West Virginia HCR39: Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway

What the bill says

From the engrossed text, March 10, 2025:

Committee Substitute for HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 39 (By Delegates Stephens, Barnhart, Sheedy, Ward, and Pritt) [Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 10, 2025] Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of Route 2 bearing the coordinates 40°01'41"N 80° 43'38W and 40°00'07"N 80°43'57"W in Benwood, Marshall County, as the "Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway", with two gold stars after her name. Whereas, Catherine Blake lost two sons in World War 1; and Whereas, Edward Leo Blake was enlisted in the United States Navy when the U.S.S. Cyclops was lost in March of 1918, wherein he sadly perished; and Whereas, William Thomas Blake was enlisted in the United States Army, and was killed in action on October 21, 1918, in the Argonne Forest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France; and Whereas, Post 46, Blake Brothers American Legion in Benwood, West Virginia is named in their honor; and Whereas, At the time of her loss of two sons in World War 1, Catherine Blake was one of the very few Double Gold Star Mothers in America; and Whereas, It is believed that Catherine Blake is still the only Double Gold Star Mother in Marshall County; and Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Catherine Blake and her sons who served …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Stephens, Jeffrey (R, 006) · primary sponsor
• Barnhart, Trenton (R, 03)
• Sheedy, Charles (R, 007)
• Ward, Bryan (R, 086)
• David Pritt (R)

Votes

• Adopted by House (Roll No. 99) (March 18, 2025): 98 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HCR39?

HCR39 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2025 Regular Session): Gold Star Mother Catherine Blake Highway.

What is the status of HCR39?

Passed one chamber as of March 18, 2025.

Who sponsored HCR39?

Stephens, Jeffrey (R, 006), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HCR39?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Resolution_History.cfm?year=2025&sessiontype=RS&input4=39&billtype=CR&houseorig=H&btype=res