In another matter, Heagy told board members that the sidewalks around Legion 1 are in bad shape, with the roots of trees pushing the sidewalks up, creating a hazard. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Oakwood Cemetery Sexton Hal Heagy expressed gratitude for the Warsaw City Council and the Warsaw Street Department at the Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents meeting Thursday, Nov. 5.

According to Heagy, the leaf vacuum truck purchased by the city of Warsaw is being used at times to assist with leaf cleanup at the cemetery.

“I believe that was a great purchase for the street department,” Heagy said.

In addition, Heagy referenced the new road put in at the cemetery this year. Heagy said the last time a new road was put in at the cemetery prior to that was in 2012.

“In 2012 in cost me $59,610,” Heagy told board members. The work was done through an asphalt contractor. Figuring a 2 percent increase for eight years, Heagy calculated going through a contractor for the most recent road may have cost somewhere in the area of $64,975.

“With the street department’s help and me just buying materials, it cost me $50,609 to put this new road in,” Heagy said. “That’s almost a $15,000 savings. I called Dustin (Warsaw Street Superintendent Dustin Dillon) tonight…that’s a big deal and an ‘Atta Boy’ to the council. I know it’s tough to spend money…my voice is all I can do because I can’t repay the street department.”

Heagy said the street department mechanics often help him out as well and stated, “Dustin knows I’m there if they need me….they use me in the winter, a couple guys now and then. I can’t replace all the work they do for me… It’s kinda cool that we are working together and saving money.”

In another matter, Heagy told board members that the sidewalks around Legion 1 are in bad shape, with tree roots pushing the sidewalks up, creating a hazard. The sidewalks will need to be replaced at some point, he said.

Jerry Frush asked if any trees will need to be taken down when the sidewalks are replaced. Heagy said he does not believe so. 

On the subject of trees and safety issues, Beaver Dam Tree Service has removed 15 trees at the cemetery, along with several “widow makers,” which are detached or broken limbs/tree tops that could potentially injure or kill someone by falling on them.

Heagy also informed board members that a new cemetery brochure is being produced. The cemetery enlisted the help of Warsaw Parks Recreation Director Sheila Wieringa, who is handy with graphic design.

“I love it,” Heagy said of the brochure. She (Wieringa) created our new Oakwood logo.”

Heagy indicated plans to add cemetery rules in Spanish.

Wieringa included a QR bar codes, Heagy said, so that anyone can use a smartphone with the bar code and be directed to the website.

“Sheila did a great job on this,” Heagy said.

Heagy also indicated plans to add cemetery rules in Spanish. The city of Warsaw has been doing diversity training, Heagy said, which brought about the realization that the cemetery rules posted at Oakwood are currently only in English.

Split loads of firewood are available at Oakwood Cemetery. Anyone interested in getting firewood from the cemetery is asked to obtain a voucher from Combined Community Services, located at 1195 Mariners Drive, Warsaw. The voucher is good for one split load of firewood per month while wood is available. Vouchers are distributed based on financial need.

In other matters:

• The fifth and final foundation pour for 2020 was done Oct. 12. The total for the year is 118.
• Heagy plans to add a cold storage area to the back of his shop at the cemetery. The area will be a 40 x 40 insulated metal building with a gravel floor, with an estimated price tag of $60,902.
• Cremation garden 2 is full. A third cremation garden has been created to be used while awaiting completion of plans for Cremation Garden 4. Heagy is in the process of redesigning plans for the fourth cremation garden.
• The next regular meeting will be 5 p.m. Dec. 3.        

A headstone at Oakwood Cemetery

Headstone and statue at Oakwood Cemetery, located at 421 N. Maple Ave., Warsaw.