Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
4:52 pm Tuesday, May 18, 2004

Council to vote on Korean War Veterans Highway

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 18, 2004
Meridian could become the last governmental body along U.S. 80's route across Mississippi to endorse a move that would designate the road as Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
City councilmen are expected today to unanimously approve the designation at their 5:30 p.m. regular meeting.
William Clark of Pearl, a Korean War veteran originally from Neshoba County, began pushing the project this year. To date, he said, Meridian is the only government body along U.S. 80 that hasn't backed it.
Clark said he originally sought support from the city administration in April, but didn't receive it. Meanwhile, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution April 5 to back the project.
First attempt
Clark originally talked with Ken Storms, the city's chief administrative officer, about the highway designation. Storms, a Vietnam veteran, said at a recent news conference that he prefers to recognize all veterans rather than war-specific ones. He also said he wanted to consult local Korean War veterans about it.
Clark said he later talked to Mayor John Robert Smith. Clark said the mayor told him the issue was on the council's study agenda.
To speed up the issue, though, Clark asked a local Korean War veteran to write a letter to the city council.
All five councilmen said they plan to support the highway designation. Ward 1 Councilman George Thomas said this is the first time the council has had a chance to look at the issue.
Councilman's support
Ward 4 Councilman Jesse E. Palmer Sr. said the designation will be especially personal for him. Palmer said his brother-in-law is a Korean War veteran who recently returned to the U.S.
Palmer said his brother-in-law stayed in Korea after the war to work at a U.S. Air Force base and has been there since.
Another Korean War veteran, Leroy Morse of Lauderdale County, said he supports designating U.S. 80 in honor of Korean veterans. Morse is a retired U.S. Marine sergeant.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *