Minnesota trucker has heart for helping others

Larry Kautz shows city superintendent Todd Watson some of the supplies he brought to Rector from Minnesota. Kautz delivered several cases of supplies gathered from local businesses and individuals in his hometown of Pine Island, Minn.

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Larry Kautz, who owns and operates his own trucking company in Pine Island, Minn., has been hauling freight through Rector on his way to Missouri for the past three years. In that time, Kautz says he has enjoyed his routine trek through the small town, noting the beauty of Memorial Park and the overall small town atmosphere.

Two weeks ago, Kautz was hauling freight from Paragould when he saw the results of the massive ice storm's impact on Rector.

"I wouldn't have recognized it if I didn't know where I was," Kautz said. "The town was just devastated. It was terrible. I've never seen anything like it. It reminded me of Hattiesburg, Miss., during Katrina. It was just a shocking site."

Kautz made up his mind right then he was going to do whatever he could to help the small community he had enjoyed passing through for years. Kautz said he was able to determine the Rector Community Center had been set up as a shelter by the number of vehicles in the parking lot. He stopped in and met with city superintendent Todd Watson to learn more of the situation.

"I knew I wanted to help immediately," Kautz said. "I asked around and made a list of what they could use most so that when I got back home, we could start getting as much together as we could."

Kautz sought assistance from numerous organizations, businesses and individuals in Pine Island. He was even featured on local television stations during his goal to gather supplies for a small town in Arkansas. His efforts yielded approximately half a trailer of supplies for Rector.

"I knew I had to do something, so I went back home and started talking to everyone about Rector and what they were going through," Kautz said. "I loaded up what we gathered and came back down this way as soon as I could."

Among the supplies were two buckets of homemade cookies sent by his wife, Bev.

"She wanted to send something a little more traditional. She thought some homemade cookies would be a nice treat for everyone that was working here at the shelter."

Kautz arrived in Rector last Thursday (Feb. 5). His special run, which included no other freight than his heartfelt cargo, consisted of a journey of 680 miles each way, yielding a total of 1,360 miles.

"The whole time I was on the road I just kept thinking to myself that I needed to get here and do what I could to help," Kautz said.

His efforts have been highly appreciated by a grateful community.

"I would like to extend our utmost thanks to Mr. Kautz for all he has done," said mayor Ron Kemp. "The compassion he has shown in his willingness to go above and beyond in order to help others is astounding. We are very appreciative of his efforts."

Kautz said that while he was happy to be of assistance to Rector, he would have preferred to make his introduction during a happier occasion.

"It's nice to meet the people of Rector, but I wish it was under different circumstances."

With all that he has done for the community, Kautz is likely assured of a warm welcome whenever he happens to pass through town.