GREENUP — Greenup Fiscal County Court on Tuesday approved first reading of an ordinance that would require property owners to take steps to prevent livestock from damaging cemeteries located on their lands.
The ordinance, proposed by the chairman of the county’s cemetery preservation board, states that a property owner “shall not allow any circumstance to exist wherein cattle or other livestock is allowed to graze or otherwise travel over a cemetery or grave.”
The prohibition would apply regardless of whether the animals had actually inflicted any damage, the measure states.
Property owners who fail to correct violations within a 30-day period could be cited into district court and subjected to fines ranging from $5 to $50 a day, County Attorney Mike Wilson said.
The ordinance would not place any responsibility for cemetery upkeep on property owners. However, it would require them to take reasonable measures — such as putting up fences — to keep livestock from trampling on graves.
Judge-Executive Bobby Carpenter said the county would look for ways to work with landowners who might not have the financial means to erect fences.
The measure came about after Cemetery Preservation Board Chairman Elwood Tackett told the court he had seen a litany of abuses at the more than 500 small burial grounds scattered throughout the county.
According to Tackett, a majority of the damage has been animal-inflicted. Abuses have included tombstones being knocked over by cattle and graves being defecated on by cattle, he said.
The reason that so many of the small family cemeteries in the county have become subject to neglect, Tackett said, is that they are so old that there are no surviving family members to care for them.
Tackett has told the court repeatedly that he believes that Greenup County’s early settlers deserve to have the dignity of their final resting places protected.
The measure passed by a vote of 3-1, with Commissioner Tony Quillen casting the dissenting vote.
Quillen said he didn’t believe protecting cemeteries was a bad idea. But, he said he was of the opinion that preserving the rights of property owners trumped the need to do so.
“I just have a real problem with dictating to property owners,” he said.
Quillen said he felt the responsibility for protecting family cemeteries rested solely with families.
Tackett disagreed.
“If someone was to turn a herd of cattle loose in one of the Quillen family cemeteries, you might change your opinion,” he told Quillen.
The ordinance requires a second reading and publication before it becomes effective. Second reading is expected to come at the court’s June meeting.
Local News
Court OKs cemetery protection ordinance
- Local News
-
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
-
Local briefs: 2/8/12
A Carter County man was killed Monday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.
-
3 indicted in grave-marker thefts
A Carter County grand jury has indicted three in connection with the December theft of metal markers from the graves of World War II veterans.
-
Boyd to save money with refinancing
The Boyd County Fiscal Court is planning to save money by refinancing a bond issued for work on the county’s jail and sewer system.
-
White-nose syndrome found in more Kentucky caves
The mysterious and deadly disease that has been killing bats for several years in the United States has reached more caves in Kentucky.
-
A haunted hunt for a hidden hundred
On the heels of a tremendously popular effort in Louisa, “the Scare Crew” from the Fallsburg Haunted House will begin its next Haunted Hunt for Cash in Ashland this week, starting with a clue on the organization’s Facebook page.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
