Cedar Fort updates cemetery mapping, plans volunteer service day and gazebo discussion

Sexton Harry Draper told the Cedar Fort Cemetery Committee on March 2 that work is underway to synchronize aerial and sonar mapping with the town’s cemetery grid as part of a Sentry/Chronicle grant project. Draper said the sonar results show voids in locations without headstones; the committee plans to provide the grid map to Benton so the town’s digital map can be updated and to add row and plot numbers to make grave locations easier to find.

"I am currently working to synchronize the maps and expect to complete the update by the end of the week," Draper said, according to the minutes. The committee discussed buying temporary headstone markers to identify unmarked graves — a starter kit costs approximately $30 and individual markers cost about $13 each but must be purchased in minimum quantities of 100. The committee also discussed removing rocks in the older cemetery section so stones can be properly cleaned and marked.

Committee members noted that the grant project must be completed and reported to the State by June 30. No formal motion was made on the grant update. Separately, the committee scheduled a volunteer service project for April 29; youth groups have been notified and flyers will be included in upcoming utility bills. A proposed youth activity to research military veterans buried in the cemetery was discussed but might be unnecessary because most military burials are already identified in cemetery records.

The committee also raised longer‑term needs, including obtaining an additional printed map, coordinating duplication with "Kent," potential mapping assistance from the Mountainland Association of Governments, and plans to install a gazebo within the cemetery.