Contributed
East of Hastings Memorial Library in Grant before renovations.
www.johnsonpublications.zenfolio.com Brooke Robertson | Johnson Publications
Sam McArtor after completing renovations east of Hastings Memorial Library for his Eagle Scout project.
Contributed
Matthew Aerni after installing ADA-compliant sidewalks at the Village of Madrid park to the picnic shelters, bathrooms and a park bench.
Eagle Scout projects benefit community
Sam McArtor and Matthew Aerni, juniors at Perkins County Schools, have each made their mark on the community by completing service projects on their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in Boy Scouts of America.
The designation was founded over 100 years ago and only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank after a lengthy review process.
One of the many requirements for achieving this rank is planning, developing, and giving leadership to others in a service project helpful to the community. The project must benefit an organization other than Boy Scouting.
A project proposal must be approved by the organization benefiting from the effort, the unit leader and unit committee, and the council or district before starting. The scout must also use the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook in meeting this requirement.
McArtor’s project
McArtor, the son of Mike and Tanya McArtor, recently renovated the area to the east of Hastings Memorial Library in Grant.
While working at the library, McArtor said children would come and play in the gravel and along the brick retaining wall. The wall was falling apart, and the gravel was right next to the alley, making both a liability for the library.
McArtor, with the help of his family and financial help from the City of Grant, tore out the retaining wall and built a new one. After cleaning up the area, they laid cement in front of the wall and rocks behind it.
Aerni’s project
Aerni, son of Pat and Kris Aerni, made upgrades to the Village of Madrid’s park.
Aerni installed ADA-compliant sidewalks to both picnic shelters, bathrooms and a park bench.
He repainted the basketball court and one of the backboards, replaced the landscape timbers, and straightened and touched up the paint on the park sign.
McArtor and Aerni are planning their Eagle Scout ceremony for January.
Jarin Tines is also on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Tribune.