Learning government
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The Columbia County American Legion hosted their annual County Youth Government Day on Wednesday, inviting high school students from Lodi, Cambria, Poynette and Portage to learn about county-level government and services involved from the Highway Department to the Health Department and ending the day at the Columbia County Circuit Court. Judge Troy Cross swore in students as county supervisors for the day at the Columbia County Administrative Building. He then answered questions about his work, such as how to separate emotions from duties as a judge, telling students the job is about “following the law” and explaining the path to a judicial seat through the educational requirements for law school, earning a law license, practicing “in good standing” as a lawyer for at least five years, leading to a non-partisan election. As far as elections go, Cross told students it is up to a candidate to find whatever ways to get their name out to voters, with “many right ways, and many wrong ways,” that can be chosen.

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