March 9, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Eagle Scout project by Smith set to help bikers on Kickapoo Rail Trail

Will Smith wants to help bike riders along the Kickapoo Rail Trail.

His Eagle Scout Project will do just that.

Smith, a member of Scout Troop No. 40, is currently fundraising for his Eagle Scout Project that he proposed to the St. Joseph Village Board in January.

The project is a bike repair stand along the Kickapoo Rail Trail at the stop in Kolb Park. The stand will include all sorts of tools and an air pump.

Durst Cycle is donating to the project, but Smith still needs to fundraise to cover the remaining cost.

Smith met Jared Durst, owner of Durst Cycle, during the board review for his Life Scout Rank. The members of the board asked Smith what his Eagle Scout Project would be and Smith explained the bike repair station.

“He gave me his information to contact thin about the project when I was ready,” Smith said.

The station will be placed on a concrete pad at Kolb Park, which will be donated by the village.

Smith needs to raise more than $1,000 for his project.

Donation canisters are at Casey’s and Jack Flash.

Donations can also be sent to a Paypal account set up by his mother, Jessica, at jessimarriott@gmail.com.

“We also have a Fourth of July mailbox on the porch at 104 W. Evergreen Drive,” Smith said. “Checks can be made to my mom, Jessica Marriott.”

The road to completing the project has been a long one.

Smith first had to find a project that met Eagle Scout qualifications, he then had to get estimates for the project and talk to the St. Joseph Village Board about placing the repair station on their property and now he is awaiting paperwork approval by the Boy Scouts and asking for donations. The next step will be installing the station and completing final paperwork on the entire project.

Smith said he was encouraged to become an Eagle Scout by his step-dad, Levi Marriott, who was an Eagle Scout. Marriott encouraged Smith to join Scouts.

“I also realized it will help me in the future,” he said.

Smith said he enjoys many things about scouting.

“I enjoy the people,” he said. “Everyone has their own set of skills and traits that make trips very enjoyable. I also enjoy the outdoors very much, which scouting revolves around.”

in People
Banner
Related Posts

10 things you don’t know about me… Tonya Yeazel

September 5, 2019

September 5, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph area resident to tell us 10 things we don’t know about them. This...

Wheelhouse adapts during pandemic

May 27, 2020

May 27, 2020

Every Thursday The Wheelhouse gets as shipment of farm-fresh food from Spence Farms in Fairbury. Spence Farms is a cooperative...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jason Retz

November 7, 2019

November 7, 2019

In honor of SJO Cross Country going to state this week we asked head coach Jason Retz to tell us...

Upcoming SJO graduate Lewis ‘excited’ to take next step at University of Kentucky

May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Hannah Lewis always wanted to go to college out of state. She traveled to Alabama and Florida trying to find...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Van Buskirk

October 7, 2020

October 7, 2020

What is your favorite childhood memory?I took guitar lessons when I was in 4th or 5th grade and did not...

It takes a Christmas village

December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024

Roberta Morris’ childhood dream was to be an architect. Instead, she worked as a pipe fitter at the Clinton Nuclear...

10 Things You Don’t Know About Me… Laura Mabry

February 27, 2019

February 27, 2019

Each week we ask an area resident to tell us 10 things about themselves. This week we asked Laura Mabry...

St. Joseph UMC helping those in need

April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

People needing help feeding their families are getting one more option in the St. Joseph area. Tonight, the Midwest Food...

Auto shop offering free oil changes to healthcare workers

June 12, 2020

June 12, 2020

St. Joseph Automotive and Diesel is helping the people who help us. During the month of June, in collaboration with...

10 things you don’t know about me… Kathy McCormick

May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021

What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing outside with the neighborhood kids – every summer day until dark. What was...

Get to know Senior SJO Marching Band member Allegra Pearman

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite thing about marching band is the very end of the show when the dust settles and the cheering...

Food pantry in need of donations

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

The shelves are almost bare at the St. Joseph Community Food Pantry. The pantry, housed in the St. Joseph Church...

A cut above: St. Joseph resident and hair stylist Milt offering free haircuts for students

August 14, 2019

August 14, 2019

Nicole Milt wants to help kids feel good about themselves. So Milt has volunteered to do free haircuts for students...

Blackburn keeps positive attitude despite challenging end to senior year

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

No prom. No spring musical. No graduation ceremony with thousands of people in attendance. Needless to say, the senior class...

Michael looking to the future with coaching job

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

Nate Michael spent his youth playing basketball in every form.  After graduating this spring from McKendree University, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound...

Comments
Leave a Reply