Local scout and crew clean headstones at cemetery
By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
Austin Muetzel, a Life Scout in local Boy Scout Troop 243, is working toward reaching the rank of Eagle Scout and as part of that process, recently spent a day at a local cemetery with fellow scouts and family members.
Muetzel became involved in scouting in first grade when he joined Cub Scout Pack 225 and said being a scout has offered him the opportunity to be part of many adventures.
“Scouting has allowed me to go on adventures that are very unique, including Canoeing in the Boundary Waters, Exploring Key West and the Atlantic Ocean at Florida Sea Base, and sleeping overnight in Eagle Cave,” Muetzel said.
He said he came up with the idea for the cemetery project during his confirmation class at St. Patrick Catholic Church.
“We went to the cemetery during class to help with fall cleanup. The caretaker for the cemetery told us that he always appreciated extra help,” Muetzel said.
Muetzel said he spoke to Ray Henderson, the director of faith formation at St. Patrick’s, and Henderson connected him with Paul Kremer, the caretaker for Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
“We took a trip to the cemetery to see what needed to be done. Mr. Kremer pointed out that many of the headstones had dried grass, lichen, and other debris and needed cleaning,” Muetzel said.
Once the project was a go, Muetzel said enlisting the help of others was an easy task.
“Community service is important to Troop 243, so it wasn’t hard to find a group of scouts to assist me out,” he said.
Muetzel said he was pleased with the project and appreciates that it will have a lasting impact.
“I am glad that I was able to help out at the cemetery, as well as make an impression that will last,” he said.
Muetzel is a junior at Elkhorn Area High School and is a member of the swim and track teams. In the summers he works for the Elkhorn Park and Recreation Department and at Sunset Pool.
