City to take over Roselawn Cemetery

OTTAWA — The city of Ottawa will take over Roselawn Cemetery just south of the city along U.S. 59. The small privately-owned cemetery is somewhat run down, city attorney Blaine Finch said. The perpetual care fund has largely run out, and the owner, Gwen Todd, has had troiuble keeping it mowed and maintained, prompting complaints from neighbors and families with relatives buried there, Finch said. Under state law, counties and cities have the authority to take over abandoned cemeteries, he said. In this case, the burial records are available and will be procured by the city, he said. The city commission is expected to approve an agreement taking over the cemetery at its regular meeting Wednesday.

Monday, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m.; updated, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 a.m.