Township asks prosecutor to pursue ownership questions for Wesley Chapel cemetery

Trustees directed the Franklin County Prosecutor to pursue resolution of ownership and access issues for the old section of Wesley Chapel Cemetery, following reports of vandalism and limits on public access.

The issue surfaced in January when Chairman D. L. Workman asked for the cemetery's status; after discussion the board voted to 'write to the prosecutor' to ask 'what is our position.' The matter returned later in the year as residents and a Mr. Arthur described vandalism at Wesley Chapel and asked the trustees to act. Prosecutor office representative Bill Shemp (also recorded as Mr. Shimp) advised trustees the cemetery 'should never have been conveyed along with the church building' and that statute language supported township claims.

Nut graf: The trustees voted unanimously to authorize the prosecutor to pursue negotiations with current deed holders with the goal of securing a deed of ownership rather than only limited access; the prosecutor said negotiations should be pursued 'with due haste.' That direction opens a pathway for potential litigation or negotiated transfer depending on owners’ willingness to cooperate.

Board members emphasized they prefer clear title rather than temporary control arrangements, and they instructed the prosecutor to seek a deed that places ownership with the township if feasible. Mr. Arthur, who addressed the board, urged more patrols and protective measures after recent vandalism, and trustees said they would ask sheriff deputies to increase patrol frequency.

Ending: The prosecutor’s office agreed to take the matter forward; trustees said they expect the office to report back with negotiation outcomes or recommended next steps.