An anonymous donor has committed $5,000 toward a match for donations to improve the grounds of Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Pershing.
Donations of any amount made through Jan. 31 would be doubled, potentially raising $10,000 for repairs to the cemetery’s driveways in early spring.
Donations will be designated for driveway repairs unless designated on checks for other uses.
Checks made payable to Lutheran Cemetery Foundation of Pershing can be sent to P.O. Box 22, Pershing, IN 47370.
Those with questions about cemetery fundraising or operations may call 765-914-8967.
A group of new volunteers have been trying to improve the cemetery’s finances and record keeping for burial plots in recent months. They say they’ve already raised enough funds to cover next year’s general cemetery expenses.
Meanwhile, trials are scheduled for Trisha C. Taylor, former board president, and Dustin L. Taylor, former cemetery superintendent and board secretary, on accusations related to the cemetery’s finances.
Indiana State Police accuse the Cambridge City couple of writing checks worth more than $150,000 to themselves, according to a probable cause affidavit provided to Wayne County courts.
The Taylors are each charged with theft of property worth more than $50,000, a Level 5 felony.
On Nov. 8, Wayne Superior Court 2 Judge Gregory Horn approved the state’s motion to delay Trisha Taylor’s trial from Dec. 11 until 9 a.m. Jan. 22.
On Oct. 20, Horn approved Dustin Taylor’s request for a delay of his Nov. 27 trial. It was rescheduled for 9 a.m. March 4.
A version of this article appeared in the November 15 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.