On Monday, Nov. 17, 106 students from across Custer County gathered in Broken Bow for County Government Day. The students were split up into smaller groups and went to the different county offices from where they received briefings and were able to ask questions. The students had great participation as they asked an amazing 234 questions of the County Officials.

There were 24 Legion and Auxiliary members present to set up, escort students, and provide the meal, while there were also at least 10 Legion members from the County providing military honors for a deceased veteran at the same time.

Custer County Legion Commander Bill Schaad gave a welcome to the students and shared the following. “It is a pleasure to be here today and to have the opportunity to be part of 2025 Custer County Government Day. This is an outstanding educational activity, on which the Nebraska American Legion is PROUD of having been the originator. We were the first state to implement it into the American Legion's long line of community service programs. It is one of several programs sponsored by The American Legion, which is designed to inspire the qualities of citizenship through practical experience. County Government Day is designed to acquaint participants with the workings of the offices in your County Courthouse.

“Across this great state, in communities like Arnold, Callaway, Anselmo-Merna, Broken Bow, and Sargent, high school students are visiting their county offices to get a better understanding of the duties and responsibilities of their county officials. They are taking part in an important activity which is based on cooperation. We in The American Legion are particularly pleased at the cooperation we receive from county officials and school administrators in making this program a huge success each year. Let's make government at all levels like it was originally intended. Take control - learn - participate - register and vote - empower yourself! When you do, you will be sharing in what makes America the envy of the world -- government OF the people, BY the people, and FOR the people.”

Chip Blowers, Chairman of the Custer County Board of Supervisors, read the Oath of Office, and the students were sworn in for their selected office as officials for the day. Custer County Extension Educator Troy Walz presented a slide show, and lunch was served by the ladies of the Custer County Legion Auxiliary.

Guest speaker for the event was Sen. Tonya Storer, who talked about why she decided to become a State Senator. She spoke about her prior experience in elected positions at both the local and county level, that combined with the talents God has given her, allowed her to serve at the state level. Sen. Storer shared two examples of her Conservative principles - limited government and individual rights. She also talked about one concern of District 43 residents and her own - property taxes. Even though she feels that sales or consumption taxes are a possible way to get a fairer tax, she said she feels that we will not be able to eliminate property taxes completely. Storer said she is committed to working toward ways to get property tax relief.

Sen. Storer spoke for a little over an hour and asked for questions from the students. Again, amazingly, they asked at least 25 good questions of her.

Commander Schaad then called for any students who had joined the military to come forward and be recognized. He awarded military coins to Alexander James Goodner from Anselmo-Merna and Ahren Finney of Broken Bow for enlisting to serve our country.

The day concluded with a flag-folding demonstration. Three students from Arnold School - Jamison Lampher, Madelyn Logsdon, and Brook Bierman folded the American Flag as Schaad read what each of the 13 folds represents.

Callaway High School was recognized for having the best participation rate in the event among the county schools. Senior Chenney Dishman accepted a plaque on behalf of the Callaway students.