Hoyt, Mayetta Boy Scouts raising funds to honor Schultz

A group of Boy Scouts in the Hoyt and Mayetta area has announced a fund-raising drive to honor the Hoyt firefighter who died in a traffic accident this past July.

In memory of Captain Mike Schultz and in honor of the Hoyt and Mayetta fire departments, Boy Scout Troop 173 is looking to raise about $12,000 to make improvements at the baseball and softball fields at Hoyt City Park.

According to Scoutmaster Dan Barnett, the project’s goal is constructing awning covers over the bleachers at the ball fields, building a decorative rock garden with a flower bed, installing a flag pole, donating a flag and setting up a monument to honor Schultz and the two fire departments.

Barnett said in a fund-raising letter that the awning covers would be built to protect baseball and softball fans from direct sunlight, was well as protecting them “from getting hit by a foul ball.” There will also be a plaque on the awning covers to honor those who donate time and money to the project, he said.

Barnett also noted that the project is intended to honor the memory of Schultz, a member of the Hoyt Fire Department for nearly 25 years who was killed in a fire truck accident on U.S. Highway 75 north of Mayetta on Wednesday, July 28.

Schultz and Assistant Hoyt Fire Chief Randy Smith were on their way to the Jackson County Fair parade that afternoon when their fire engine’s left front tire reportedly blew out, causing the fire engine to veer off the highway and overturn, killing Schultz and injuring Smith.

The project is intended to honor the support that Schultz and his family gave to the Royal Valley Recreation Association over the years, it was reported. Barnett also noted that the project is also meant to honor the sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters from Hoyt and Mayetta.

“All of them give so many hours away from their families to keep our families safe,” he said.

Several construction companies in the area have offered to help Troop 173 with the project, Barnett noted, while members of the troop — consisting of 10 young men ranging in age from 12 to 17 — will also be involved in the construction process.

“It is hoped that through this experience, we will become more knowledgeable with planning, fund-raising, building, planting and landscaping,” Barnett said.

Those who make tax-deductible donations will be honored on the plaque, with those who donate $500 or more getting “a bolder print” and those whose donations are more than $1,000 getting “a bolder and larger print,” Barnett said.

If the fund-raising goal of $12,000 is exceeded, extra funds will be split between Troop 173 and the Royal Valley Recreation Association, it was reported. Funds will be used by the recreation association for the purchase of new bleachers and picnic tables, and the troop will use funds to defray costs related to camping events.

Checks may be made payable to Boy Scout Troop 173, sent in care of Denison State Bank, 210 Kansas Highway 214, P.O. Box 283, Hoyt, KS 66440. For more information, e-mail Barnett at dbarnett26@yahoo.com