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By Andrea Parmentier
Staff Writer
A thundering ice storm pounded Wisconsin on Saturday,
February 16th of last year. All of Wisconsin was forced to
scurry for cover, including Youth in Government. Debate
ended early. The Closing Ceremony was moved. The dance
was canceled. A melancholy mood choked those last few
hours which were, for some, the last taste of YIG they’d ever
get. “Even boys were crying,” Erika Ysaias testifies.
Staff Writer
A thundering ice storm pounded Wisconsin on Saturday,
February 16th of last year. All of Wisconsin was forced to
scurry for cover, including Youth in Government. Debate
ended early. The Closing Ceremony was moved. The dance
was canceled. A melancholy mood choked those last few
hours which were, for some, the last taste of YIG they’d ever
get. “Even boys were crying,” Erika Ysaias testifies.
To Supreme Court attorneys, the later date is a godsend, and not just because of
the ice cream. No longer are they forced to construct legally sound arguments in a mere four weeks. With this new date, they are
allotted twice the time they were last year. Cassie Van Gompel is thankful for the extra time to write her brief and find actual cases to
back her argument up. Brittany Noffke likes the extra time to connect with people from other delegations that have the other side of the
case to better construct her opposing arguments.
For those in legislature, however, the date change has been met with mixed feedback. Ashlyn Thomas thinks that having Model
Government a month later gave her extra time to prepare. Others think that it’s good for those who want to write better bills and want
more feedback. Some disagree: “We still have about the same amount of time; we started Youth in Government later in the year,”
explains Miriam Keep. Either way, none of them are against the date move.
The date change has caused some scheduling conflicts though. For some school districts, this weekend is the Prom or Spring Break.
There’s a forensics state meet, spring sports, and foreign language trips. Though the fact that some of our dear friends won’t be
joining us this year is a bit of a dampener, some have an opportunity to miss school. Scheduling make up work and tests can be a bit
tricky for students, but when Kayla Arnold was asked if she minded, she responded, “Are you kidding? I’m totally fine with that.”
Though it might be overly optimistic to break out the stylish sunglasses and suntan lotion, this date change and accompanying warm
weather have already wormed their way into the hearts of the Yigsters.
| YIG MOVES TO MARCH Weather cited major factor for the change of date |
By Debbie Thomas
Editor-In-Chief
Next year’s governor and lieutenant governor candidates were announced during Pre-Government in
Stevens Point on February 15, and issues over increased membership and awareness look to be
important platforms throughout the campaigns. Nominees for the governor position are Alex Smurawa,
Maria Peeples and Dan Kelly, while Jack Vidani, Jacob Kelly and Lisa Grewe contend for lieutenant
governor.
Many of the candidates hope to implement changes in Youth in Government in the form of more
aggressive recruitment. Alex Smurawa, a governor candidate, hopes to promote new delegates and
believes that a program such as Youth in Government offers many benefits to students including public
speaking and debating skills. Already involved with football and disc golf at Appleton East High School,
Smurawa says he would enjoy the challenges that come with being governor.
Maria Peeples, nominated for governor, says that not only has Youth in Government shaped her as a
person, but it is an incredible leadership opportunity that gives students a chance to let their voices be
heard. At Appleton East High School, she is involved in Student Council, Forensics, and the school
newspaper.
Editor-In-Chief
Next year’s governor and lieutenant governor candidates were announced during Pre-Government in
Stevens Point on February 15, and issues over increased membership and awareness look to be
important platforms throughout the campaigns. Nominees for the governor position are Alex Smurawa,
Maria Peeples and Dan Kelly, while Jack Vidani, Jacob Kelly and Lisa Grewe contend for lieutenant
governor.
Many of the candidates hope to implement changes in Youth in Government in the form of more
aggressive recruitment. Alex Smurawa, a governor candidate, hopes to promote new delegates and
believes that a program such as Youth in Government offers many benefits to students including public
speaking and debating skills. Already involved with football and disc golf at Appleton East High School,
Smurawa says he would enjoy the challenges that come with being governor.
Maria Peeples, nominated for governor, says that not only has Youth in Government shaped her as a
person, but it is an incredible leadership opportunity that gives students a chance to let their voices be
heard. At Appleton East High School, she is involved in Student Council, Forensics, and the school
newspaper.
