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Committee reports multiple memorial‑highway bills favorably after family testimony and veteran tributes
Summary
The House Transportation Committee favorably reported three memorial‑highway bills — designations honoring Master Sergeant Norman M. Kilbarger, Marshall Teddy Ray Holcomb, and Chief James G. Jackson — after sponsor remarks and emotional testimony; votes were unanimous or recorded unanimously (one 12–0 tally noted).
The House Transportation Committee on June 17 heard testimony and reported favorably on several bills to designate highways as memorials to local public‑safety figures and veterans.
Representative LaRae presented House Bill 316 to designate part of Chillicothe Lancaster Road near Amanda in Fairfield County as the Master Sergeant Norman Michael Kilbarger Memorial Highway. LaRae recited Kilbarger's military service and the Silver Star citation for his actions on Feb. 13, 1951, in Korea. Committee members praised Kilbarger's record and the chair recorded the bill as reported out of committee unanimously.
Representatives Ritter and Holmes sponsored House Bill 325 to designate a roadway in Trimble, Athens County, as the Marshall Teddy Ray Holcomb Memorial Highway. Their presentation recounted the Oct. 27, 1976 incident in which Holcomb was gravely wounded while protecting the public and later died. Officer Douglas Brown provided in‑person testimony about the personal impact of Holcomb's sacrifice, saying, "I owe Marshall Holcomb my life," and described the bill as a means to memorialize Holcomb for his community and family. The committee voted to report HB 325 favorably; the clerk announced a 12–0 tally in favor.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 95, carried by senators Reynolds and Craig, to designate a portion of I‑71 in Columbus (between I‑670 and Hudson Street) as the Chief of Police James G. Jackson Memorial Highway. An on‑record presenter summarized Chief Jackson's more than 40 years of service, his work on minority recruitment, and the renaming of the Columbus police academy in his honor. Members asked about the significance of the chosen stretch of highway; the presenter said the area was one Chief Jackson served and that supporters felt it was appropriate. The committee ordered Senate Bill 95 favorably by unanimous vote and left the roll open until 5 p.m.
All three bills were reported out of committee for further consideration by the full House. Committee members repeatedly framed these measures as symbolic recognitions of public service; sponsors and witnesses emphasized local connections and long histories of service as the basis for the honors.
Next steps: Each reported bill will move from committee to the House process for floor consideration; committee members were asked to sign reports before 5 p.m. on the day of the committee meeting.
