Millie Pinkerton poses with her Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizens Award, presented to her a gala reception Thursday, June 8, 2023. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

Those who felt downtrodden at the front page articles in the Friday edition of the Butler Eagle on allegations of homicide by vehicle, a woman being run over, death threats to local district judges and an indicted president needed only to turn the page to enjoy an uplifting story about one of Butler County’s best and brightest, Millie Pinkerton.

The article detailed Pinkerton’s receipt of the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizens Award at a gala reception Thursday.

Listing Pinkerton’s service to the county in the article cost the Eagle a good bit of ink, but illustrated her dedication to the ongoing improvement of Butler County.

A quick perusal of the Eagle’s digital archives, using “Millie Pinkerton” as the keyword, yielded pages of articles on the good works of her and her late husband, Dale Pinkerton, who died in January 2020.

After Dale’s passing, Millie could have decided to retire from public service and enjoy the relaxation time she so richly deserves.

After all, she and Dale – who was a giant among philanthropists in Butler County –initiated, led and supported countless charitable programs over more than 40 years in Butler County.

Instead, Pinkerton powered ahead, continuing to work on the projects and programs she feels will support the county’s less fortunate and of which her late husband would approve.

Pinkerton’s volunteer and leadership work over the years has included countless projects of the Butler PM Rotary, YMCA, Butler Health System Foundation, GED scholarships and the Pinkerton Scholarship at Butler County Community College, various literacy programs, Presents for Patients, the annual Turkey Roundup, Maridon Museum, and Town and Country Garden Club, among others.

When asked to name her motivation to serve on charitable and community boards, Pinkerton’s succinct and humble response was “the people.”

So when it seems all the news, and even people, are disappointing and depressing, the Eagle suggests residents look no further than to folks such as Pinkerton and her many cohorts, who work without recompense to make Butler County a great place to live.

Or even better, support the projects and programs they conduct so you, too, can have a hand in the positive things happening in Butler County.

– PJG