Because of the desecration of nine flags on the Avenue of Flags in Prairie Lawn Cemetery during Memorial Day weekend, the cemetery board has been in closer contact with Sheriff Rob Craft.

Improved communication resulted in the tightening of some rules and regulations that govern the cemetery.

“He requested we make the language of the rules clearer,” board member Carmen South said. “By being more specific, it will make it easier to prosecute offenders if we have problems in the future.”

At a meeting July 15, the cemetery board approved a change in the trespassing clause of the Prairie Lawn Rules and Regulations to read as follows:

Gates will be open for visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During daylight saving time, the gates will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of Memorial Day weekend when flags are illuminated and the gates will remain open until 10 p.m. The gates will be closed at all other times. Anyone found on cemetery property after these hours will be considered trespassing and will be subject to prosecution. Law enforcement have permission to enter at their discretion to check the premises.

The cemetery is not to be used for any recreational purposes at any time. Any type of recreational activity will not be permitted without board approval.

For more information, contact South at (620) 983-2512 or Bob McVey at (620) 983-2929.