Troop 45 reorganizes leadership, celebrates scouts’ progress

Boy Scout Troop 45 operates out of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, 1460 State St. NE, North Canton. To begin 2026, the troop reorganized.

Mike Seesan is now the Scoutmaster, replacing longtime Scoutmaster Jeff Wertman, who has stayed on as an assistant Scoutmaster along with Matt Hunt, Jon Hampshire and Sean Smith. Todd Wallwork is advancement chair and Mike Pindel is the Eagle project coordinator. Jason Yost will be the treasurer. Erin Hostler will be the outdoors/activities chair. Other designated assignments are David Wallace as the charter organization representative for the Hartville Lions Club, Jenna Kramer as popcorn kernel/yearbook leader, and Jackson Hampshire as senior patrol leader, with Owen Kramer as assistant senior patrol leader. Other committee members are Natalia Seesan, Ken Williams, Scott Hostler, Alan Thornberg, Wes Parker, Andy Eicher, Mike Aube and Joseph Smith.

On Saturday, March 7, Cub Scout Pack 45 held its crossover ceremony when six Arrow of Light Scouts crossed over from the cub pack to Scout Troop 45.

There are multiple scouts who are on the path from Life to Eagle Scout. Their 18th birthdays will occur in 2028, 2029 and 2030. They are Isaac and Noah Croston, Colson Hostler, Garrett Hunt, Jackson Hampshire, Winston Seesan and Patrick Schultze.

Troop 45 uses SOAR to follow the scouts’ progress. SOAR stands for Save Our American Resources. SOAR Online is a comprehensive platform designed to manage communication for scouting organizations. It is used to follow Eagle Scout progress, directed by Mike Pindel. On March 15, Achievement Celebrating Scouting was held at MAPS Air Museum, where Troop 45 recognized and celebrated the Eagle Scout Class of 2025. Wyatt Hostler and Joshua Williams submitted applications with videos for the 2025 Eagle Scout Project of the Year award.

Wyatt Hostler from Troop 1045 in Hartville earned Eagle Scout Project of the Year honorable mention for his service project at Light After Loss at the Hope and Healing Center in Canton. He designed and built a wind telephone and surrounding privacy fence to create a quiet, protected space for individuals experiencing grief. The space is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Zachary Hetuck is a district Eagle Scout from Troop 1045. He created the layout and construction of a new walking trail at Stark State, including the installation of stairs and trail signage to improve accessibility and navigation. His project enhances outdoor recreation opportunities and provides a safe, clearly marked pathway for students, staff and visitors.

Joshua Williams, also from Troop 45, completed an Eagle project benefiting Quail Hollow Park. He worked with Stark Parks volunteer coordinator Parker Spencer. His project was the construction of an animal tracks station at Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville.

Other Eagle Scout candidates include Jackson Hampshire, who has received approval for his signage project at Canton McKinley Rifle and Pistol Club. His project and Eagle Scout packet are complete. Colson Hostler has selected the creation of flag retirement boxes for the Lions Club. The project scope includes boxes to be placed at the Hartville Fire Department’s two locations, the Hartville Police Department, the Uniontown Fire Department and the Marlboro Fire Department. His project proposes including Lions Club and fire department logos on the Eagle Scout project plaques. His project and packet are not yet complete. Isaac and Noah Croston, Garrett Hunt, Winston Seesan and Patrick Schultze are working to select projects.

The scouts are planning a high-adventure experience, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 28. These dates were selected to accommodate scouts involved in sports or band activities. The scouts will attend Good Turn Camp April 24-26 at Seven Ranges.

The troop is also working to replace a trailer that was stolen a couple of years ago. They have garnered strong support. A donation letter written by Jon Hampshire was shared with local trailer companies, and Majestic Trailer and Hitch responded with an offer to discount a new 7-by-14-foot trailer by $1,500. A community donation letter was also sent to local businesses in the Hartville and Uniontown areas, with leaders and parents encouraged to share it. To date, more than $7,600 has been donated. Contributors include Aqua Ohio, the Hartville Lions Club, Texas Roadhouse, Fred Olivieri Construction, Marathon Petroleum, Hartville Hardware, Andy Eicher Photography, the Hampshire family and Terra Logic.

The troop’s trailer subcommittee is designing the interior, including two upright lockers with shelving on the right side and a longer shelf with one locker on the left. Each section will have multiple levels for storage. The front of the trailer will be used for adult gear and backpacks during trips. Completion is targeted before summer camp.

Troop 45 is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations can be mailed to Friends of Troop 45, 1338 Peony St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632.