If you see local youths being hauled around on Friday in police cars or in the back of ambulances, it is not because they are in trouble with the law or injured in an accident. Approximately 70 seventh and eighth graders are participating in the annual City of Great Bend Youth Academy.

The academy gives youths a close-up view of city departments, and concludes with an idea exchange with city leaders.

The last Youth Academy event was on June 8.