March 28, 2024

State petition filed for Newton's Memorial Park Cemetery

The Iowa Insurance Division is asking the city of Newton accept temporary management and operation of the Newton Memorial Park Cemetery.

The commission, which regulates perpetual care cemeteries, is seeking a court action claiming insolvency of the cemetery as the current owners, John and Dorothy Manders, have said they are unable to continue maintaining the cemetery and wish to transfer it to an entity equipped to care for it.

"I'd like to thank the city of Newton for being willing to work with our office in this matter to ensure that Newton Memorial Park Cemetery is properly cared for," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart said.

According to the order, Gerhart found several violations at the cemetery including inadequate burial records and incomplete annual reporting. He also found that the grounds are unkept, unsafe, in need of repair and generally inadequately cared for and maintained.

The matter will be brought before the Newton City Council at its Monday meeting. Look in Monday's edition of the Newton Daily News for more details on this story.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com