Learning about the law.

Sheriff Cole speaks to student’s in Dena Thurston’s business law class at MCE.

Learning about the law.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

CUSTER — Seniors in Mason County Eastern High School’s business law class have spent the past several weeks learning about the local justice system. The class has been visited by corrections officers, deputies and the sheriff from Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and have visited the Mason County Jail. Teacher Dena Thurston said she also has plans to invite an attorney to speak to the class as well.

“They are all seniors, some already 18, and ready to vote and head out into this world,” Thurston said. “I want to open their eyes to possible job opportunities as much as enlighten them about the ways of the harsh world they are about to enter.”

Sheriff Kim Cole spoke to the class about how he entered law enforcement and the values he follows in his job and his life. He also spoke about why the sheriff is elected, as opposed to being appointed.

“The concept of electing the sheriff goes back to Europe,” Cole said. “The idea is that the people select one of their own to be in charge of enforcing the laws.”

Cole was elected in 2012 and is currently serving in his second 4-year term.

He told the students that he is responsible for 40 employees, along with inmates, and a $5 million a year budget. He spoke about how the office’s budget is set and the importance of working with the elected county commissioners.

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