Bill naming section of M-116 in memory of Trooper Butterfield headed to governor.

Trooper Paul Butterfield

LANSING — A bill to name a section of M-116 in Mason County in honor of Michigan State Trooper Paul Butterfield is now being considered by the governor, Rep. Ray Franz announced today.

Trooper Butterfield, a Grant Township resident, was murdered during a traffic stop on North Custer Road in Free Soil Township on Sept. 9, 2013 by Eric Knyzs of Irons. Knyzs was convicted of murder and subsequently killed himself in prison.

“This memorial highway will go a long way in reminding people what a great guy Paul Butterfield was, how hard he worked and what dedication he had for his community,” said Franz, R-Onekama. “It’s a beautiful section of M-116 and it matches Paul’s love of nature, so it is a perfect complement to represent his service to the state and our community.”

House Bill 5257, sponsored by Franz, names the stretch of M-116 along the Lake Michigan shoreline leading into the Ludington State Park from the Lincoln River north to the Big Sable River as the “Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II Memorial Highway.”

The Senate today approved HB 5257, sending it to Gov. Rick Snyder for final consideration and approval.