MERRILL TAKES OVER Director focuses on working with and meeting youth in program
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By Andrea Parmentier
Staff Writer
He’s run here, he’s run there, and now he’s running Youth in
Government. This year, Matt Merrill has replaced Julie Cotter as our
State Director.
Even before he became state director for YIG, however, Merrill
was down at the Capitol. He graduated from Madison as a Public
Relations and Broadcasting major and had an internship at our
beloved Capitol with a representative. Later he found himself the
Youth and Teen Director of the Dane County Y, which he has been
now for five years. He mentored with Julie Cotter at the Y, so
naturally he was one that was first looked at as her potential
replacement. The fact that he worked at the Dane County Y, and as
the Youth and Teen Director, made it a natural fit.
Matt Merrill is eager for this weekend, the “culmination” or the
program. He loves seeing the fervent debate and the amount of
mutual respect. He says it’s a good model and that “a lot of
politicians today could look at what we do and learn from the
passion and respect.” Merrill also loves the youthful energy that flows through YIG. Of everything, though, Merrill’s favorite
part of YIG is meeting the delegates. “This program belongs to the youth,” he says. It’s more about the youth than the government. He
can sense the newness and strength of the program and the potential for future growth. By talking to delegates he can get a good idea
of their values and of what the future holds, as the delegates are the future leaders. Working with youth, rather than politics, is his
passion.
Matt Merrill stays in shape with running; he’s ran two marathons with his wife. Even this busy weekend
can’t keep him from giving it up. Yesterday he ran around the Capitol with a delegate to encourage health living. Merrill also enjoys
writing, reading, and music, and has a green-eyed dog named Charlie. Charlie’s eyes are the reason Merrill’s favorite color is green.
Matt is always around, ready to meet new youth and advisors, and committed to lead YIG for years to come.
By Lisa Grewe
Editor-In-Chief
Before the session began, many had reservations about how the seventh and eigth graders would react being combined with the
older freshmen and sophomores.
During the officer training session ways to push new members to talk and speak up about the issues were often a topic of the
discussion. It was obvious that that was a concern of the blue assemble officers and the college advisors. They needn’t worry though,
many of the seventh and eighth graders actively participated in the debate without looking nervous.
Throughout the entire debate on animal testing there were at least 5 placards raised. When interviewing Jack Vidani, Speaker of
the Blue Assembly, he said “Placards flew up…..there were so many I didn’t know who to call on.”
The debate was not only plentiful but of a high quality. Much of what was said had great intent and was properly worded. It was
easy to understand their position on the topic and they got their point across accurately. Many new members spoke like Youth in
Government veterans and look to continue to keep debate strong.
Seventh and eighth graders fit well in YIG
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Getting CA ads out of Wisconsin a good thing for state Bill banning commerical written for benefit of all Wisconsinites
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By Grace Schroeder
Staff Writer
When Delegate Dan Holdridge sees a ‘Happy Cows Come from California” television ad, he shakes his head and says: “No, happy
cows come from Wisconsin!” in addition to some other, more vulgar comments. This is where his inspiration for the bill originates from.
His bill proposes to ban all “Happy Cows Come from California” ads from Wisconsin television stations.
Holdridge believes that these ads make Wisconsinites feel threatened and angered because we are the true dairy state. Wisconsin’
s state quarter features a cow whereas California’s has conservationist John Muir, a California condor and Yosemite Valley. Also, it say's
“America’s dairy land” on our license plate. Further reason that these ads should be banned from Wisconsin is that they are untrue.
VERSUS TWO STATES BATTLING FOR DAIRY SUPREMANCY
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PETA sued the California Milk Advisory board. In their ads, the milk
advisory board portrays cows as wandering through rolling green fields
with their young when in actuality they are kept in muddy, feces infested
lots devoid of any vegetation. No ruling has yet been made.
This is an excellent bill and it was written for the benefit of the people of
Wisconsin. Many citizens, not limited to Wisconsin residents, find
California’s Happy Cows commercials infuriating and untrue, as
everyone know that the best cows and the best dairy products come
from Wisconsin.
