State accepting applications for youth legislature

RALEIGH -- State officials are accepting applications this month for North Carolina high school students who want to attend the Youth Legislative Assembly. The Department of Administration said it will accept applications through Feb. 12. The assembly is scheduled for March 13-15 in Raleigh. The assembly is designed to allow students an opportunity to write, debate and vote on bills and give their views to legislators and government officials. The general sessions will be held at the Legislative Office Building. Seth Morris of Salisbury, David Freifeld of Raleigh and Elgin Giles of Benson will preside over this year's assembly in a shared speaker role. A per-student fee of $125 to $165, depending on room choices, will be required with the application. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)