Students visited each of the county offices. Pictured above are South District Commissioner Richard Burke, Presiding Commissioner Curt Livengood, and North District Commissioner Jim Quimby.
Jamie Stoner with the County Collector’s office asked the students if they know how much money is collected in taxes each year in Atchison County.
Atchison County Assessor Rochelle Long explains her role for the county to area students.
Atchison County Clerk Susette Taylor gives a tour and introduces the staff in her office.
Atchison County Treasurer Tasha Zach quizzes the students on Atchison County history.
Atchison County Sheriff Andy Riley invited Officer Booker with the K-9 unit from the Shenandoah Police Department to come and put on a demonstration.
Around 60 Atchison County students took part in the 70th Annual County Government Day at the Atchison County Courthouse in Rock Port, Missouri, Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Presiding Commissioner Curt Livengood welcomed all and introduced the elected officials.
Coroner Shawn Minter gave the invocation and sang the national anthem. Kelly Daugherty, Ralph Greer Legion Post #49, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sheridan Mires, president of the Department of Missouri American Legion Auxiliary, led everyone in the Freedom Pledge and explained the purpose of County Government Day.
American Legion members conducted a flag folding ceremony.
W.C. Farmer, Atchison County Development Corporation board member, also spoke to the students.
Several elected officials gave a brief outline of the duties by departments. They included: Shawn Minter, Coroner; Brenda Hughes, Public Administrator; Rhonda Wiley, Emergency Management Director; and Mark Manchester, Assistant Emergency Management Director.
Students were divided into smaller groups and toured the different offices in the courthouse.
Following the office tours, the students were provided lunch before sitting in on a mock trial and participating in a question and answer session with Brett Hurst, Associate Circuit Judge; Thyra (Davis) Beckman, Circuit Clerk; Dan Smith, Prosecuting Attorney; and Andy Riley, Sheriff.
Linda Payton, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #199, Tarkio, thanked those participating and answered questions.
The annual event is sponsored by: the Atchison County American Legions and American Legion Auxiliaries: John Richards #284, Fairfax; Ralph Greer #49, Rock Port; Allen-Schiffern #199, Tarkio; and Merrill Smith #32, Westboro.
