Improvements planned at Ewing cemetery

Ewing City Cemetery will receive a much-needed facelift after village trustees approved spending $58,000 to pave roadways leading into the cemetery.

Trustee Dustin Wright made the motion, with a second from Dustin Jorgensen, to approve a bid from Joe Funk Construction, of Neligh.

Keno proceeds will be used to fund the project.

Funk said he will use concrete with 30% limestone and 4,500-pound test.

According to Funk most contractors use a 3,200-pound test concrete.

“Limestone will make concrete 30% stronger and in the long run, it will give you another 15 to 20 years on the life of the drive,” Funk said.

The bid includes removing the curb, loading it into the village truck and grading the area until smooth. Once the concrete is cured, the company will hydroseed the area.

“It’ll be a one contractor job,” Funk said.

Prior to approving the bids, Kathleen Jorgensen discussed options for cemetery improvements and general cleanup, in addition to establishing a possible fundraiser to potentially construct a gazebo and set up a covered area for a directory.

Jorgensen said she spoke to Jay Snider, of Snider Memorial Funeral Home, in Clearwater, about what type of directory would be best.

A permanent stand, made of steel, with a notebook holding a printed directory was suggested.

Jorgensen shared examples from other cemeteries in the area and discussed denoting veterans in the directory.

Several gravestones are in disrepair. Snider will assist with fixing the stones, including erecting the markers and affixing them to the cement pads.

Jorgensen said some of the stones may have been damaged when the cemetery was being mowed.

In the past, individuals mowing the grounds have sprayed around the markers to avoid hitting the stones.

“It’ll keep mowers from hitting them,” Jorgensen said.

Discussion about organizing a fundraiser for the cemetery did not lead to action.

Individuals interested in assisting with the cemetery may contact the village office.