SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Family members have been sending in pictures to Dakota News Now concerning the conditions of the grounds at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls.
He used to ride his bike through the cemetery when he was a kid, now Richard Rose visits his wife’s grave and wants it to be a place of peace.
“It’s no different than being in church. Disappointed at how it looks and I come every day,” Rose said.
Rose pointed to the piles on the west side of the cemetery.
“Down tree branches laying around and everything and the piles of stuff that’s been back there. That’s prime property. They could be selling them lots,” Rose said.
Between the weeds and patches of tall grass, he wonders what’s going on.
“If they’re broke, then we need to see if there’s a way that somebody can help out,” Rose said.
According to manager Matt Gage, they’re close to broke.
“I haven’t paid myself steadily for six months because I can’t. My passion is my family is buried here, my friends are buried here. I believe this is an important space for Sioux Falls. Can you imagine how?” Gage explained.
Gage sees the familiar names of founders McKennan, Van Eps and Phillips. He also sees dollar signs.
“Much dandelion killer you’d have to maintain out here, yeah,” Gage said. “Fifty acres of grass clippings a month.”
Debris from the derecho 5 years ago is piled up.
“We just got a bid for $35,000 that we’re all raising money to clean that west side off so we can create more cremation spaces,” Gage said.
City water bills cut into the budget.
“Woodlawn, St. Michaels. They have wells,” Gage said.
A crew is coming to make it look better for Memorial Day.
“They’re going to trim every headstone. They’re going to mow the entire cemetery. They’re going to get it ready,” Gage said.
A new, three-month-old board plans to turn it around.
“We’ve put the board in charge of the cemetery itself,” Gage said.
Gage wants to restore the cemetery to its former glory.
“Of keeping this place alive for the next 150 years,” Gage said.
The paradox is trying to sell new lots to get income and to improve the look, but Rose offered a question for any potential buyers.
“If you saw it in this condition, would you want to be buried here?” Rose asked.
Gage is inviting anyone interested to visit with him over the Memorial Day holiday on-site. He also hopes those interested will consider attending their annual meeting in January.
The meeting time and location will be posted on the cemetery’s website.
The Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection said that Perpetual care of a cemetery falls under SDCL 55-12, which was updated in 2014.
A spokesperson said, “We would always encourage consumers to read any contract they are signing to ensure they understand any responsibilities they may have and what the responsibilities are of the other party. If consumers are having issues, they can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at consumer.sd.gov.”
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