Dalton to clean up West Hill Cemetery, remove prohibited items

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — The City of Dalton will be inspecting and cleaning up West Hill Cemetery next week to ensure it is in compliance with local guidelines.

The cleanup will take place from January 16 to January 19.

West Hill Cemetery / Google Maps

The Public Works Department will remove items from gravesites that are prohibited.

Families have until January 16 to remove any items from gravesites that are not allowed.

The city said many items cause a hazard to landscapers who use lawn mowers and weed eaters in the cemetery.

City ordinance allows artificial flowers and potted plants in good condition. Seasonal arrangements will be removed after 30 days.

Permanant planting is not allowed in the cemetery. In addition, rocks, blocks, wire, signs, glass, toys and several other items are prohibited.

See the full list of guidelines for West Hill Cemetery here.

Terrell Stallings, the West Hill Cemetery sexton, said many items found in the cemetery are unexpected.

“Full bottles of beer are out there on head stones,” Stallings said. “We’re seeing glass, the little plastic edging that families put around grave sites, rocks and gravel.”