infantry Division, then in reserve 20 miles south of the 38th parallel. In January, 1954 PVT Rodriguez was transferred to GEORGE Co., 1st Platoon, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, then holding a divisional sector just south of the DMZ. Rodriguez was soon promoted to Private First Class and assigned duties as a rifle squad leader. As a skilled rifleman and squad leader, PFC Rodriguez played a critical role in the mission of the 2nd ID which was to deter North Korean and Chinese aggression and respond as needed should the communist forces resume active hostilities. PFC Rodriguez became eligible for this award in 2002 when it was signed into law by President Bush. He had previously been awarded the: Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Making the Korea Service Defense Medal his sixth service award. PFC Rodriguez' outstanding service contributed directly and materially to maintaining peace during a critical time and reflects great credit upon himself, the Army, and the United States of America. Entered the service from Nebraska," Evertson said.

Commissioner Larry Engstrom gave the medal to Rodriguez, and the courthouse erupted in applause. Immediately after, the students and county employees formed a line in which each person took a moment to thank Rodriguez and shake his hand.

A commissioners' meeting was held afterwards for the students to attend and to see how the meeting works. The time ended with students going to the 4-H building for lunch.