Highway naming plan receives unanimous, bipartisan support from House panel

Legislation from State Representative Bill G. Schuette that renames a portion of highway in Midland in tribute to a fallen local servicemember is moving closer to becoming law.

Through House Bill 4089, a portion of US-10 between Jefferson Road and Eastman Ave. would be known as the Army Specialist Levi K. Hoover Memorial Highway. SPC Hoover was a Midland native, graduate of Dow High School and member of the 82^nd Airborne Division who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and passed away on April 7, 2007 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was 23 years old.

“Our brave servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep us safe and protect everything our great nation stands for whenever they put on their uniform,” Schuette said. “While we can never truly repay Levi and his family for all the sacrifices they have made and the incredible courage they have shown, this designation will allow people to drive through his hometown of Midland and recognize that he was a hero to us all. We are forever grateful and will never forget his sacrifice.”

Schuette was joined in testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by SPC Hoover’s sister, Dani. SPC Hoover was also survived by his father and stepmother, Ken and Sandy Hoover, as well as his mother and stepfather, Belinda and Jack Brewster.

“This bill is a really wonderful opportunity to highlight and honor a veteran,” Hoover told the committee. “When we’ve had someone in our lives that has died in a fashion like my brother’s, the way that we keep going is to live honorably in support of that person and I’ve tried to do that and I’m so appreciative of this opportunity. Thanks so much to Rep. Schuette and others who are responsible for this bill.”

The Michigan Memorial Highway Act was enacted in 2001 and allows for the naming of bridges and highways within the state. HB 4089 now moves to the full House for consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Representative Bill G. Schuette was joined by Dani Hoover for testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Schuette’s House Bill 4089 renames a portion of US-10 in Midland the Army Specialist Levi K. Hoover Memorial Highway, honoring Dani’s brother and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect American freedoms and his fellow citizens.