Peeples is concerned with recruitment and a heightened awareness of the program. Dan Kelly, a high school junior and member of
the Wausau delegation, is also running for governor. Among the candidates for lieutenant governor are Jack Vidani, Jacob Kelly and
Lisa Grewe. Vidani, a sophomore at De Pere High School in Green Bay and third year member of Youth in Government, participates in
cross country, lacrosse and the economy and key clubs. As a lieutenant governor hopeful he wants to increase attendance and bring
more awareness of the program through schools across Wisconsin. Jacob Kelly decided to run for lieutenant governor to gain a more
active role in Youth in Government. A member of cross country and rocket club at school, Kelly wants to pursue greater recruitment and
emphasize the point of the program, which is to encourage students to get involved and spread the ideas to others. Lisa Grewe, a
member of the Green Bay delegation and current editor-in-chief of the Press Corps, has also decided to run for lieutenant governor.
Elections will be held at Model Government in Madison from March 27-29. The current Youth governor and lieutenant governor this year
are Troy Tauber and Richelle O’Hagan.
the Wausau delegation, is also running for governor. Among the candidates for lieutenant governor are Jack Vidani, Jacob Kelly and
Lisa Grewe. Vidani, a sophomore at De Pere High School in Green Bay and third year member of Youth in Government, participates in
cross country, lacrosse and the economy and key clubs. As a lieutenant governor hopeful he wants to increase attendance and bring
more awareness of the program through schools across Wisconsin. Jacob Kelly decided to run for lieutenant governor to gain a more
active role in Youth in Government. A member of cross country and rocket club at school, Kelly wants to pursue greater recruitment and
emphasize the point of the program, which is to encourage students to get involved and spread the ideas to others. Lisa Grewe, a
member of the Green Bay delegation and current editor-in-chief of the Press Corps, has also decided to run for lieutenant governor.
Elections will be held at Model Government in Madison from March 27-29. The current Youth governor and lieutenant governor this year
are Troy Tauber and Richelle O’Hagan.
| Governor candidates announced Smurawa, Peeples, Kelly will run for position on Sunday |
By Steffanie Mann
Staff Writer
themselves are involved in it or they have lost a loved one to reckless driving. Delegate Gigot proposes to
instate a maximum speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour on all highways in Wisconsin, major or minor, to
reduce the number of these accidents. Many people see this bill with opposing viewpoints. Positive elements
Every year, Wisconsin residents are involved in thousands of tragic automobile accidents, whether they
themselves are involved in it or they have lost a loved one to reckless driving. Delegate Gigot proposes to
instate a maximum speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour on all highways in Wisconsin, major or minor, to
reduce the number of these accidents. Many people see this bill with opposing viewpoints. Positive elements
are that the bill could dramatically reduce the number of car accidents, while improving the fuel economy of the
cars in addition, a situation that has to be addressed and improved in America.
combinations of factors, not all of them being speed. It would be practically impossible to completely safeguard
Staff Writer
themselves are involved in it or they have lost a loved one to reckless driving. Delegate Gigot proposes to
instate a maximum speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour on all highways in Wisconsin, major or minor, to
reduce the number of these accidents. Many people see this bill with opposing viewpoints. Positive elements
Every year, Wisconsin residents are involved in thousands of tragic automobile accidents, whether they
themselves are involved in it or they have lost a loved one to reckless driving. Delegate Gigot proposes to
instate a maximum speed limit of fifty-five miles per hour on all highways in Wisconsin, major or minor, to
reduce the number of these accidents. Many people see this bill with opposing viewpoints. Positive elements
are that the bill could dramatically reduce the number of car accidents, while improving the fuel economy of the
cars in addition, a situation that has to be addressed and improved in America.
combinations of factors, not all of them being speed. It would be practically impossible to completely safeguard
Wisconsin from car accidents, but it would not hurt to do our best to reduce the amount of these accidents without inhibiting a citizen's
ability to drive. According to souces, the average fuel economy of all cars in Wisconsin is 21.6 miles per gallon.
This bill would boost the economy to 24.6 miles per gallon and save Wisconsin car owners 200 million dollars to operate their cars,
helping the flagging economy and saving the hard-earned money of local residents. However, before we can make any judgments on
whether this is a good or bad bill, it would help to look at some more statistics. Driving time overall would be increased from 265
million hours to 313 million hours-a staggering 48 million hour difference. This bill would also affect Wisconsin businesses and an
amount that would burn a rather large hole in the pockets of business owners, in addition to delaying delivery time. The Model
Legislature is expeted to debate the bill this weekend.
ability to drive. According to souces, the average fuel economy of all cars in Wisconsin is 21.6 miles per gallon.
