May. 05, 2015
HARRISBURG – Legislation naming U.S. Route 15 from the Market Street.-Hasting Street intersection to the Route 15/State Route 54 interchange in Lycoming County as the Kelly Rae Mertes DUI Awareness Memorial Highway passed the House Monday, said the bill’s author, Rep. Jeff C. Wheeland (R-Lycoming).
“Kelly Rae Mertes was only 19 years old when she was killed in a traffic crash by a driver whose blood alcohol level was nearly five times over the legal limit in Pennsylvania,” said Wheeland. “The effort to stop driving under the influence is being aided by the memory of this great young lady.”
Mertes died on Feb. 5, 2005. Since that time, her parents, Mike and Geri Mertes, have helped assist the TEAM DUI effort of the Pennsylvania DUI Association. That effort included the placement of billboards throughout the Williamsport area, distributing hats and T-shirts and also providing food for law enforcement officers who man DUI checkpoints.
“Kelly’s memory is strong in our area, as she was well known as an outstanding student at Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsport and was a graduate of Youth Leadership Lycoming,” said Wheeland. “This designation is appropriate and creates a lasting memorial.”
The legislation,
House Bill 866, goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Jeff C. Wheeland
83rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
RepWheeland.com / Facebook.com/RepWheeland