Many of our young people today don't understand what our elected officials are responsible for, how to advocate to those officials, and what these stewards provide to our communities. Towards the end of October,  11 of our 4-Hers took on the Courthouse for our first ever Edmonson County Capital Experience. During their experience, they got to meet our county’s elected officials, learn about what they do, explore their offices, the courtrooms, visit our Veteran’s memorials, ask lots of questions, and experience a fiscal court meeting.  These gifted and talented youth, challenged our county officials by asking them tough questions about their professions, what they do for our county, how they get elected, and the projects that they were working on.  The County Clerk showed them the voting machines set up for the fall presidential election and the process of voting. In addition to that, the county clerk staff educated our youth on the county record books and how they are used.  Some of them dating back to the earliest records of the county over 150 years.  They received a tour of the Sheriff's office, holding for inmates and custody, courtrooms, and processing by the Sheriff and our Jailer.  They went through the process of court with a judge by the Circuit Court Clerk and what all happens on court days. We had to stop by the PVA's office and talk to our PVA officers and official about what all their office does and how that effects taxpayers in our community.  They spent time with our County Attorney and learned the multi-faceted scope of their job to prosecuting cases, fiscal litigation, and legal research for the county.  While waiting for our Judge Executive, they spent time at our county's Veteran's memorial wall and hall.  Youth looked through the names, wars, and stories of those from our community who had served their country.  Judge Executive Lindsey took the group upstairs to that courtroom where children's court and fiscal court are held.  He described the duties of his job, qualities of being good citizens, working in budgets, and many other details important to keeping our county moving forward.  To finish out the day, youth attended a fiscal court meeting where they got to meet our county magistrates, deliver the pledge of allegiance, and hear the business of the county. We were so proud of this group of kids and their eagerness to learn about our counties leadership and government.  With this annual experience, we hope to foster a growing interest in their community, the individuals responsible, their rights as citizens, and what their community can do for them.