DUKE CENTER — The Otto Township Cemetery Association welcomed Steve and Alice Bennett at their recent meeting.

Duke Center residents, the Bennetts have volunteered to help maintain the cemeteries, lending hands to the two caretakers, Cody Stone and Bill Prescott. It is the goal of all to have both Rixford and Duke locations well-maintained for Memorial Day.

President Sharon Schwab noted that three of the officers in the association are approaching the end of their four-year term and is asking the people of the community to consider one of the positions. Association members and part-time volunteers are also welcomed. Monetary donations will be accepted by contacting Treasurer Patricia Barton.

Financial business discussed included the charges incurred for purchasing lots, burial, and restoration. After discussing prices and comments from funeral directors and other cemeteries’ officials, the officers decided that the prices were reasonable and will remain as they are.

The association is also in need of a backhoe to remove a concrete base in the Duke Center cemetery that is uneven and unsightly. And, on the less physical, technical side, they are in need of a tech savvy individual who is capable of creating and maintaining a database, mapping and charting the current and future interments in both township cemeteries.

The association’s next meeting is June 16, at the Duke Center Church at 5 p.m. Any residents interested in serving as an officer, a member, or a volunteer are asked to attend. These are your cemeteries.