Ohio Legislators moving to name ‘Tuscarawas Valley Memorial Highway’
COLUMBUS – Legislation is moving through the halls of the Statehouse to name a portion of I-70 in Licking County in honor of six Tusky Valley community members killed in a 2023 bus crash.
The State House recently approved the bill that would designate I-70 in Etna township as the “Tuscarawas Valley Memorial Highway.” That’s where on Nov. 14, 2023, three Tusky Valley students and three adults accompanying them on a band trip were killed when a semi crashed into the back of an SUV and a charter bus. The driver of the truck is serving an 18-month jail sentence.
Earlier this year, six trees were planted at the Licking County rest stop in memory of the Wyatt Mosley, Katelyn Owens, JD Worrell, Kristy Gaynor, Dave Kennat and Shannon Wigfield.
State Representative Jodi Salvo from Bolivar co-sponsored the recent House Bill and spoke to her colleagues.
“This memorial highway will serve as a lasting tribute assuring that we never forget the lives lost that day, the families forever changed and the enduring spirit of faith, love and resilience that carried Tusky Valley through its greatest tragedy,” she said.
Representative Beryl Brown Piccolantionio also testified in support of the bill.
“We can honor their memory with this highway designation and take that as a reminder to continue working on policies to make our school buses safer and commit all of ourselves to driving safer as we travel Ohio’s roadways,” she said.
State Rep Kevin Miller co-sponsored the bill and is a former State Trooper who patrolled I-70.
“In addition to the first responders, a whole host of other individuals and agencies convened to assist and perform vital functions that day,” he said. “Their lives were also impacted by the events of that day. First and foremost, the dedication of this roadway will forever memorialize the victims who lost their lives on that tragic day, but it will also pay tribute to those who responded in a time of need.”
The House unanimously approved the measure. It will now go before the Senate and ultimately the governor.