JAG-K gets a lesson in local government

Great Bend Tribune, Dec. 11, 2024 – click to see original article

The Barton County Commissioners played host to several Great Bend High School students at Tuesday’s Agenda meeting. Part of the curriculum for the Jobs for American Graduates – Kansas (JAG-K) is learning the function of government, from the local level up to the federal level. The students in Danielle Ricklefs’ class received hands-on training at the meeting.

Commission Chair Barb Esfeld has spent time with this group in the classroom and came away with positive reactions to the course and the students.

“I had the privilege to go to the school, and Danielle invited me to come to the class,” Esfeld said. “I gave a quick overview of county government, but the students had good questions. They really surprised me with their questions and the interest. And I was impressed with what they’re learning. And I wanted to thank Mrs. Ricklefs for doing this. Her job is not to necessarily teach about county government. She could go right over that to state and federal, which you hear of more in government classes. But she’s taken the time to teach the students about local government, which is where you generally have your first experience with so I’m interested in you coming. They will learn from being here and watching how it really works. And then they’ll bring that back to the other students. So thank you so much; I think you’re doing a great job with these students.”

During this exercise, the students, Kenton Grauerholz, Trista Riley, McKayla Smith and Trason Stevens, along with Eli Hutchinson and Cambria Conrad, were tasked with a situation where they heard from several department heads about the use of personal cellphones during working hours in the workplace. The students heard spirited responses from Sheriff Brian Bellendir, Register of Deeds Glennda French. Treasurer Jim Jordan and County Appraiser Wendy Prosser.

Each Barton County representative made compelling arguments for why they should or why they shouldn’t allow personal cellphones in their respective offices.

The students asked questions before making their decision – which was for educational purposes only and is non-binding. By a vote of 6-0, the student commissioners would allow the use of cellphones in emergency situations only.

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