WEATHERSFIELD — Township officials are seeking support from the Trumbull County commissioners to get two bridges in Weathersfield dedicated and named for veterans.

Trustees will ask commissioners to approve naming a bridge on West Park Avenue above the Mahoning River as the Disabled American Veterans Bridge, and a bridge on Salt Springs-Youngstown Road as the Weathersfield Township First Responders and Veterans Bridge.

Trustees Chairman Steve Gerberry said the West Park Avenue bridge is near fire Station 42 and was replaced in 2009. That bridge would honor veterans with disabilities.

The request was being made to rename the bridge by the Trumbull County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11.

Gerberry said the Salt Springs Road bridge is near the Village Market over the Meander Creek to recognize the commitment of safety forces who protect the community and the veterans who serve the nation.

The request was being made by Weathersfield safety forces and Niles Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2074.

“We want to name these two prominent bridges to honor veterans,” he said. “These are two nice choices of bridges.”

Gerberry said proper procedure requires an approval hearing to get the bridges’ names changed.

If approved, ceremonies will be planned to dedicate the bridges, officials said.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

Trustees also presented the 2023 Community Leadership Award to Marci Buchanan for her volunteerism and service to the community, including with the Mineral Ridge Historical Society.

Trustee Edward Whittaker said Buchanan has dedicated time and effort to improving the community.

Buchanan had served as the librarian at Seaborn Elementary School and president of the historical society. She was also instrumental in securing Ohio historical markers for the Mineral Ridge black band ore, the Great Salt Spring and the former community of Ohltown.

Buchanan also was successful in getting the Moss Ancestral Home on the National Register of Historic Places. She and others have created a place on Burnett Street to showcase historical artifacts and documents.

“Her remarkable commitment and leadership have profoundly elevated the quality of life in our community, fostering unity, pride and a sense of belonging among residents,” Whittaker said.

Buchanan said she has learned more about the community over the years with the projects she has been part of, including the Moss Ancestral Home.

Resident Linda Ference said Buchanan is “a valuable member of the community.

“There are few jobs that she is unwilling to tackle,” Ference said. “She has done so much to help our community, whether making informational pamphlets or doing genealogy on local residents and past ancestors.”

Trustees presented a plaque and the Mineral Ridge Class of 1973, which is marking 50 years, gave her a trophy as an honorary class member.

Officials said the award recognizes outstanding citizens whose dedication enriches the community.