Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Jacobs, Limberg, Kaufman, Hulstein, Moldenhauer, Gaier, Waters, Ehlan
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 5/29/2019
Close to the Culmination of Years of Dedication to Boy Scouts (Jacobs - 2019)
Boy Scout Troop 43 member Matthew Jacobs knew a long time ago when thinking ahead to his Eagle Scout project he wanted to do something that would help save lives. His hard work came to fruition as he presented an AED to Hatfield Fire and Rescue Department members (l-r) Jim Limberg, Chuck Kaufman, Pauline Hulstein, Jacobs, Chief Kurt Kaufman, Scott Moldenhauer, Brooke Moldenhauer, Missy Gaier, Joe Gaier, (back) Jason Waters, Joey Kaufman and Marie Kaufman. JoDee Brooke/Banner Journal
Becoming an Eagle Scout was always part of the plan …
By JoDee Brooke
“It’s the culmination of years of work,” shared Boy Scout Troop 43 member Matthew Jacobs. “I need two merit badges and have to meet with the Boy Scout Board of Review Council before I become an Eagle Scout.
Matthew is a junior at Black River Falls High School. Troop 43 is based in Neillsville. He’s been in Boy Scouts since he was in fifth grade.
“I became a boy scout because I know it will help me in the future and will show employers I work hard, that I’m responsible and I’m a respectful man,” shared Matthew.
Matthew happened to be talking to Barb Ehlan, a former Hatfield Fire & Rescue Department member. “I wanted to do something that would help sav lives,” Matthew explained. “I knew Hatfield’s was a volunteer fire and rescue department, and they never have enough funding. Their old AED (automated external defibrillator) was older.”
On May 14, Matthew delivered a new AED to department members.
Matthew worked to secure donations for the AED from the Merrillan Lions Club and the Neillsville Kiwanis Club, and he also received support from private donors.
Matthew also coordinated a blood drive that was held last fall. In organizing the blood drive, Matthew worked with fellow scout members and family in planning the drive.
While not quite sure what he will be pursuing following graduation, Matthew is certain he will be attending a four-year college, he shared as he headed out to his spring band concert yet that evening.
