Bill naming stretch of highway for Lee and Lynn Copen signed by governor

State Sen. Robert Wirch (from left), state Rep. John Steinbrink , state Rep. Samantha Kerkman and state Rep. Peter Barca watch as Gov. Jim Doyle signs a bill renaming a portion of Highway 50 in honor of Lee and Lynn Copen. /Submitted photo

Governor Jim Doyle signed Assembly Bill 766 into law Wednesday morning, designating a portion of Highway 50 as the Lee and Lynn Copen Memorial Highway.

The bill was authored by state Rep. John Steinbrink and state Sen. Bob Wirch and co-sponsored by Rep. Peter Barca and state Rep. Samantha Kerkman, whose district include most of Western Kenosha County.

Lee and Lynn Copen were well-known by Kenosha area residents for their contributions and service to the community. They met while training at the State Patrol academy. Lee was a distinguished 25-year veteran of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department and Lynn served in the District Attorney’s office as the Crime Victim and Witness Coordinator. She had also gained national recognition as an expert on issues relating to children and the court system, preventing domestic abuse, and providing support and assistance to victims of domestic abuse.

Tragically, Lee and Lynn Copen were killed in October 2003 at the intersection of Highways 50 and 31 when their car was struck by a man fleeing from police following a domestic disturbance and abduction. In their honor, a stretch of Highway 50 between 60th Street and 70th Street has been renamed the Lee and Lynn Copen Memorial Highway under AB 766.

“AB 766 is a fitting tribute to Lee and Lynn Copen, whose contributions to the community will never be forgotten,” Kerkman said. “They touched so many lives and I believe AB 766 is the least we could do as a small token of appreciation for all that they have done for Kenosha County.”