By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
Austin Muetzel was recognized for achieving Eagle Scout rank at his Eagle Court of Honor. He was presented the merit badge sash at the Sept. 18 ceremony – more than a year after beginning the process.
The main portion of Muetzel’s project toward the ranking involved a group of fellow scouts and family members helping him with a major cleanup effort at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Muetzel became involved in scouting in first grade when he joined Cub Scout Pack 225. In a story published last year, he said being a scout has given him the opportunity for 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 at the time.
He explained that 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.
MHe said he spoke to Ray Henderson and from there was connected to 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 at the time he was pleased with the project.
“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, the son of Mike and Sandy, is a senior at Elkhorn Area High School.
