Oakland County, Michigan, Thursday, April 26, 2007 - Ruth Johnson, the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, hosted nearly 40 children - the sons and daughters of employees - for a special Take Your Child to Work Day celebration this week.

"I think it is so important kids realize how hard their parents work and the responsibilities they shoulder," Johnson said. "I'm so proud of our staff, their professionalism and their dedication to providing courteous, efficient service to the public."

While at the county, children had the opportunity to observe their parents at work. Other activities included a demonstration by Kelo, a drug dog with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit and a mock trial. The trial, with Oakland County prosecutors, police detectives and "witnesses," was held in the court room of Oakland Circuit Judge Fred Mester.

The day also included a tour of the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office, hosted by Administrator Robert Gerds.

A patriotic art contest was judged by Oakland Circuit Court Judge Gene Schnelz. The winner was 11-year-old Lindsay Noskey whose mother is Shannon Noski of the Register of Deeds Office.