SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 44

(By Senators Beach, Unger, Williams, Kessler (Mr. President), Prezioso and Stollings)

Requesting the Division of Highways to name a portion of Interstate 79 at the exit 152 (Westover/Morgantown) interchange, as the "Charles J. Whiston Interchange".

    Whereas, Charles J. Whiston worked in the local coal mines while attending Morgantown High School and after graduation. He is a lifetime member of Westover United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School service of fifty-seven years. He began his outstanding political career as deputy sheriff in the late 1940’s and served six years as an elected Monongalia County Commissioner beginning in 1952. He served two terms as elected Mayor of the City of Westover, served as elected State President of the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association, served as the State President of the West Virginia County Commissioner Association, was named West Virginia Sheriff of the year in 1975 and 1976 and was honored with an appointment to the West Virginia Sheriff’s Bureau by Governor Jay Rockefeller in June, 1979; and

    Whereas, Charles J. Whiston founded and served as Master of Ceremonies of the 1st Monongalia County Fair, was a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District in 1983, was very involved in the community as the exalted ruler of the Morgantown Elk Lodge, member of the Morgantown Lion's Club and Leader of Boy Scouts of America and was recognized for his life of public service by the Monongalia County Commission and West Virginia Congress of Parent & Teacher’s Inc.; and

    Whereas, It is fitting to honor Charles J. Whiston for his life-long service to our state and his community and the naming of an interchange honoring Charles J. Whiston's exemplary life is but a small gesture of gratitude and appreciation; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name a portion of Interstate 79 at the exit 152 interchange (Westover/Morgantown), as the "Charles J. Whiston Interchange"; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the interchange as the "Charles J. Whiston Interchange"; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, the Commissioner of Highways and to Charles J. Whiston and family.