John Veney named 2026 Scouter of the Year at Killbuck District event

John Veney, formerly of Wooster and now living in Ashland County, was honored as the 2026 Scouter of the Year at the Killbuck District Recognition Dinner Feb. 19. Sixty-seven Scouts and adult Scout leaders were in attendance at First Presbyterian Church in Wooster for the annual Scouting celebration event, sponsored by the Commercial and Savings Bank.

Veney has been an adult volunteer in Scouting for more than 15 years. He served as den leader, Cubmaster and chartered organization representative for Cub Pack 61 in Wooster and as Scoutmaster and chartered organization representative for Troop 61 in Wooster.

He has served the Killbuck District and Buckeye Council as a merit badge counselor and co-chair of district advancement. Veney is active in Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s camping honor society, and recently received the Vigil Award. He also received the District Award of Merit and the Buckeye Council Silver Beaver Award.

Veney is the financial officer of Mirk Inc. in Orrville. He and his wife Heather are the parents of Sarah Veney and Eagle Scout Jack Veney.

Eagle Scout Tim Frye, the Killbuck District chairman and retired director of educational services at Ida Sue School, was the guest speaker. He shared stories from his Scouting experience as a youth in Wooster. He emphasized the actions and symbols characteristic of Scouts that let others know they are Scouts. He encouraged the Eagle Scouts and all in attendance to continue to emphasize those Scouting ideals in their daily lives.

Five Scouts from Wayne and Holmes counties who earned the rank of Eagle in 2025 were recognized at the event: Elizabeth Cole, Troop 64, Wooster; Aubrey Knopp, Troop 68, Wooster; Terrance Miller, Troop 355, Holmesville; Taygen Nelson, Troop 73, Smithville; and Ethan Wade, Troop 71, Shreve.

The following adults were recognized for their contributions to Scouting:

—Denver Stufflebeam, Orrville, Commissioner Wreath of Service Award.

—Philip Lautenschlager, Wooster, Den Leader of the Year.

—Shane Riemenschneider, Millersburg, Akela Award.

—Michael Seifried, Wooster, Cubmaster of the Year.

—Rebecca Schlabach, Millersburg, Killbuck Award.

—Jason Carroll, Wooster, Ray Zeigman Award.

—Michael Robinson, Orrville, District Award of Merit.