Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The large pine trees that surrounded the alter at the St. John's Cemetery sustained damage in the July 8, 2018 storm.
Now all the trees have been removed, opening up the view to the rest of the cemetery. The Women's Auxiliary Cemetery Association plans to plant six new Scotch pine and Redmond linden trees.
The tenacity of the Women's Auxiliary Cemetery Association, past, present and future continues to awe us. It has been 27 months since the infamous July 8, 2018 wind storm wreaked havoc on two local cemeteries. In that time volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore those burial grounds and make additional improvements throughout.
The funds to sustain their efforts come from donations, and for that they couldn't be more thankful. In fact, more than 260 individuals and organizations have contributed to the Women's Auxiliary Cemetery Association in the past year.
One of those donors is the New Rockford Community Foundation. A $700 grant received in 2019 was used to hire professional help from a local contractor to remove damaged trees and grind stumps remaining in the cemeteries. This season, a few more trees were removed that were weakened by the storm and later toppled.
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative and NDTC were contributors to the cemetery association this year as well, in addition to so many others whose gifts continue to make the work possible.
All donations mean so much to the Women's Auxiliary, there is no amount too small.
Noticeable work has been done this summer. They reconstructed the west entry pillar to Prairie Home Cemetery that was toppled in the storm cleanup. The information center has been renovated, which includes a new cemetery plat sign. Local artist Justene Kouba prepared the graphics, which were then printed on a beautiful metal sign. They also repaired damaged water lines so visitors can again water their plants.
The caretakers and volunteers have trimmed most of the trees throughout the grounds. "The trees that are left are looking much, much better", Vice President Kathy O'Connor says.
General maintenance is ongoing, as weeds are sprayed, grass planted and black dirt added where needed each season.
They appreciate the work of the caretakers and all the volunteers, especially the ones that go unnamed and unrecognized. Their work is noticed and truly appreciated.
Readers who are interested in helping the Women's Auxiliary Cemetery Association should contact Serena Guler at 947-5598 or Kathy O'Connor at 947-5582. Donations may be sent to PO Box 77, New Rockford, ND 58356.
