Someone dug a shallow rectangle behind a grave site in the oldest section of the Town Cemetery. The area was approximately 18-20 inches wide, 3 feet long, and 6 inches deep. A shovel was left leaning against a headstone right next to the dig.

Sadly, another headstone (next to the rectangle) was broken and soil piled on top. Fortunately, we are beginning a Repair/Restoration Project in that section this fall.

It should be stressed, the dig was shallow, approximately 6 inches deep. Anyone buried in that area was buried six feet deep, so at no point did the digging get near a body, or any grave artifacts buried there.

Based on the estimates of people working regularly in the cemetery this happened around two weeks ago. They didn’t tell anyone when they first found it, but they will now report if they see something again.

The police took photos and fingerprinted the shovel. They also worked to find where the shovel was purchased, using the SKU number. Unfortunately, that shovel, with that specific number, is sold to both small hardware stores, and mega stores like Home Depot and Target. But we do have the fingerprints if something happens again.

The Highway Department has replaced the soil and uncovered the damaged stone. Preservation, Inc (the consultants on our upcoming Repair/Restoration Project) has been alerted that we have new broken headstone.

We have no idea why this was done, but as far as we can tell, nothing was taken.

If anyone in the public sees any new digging, or individuals acting odd in the Cemetery, please alert the Police, the Town Administrator, and the Chair of the Cemetery Commission.

Editor’s Note: Karen Marshall is Chair of the Cemetery Commission