By Karen Hall

Editor

At their last meeting of 2013, county commissioners unanimously approved eight resolutions naming local bridges after important citizens, both living and dead.

A resolution also honored Ellawaine Cozart who worked at the Marshall County Highway Department from 1978 until she died earlier this year.

"She touched numerous lives," said Commissioner Wayne Neece as he read the resolution. "She was helpful, dedicated and gracious."

"She'll be greatly missed and never forgotten at the Highway Department," added Superintendent of Roads Jerry Williams.

Members of Cozart's family were on hand to receive a framed copy of the resolution.

Families of most of those honored with memorial bridges were also present.

"We honored a lot of Marshall County tonight," said Commission Chairman Nathan Johnson. "I know the families greatly appreciate it."

The bridge over Rich Creek on Highway 31A is to be named after brothers Major Morris G. Looney and Major Quentin S. Looney.

"They were both American heroes," said Commissioner Dean Delk. "They are buried at Arlington National Cemetery -- the place for gentlemen of that caliber."

Morris Looney died Aug. 30, 2011, at 94 years old. He joined the Army in 1937, and served in World War II and the Korean Conflict, as well as being a State Department advisor in South Vietnam, where he was badly wounded in the Tet Offensive. When his traveling days were over, Morris Looney settled in Marshall County, where he raised goats, cattle and horses. Two of Morris Looney's daughters who live in Lewisburg -- Bonnie Scheuchenzuber and Kathleen Smith -- received the framed resolution.

Quentin Looney died Dec. 1, 2009, at 90. He joined the Army the same year as his brother, and retired with the same rank in 1962. Quentin Looney received a Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge and parachuted behind enemy lines in Korea. Leaving the Army after 26 years of service, Quentin Looney served another 10 years at the Army Military Personnel Administration Center in St. Louis, Mo. Then, like his brother, he retired to Marshall County to farm. Quentin Looney's widow, Doris, received the resolution.

Others who will have bridges named after them include

* Louis D. Lingner, who served in the Air Force during World War II. In 1947, he began managing the local radio station, WJJM, and also owned and ran the Lewisburg Paint Store.

* James H. Haislip is still alive, so received his own resolution. He is a lifelong resident of Marshall County who has lived on New Lake Road since 1961. Haislip is known to be "selfless, helpful, and of honorable character."

* Robert Luna is remembered for his "loyal dedication to Marshall County," with 40 years of service to the City of Lewisburg and the Marshall County Highway Department.

* Ella Robertson McLain was born in 1914 and moved the Mooresville Community when she married Mr. McLain. She was known for her loving and kind personality, and her deep love for her home and community, as well as years of service and dedication.

* William Leonard Hobby was also a resident of Mooresville. He was a devoted dairyman and a loyal member of Mooresville Church of Christ.

* James M. Walker (1866-1915) was dedicated to his family and to his farms in the Robertson Fork Community.

"This is my neighbor," said Commissioner Seth Warf, taking Walker's framed resolution to give to family members.

In other business, commissioners unanimously approved two zoning changes. One was for the Star Wheels Skate Center on New Columbia Road. Owner Tim Mitchell spoke at the public hearing which preceded the commission meeting, stating that he had owned the skating rink for 24 years. It was "grandfathered in" as an existing business when zoning was established, but never changed from A-1 to C-2.

"I have a large investment in the property," Mitchell said. Commissioners were happy to correct the zoning for him, as they were for Lance Smith of Unionville Road. Smith has only owned his property for about a year, but it ties in with his wife's family farm. They intend to build a house, and also a shop in which he can service farm equipment, and equipment for his Bedford County excavating business. In order to get permission to build the shop, the property needed to be re-zoned from A-1 to C-1, and this was unanimously approved.

Commissioner Mickey King was absent.