Melissa, Scott Biltz step away from SHC leadership roles

Every quality fire needs a spark to ignite the heat that helps that fire thrive.

Much like a blazing inferno needs that initial spark, so too does a worthwhile program like the Scouters of Holmes County.

Local duo Scott and Melissa Biltz provided that spark when they helped pioneer the fledgling program several years ago.

The spark that helped ignite that organization is stepping away as board members, but they have left the board in very capable hands.

The longtime SHC board members are retiring, but the decision did not come without some heartfelt pondering.

“It was a long, hard decision, and it probably took us an entire year of debating to finally come to terms with it,” Melissa Biltz said. “We simply view this as another chapter in our lives. We were looking for something new to step into, and the nice thing about this is that we believe that we are leaving with the new board having every capability to carry on. There are some great people in place to move the SHC forward to its continuing role of serving the Scouts of Holmes County.”

Replacing the Biltz duo are local Scout leaders Ben Crabb and Scott Kashuba, both of whom have plenty of experience.

This winter the Scouters of Holmes County board members congratulated Scott and Melissa Biltz for their five years of service to the organization, and during that span, the couple has dedicated themselves to providing guidance to area Scouts all over the county and beyond.

“Melissa and I retired from our career jobs and are stepping back from some of our volunteering activities so we can plan for the next chapter in our lives,” said Scott Biltz, president of Scouters of Holmes County.

While they are leaving the board, the Biltzes aren’t leaving Scouting cold turkey. They will continue to serve the Scouting community in other capacities because their passion continues to be developing leadership skills in today’s youth.

Investing in the lives of area youth through Scouting is something the couple remains very passionate about.

“That passion is what keeps us going,” Melissa Biltz said.

Scouters of Holmes County is a nonprofit and is serving the youth of Holmes County in a positive way.

Scott Biltz said, “We could not retire unless we had a strong board, and we do. We are close friends with board members and supporters of Boy Scouts of America. These youth represent our future, so they need trained to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

While stepping away from the Scouters of Holmes County role, which has been a big part of their lives the past half-decade, the Biltzes won’t leave the Scouts completely.

The Biltzes will continue to be involved with the Killbuck Cub Scout Pack 315 and the All-Girl Holmes County Troop 338.

Brodie DeHass, fellow SHC board member and now president, praised the Biltzes for the effort they have invested in making sure Scouting remains strong and a vital part of Holmes County.

“Scott and Melissa’s contributions to Scouters of Holmes County have been significant and meaningful,” DeHass said. “Their extensive knowledge of boards, business, finance and Scouting have helped guide our growing nonprofit. We have valued their leadership and insights in founding, shaping and building what we have today. I am thankful for their service and wish Scott and Melissa all the best as they enter new areas of focus.”

Nick Scherer, another board member, also is stepping down from his role with the organization. He is a student at the University of Akron, and DeHass said the board wishes him success in his future endeavors and thanks him for everything he has done to support the youth of Holmes County.