FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 4, 2021
Boy Scouts Eagle Projects Improve
Sheriff's Office Shooting Range
Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley would like to thank two members of Boy Scout Troop 355 Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Battle Creek whose Eagle Scout projects drastically improved the agency’s firearms training facility in Marshall, Mich. Boy Scouts Caleb McLouth and Skyler Sebring completed two structures at the CCSO’s shooting range as community service projects to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
 
Scouts McLouth and Sebring sought service projects that would help the community and, specifically, benefit an agency that protects the community. Years ago the Sheriff’s Office received an estimate on what it would cost to add two structures to the shooting range, which was $80,000 and too expensive for the agency. When the local Boy Scouts approached the Sheriff’s Office, this need was presented, which would allow for improved training for deputies and other law enforcement agencies in the County who use this site.
 
“The work these young men did cannot be understated. With Caleb and Skyler’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office training facility has the basic facilities needed to conduct comprehensive trainings for our deputies, as well as law enforcement officers countywide. What’s more, we now have the space needed to host trainings ourselves, which will reduce costs to the agency for years to come.” 
 
Boy Scout Skyler Sebring built a range pavilion with a small office. Sebring planned then executed the construction of a 12-foot x 36-foot structure with 2-foot eaves around the building. A locked office occupies about a third of the space. This pavilion allows CCSO to host classes outdoors without participants being exposed to the weather, as well as have storage for the various props they use at the site. The Sheriff's Office has had this shooting range since the 1970s, at least, and there was never a structure on the property until now.
 
Scout Caleb McLouth was tasked with designing and executing a range building. The completed structure is 14 feet x 36 feet with 2-foot eaves and a 6-foot overhanging porch from which trainees can be shielded from the elements while shooting. This structure allows trainings to be held regardless of the weather and also provides enclosed space for classroom-style instruction, which could include firearms training, hunters’ safety courses, and other training for law enforcement agencies.
 
“It was quite the challenge to take on this project. I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to do some of the work, but it didn’t even compare to the knowledge and experience some of our Scout leaders and community members shared, who graciously donated their time,” said McLouth.
 
To complete these projects, McLouth and Sebring raised approximately $14,000 from the community. Numerous businesses provided in-kind donations or deeply-discounted materials, and the Boy Scouts did over 100 hours of work on each of their projects, often managing additional volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office or from the community: In total the projects accumulated 1,071 hours of community service, drastically reducing the cost required for these projects, while developing structures that are ideal for the shooting range.

Media, please feel free to use the photos below. Pictured are, Sergeant Tim Howell who was the primary contact for the Boy Scouts, Caleb McLouth (wearing a hat), Skyler Sebring, and Sheriff Steve Hinkley
For media inquiries, contact
Lucy Blair, Communications Manager for Calhoun County