By Garth Halvorsen
Staff Writer
Is it fair? Devoted delegates of Youth in Government cannot take full
advantage of the program and run for an officer position if they have to miss Pre-
Gov because of prior engagements. It’s reasonable to say that if one would
miss Pre-Gov due to a sports meet, vacation, or similar activity that they wouldn’
t be able to run. But if delegates would have to miss due to a prior engagement
through school that could have direct correlation to their grade, not allowing
them to run isn’t necessarily fair. Youth in Government is a wonderful
experience, but school should always take precedence over any extra-curricular
activities, and delegates of Youth in Government shouldn’t be penalized for that.
There should be a process implemented that would allow delegates to
continue running. One option would be filming a video in which they would
introduce themselves, explain their absence, and then go into detail of why they
should be voted for. This would allow other delegates to learn the candidates
face, voice, and get to know them a little bit, even without the candidate being
present at Pre-Gov.
Rules for officers wanting to run is not fair
I
want
YOU
for
YIG
Press
Corps!
*Aries March 21-April 19
Today will be one emotional roller coaster for
you. The high point: You’re going to come
across some money on the street. The low
point: That money is likely going to be
misplaced by you. Hold on tight!
*Taurus April 20-May 20
Congrats! You’ve finally found whatever you’
ve been looking for! Celebrate with some pie.
*Gemini May 21-June 21
Careful where you step. The stars think you’
re going to get yourself into a sticky
situation… literally.
Is that gum on your shoe?
*Cancer June 22-July 22
Shower. Your personal hygiene has slipped
through the cracks… flies may start showing
up soon.
*Leo July 23-August 22
Treat yourself to some cake. You’re looking a
bit thin…. Less model more stick.
*Virgo August 23-September 22
STAY OFF OF THE ELEVATORS! You’re a bit
clumsy today- prone to breaking things. You’ll
probably want to stay off the stairs too. Maybe
sleep on the street.
*Libra September 23-October 22
Hold tightly to your wallet. The hobo walking
behind you would do anything to get it.
(Including hitting you with a cane)
*Scorpio October 23 – November 21
One of your friends plans to sneak into your
hotel room tonight and attack you with
shaving cream. Be prepared. (You’ll need
back-up)
*Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You will take a prize winning picture of a
Narwhal!
*Capricorn December 22-January 19
That cute little puppy that you’ll see today will
have rabies. Do NOT pet it unless you like
foaming at the mouth.
*Aquarius January 20-February 18
Be very careful in stores today. For some
reason things just happen to jump in your
pocket. It’s a risky situation to be in.
*Pisces February 19-March 20
Beware of wishful thinking. That cutie? Yeah,
he’s eyeing you. But it might just be that
spinach in your teeth.
Dear Miriam and Becca,
I regret to inform you that I have made the decision to release you from my cabinet.
I am sure that you know by now that you missed the cabinet meeting which
occurred at 8:00 AM this morning. I do not expect delegates to miss my cabinet
meetings when they were given the honor of being on it. There are only two
cabinet meetings during my governorship so there is neither room nor excuse to
miss either of them.
I did not become Governor by bucking responsibility. When there is
something that needs to be attended I make sure that I am not only there but that I
am there on time. I will not stand for people on my cabinet who cannot follow this
simple policy. I regret that it is necessary to do this but I do not want to set a bad
example for the rest of the cabinet and the rest of the YIG community by including
you in my closest circle. I wish you luck in all future endeavors and hope that this
can teach you an important lesson. Once you learn from your past mistakes you
will be far more successful in your future.
Sincerely,
Governor Troy B Tauber
GOVERNMENTAL PRESS RELEASE
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By Savannah Reising & Mackenzie Martin
Staff Writers
While you’re out and kickin’ it on State Street, try to tackle this scavenger hunt.
Take a clear picture of at least 15 of the 20 items below. Once you’ve completed
the list, bring your camera down to the press corps headquarters in the hotel
basement. We’ll review your discoveries and reward you with a cool prize.
Be creative and have fun!
Someone with dreads
A political ad
A gyro
An attractive person
A narwhal figurine
Someone hiding behind a tree
A pair of really uncom fortable heels
The starfish fossil on a staircase in the capitol in the north wing
A gold tie (probably on a man)
Some litter (Bonus: Pick it
up and dispose of it prop- erly)
An unlocked bike
A spilled ice cream cone
A college advisor or a del- egation advisor doing something inappropriate
A business card for a local shop
A wireless mouse
Someone wearing eye shadow (probably a girl)
A cool pair of shades
A receipt from a food res- taurant
A guy wearing PURPLE skinny jeans
A sparkly, overpriced hat
Horoscopes