This bill would boost the economy to 24.6 miles per gallon and save Wisconsin car owners 200 million dollars to operate their cars,
helping the flagging economy and saving the hard-earned money of local residents. However, before we can make any judgments on
whether this is a good or bad bill, it would help to look at some more statistics. Driving time overall would be increased from 265
million hours to 313 million hours-a staggering 48 million hour difference. This bill would also affect Wisconsin businesses and an
amount that would burn a rather large hole in the pockets of business owners, in addition to delaying delivery time. The Model
Legislature is expeted to debate the bill this weekend.
| 55 MPH speed limit proposed for WI highways |
By Emma Felty
Staff Writer
Although the days at Model Government can be long and stressful, what better way to
relax than with new found YIG friends, fun games, and cool music? This year at Model
relax than with new found YIG friends, fun games, and cool music? This year at Model
make life-long friendships.
Government, entertainment will include a Friday night mixer and a Saturday night dance.
Tonight will be the mixer which will include games and tournaments of root-beer
prizes like iPods and so much more! The mixer will also include great music provided
by a DJ and an ice cream social. Come dance the night away, meet new friends, and let
loose after your first full day at Model Government! Saturday night will be the Mardi Gras
themed dance which will include a costume contest, so make sure you have a great
outfit for the ball! The dance will also include another round of exciting
Staff Writer
Although the days at Model Government can be long and stressful, what better way to
relax than with new found YIG friends, fun games, and cool music? This year at Model
relax than with new found YIG friends, fun games, and cool music? This year at Model
make life-long friendships.
Government, entertainment will include a Friday night mixer and a Saturday night dance.
Tonight will be the mixer which will include games and tournaments of root-beer
prizes like iPods and so much more! The mixer will also include great music provided
by a DJ and an ice cream social. Come dance the night away, meet new friends, and let
loose after your first full day at Model Government! Saturday night will be the Mardi Gras
themed dance which will include a costume contest, so make sure you have a great
outfit for the ball! The dance will also include another round of exciting
tournaments, so even if you don’t win on Friday, be prepared to dominate on Saturday, because more fantastic prizes will be given
away. Between dancing and winning at root-beer pong, be sure to stop by the ice cream social for some sweet treats. But the most
exciting part of the night is the one that is still top secret. Nobody knows what this surprise is, but because it’s so under wraps, it has
got to be good! Be sure not to miss out on the fun and the awesome surprise. Overall, Model Government is going to be a great, fun-
filled weekend, and the entertainment will be even better! See you at the mixer tonight!
away. Between dancing and winning at root-beer pong, be sure to stop by the ice cream social for some sweet treats. But the most
exciting part of the night is the one that is still top secret. Nobody knows what this surprise is, but because it’s so under wraps, it has
got to be good! Be sure not to miss out on the fun and the awesome surprise. Overall, Model Government is going to be a great, fun-
filled weekend, and the entertainment will be even better! See you at the mixer tonight!
| Dances, costume contests, and prizes are on agenda for the evenings Nighttime events expected to wow delegates |
Model Government to the tamer month of March.
Many seem to welcome the change. “No snow, ice, or
slush!” exclaims Ellie Larson gleefully. Nicer weather
means no dashing from building to building and only
visiting the closest restaurants for meals. Shopping and
dining will be a breeze with no frigid wind burning your face.
A March Model Government session promises warmer
weather, fewer layers, and a spring in everyone’s step.
Many seem to welcome the change. “No snow, ice, or
slush!” exclaims Ellie Larson gleefully. Nicer weather
means no dashing from building to building and only
visiting the closest restaurants for meals. Shopping and
dining will be a breeze with no frigid wind burning your face.
A March Model Government session promises warmer
weather, fewer layers, and a spring in everyone’s step.
| Editorial Board tackles legalization of brothels |
Prostitution good for ailing economy
Ani Djai, of the senate and representing the Wausau
delegation, is proposing the legalization of brothels in
Wisconsin. It is also proposed
in her bill that a 19% tax be placed on all jobs of prostitutes in
brothels. The bill states: "Not only would [legalizing brothels]
substantially improve our economy's state, it would lower the
crime rate and give citizens the freedom of rightly deserved."
Here are some positive and negative points on the issue:
By Mackenzie Martin
Staff Writer
Legalizing prostitution would greatly benefit Wisconsin and it is
a right that we should legally have. Currently, our economy is
failing and prostitution may be the thing to help it out. Right
now, we make no money off of the illegal prostitution that is
going on. But, if prostitution was legalized, we could tax them
19%. Legalization would also save Wisconsin jails money and
space. It costs $52-55 to keep a prisoner in jail, so emptying it
of prostitutes would be smart. It would also increase our
tourism revenue and lower the crime rate. There would be less
rape, because one could instead pay for sex. The business of
prostitution would be kept under close scrutiny and all
prostitutes would be obligated to test for STD’S and use
protection. Everyone knows that prostitution goes on, but
legalizing it would make it clean, safe, and something positive
for our state, just like Rhode Island and Nevada who both
legalized prostitution.
