Pictured, from left, are Oakwood Cemetery Board of Regents Member Ellen Hoffer, Sexton Hal Heagy and Board Members Ken Locke and Max Mock. Photo by Jackie Gorski, Times-Union.

By Jackie Gorski
Times-Union

WARSAW – Possibly renting out the chapel at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw was a topic of discussion during a board of regents meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6.

This was the third meeting where the board discussed the issue. Sexton Hal Heagy said he doesn’t have a whole lot of things in writing, so he asked board members to send him some ideas in regard to renting out the chapel. He said Board President Ken Locke has sent him some ideas of who can possibly rent out the chapel. Locke said some of the ideas include small groups and nonprofits.

Heagy said he wants to use the chapel if they can to make some money to supplement the cemetery, but they have to remember “the ground the chapel sits on.” Heagy said he’s not trying to outcast any groups, he’s just trying to be protective of the grounds. Heagy had some concerns about alcohol usage in the chapel. Board member Don Guthrie asked if there could be a no alcohol or food policy put into place when renting the chapel. Locke said he did have that idea in his notes. Heagy said City Attorney Scott Reust will be able to tell them what parameters the cemetery can put in place when renting out the chapel.

Guthrie asked about pricing. Heagy said pricing will be in the process after getting the OK from Mayor Jeff Grose. He did note the cemetery has approached former Mayor Joe Thallemer about the same idea and the idea didn’t go through. Heagy asked board members to put together some ideas and maybe they can hammer out the details during December’s meeting.

In other business, the board heard:

• A new block wall has been installed in section 17.

• The Jan. 8 meeting will be at the Warsaw Police Department Training Center while work is being done in the council chambers at City Hall with the HVAC system.

• The Warsaw Street Department put new asphalt on a road that branches off Lake Road to the new section of the cemetery.

• Work on the fence behind the cemetery office is still waiting to be repaired.

• The cemetery’s wood giveaway will begin soon, but a starting date hasn’t been set yet. The cemetery gives out wood to people who need it for wood burners. The Salvation Army distributes the vouchers for the program.