(KNZA)--Doniphan County veterans could soon be honored with a new Freedom Rock monument, but county commissioners are still deciding where it should be placed.

According to the unofficial minutes from Monday's Doniphan County Commission meeting, representatives of the Freedom Rock Foundation met with commissioners to discuss plans for a five-by-seven-foot boulder that will be painted by Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen the Second as a tribute to Doniphan County veterans.

Foundation board member Michael Brissett told commissioners the monument would not require a concrete foundation or permanent overhead structure. A rock base would be sufficient, although a temporary 10-by-10-foot covered workspace will be needed while the artwork is being completed. The cover would be removed once the painting is finished.

Commissioners discussed several possible locations for the monument. Commissioner Wayne Grable suggested incorporating it into a redesigned courthouse courtyard gazebo, but County Clerk Peggy Franken noted that any changes to the gazebo would require approval from the State Historical Society because it is located within the Doniphan County Historic District.

Commissioner Timothy Collins proposed placing the monument in a more visible location along U.S. Highway 36, but Brissett said Kansas Department of Transportation requirements would likely delay the project, which organizers hope to complete by September.

Other possible locations include the northeast corner of the courthouse courtyard and the southeast corner near the Tall Oak monument. Utility locates will be completed at both sites before a final decision is made.

Commissioner Collins also asked about long-term maintenance. Brissett said the nonprofit Freedom Rock Foundation will be responsible for the monument's future upkeep.