Community vows to unite for the sake of youth

James R. Bickel, 28th Circuit Court presiding judge, signs a proclamation declaring 2010 as the "Year of the Vernon County Youth" during a ceremony on the second floor of the Vernon County Courthouse on Thursday, Jan. 21. The signing of the new proclamation was witnessed by the superintendents of all four county schools, several local mayors, city council members, educators, businessmen, civic leaders, students and community members as a kickoff to the "Graduation Matters" program which is part of the ongoing efforts of the Vernon County Schools and the Vernon County Youth Task Force to promote education and develop citizenship, responsibility and other positive character virtues in the youth of Vernon County. -- Rusty Murry/Daily Mail