ITD names Hailey road for Bartholomew

In March 1974, D4 Maintenance Foreman Les Bartholomew was run down by a drunk driver as he put additional warning signs out on a section of what was then US-93 north of Bellevue during spring breakup. As he was returning to his truck, a northbound driver struck Bartholomew from behind before careening off the opposite side of the road.

Ten years ago, D4 named the short street leading to the department’s Hailey Maintenance shed in his honor.

With ITD putting in housing to accommodate maintenance workers wanting to live on-site, a physical address was required, so Ron Robinson, maintenance foreman at the time, suggested they name the road after Bartholomew.

Born in Jerome, Bartholomew stayed in south-central Idaho until WWII called him away. He received a Purple Heart medal and the Oak Leaf Cluster.

He started with ITD in 1952, and became maintenance foreman in 1963.

"We were given a great opportunity to pay tribute to one of our own," D4 District Engineer Devin Rigby said. "Fortunately, few have paid the same price as Les, but the dedication exhibited by Les that night to maintain a safe roadway carries on."

Published 12-14-18