From left, Detective Jonah Boyer with K9 Diesel; Luther Home of Mercy Director of Mission Advancement, Melissa Gregg; and Sgt. Robert Dotson with K9 Kash created an educational and memorable evening for Cub Scout Pack #3928 on Aug. 25. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

WILLISTON – The Luther Home of Mercy staff wants to ensure that the adults with developmental disabilities under their care stay engaged with the community and connected with enriching activities that will instill joy and wellness. With that goal in mind, retired Luther Home of Mercy nurse, Cheryl Smarkel, worked to bring Cub Scouts to the campus, and today, Cub Scout Pack #3928 is thriving. The Cub Scouts meet monthly to learn, earn badges, and have fun.

On Aug. 25, Pack #3928 learned about law enforcement and forensics when Detective Jonah Boyer and Sgt. Robert Dotson of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office were special guests at the monthly meeting. They brought two of the sheriff’s office K9s, Diesel and Kash.

Boyer said that Diesel has been working for the sheriff’s office for a long time but isn’t yet ready to hang up his work collar. Although Diesel doesn’t do all the tasks he once did, he still helps with narcotics investigations.

Scout Sheri Holt enjoyed meeting Kash. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“He’s ten years old,” Boyer said. “When he gets tired of this, I’ll retire him, but he still has a ton of energy.”

Diesel chewed on a fire hose – his favorite toy – while Boyer introduced him to the pack.

“Diesel goes everywhere with me,” Boyer said. “I love this dog. He goes home with me, and he goes to work with me.”

Kash, who is six, is trained for many tasks. Dotson told the pack that Kash is his best friend and his coworker.

“He can smell out drugs, and if someone does something bad and runs from us, Kash could go after them,” Dotson said.

The scouts had the opportunity to pet Kash, if they wanted.

“I like him. He’s soft,” said Scout Elizabeth Higgens.

Scout Sheri Holt said she liked Kash and Dotson.

“He has a nice puppy,” Holt said.

Sgt. Robert Dotson introduces Kash to Scouts and staff. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The deputies also explained how they use fingerprints and shoeprints to capture criminals. Their visit gave the Scouts a better understanding of law enforcement and helped them connect with leaders in the community. Scouts is just one of the many activities and events hosted by Luther Home of Mercy throughout the year.

“We have a full schedule for the whole year,” said Director of Mission Advancement, Melissa Gregg. “Our goal is to engage in the community more and get the community to come to us.”

Pack #3928 is part of Erie Shores Council 460. It’s charter was established in 2019 with special permission from Boy Scouts. Traditional charters demand particular requirements and are established for youth clubs. Boy Scouts granted Pack #3928 a charter that would accommodate their needs, including welcoming adults members.

Thanks to the Boy Scouts’ generosity, Pack #3928 is impacting the lives of nearly 30 adults with developmental disabilities. In 2024, Scouts in the pack earned four badges – Race Time Bear, Fellowship, Paws for Action and A Bear Goes Fishing – and competed in a Pinewood Derby.

Luther Home of Mercy Director of Mission Advancement, Melissa Gregg, explains fingerprints to a Scout during a forensics lesson at a Scout meeting on Aug. 25. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Cheryl and her husband have the cars ready, and the Scouts paint their cars,” Gregg said. “They can customize them any way they want. It’s all about what they want to do.”

Luther Home of Mercy offers three ministry options for adults with developmental disabilities. About 80 residents live on the 25-acre campus, and the organization offers community living homes and day programs.

“We try to make sure we bring all our ministries together as often as possible,” Gregg said.

On Sunday, Oct. 5, Luther Home of Mercy will host the 96th Annual Fall Fest. The public is invited to attend the festival, which will connect the three ministries and the community for an afternoon of worship and fun. The event will include outdoor worship, live farm animals, crafts, a picnic dinner and more.

Luther Home of Mercy is located at 5810 N. Main St. in Williston. For more information, call 419-836-7741 or visit www.lutherhome.org.