Parts of I-680 to be renamed for McGuffey, Powell, Korea veterans

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — A legendary educator, a hero of the Vietnam War and the veterans of the Korean War are getting some special recognition from the state Legislature.

The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a House bill that names portions of Interstate 680 in Mahoning County in honor of William Holmes McGuffey, Richard “Doc” Powell and Korean War veterans.

Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, said the three memorial highway designations recognize the accomplishments of William Holmes McGuffey, the bravery of Navy Corpsman Richard “Doc” Powell and the service of Korean War veterans.

“Both of these gentlemen are very deserving of recognition, and I’m glad to see they are being honored for their achievements,” Schiavoni said. “I have also met many soldiers that served in the Korean War, and the road renaming will remind people of their commitment to our country.”

McGuffey, who spent his early years in Coitsville, went on to become a noted educator and created the famed McGuffey Eclectic Readers. Getting a road named in his honor is the culmination of the William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society’s celebration of its 50 years of existence, said President Richard Scarsella.

Powell was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy’s highest award for valor, for his bravery in treating wounded U.S. Marines while under fire during a battle in Vietnam in 1968.

He suffered a fatal wound as he worked on an injured Marine. He was recently selected for induction into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.

The William Holmes McGuffey Memorial Highway is a portion of Interstate 680, beginning at the intersection with state Route 711 and extending in a southeast direction to the intersection with state Route 7.

The Navy Hospitalman Richard “Doc” Powell Memorial Highway is also a stretch of I-680, starting at the intersection of state Route 711 and extending in a northwest direction to the intersection with state Route 11.

The Korean War Veterans’ Memorial Highway is the entire length of I-680 in Mahoning County.

Schiavoni introduced both the McGuffey and Powell amendments to House Bill 27.

Rep. Ron Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, sponsored the bill, which passed the House in October, and added the amendment for the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial Highway.