Chandlers fifth graders got to experience hands-on Logan County government when taking a field trip to the Logan County Courthouse Friday. Six students in particular were able to relate to magistrates and the many duties during a mock fiscal court meeting held Friday.

Savanna Woodall, Michael Sydnor, Sarah Vanzee, Rachyl Miller, Brett Monroe and Kaelyn Adler not only learned about the governmental process while on the trip, but made motions and voted from a pretend agenda, which included a decision to paint the school busses purple.

The agenda also included presentations from elected officials and department heads. Students learned exactly what some of the county employees did.

County Clerk Scottie Harper told the students about the voting process and brought along a small voting machine, which gave the kids an example of what it is like to vote for a candidate.

Solid Waste Coordinator Debbie Nelson taught the students about the importance of recycling. She had a visual exercise waiting for the children with trash spread throughout the courtroom. She asked the students if they had noticed the trash and then asked for a volunteer to help pick it up.

Nelson used this example in educating the students about littering and how it is not only illegal but makes our environment dirty.

Treasurer Elaine Jenkins informed the students about her job's duties. She told them she was in charge of the county's money and sending it where it needs to go. Sue Carol Marshall, the county's occupational tax administrator, told the students about the percentage of money that is taken from a citizen's check which goes to pay for services.

Some of the questions fielded by the county representatives included: “Why do we have to pay taxes?” and “How old do you have to be before you can get married?”

Judge/Executive Logan Chick took the group through the whole agenda, just as he would in a real court meeting. He asked the students to make motions and encouraged them to discuss among themselves before making them. He reminded the children how important the court's decisions are and how they affect every citizen in the county.

Along with the issue of painting the buses purple- which failed with a three to three vote, judge Chick being the tie breaker- was the decision to raise or lower school lunch costs. The six students decided the lunch cost didn't need to change.

After the mock court, students expressed how fun it was to sit in the decision-making chairs. Brett Monroe said it was fun. “I liked being able to vote because most of the time people don't listen to my opinions.”

Rachyl Miller said she liked making motions while Kaelyn Adler- who voted to paint the busses- said she wanted the buses purple because she wanted them to stand out.

Savanna Woodall said she liked being a magistrate and being able to give her opinion. Sarah Vanzee, who is fifth district magistrate Jo Orange's niece, said of the experience, “It was very cool. I may want to be a magistrate one day.” Michael Sydnor agreed, saying he may want to be one as well.

Marty White, a fifth grade teacher at Chandlers, said they decided to take the students to the courthouse after Dana Drane received a Service Learning grant of $300. She said they were studying government and felt the court system was a good place for the students to learn first hand about the process.

Along with Chandlers students, there were two home school groups who attended as well.

Students also were able to speak with Circuit Judge Tyler Gill, District Judge Sue Carol Browning and Circuit Clerk Sherry Wilkins.