These traffic laws will be enforced only while government is functioning.

• A sidewalk is a highway.
• Walking down the sidewalk is the same as driving a vehicle upon the highway.
• Everyone must have in her possession a valid Buckeye Girls State Driver’s License.
• No running (Also known as "speeding").
• Walking on the sidewalk with a soft drink can is our equivalent of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
• Two people walking on the sidewalk side by side is the equivalent of drag racing.
• All "vehicles" will be "driven" on the right half of the "roadway".
• All "vehicles" must come to a complete stop at every intersection marked by a solid tape or chalk line.
• All "vehicles" must signal before passing, turning or stopping.
• When given by hand and arm, signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner:
• Left turn - hand and arm extended horizontally.
• Right turn - hand and arm extended upward.
• Stop - hand and arm extended downward.
• Stopping on the "highway" will be considered parking. Parking on the traveled portion of the "highway" is not legal. Parking is permitted on the "berm" (the grass) but "vehicle" travel is not permitted on the "berm". No "vehicle" will cut through the grass area.
• If your license has been revoked or suspended the word "passenger" will be written on your seatbelt by the court. To travel at BGS you will have to hold hands with a licensed driver and be a passenger.

Berm - The grass next to a sidewalk.

Vehicle - The person who you are. Every citizen and staff member of Buckeye Girls State is considered to be in physical control of herself and therefore her vehicle.

Driver - Any Citizen or staff member who walks upon any public highway and who is, therefore, in actual physical control of her vehicle.

Highway - All designated walkways within the state including but not limited to sidewalks, hallways, stairways and other paved areas.

Operating - Moving or being in actual physical control of a personal vehicle.

Signal - A gesture of the hand and arm which indicates vehicle movements. Signals will be given from the left side of the vehicle.

Speeding (or excessive speed) - Is a pace that requires both feet of a vehicle to be off the ground at any given instant in order to complete a single stride (also known as "running"). Movement of a vehicle is not considered excessive speed when one foot remains in contact with the ground at all times.

Under the Influence of Alcohol - Consuming liquids of any substance and any form, i.e., drinking from a soda con or through a straw.

The weather today is expected to be in the 80s with high humidity. Thunderstorms are predicted in the evening. Have a beautiful day. - Meghan Kelly

Missing: 36 chocolates were reported missing Sunday evening at the General Assembly. Foul play is suspected. The citizens of Mock, who reported the kidnapping, are determined to find and prosecute the perpetrators. Mayor Whitney Downs stated "I feel that it may have been a mistake that they took the chocolates, but they should have [replaced it]. A piece of all of us is missing because we didn’t get that chocolate." She urges the guilty party to come forward so a peaceful solution may be reached.

- Talya Haurce, Mock City

Benson City has been afforded a wonderful opportunity to work with Kelly Johnson, our government adviser. Fellow city members feel comfortable approaching her with any questions because of her friendly attitude and positive outlook.

Kelly is a former BGS delegate and said that her experience here the first few days were frustrating and nothing seemed to work out. Although she said "after the elections were over, things started going and my city grew closer."In the end, Kelly did not want to leave because of the friendships she made. Working in the Attorney General’s office, she felt her background would be resourceful to the delegates at BGS.

The important message Kelly wanted to leave girls is to "make the most of this week, because if you don’t you will regret it. The friendships you gain here are the most significant aspect of BGS."

- Meghen Kelly, Benson City

Cook City has been full of adventure the past three days. The boring, white dorm walls have been transformed into a tropical environment. Everyone has helped decorate walls and doors with not only campaign signs, but also palm trees, plants, suns, flowers, jungle vines and flamingos. All Cookers seem excited to participate in the tropical theme. Adding more signs to the room doors are business signs. The businesses vary from a tattoo parlor, bakery, and Ghetto Fabulous Clothing.

- Jeanna Volp, Cook City

The counselor (mom) at Diller City in Clark Hall has expressed her gratitude for the interest, behavior, and consideration hat girls have shown. She continued to say that much talent can be extracted from these "first class citizens" and that not only can their parents be congratulated, but their educators as well.

"I hope the other counselors here can say the same for their girls," Cox said. "They are taking it easy on me for my first year, and I’m thankful. The experience has had an impact on my attitude for our future."

- Cheryl Cox, Counselor

Take a walk around the fair city of Janis in Riley County and what will you see? Besides the scurrying citizens and the campaign signs, you will see a city in business. Janis City has been inspired by the popular board game, Monopoly, and has adopted the same theme. The doors of every room have been decked out to mimic Monopoly squares and the businesses in the rooms relate directly to the game. For example, Room 308 has been transformed into the B.O.R.R. company (The Body Odor Reducers of Riley) under the direction of Katie Greeve and Jessie Truchan. Naturally, the store will be selling lotions, perfumes, and deodorants. The citizens have chosen "Under the Boardwalk" as the official song, and "Do Not Pass Go … Do Not Collect $200" as their motto. Under this theme, the residents of Janis have happily and quickly adapted and united. So, citizens of Girls State, take a walk through Janis--visitors are welcome!

- Amanda Hall, Janis City

"In life, when you come to a stop sign, you can do two things: turn right or turn wrong." Professional speaker Pat Vivo wowed an eager audience of Buckeye Girls State attendees last night, taking them on an "emotional roller coaster" through life. A mother of 8 children and the owner of 12 dogs, this talented woman holds numerous awards and degrees, but "the 8 kids is the only thing that impresses people," she joked to the audience. "Everything she said hit home," said one girl as she left the building. Vivo’s speech addressed all aspects of human life--being a daughter, mother, teacher, wife, and many more. She emphasized the importance of "sticking to the job" and supporting other people. As Vivo talked about growing up with deaf parents, and the losses of her mother and husband, she told the girls to "say what you want to say before it’s too late." The room of girls alternately shook with laughter, stood cheering, or sat silently, concentrating on her speech. Tears, sniffles, and the loud honk of the nose of one BGS girl were heard by all attending. Large boxes of Kleenex were passed around in many cities. After her speech, he book, titled "Turn Right at the Next Corner," was sold for the discounted price of $13.50. A swarm of girls surrounded her or autographs and to talk to her. Beck in the dorms there were long lines for the telephone as girls took Vivo’s advice and called home. "This was definitely the highlight of my week so far!" - Carol Scott