Mineral County community meets new sheriff

By AMY QUINLIVAN

Mineral Independent

August 29, spread between the Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse and the West End Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department there was a bit of yard saling, baked goods buying, quilt raffling, hamburger eating, and some meeting and greeting.

In conjunction with the Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse Foundation and the West End Volunteer Fire & Rescue Open House locals gathered on Saturday afternoon to enjoy food and camaraderie, as well as demonstrations and displays. The event was a much-needed opportunity for the Schoolhouse Foundation to raise funds, but most importantly it was a time to come together as a community to get acquainted with Mineral County’s newest Sheriff and his deputies.

Schoolhouse Foundation member, Susan Charles said, “When we were thinking of doing another bake sale, we figured we should just get everyone together and do it during the fire departments open house this year. And then Bruce and I thought it would also be a good time to have the Sheriff’s Office come out here too.”

On August 3, Mike Toth was sworn in as the new Sheriff for Mineral County. Then on August 5 Undersheriff Wayne Cashman, Deputy Ethan Atkins, and Deputy Shawn Visintin were also sworn into duty. With four new Sheriff’s Office employees it was a coordinated group effort from local associations in the West End that wanted to create this welcoming event.

Bruce Charles was the former West End Volunteer Fire District Chief and he felt a strong need to offer backing to these men in uniform. He shared, “The whole reason why we are out here doing this is to show these guys some support. The atmosphere is so negative right now towards law enforcement, and we need to do all that we can to encourage our department and focus on good interactions with the public.”

During the afternoon’s festivities Sheriff Toth and his deputies were presented with a token of gratitude from Lynette Walters and Susan Charles of the Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse Foundation, Frank McGee of the West End Volunteer Fire and Rescue Board, and County Commissioner Duane Simons. A Thin Blue Line Police Flag was given to Toth and the other deputies. The flag is said to represent police solidarity and support of law enforcement.

All of the officers were appreciative of the gesture and the chance to meet some of the local residents they will be serving each day. Toth remarked, “It’s been great getting out here today and seeing a lot of new faces. I’m excited for the days ahead.”

Around the time that Sheriff Toth and his deputies had to roll out and return to duty, the bake sale inside the old schoolhouse was nearly sold out. Several large tables full of homemade goodies and treats dwindled down to just a few options left by three o’ clock.

Lynette Walters is the current President of the Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse Foundation. After the cancellation of many of the group’s yearly fundraisers, holding these bake sale events has made a big difference. “Our bake sale in June went really well. And this one too, it’s helped us break even a bit more. That’s all we can really hope for this year.”

Sadly, the schoolhouses popular pie sale is unlikely to happen this fall. “There’s just too many uncertainties right now,” shared Walters. “But we are hoping to do another bake sale around Christmas time for goodies and cookies, and gifts as well.” She recommended to check the foundations Facebook page for updates.

As the sunny afternoon continued the mini yard sale outside was perused, while the fire department trucks gave the dry and yellow schoolhouse lawn a good showering. A beautiful blue and white lap quilt was also raffled off and Mary Lower from Deborgia was lucky enough to take it home with her. Good food, good company, and good morale, made for an uplifting day down in DeBorgia last Saturday.