Stepp completes Eagle project
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Jimmy Stepp, 17, of Presque Isle, is awaiting his final review on his journey to becoming an Eagle Scout — having completed his Eagle project late last year.
In early November 2011, the Eagle Scout hopeful selected a project to benefit the Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton.
“I built a 65-foot-long footbridge on the snowshoe trail at the Route 1A center, located in Easton. The bridge will be able to be used year-round and was built entirely out of wood found in the area,” said Stepp.
The trail is used year-round for hiking and snowshoeing, as well as for classes and bird watching.
Stepp’s project takes the place of an older bridge that had seen better days.
Photo courtesy of Jim Stepp
EAGLE SCOUT CANDIDATE 
Jimmy Stepp, of Presque Isle, is pictured with his finished Eagle Scout project — a footbridge located at the Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton.
“This bridge replaces an older bridge that used to span the area in the past but was damaged by decay, general use and moose. The original bridge lasted about 20 years,” said Stepp, noting the old bridge was removed by Job Corps students because it had become a safety hazard.
While working on the bridge, Stepp learned that over 6,000 students and adults visit the trails and the Science Center each year.
“I put in 143 service hours to complete the project,” he said. “I’d like to thank S.W. Collins, Rathbun Lumber and Pete Michaud’s construction company for donating materials I needed to finish the bridge.”
Stepp, a member of Boy Scout Troop 171 in Presque Isle, also wished to acknowledge his fellow Scouts and other volunteers who assisted on the project.
“Thanks is also given to the following individuals who donated their time and talents to work on the bridge. They include: Dave Barry, David Cyr III, David Cyr IV, Isaac Demerchant, Jon Freeman, Steve Freeman, Thomas Freeman, Jason Mathey, Pete Michaud, Tom Peary, Jacob Reed, Jared Reed, Jim Reed, John Reed, Patty Reed, Jake Ricks, Becky Stepp, Chris Stepp and my dad, Jim Stepp,” said the soon-to-be Eagle Scout.
