Senator Ballenger Highway Fundraiser

Hi, my name is Clay Ballenger, son of the late Oklahoma Senator Roger Ballenger. Thanks to my brother-in-law, Oklahoma State Representative Scott Fetgatter and the rest of the House of Representatives and State Senate, a portion of Highway 56 in Okmulgee County will be named "Senator Roger Ballenger Memorial Highway". The section is from Madison Ave. in Okmulgee to the entrance to Okmulgee Lake.

This section of the highway is significant for a couple of reasons. First, dad lived on Wilson Road south of Highway 56 for many years and drove that stretch of road going to and from work as a county commissioner and of course, every time he went to town. And secondly, around 1999 or 2000, he was involved in a fatal crash at one of the sharp curves near the water plant. Then County Commissioner Ballenger was seriously injured and was afflicted by pain and effects of the wreck for the rest of his life. He worked hard after recovering to get the curves straightened out on that highway and was successful. The much safer roadway we have today is due to his hard work and consensus-building. Several partners came together to get the project completed.

The State of Oklahoma has designated the name of the portion of the highway but will not fund signage installation. The cost is around $1400. With GoFundMe fees, we have set a goal of $1500 for this fundraiser. Any amount helps, and the family and community greatly appreciate your help in honoring my dad, who loved his community so much and dedicated over 30 years of his life serving Okmulgee as a city councilman, county commissioner, state senator, and city manager.