Black granite monument set to serve as memorial

By Misti Strader
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – Plans to construct a memorial for fallen service members of the 1945 crash of a military bomber are moving forward.

In the first April meeting of the Marshall County Fiscal Court, Judge Executive Mike Miller reported that Gary Teckenbrock and County Planner Josh Tubbs have made contact with all surviving family members and said that many were planning on attending a dedication ceremony for the memorial.

Teckenbrock presented a project proposal to the court of a 4-foot-6-inch by 3-foot black granite imported monument etched with a photo of each crash victim and the plane, along with an inscription of dedication.

The court voted to allow Teckenbrock to proceed with ordering the monument.

• Marshall County Parks Director Troy Kirkendall was on hand to present his quarterly progress report.

He told of various projects which have been successfully implemented in the park system, such as the new disc golf course located at Mike Miller Park.

Kirkendall also said that planning for a “teen council” is underway as well as a tee-ball to slow-pitch transitional camp.

The court was also advised that boat ramps are being replaced at Big Bear and Little Jonathan.

• Shirley Johnson from the Aurora Action Committee was on hand to give a reminder that Aurora Pride Day is set to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 19.

• The appointed term of Library Board member Paul Thurman expired. Bruce Lyles was named as his replacement.

• Miller addressed progress on an issue which had come before the court last year. Residents of the Ponderosa community requested the court’s assistance in dealing with issues relating to a nearby campground area belonging to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

Land owner Robert York explained that illegal camping, firing of firearms and fireworks and various other unmonitored activities were proving disruptive to local residents.

Since that time, Miller said he met with TVA representatives and looked into the option of the county obtaining a lease on the property, however, he reported that TVA is reluctant to turn over any open-use land at this time.

To aid residents, Miller made a recommendation that residents start a neighborhood watch program with the assistance of the sheriff’s department.

• Two resignations from the Harvey Brewers Fire Protection District left two vacancies for the court to fill. The term of Laymon King was filled by Terry Lyles and the term of Randy Gray was filled by Michelle Lovett.