By Kiera Morgan
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners recently held a public hearing on the name change of the old Hwy 20 to be named Crystal Creek Loop. As part of an agreement with ODOT, the county is taking over ownership from the state of the old Hwy. Roy Kinion public works director for the county explained that Crystal Creek is one of the drainages in the watershed that flows into the Yaquina. Commissioners noted that they received a few requests from citizens requesting alternative names. One of the suggestions was that it be named Morris X. Smith loop. This was to honor a man well known in the Eddyville area who propagated apple trees. Commissioner Thompson said “those who live outside of this area would not know who Morris X Smith was, Crystal Creek Loop has a better ring to it.” Commissioner Hall said “We won’t find a name that is going to please everyone however I am satisfied with the name change of Crystal Creek loop.” Commissioner Thompson asked about the timeline in getting the road transferred. Kinion told the commissioners that with this official name change motion they will be drawing up the paperwork and getting the road transfer underway. County Council Wayne Belmont noted for residents of the area that they would have 90 days to get their address changed to include the new name.