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Cemetery theft complaint prompts increased patrols; council hires caretaker
Summary
A Magnolia resident reported missing flowers and a stolen wreath holder at the village cemetery; the council approved hiring incumbent caretaker Bill Kegley (Res. 2025-8) and the police chief said officers will increase patrols through the cemetery.
A Magnolia resident told council she found a vase of fresh flowers she had placed on her parents' grave gone three days later and said a wrought-iron wreath holder had been taken previously. Cathy Hepner raised the complaint during the public-comment period, asking the Village to do more to prevent theft and vandalism.
"I placed a vase of fresh flowers on my parents' grave in March and when I returned three days later the vase and flowers were gone," Hepner said. She said she posted on Facebook seeking similar reports and found no other accounts but wants more effort to stop the losses.
Claudia Rogers reported she had asked cemetery staff, and Caleb said he did not remove the items and found nothing in the trash. In response, Chief Chad Schlimm told council that "the officers will make more patrols thru the cemetery." He also reminded residents of ordinances covering property upkeep and the village's procedures for reporting suspicious activity.
Separately, the cemetery committee presented two applicants for cemetery services. Josh Lee proposed charging $800 per service, while incumbent Bill Kegley offered to continue at the current rate of $600 per service. The committee recommended retaining Kegley and council approved Resolution 2025-8 to hire Bill Kegley as cemetery caretaker effective May 1, 2025. A contract will be prepared.
The council did not report any recovery of the missing items during the meeting. Chief Schlimm said increased patrols are intended to deter thefts and encouraged residents to report date, time and location details if they see suspicious activity. The council also noted the cemetery committee will continue to monitor staffing and security and finalize the caretaker contract.
