It's shocking and deeply disturbing that a bridge here in Nicholas County has been renamed in honor of Gary W. Spinks, a convicted child predator. How this came to be is baffling and offensive to our community. The name of a child predator should never be emblazoned on a public structure.

Choosing to honor such a figure sends a profoundly misguided message to survivors and victims of abuse, signaling that their painful experiences are disregarded. It also runs against moral and ethical standards that we all strive to uphold. Gary W. Spinks does not deserve such a position of prominence and respect in our community.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys are victims of child sexual abuse. Parading the name of a known offender like Spinks on public infrastructure is a grave injustice that risks re-traumatizing victims and normalizing such horrific acts. We must consistently support, believe, and protect survivors—not inadvertently glorify their abusers.

The repercussions of maintaining this sign extend far beyond mere optics. It undermines public trust in our system, suggesting that the personal histories and the suffering of abuse victims can be easily forgotten or overlooked. As a society, we have an obligation to correct this injustice and set the right precedent for recognizing community heroes and leaders—people who exemplify integrity and compassion.

We urge the Department of Transportation, local government officials, and relevant authorities to take immediate action to remove the sign. Let this bridge stand for something truly honorable. Sign this petition to demand that the name of Gary W. Spinks is taken off the bridge immediately, in favor of a name that aligns with the values and morals we hold dearly as a community dedicated to protecting all our residents, especially our children.