Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana have singled out stewards of two western Indiana bridges for recognition with preservation awards.

"These regional award winners benefit the community by maintaining and restoring history in its most public form—landmarks that add richness to the environment all of us enjoy," says Marsh Davis, president of the statewide private foundation.

Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Inc. won recognition for its restoration of a 1905 wrought iron bridge it saved from demolition. The group dismantled the Stearns Truss bridge that originally spanned the Big Monon Ditch in Pulaski County. A largely volunteer effort restored the bridge elements before the span was rededicated in November 2007 at its new site spanning the Wabash & Erie Canal on the southwest edge of Delphi. Dan McCain, the group's president, was joined by Mark Smith in accepting the award at Historic Landmarks Foundation's regional preservation meeting held last month.

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners received a preservation award for restoring the 1927 Carrollton Bridge. The concrete arch bridge by preeminent designer Daniel Luten had been slated for replacement by previous commissioners. For nearly a decade, preservation advocates contended that the picturesque historic bridge could be rehabbed to meet modern standards at a lower cost to taxpayers than constructing a new bridge. The current commissioners agreed and in 2005 voted to save the bridge. The restored and upgraded span reopened earlier this summer. Commissioners Bill Brown, Loren Hylton and George Mears accepted the preservation award for the Carrollton Bridge project.