Area Boy Scouts to learn welding with local iron workers

Saturday’s Merit Badge Day to include hands-on training as Scouts gain skills.

Photo: Bryce Carithers/PEXELS

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URBANA - Dozens of area Boy Scouts from across Central Illinois will earn merit badges on Saturday as they learn welding techniques from expert tradesmen who’ve helped build some of the largest and most iconic buildings in the area.

Scouts from the Champaign Holy Cross Boy Scout Troop 9 will learn to weld from 8am to 12pm on Saturday. Another group will do the same from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Iron Workers Local 380, located 1602 Butzow Drive in Urbana.

Scouts will spend about an hour learning welding safety measures, before they put on gloves and goggles and prepare to fuse objects with a welding machine.

Certified welders from Iron Workers Local 380, the area labor union representing nearly 250 local residents, will instruct the scouts on proper techniques and safety.

Local 380, founded in 1923, serves 17 counties in East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana, providing services that include erecting and connecting the skeletons of bridges, stadiums and large structures.

Local 380 is currently accepting applications for their 2024 apprentice class. Those who turn 18 before September are welcome to apply for positions with starting wages of at least $23.45 an hour, guaranteed to climb to $36.08 an hour after four years of on-the-job training.

Applications and more information can be found at www.ironworkers380.org.

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American Legion to host fish fry benefit for Troop 40

St. Joseph - Tickets are on sale now for three fish frys to raise money for St. Joseph's Boy Scouts.

The American Legion will host the first of three fish frys this Friday, January 27, the next one on February 24, and the final event on March 24.

The $10 meal includes two sides and a drink. Food will be served starting 4:30 pm and continue until 7 pm or until the fish is sold out on all three dates. Advance tickets can be purchased this Wednesday 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the IGA. Meal tickets can also be bought at the door on the day of the fry.

For more information visit the event Facebook page here.

Scouts to rake leaves in St. Joseph

St. Joseph resident Owen Yohnka is organizing a leaf raking service project for the community. Between now and October 30, Pack 40 and Troop 40 will rake leaves for homeowners who would like their assistance.

"It's always good to help out your neighbors," Yohnka said. "The Troop used to do this years ago. This is my first time doing this."

The scouts have done similar service projects including garbage pick up along the Trail Rail and clean up after the Fall Community Festival. They also place the flags at the high school and cemetery for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and Veterans Day.

The service is being offered to anyone who need help raking their leaves. Yohnka said residents are encouraged to send their name and address or contact information for someone who would appreciate the help via email at pack40stjoseph@gmail.com. Questions regarding the raking services can be sent to this email address, too.

The service is set up to be a contact-less service for homeowners or residents. After receiving an email request, a scout and their family will visit the property over the next few weeks to rake leaves for the village to vacuum away.

"We will just show up during the date range provided and rake the leaves in a nice straight pile along the road," Yohnka wrote in a post on Facebook announcing the service.