OPTIMISTS HOST YOUTH GOVERNMENT DAY FRIDAY

About 65 area high school students will get a first-hand look at local government Friday as part of Optimist Youth in Government Day.

The students will handle various positions from mayor to fire chief in the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, and circuit judge to assessor in Cape Girardeau County government.

Students from Notre Dame and Cape Central high schools, as well as Jackson, Oak Ridge and Delta high schools will participate in the annual event, sponsored by Cape Girardeau and Jackson Optimist clubs.

Students from Jackson, Delta and Oak Ridge will meet at Delmonicos restaurant in Jackson at 8 a.m. for breakfast prior to handling their assigned positions in Jackson city and Cape Girardeau County government.

Students from the two Cape Girardeau high schools will kick off their day at 8 a.m. at Cape Girardeau City Hall. A mock council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m.

All of the students will be guests at a noon luncheon at the Show Me Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Price will be the featured speaker.

Government day will conclude at 2 p.m.