(LE MARS)–Graveside displays are changing at cemeteries maintained by the City of Le Mars.
Brad Eppling is assistant superintendent for the Le Mars Public Works Department.
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Eppling has seen a big increase in decorative flag and plant hangers.
On special holidays and, on a small scale, Eppling says they’re fine.
He does suggest removing them after that because they may be stolen or damaged by maintenance work such as mowing or snow removal.
Loved ones graves at Memorial or Resthaven may have everything from coins, to pet rocks, toys, beverages, and even tomatoes planted beside burial sites.
Burials of cremated remains are up about 30 percent from five to six years ago. Some monuments now include the ashes with the monument and not buried in the ground.
Improvements at both the city-owned cemeteries have included asphalt surfaces on a few of the roads. Budget permitting, more paving is planned in the future.
