Ohio House Passes Bill to Designate the Dr. Steven Takacs Memorial Highway, Corporal John E. Ruch Memorial Highway

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 380, legislation that will name twenty-nine roads and bridges throughout Ohio, announced State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula).

Included in the bill is House Bill 119, sponsored by Fowler Arthur, which will designate a portion of State Route 87 in Geauga County as the Dr. Steven Takacs Memorial Highway. Dr. Takacs spent nearly 30 years caring for the county’s residents at Newbury Family Practice. His practice had more than 5,000 active patients, with Takacs routinely making house calls and hospice visits.

“Dr. Takacs dedicated his entire life to helping others and was a man of the highest moral character,” said Fowler Arthur. “I’m honored to be able to memorialize him through

renaming a portion of Route 87 in his honor.”

Also included in the bill is House Bill 383, which will designate a portion of U.S. Route 20 in Ashtabula County as the Corporal John E. Ruch Memorial Highway. 

On March 4th, 1942, Corporal Ruch and Patrolman Paul D. Barnes were headed to Ashtabula High School to attend a Highway Patrol Auxiliary class of Legionnaires, to which Corporal Ruch was the instructor. The two began pursuing a speeding vehicle eastbound on U.S. Route 20 when the patrol car lost control on the slush-covered roadway and struck a tree. Patrolman Barnes was seriously injured, and Corporal Ruch passed away at the age of 32.

“It is my privilege to memorialize him through renaming a portion of U.S. Route 20 in his honor,” said Fowler Arthur. “I would like to thank Lieutenant Martina Jackson, the Ashtabula Patrol Post Commander, for bringing this dedication request to my attention.”

The legislation now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.