Cemetery donations fund maintenance through year end
The cemetery board has received $30,000 in donations since June to cover regular maintenance through year end. Secretary Kathy Valenta warns long term funding remains a challenge as funds deplete next year. McGrath Auto gave $25,000, with the remainder from private individuals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cemetery Board
Kathy Valenta
McGrath Auto
Czech National Cemetery
Cedar Rapids
Jim Slosiarek
the Gazette
Donor drive for Czech National Cemetery seeks long term plan
The Czech National Cemetery seeks funds to cover maintenance and upcoming projects after a derecho. Board member Matt Linn notes goals include a $200,000 fundraising target and potential endowment with grants from groups like the Czech Republic Consulate in Chicago. Revenue declined in 2022 while expenses rose, and officials consider new burial options as cremation grows in popularity nationally.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn
Valenta
Czech Republic
Chicago
Brush Chapel
National Funeral Directors Association
Public uproar feared after youth center killing prompts DHHS emails
State officials urged to help handle a public uproar after 15 year old Jovahn Mathis was charged with second degree murder in the May death of Kathleen Galloway-Menke at Ellipsis juvenile treatment center in Johnston. Emails and texts between DHHS staff show concern over messaging and potential fallout while redactions obscure many details.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jovahn Mathis
Kathleen Galloway-Menke
Ellipsis
Johnston
Mathis
Galloway- Menke
Janee Harvey
Department
Kelly Garcia
Capital Dispatch
Garcia
Harvey
DHHS
Jeremy Halverson
Youth Law Center
Chris Koepplin
Des Moines
Dennis) McDaniel
Koepplin
Nications
Lori Frick
Child Protective Services
Polk County
Iowa
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The
St. SW
Czech-National-Cemetery.com
Nance
Matt Linn
Halverson
Chris
Karen Hyatt
Iowa Capital Dispatch