EC Ohio News

The Ohio House of Representatives has agreed to Senate amendments to House Bill 81, which aims to designate highways across the state in honor of local heroes. The bill was announced by its sponsor, State Representative Don Jones from Freeport.

Jones led efforts for several highway designations. A section of State Route 39 in Carroll County will be named Sheriff Dale R. Williams Memorial Highway. Sheriff Williams served as a police officer since 1985 and was the sheriff for Carroll County for 18 years until his passing in 2022.

Another portion of I-77 in Noble County will be designated as Staff Sergeant George P. Mizik (USMC) Memorial Highway. Staff Sgt. Mizik served with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and received a Purple Heart.

Additionally, a segment of State Route 7 in Washington County will become Specialist Five Frederick Wayne Taylor Memorial Highway. Specialist Taylor served with the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War and was killed in action on May 15, 1968.

“These highways are a small way to honor and remember the great legacies left behind by these heroes,” said Jones.

House Bill 81 now proceeds to the Governor's desk for signing.

In addition, the Ohio House passed House Bill 469, also sponsored by Jones. This legislation proposes creating an eleven-member Ohio River Commission within the Department of Development to promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, and travel and tourism along the Ohio River and its tributaries.

“The Ohio River is undoubtedly one of Ohio’s most valuable assets,” said Jones. “Creation of the Ohio River Commission will allow the State of Ohio to protect and utilize an essential asset to maximize the benefit to all Ohioans.”

House Bill 469 is pending consideration by the Ohio Senate.