To the editor:

I am responding to Ms. Dahll’s Sept. 3 letter published in The Messenger regarding the neglect of North Lawn Cemetery. North Lawn is in very sad shape when compared to our other beautiful manicured cemeteries we have in Fort Dodge. I have several loved ones and friends laid to rest out there including a burial lot for myself.

I have found the following very helpful when I go out there to have time with my loved ones. I wear old clothes as I know I will be walking on the stones and grass, weeds, and dirt. I also have a plastic basket which contains gloves, weed spray, rags, cleaning spray, pruners, and WD-40 for the stuck vases. I use it all. I have no idea why a weed eater is not used around the stones and the wet grass is splattered on the stones and not cleaned off. The other cemeteries are mowed all at the same time. North Lawn has a section done but none are done all at the same time. Looks like the devil.

I think the saddest issue is being a goose or swan and trying to get around in the disgusting muck that fills the pond. The west wall is caving in and has been for several years. I don’t believe the pond has been cleaned out in years. The water isn’t deep enough for the birds to swim.

I don’t know if it’s an issue or what? I would fill the whole thing up with dirt since it’s not being taken care of and it is certainly bad for the birds to be around that filth and water.

I also say shame to North Lawn for not keeping to their agreement to keep things up regarding the burial plots and pond.

Nancy Lee Beck

Fort Dodge