Ani Djai, of the senate and representing the Wausau
delegation, is proposing the legalization of brothels in
Wisconsin. It is also proposed
in her bill that a 19% tax be placed on all jobs of prostitutes in
brothels. The bill states: "Not only would [legalizing brothels]
substantially improve our economy's state, it would lower the
crime rate and give citizens the freedom of rightly deserved."
Here are some positive and negative points on the issue:
By Mackenzie Martin
Staff Writer
Legalizing prostitution would greatly benefit Wisconsin and it is
a right that we should legally have. Currently, our economy is
failing and prostitution may be the thing to help it out. Right
now, we make no money off of the illegal prostitution that is
going on. But, if prostitution was legalized, we could tax them
19%. Legalization would also save Wisconsin jails money and
space. It costs $52-55 to keep a prisoner in jail, so emptying it
of prostitutes would be smart. It would also increase our
tourism revenue and lower the crime rate. There would be less
rape, because one could instead pay for sex. The business of
prostitution would be kept under close scrutiny and all
prostitutes would be obligated to test for STD’S and use
protection. Everyone knows that prostitution goes on, but
legalizing it would make it clean, safe, and something positive
for our state, just like Rhode Island and Nevada who both
legalized prostitution.
Keep society clean by keeping out hookers
By Savannah Reising
Asst. Editor-In-Chief
The debate on prostitution unearths some important morality
issues. Legalizing brothels may likely personally offend a number of
citizens. Firstly, many people choose to save sex for marriage. This
and similar morals are practiced among many Wisconsin residents.
If brothels were permitted, these residents may feel violated.
Second, authorized prostitution may help the economy, but may also
however, leave older prostitutes jobless. Here's an outline:
►A girl does not finish her education, because she can legally
become a prostitute, and finds no motivation to finish high
school.
►The girl becomes a prostitute at the (hypothetically legal)
age of 18.
►Girl stays in the business for the average of 11 years.
►She grows older (saggy, wrinkly) and it is harder for her to get
paid.
►Girl can no longer make money and is living on the street
because she slacked off in high school, she has no
experience to help her get a job.
It would be hard for the government to make prerequisites to
becoming a prostitute. You can't mandate a certain amount of
education because it is irrelevant to the business. The option of
prostitution for girls would probable leave many girls without the
necessary encouragement to finish high school, as they have been
given the option of prostitution, which requires no education. Then
what is to become of the uneducated, old ex-prostitutes? We'll be
supporting their life on the streets with our taxes.
By Savannah Reising
Asst. Editor-In-Chief
The debate on prostitution unearths some important morality
issues. Legalizing brothels may likely personally offend a number of
citizens. Firstly, many people choose to save sex for marriage. This
and similar morals are practiced among many Wisconsin residents.
If brothels were permitted, these residents may feel violated.
Second, authorized prostitution may help the economy, but may also
however, leave older prostitutes jobless. Here's an outline:
►A girl does not finish her education, because she can legally
become a prostitute, and finds no motivation to finish high
school.
►The girl becomes a prostitute at the (hypothetically legal)
age of 18.
►Girl stays in the business for the average of 11 years.
►She grows older (saggy, wrinkly) and it is harder for her to get
paid.
►Girl can no longer make money and is living on the street
because she slacked off in high school, she has no
experience to help her get a job.
It would be hard for the government to make prerequisites to
becoming a prostitute. You can't mandate a certain amount of
education because it is irrelevant to the business. The option of
prostitution for girls would probable leave many girls without the
necessary encouragement to finish high school, as they have been
given the option of prostitution, which requires no education. Then
what is to become of the uneducated, old ex-prostitutes? We'll be
supporting their life on the streets with our taxes.
Going “green” is by far one of the biggest trends of the year. Everywhere you go you see bunches of books
and articles full of tips on how to be more energy efficient throughout your life. I myself am a fan of the
whole “green” idea but a lot of the information and tips I read are geared more towards adults so I have put
together a list of tips I have discovered that we, as youth, can do to “go green”.
►Every room you leave turn off the switch right away.
►In the summer, play outside instead of on the computer or watching TV.
►Unplug anything that you are not using including lamps, chargers, hair dryers.
►Ask your parents to use compact fluorescents lights.
►Every time you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it.
►Use paper to its fullest capacity.
►If you bring a lunch to school use reusable utensils, bags, and napkins.
and articles full of tips on how to be more energy efficient throughout your life. I myself am a fan of the
whole “green” idea but a lot of the information and tips I read are geared more towards adults so I have put
together a list of tips I have discovered that we, as youth, can do to “go green”.
