KINGSTON - The Kingston Cemetery will soon be getting a facelift with new walkway gravel, new fencing and a new entryway.
The restoration committee was appointed by the Kingston Town Board in April and consists of Gary Kemp, Shannon Thiss, Rick Hardin, Chip Colpitts and Betty Kemp. Gary Kemp is the head of the committee.
There are around 25 graves at the cemetery, with about five of them unmarked. In addition to the other upgrades, there will also be new markers placed on the unmarked graves, said Gary Kemp, a 14-year Kingston resident.
The Lander County Convention and Tourism Authority gave $5,000 toward the project for the committee to purchase materials. Round Mountain Gold will be donating materials and Lander County donated the gravel for the walkways. Wayne Testolin, a metal works artist, will be donating his time and materials to design and build the new metal entryway.
Gary Kemp said the committee is aiming for the work to begin around the first part of August and to have it wrapped up by the end of September.
Right now, Kemp said the group is in the process of purchasing materials. After that, the members will be lining up people to do the work. Kemp said he is hoping to utilize the help of the Nevada Division of Forestry's prison crews out of Tonopah.
The cemetery dates back the 1880s and people are still being buried there. It is located along a dirt road just south of Kingston Canyon Road. Kemp said he came up with the idea to revamp it because he takes two-mile walks three days a week and walks past it.
Thiss said restoring the cemetery is important for town residents as well as visitors. She wants to make is nice for everyone.
"I think it is important to beautify the cemetery," she said. "It's a really pretty spot."
Kemp said the group still needs donations of materials, funds and time. Those who would like to donate are asked to call Thiss at (775) 964-2120.
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