Public works officials have reported a troubling and marked increase in vandalism at the town-owned Highland Cemetery.

Malicious Damage and Upended Headstones

Public Works Superintendent Paul E. Wollenhaupt informed the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night that the cemetery has experienced a surge in “increased malicious damage.”

Detailing the extent of the destruction, a written report dated September 21 submitted by Assistant Superintendent Joseph M. Welch revealed that vandals recently destroyed eight vigil lights and damaged 11 water faucets at the grounds. Furthermore, Wollenhaupt noted that public works crews have been forced to right as many as 14 overturned gravestones each week.

While the department had initially refrained from filing formal police reports regarding the upended headstones, local law enforcement has now been formally requested to increase patrols around the cemetery. However, Wollenhaupt pointed out that closing the cemetery at night is not currently feasible, as gating the property would hinder police access during patrols.

Additional Municipal Business

In other town business during the meeting, officials reported that Norwood received a payment of $7,491.32 from the town of Walpole to cover costs associated with the Walpole sewer line connection along Sumner Street.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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