Legislation from State Representative Bill G. Schuette that renames a portion of highway in Midland in tribute to a fallen local servicemember was advanced unanimously on Thursday by the Michigan House.

House Bill 4089 designates a portion of US-10 between Jefferson Road and Eastman Ave. 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.

“His school counselor called him a quiet leader that led by example. His principal described him as personable and polite,” Schuette said of Hoover when addressing the legislation on the House floor. “The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for all things. We may not, in the moment or ever in this life, fully grasp the timing and the nature of the seasons we travel. However, we can recognize and acknowledge and honor the sacrifice borne by those and their families in our communities. Midland and people who call our great community home will forever remember his sacrifice for seasons to come.”

Schuette was joined on the House floor 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.

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 Senate for consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Representative Bill G. Schuette was joined by Dani Hoover as a special guest during House session on Thursday, Oct. 30. 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.