►Every room you leave turn off the switch right away.
►In the summer, play outside instead of on the computer or watching TV.
►Unplug anything that you are not using including lamps, chargers, hair dryers.
►Ask your parents to use compact fluorescents lights.
►Every time you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it.
►Use paper to its fullest capacity.
►If you bring a lunch to school use reusable utensils, bags, and napkins.
GOING GREEN ► with GREWE
By Grace Schroeder
Staff Writer
Drinking and hunting are two of the most popular activities in Wisconsin. But bad
things happen when they’re combined. Delegate Ashley Darrow wrote an article
addressing the dangers of doing so and what we can do to prevent it. Her bill seeks to
make a law pertaining to make a blood alcohol limit of 0.04 for hunters using firearms
during hunting seasons. Violations would be punished with anything from a $300 fine
to a charge of manslaughter, if there was a fatality.
This law would most likely be a positive to the state of Wisconsin as a whole, but it
has several drawbacks. First and foremost: enforcement. The bill would call for the
hiring of 50 policemen throughout the state of Wisconsin to enforce this law during any
Staff Writer
Drinking and hunting are two of the most popular activities in Wisconsin. But bad
things happen when they’re combined. Delegate Ashley Darrow wrote an article
addressing the dangers of doing so and what we can do to prevent it. Her bill seeks to
make a law pertaining to make a blood alcohol limit of 0.04 for hunters using firearms
during hunting seasons. Violations would be punished with anything from a $300 fine
to a charge of manslaughter, if there was a fatality.
This law would most likely be a positive to the state of Wisconsin as a whole, but it
has several drawbacks. First and foremost: enforcement. The bill would call for the
hiring of 50 policemen throughout the state of Wisconsin to enforce this law during any
hunting season using firearms. They would monitor popular hunting areas and look for hunters possibly under the influence of
alcohol, along with some of the normal duties of a police officer. A 1% increase tax on alcohol would be used to pay for these
additional police. Furthermore, another con of this bill is that it is expensive. Private property and hunting grounds that the police
officers would have to monitor are large, and the amount of money they would need just for gas might be more than they would have
from the alcohol tax. And even if it did pay off and people got arrested, the meager fine of $300 would not be enough to keep repeat
offenses from occurring.
Also, the enforcement itself is difficult because intoxicated hunters could easily not be caught, unless they had already violated some
law and were pulled over by a police officer. But there is a bright spot in all of this. Fifty people in the state of Wisconsin would have
jobs. And maybe in their town, a mom and pop’s restaurant could keep business running. But probably the biggest pro to this bill is the
ending of needless deaths because of intoxicated hunters. Every year tragic deaths occur because drinking and hunting
are mixed to create a dangerous situation that could lead to injuries, or even death. This bill could stop that. Although it has its flaws
this bill was written for the betterment of Wisconsin.
alcohol, along with some of the normal duties of a police officer. A 1% increase tax on alcohol would be used to pay for these
additional police. Furthermore, another con of this bill is that it is expensive. Private property and hunting grounds that the police
officers would have to monitor are large, and the amount of money they would need just for gas might be more than they would have
from the alcohol tax. And even if it did pay off and people got arrested, the meager fine of $300 would not be enough to keep repeat
offenses from occurring.
Also, the enforcement itself is difficult because intoxicated hunters could easily not be caught, unless they had already violated some
law and were pulled over by a police officer. But there is a bright spot in all of this. Fifty people in the state of Wisconsin would have
jobs. And maybe in their town, a mom and pop’s restaurant could keep business running. But probably the biggest pro to this bill is the
ending of needless deaths because of intoxicated hunters. Every year tragic deaths occur because drinking and hunting
are mixed to create a dangerous situation that could lead to injuries, or even death. This bill could stop that. Although it has its flaws
this bill was written for the betterment of Wisconsin.
| Limiting drinking while hunting good idea Although drawbacks exist, bill is a good idea overall |
The more tepid temperatures bear another, more important gift; ice cream. Sure,
Maggie Moo’s and Ben and Jerry’s were worth shivering in your shorts as you licked
your cone in the cold, but ice cream in warm weather is better. Now instead of
sacrificing for that creamy goodness, you can treat yourself and not worry about your
tongue getting stuck to the ice cream cone.
Maggie Moo’s and Ben and Jerry’s were worth shivering in your shorts as you licked
your cone in the cold, but ice cream in warm weather is better. Now instead of
sacrificing for that creamy goodness, you can treat yourself and not worry about your
tongue getting stuck to the ice cream cone.