Much of the region avoided the worst of the damage from last Friday’s severe weather, but the Nishnabotna Township Cemetery was hit. According to Manilla Mayor and Township Sexton Patrick Wuestewold, an estimated 170 memorials were toppled during the storm. Fortunately, most did not sustain significant damage and can be placed back on their bases. However, each stone will require professional labor to restore, estimated around a few hundred dollars per memorial. Additionally, the cemetery will need to have 123 trees removed. Wuestewold says insurance will help with some of the repairs. However, there will still be substantial costs to remove and replant the damaged trees and fix the damaged memorials. The cemetery board has established a fund to assist in the repairs, and donations can be sent to: Nishnabotna Township, PO Box 152, Manilla, IA 51454. Wuestewold says they hope to have the cemetery presentable by the Memorial Day holiday.
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MAIL DONATIONS TO:
Nishnabotna Township
PO Box 152
Manilla, IA 51454
